Personal letter from Sheriff Lamberti
A Great American Cancer Society, Relay For Life Supporter
Dear Friends,
In addition to the endorsement of the Miami Herald, the Sun-Sentinel - in endorsing my candidacy for Broward County Sheriff - could not have sent a clearer message: "party politics has no place in this contest." The office of Sheriff should be about professionalism, not politics. When requesting police, fire, and/or medical services you do not request party affiliation - only professional service. With that said, my unquestionable record of integrity as well as dedication and commitment speak for themselves. Choosing who will represent Broward County as chief law enforcement officer over the next four years should be about comparison. When voting for Sheriff on November 4th, I urge you to compare my track record, experience, and integrity, to that of my opponent.
If you draw comparisons, you will realize there is no comparison. Change for change sake is irresponsible. The Broward Sheriff's Office is performing well under my leadership and is improving every day. During these dangerous times, there certainly is no room for on-the-job training. While my opponent has a track record of violence and brutality, my integrity has never been called into question. Moreover, I did not switch parties for political expediency. The size and multi-faceted complexities of the Broward Sheriff's Office - the largest fully-accredited sheriff's office in the nation - demands the most seasoned and experienced on-the-job professional, not someone who promotes "change" just to advance a career. With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to share with you why I am running for a full term as your Broward County Sheriff.
When appointed your Sheriff last October, I publicly vowed to the people of Broward County - and to all BSO employees - to return honor and integrity to the reputation of an agency that was tarnished by my predecessor. I have risen above the corruption that has plagued the Broward Sheriff's Office in recent years and established our agency's first credo - Pride in Service with Integrity. This credo is practiced by every BSO employee and is posted on every BSO patrol vehicle. Not only is this the credo I personally live by but it clearly depicts my 30-year career at BSO and lifelong commitment to professionalism and excellence in public service.
In an agency that was demoralized under my predecessor, I successfully negotiated new contracts with the Police Benevolent Association for the Department of Law Enforcement's deputies, sergeants and lieutenants. This achievement alone has boosted the confidence of employees in me and improved morale at the Broward Sheriff's Office. Moreover, I changed the culture of intimidation practiced by the previous administration. The 6,300 hundred plus staff of the BSO know that I have a deep concern for their welfare and the well being of their families.
In full recognition of my fiscal responsibilities and burden upon you - the taxpayer - I cut BSO's operational budget by $33,000,000, keeping with my core mission to not sacrifice public safety. I regularly meet with BSO's top command and administrators to evaluate how we can save even more taxpayer money without affecting public safety services. The results of said meetings and operational restructure have resulted in more uniformed deputies being returned to routine patrol duties throughout Broward County.
Combating violence on our streets is one of my top priorities. If you do not feel safe, it affects your quality of life. Almost every day in the media you are reminded of the successful results of BSO's crime fighting and public safety initiatives: anti-scam programs to protect the elderly; anti-predator initiatives; identity theft measures; domestic violence prevention measures; as well as programs to protect our most precious commodity - our children. The BSO has also implemented educational programs in our county jails to help reduce recidivism. We are introducing new life-saving technologies in our fire rescue department and have already saved lives as a result. Drug sweeps and speeding enforcement are all aimed at keeping our streets safer. As Sheriff, I have also established the first Commission on Diversity and Equal Opportunity as well as the first Hate Crimes/Anti-Prejudice Task Force. This is the true essence of a public safety agency and it is my personal passion.
As I stated earlier, change for change sake is irresponsible. I have made many positive changes in my twelve months of service as your Sheriff and respectfully seek your support in retaining me for the next four years. Compare the candidates and understand that the position of Broward County Sheriff should be about professionalism - not politics. An educated voter is an informed voter. With that said, I ask for your support and more importantly - your vote - on November 4th.
Al Lamberti Broward County Sheriff
Paid for and approved by Al Lamberti, Republican for Broward County Sheriff
