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Highlands Today

Benton, Stewart Flap Unfortunate For Everyone

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 26, 2008

Highlands County Commissioner Barbara Stewart and Sheriff Susan Benton are in the middle of a controversy that has everyone talking. Depending on whom you support, trying to figure out who is to blame is next to impossible. For people who don't have a point of view either way for either woman, both of these high-ranking public officials deserve blame for this even becoming a issue.

Stewart filed a police complaint against Benton following an argument in a parking lot after a recent county budget meeting. Stewart claims Benton blocked her car and began shouting at her. Benton said she didn't block Stewart's car and was only talking to her.

Before Stewart's complaint was made public, Benton issued her own letter to county commissioners complaining about Stewart's disruptive actions with the sheriff's office and in county government. Benton even said in the letter that her department would no longer answer Stewart's questions since she never seems to understand the issues.

Commissioner Guy Maxcy, who witnessed the event, played it down as embarrassing, but only said they are two women who care deeply about the county. Mr. Maxcy is a nice guy, but using political double-speak to make nice with both sides doesn't do the public any good. Everyone would like to know what really happened.

Benton's hot temper is well known to a lot of people inside the sheriff's office and outside. Stewart's micromanagement around the county building is infamous with the people who work there.

Stewart's biggest complaint was that she felt threatened by Benton and she didn't want to discuss whatever Benton wanted to talk about. Benton said that it's Stewart's continual criticism against the sheriff's office, and unwillingness to discuss the matter that caused the incident.

Whatever the reason, the situation got out of control. As elected leaders in this county, this kind of behavior is disappointing and not acceptable.

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