Sheriff puts PAC to work for him

Then there’s this.
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Between a fairly steady stream Monday of political stuff, and the VERY cool mid-afternoon solar eclipse came word that Sheriff Mike Prendergast is starting a campaign to raise money.

Actually, specifically, he wants YOUR money.

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I don’t even know where to begin.

As we know, Sheriff Prendergast and the County Commission have a “your-fault-no-your-fault” approach to governing. Since his time in office, and particularly over the last four years, the sheriff is constantly whining about the lack of financial support for his agency.

Commissioners are cautious about more funding for the sheriff’s office because of a state law that says once they release the money, he can spend it however he pleases.

So, it’s a little comical to see the sheriff out pleading for help.

The campaign is called “Leadership Is Action.” Quoting from the website:

“Leadership Is Action is not a political position — it’s a statement of support for local law enforcement. Leadership Is Action supporters recognize that what happened to our roadways in Citrus County could happen to public safety if action is not taken now.

“Citrus County is the 32nd most populous county in Florida yet ranks 59th in public safety spending. This startling statistic does not even account for the over 1.6 million tourists that visit our area each year who also need safety services.

“Sheriff Mike Prendergast refuses to let elections or politics paralyze him from taking action on what needs to be done to keep you safe. He hopes you will join him in supporting your local Sheriff’s Office through the upcoming budget cycle.”

Well then.

Before we break down the message, let’s talk about the messenger.

First off, it has a disclaimer at the bottom, so suggestions that it’s not political are just silly. “Paid for by Citrus Law & Order PAC, 589 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Lecanto, FL 34461.”

So, who are those guys?

Mike Prendergast and his longtime consultant, Bobby Winsler.

The pair registered Citrus Law & Order in 2019 as a Citrus County PAC — Prendergast is chairman, Winsler treasurer. It claims as its purpose to support Republican candidates for office. 

It hasn’t been too active during that time. A few thousand dollars in collections, nothing spectacular. Not much in the way of spending, though there is $2,400 to the Chronicle for an ad in August 2020. I didn’t look it up, but that’s the same month as the Republican primary for sheriff, in which Prendergast was on the ballot for re-election. Just a coincidence, I’m sure.

The quarterly finance report wasn’t in yet (they’re due Wednesday), so I don’t know what the PAC has collected this year.

A few points:

— Prendergast continues to treat us like fools. He’s using his own PAC to push an agenda to score points with the public. Then, claiming he’s doing it for our good. C’mon. Some things are just obvious.

— Once again, Prendergast prefers the divisive route. He’d rather fight than work with others. He'd rather show up commissioners than seek solutions.

— Take a good look at that website. You know what’s missing in his plea for more deputies? Photos of deputies. Or anyone in the agency, for that matter, not named Mike Prendergast. (Nice photo of Casey DeSantis. Is she lobbying for Citrus County deputies too?)

As for the message, he appears to be comparing sheriff’s office funding to residential road resurfacing: “...what happened to our roadways in Citrus County could happen to public safety…”

Right. The County Commission is going to let law enforcement slide into the abyss. Get real.

Folks, see this for what it is: Scare tactics and political manipulation. 

From a man who wouldn’t know Citrus County if it walked into the room.

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