A transcript of the July 17 sheriff?s union endorsement meeting shows that Democrat James Fitzgerald, whom the union endorsed, promised the deputies substantially more than Sheriff Charles Cave.
Fitzgerald, who is seeking the sheriff position, pledged to seek more positions and higher compensation; update the department?s Web site and criminal processing equipment; provide better training; solicit a staff study; attract more qualified sheriff?s applicants; obtain compensation pay for the honor guard; establish a Homeland Security grant-writing position and create a line-of-duty death benefit.
“I will seek to increase staffing of both civilian and sworn positions, if it?s feasible,” he said. “… These are things I want to do six months from now.”
Cave told the union he has added 18 positions in eight years, obtained newer vehicles and computers, and upgraded body armor.
But Cave said in an interview with The Examiner that Fitzgerald pledged more proposals for sheriff?s deputies than he did.
“He promised them everything in the world,” Cave said. “… I would like to give them everything they?re asking for, but that?s not going to happen.”
Cave said deputies need not worry about retribution because they chose Fitzgerald.
“They can vote for whoever they want to vote for,” he said. “That?s America.”
The winner in the September primary will face Republican Tim Galt in the general election.
The sheriff?s union also endorsed State Sens. Allan Kittleman, a Republican, and Ed Kasemeyer, a Democrat; and State Dels. Steven DeBoy and James Malone, both Democrats, and Warren Miller and Gail Bates, both Republicans. They also endorsed sitting judges Richard Bernhardt and Louis Becker.
