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If you followed the Republican Primary race, my opponent, Mr. Ashley, has constantly provided incorrect information. For example, he stated in several forums that the Hatch Act will not be applicable to him. This is a false statement as the Hatch Act DOES apply to State and Local employees. Specifically, it applies to employees who deal with or have control over federal funds from grants an Agency recieved from the US Government. Based on that FACT, I did file a Hatch Act violation against Mr. Ashley for violating various federal laws. Mr. Ashley's response to this was to file a lawsuit against the Office of Special Council (OSC) indicating that they have no authority to investigate him. Regardless of his lawsuit, Mr. Ashley is STILL violating Federal Law as stated (Title 5USC1501 - 1508). He further exaggerated his position by stating in several forums that the Sheriff's Association is supporting his lawsuit. This is a FALSE statement as well. The National Sheriff's Association is doing what any law-abbiding individual and/or organization would do. They are petitioning their US Representative to seek a change in the law. Many citizens have ask why there is no action being taken on the Hatch Act. Here's the correct answer: The OSC has requested a 60-day extention on the case to allow the US Attorney in Pensacola to file a recusial to the Federal Court. The OSC uses the US Attorney's Office in the region where the Hatch Act violation was file. Since it was file here, the US Attorney's Office in Pensacola is responsible to represent the OSC in this case. However, it appears the US Attorney's Office asked for the recusial based on their prior dealings with Mr. Ashley concerning the Sheriff Morris case. OSC has stated once the Federal Judge makes a decision on the recusial, they will have another US Attorney assigned to the case from a different district. OSC has stated that the case will go forward regardless.
If you have been following the Republican Primary race, other candidates have identified incorrect or misinformation on a multitude of other topics. They range from Mr. Ashley stating there are no holding Cells in the Crestview Courthouse to stating in state depositions that he didn't know the Sheriff Office was purchasing vehicles from his extented family (Lee dealerships). Now, I don't want to harp on these; however there is a repeating pattern that seems to show itself everytime he states something. Is this the kind of person you want as your Sheriff?
I'm trying to empower you, the voter, to control financial dealings for the Office of the Sheriff. I've been advocating since the start that I want to take control of the mileage rate for the Office of the Sheriff. Don't let anyone tell you publicly or privately that this can't be done, or that the Sheriff is not a taxing authority. Please read the Times article dated May 19, 2010 stating that the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-0 to allow the Sheriff to do just that. This mandates the Sheriff to "sell" his budget to the voters of Pasco County. They have the same constitutional style government as we do. This procedures mandates the Sheriff to go before the voters to explain his budget in its entirity. If the Sheriff needs to raise the mileage rate, then the voters have to vote on it. This ability ensures complete transparency concerning the financial dealings of the Office of the Sheriff. You want accountability and responsibility, then this is what needs to happen. I'm the ONLY candidate that is advocating implementing this measure as your Sheriff. My opponent told citizens during a forum that this can not be done. This is another example of false information he has provided.
Paid Political Advertisement is approved and paid by Robert Thacker (Non-Partisan) for Okaloosa County Sheriff
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E L E C T
Robert Thacker
Sheriff, Okaloosa County