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Red Herring

Kevin J. Roberts

Published: October 26, 2008

I would like to offer my personal observations on the upcoming Clerk of Courts race between Bob Germaine and Mary Wilson.
In criticism of Bob Germaine, Mary Wilson has publicly stated that Bob Germaine, if elected, would be "double dipping" because he would be receiving his pension and his salary as clerk of courts at the same time. Nothing to my knowledge precludes Bob from seeking public office while concurrently drawing a pension. Many have done so in the past.
Should Bob Germaine be denied the opportunity to seek public office because he has dedicated the last 36 years of his life working for the clerk of courts office, and as a result, he receives a pension? For that matter, should any retired state or county employee, myself included, who receives a pension through the Florida Career Service Retirement System, be denied an opportunity to seek public office? I think the answer is obvious.
I refer to this "double dipping" objection by Mary Wilson as a "red herring," which is by definition anything that draws attention or focus away from the real or central issue. This diversion is intended to distract attention from the main issue, i.e., Bob Germaine is much more qualified to serve as clerk of courts than Mary Wilson. He has 36 years of extensive experience in the clerk's office, which includes more than 20 years in senior management positions. He has a proven track record of leadership that has spanned more than three decades.
In April 2007, I retired as director of human services for Highlands County. I am currently the CEO for the Children's Services Foundation, a non-profit corporation. I've known and worked with Bob Germaine for over 30 years, and I can state categorically and without reservations that he is a man of honor and integrity, a true professional that possesses exceptionally strong leadership qualities. Highlands County would indeed be fortunate to elect Bob Germaine to serve as our next clerk of courts.
Kevin J. Roberts
Avon Park