Sheriff

Voters, like juries, usually get it right.  Historically, they see through the smoke screens and make their decisions based on their common sense.  And, if there is one thing that tends to tick them off, it is being lied to.

Mike Taylor indicated that his wife can't even shop in Clay County because our crime is so out of control, and that of all places, she shops in Jacksonville.  The old timers I know, and the rest of the folks who shop routinely in Clay County, are rolling their eyes, and suggesting that Mike and his wife move to Jacksonville where they will feel safer.<

I am a member of Mike Taylor's church and have posted some valuble information about his status as an ordained minister.  Please see the blog titled "COMING CLEAN" by SunTzu in you are interested in my comments.

I have submitted this blog as an answer to a request from one of the bloggers on the "COMING CLEAN" blog.  Please do not respond to this submission, please post replies to the "COMING CLEAN" submission, as there are already responses and opinions on it.

I am sure many of you watched the Channel 4 Sheriff Candidate debates where Taylor once again claimed his son was exonerated.  As I said before, and Angela stated it was the comment of the month, If the report stated sufficient evidence for an arrest, he is guilty!  Let me explain myself.  Florida Statute 800.04.  Need I say more?  Under Florida Statute 800.04 any person under 18 as Mr. Taylors son was, and any person under 16 (as the victim was) who engage in any sexual activity the offender can be charged with a Lewd and Lascivious Battery/Molestation charge which is a felony.  So since he admitted the act he is guilty.  No ifs, no buts.  Now I don't think anyone believes it was consentual but for this charge, it does not matter.  The statute is very clear and this young man should have been charged.  For the charge of Statutory Rape it describes sexual activity between two people when it would otherwise be illegal.  Sexual activity at 14 is illegal.  Unwanted sexual activity is not only illegal but immoral.  Taylor admitted he wanted it, and she did not.  Read Folio again for any clarity you need on that. 

Fleming Island Real Estate Agent Mike Taylor says he wants to be Sheriff of Clay County, Florida.  Taylor, 42, says he worked in law enforcement for about 18 years, although he left that field for a few years to work in the insurance industry.  He then worked primarily as a body guard for Florida governors, which comprises most of his of his law enforcement career.  Prior to working in law enforcement, Taylor was a Mormon Missionary, serving in Peru.  Taylor has not worked in law enforcement in the recent past, but his real estate license remains active.

Taylor picked up the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police, which has been at impasse with the current Sheriff, Rick Beseler.  Beseler, 54, has trimmed Sheriff's Department spending, sending two million dollars of unused money back to county taxpayers, but angering union bosses who demand more benefits and protections for their members.  Some other union bosses sympathetically sided with the FOP, but reportedly, rank and file union members are increasingly siding with Beseler.  Also, a special magistrate has ruled in Beseler's favor.  According to Florida Department of Law Enforcement statistics, despite its fiscally conservative approach, the Clay County Sheriff's office has a lower rate of most serious crimes, per capita, than that of surrounding counties.

Our live blog with Sheriff Rick Beseler is tonight from 7-8 p.m.

The format will be the same as our previous blogs with Gary Newman and Mike Taylor; one hour, and a mix of user-generated and staff-generated questions.

If you will not be able to tune in, feel free to add your questions on this blog and we will add your questions to the mix.

I heard Mr. Taylor has a meeting with the Fleming Island Home Owner's Association because of his refusal to follow their policy regarding political signs (in his yard). 

From what I heard - Mr. Taylor has been asked many times to take down the political signs in his yard but refuses to.  The HOA has asked him to come in for a meeting about the situation.  I am wondering if anyone knows if this is true.  I do not live in FIP and don't know the policies.

Can anyone confirm the accusations and/or policy?

IF this is true, I think it is yet another blemish on Mr. Taylor's record.  I know this is a very small complaint but it shows that he doesn't follow the rules.  It is like he is exempt from the rules that everyone else must live by.  I have already pointed out in earlier blogs that his union endorsement add-on signs (attached to his large signs) are in violation of election laws, and he has had ample time to remove them yet has only changed a very small percentage of them.  I don't fault Mr. Taylor as much for not knowing a rules (even though he should know both of these rules) but I can fault him for not correcting the problem after it has been pointed out to him.

Well, I just read the live blog with Gary Newman.  I really respect that man, and I certainly wouldn't have a problem with him as sheriff.

I made it clear in my previous posts that I think we currently have a great sheriff, but if the voters choose not to re-elect Sheriff Beseler, then we must have Gary Newman.

A reminder:

Clay County sheriff candidate Gary Newman will be at the My Clay Sun offices tonight for a live blog from 7-8 p.m.

The format will be the exact same as last night's. You will have a chance to ask questions to Mr. Newman.

Sheriff Rick Beseler will join us August 12th (next Tuesday), also from 7-8 p.m. 

A reminder:

Tonight is the live blog with Clay County sheriff candidate Mike Taylor.

Mr. Taylor will be with us from 7-8 p.m.

My Clay Sun will be moderating the live blog and asking the questions, however, you will have the opportunity to ask your own. Of course, all user-submitted questions will be moderated before going live.

Look for the blog on the front page named "Live Blog - Mike Taylor" to follow along. 

I recently replied to "Proudmama" who wondered if Clay County Sheriff Rick Beseler actually arrested his own step-son, or if somebody else did it for him. 

Sheriff Beseler enforces the law without playing favorites.  He would, and did, have his own family member arrested.  Please don't get hung up on who made the physical arrest.  The sheriff approved of it and didn't make any special provisions for his family member after the fact.

When I go about my daily activities, I'm careful not to break the law, whether it is driving over the speed limit or something more serious.  I know that I will not be able to go to Sheriff Beseler and get it thrown out as a favor, or any other special treatment for that matter.