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info@LisaForSheriff.com
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Tallahassee, FL. 32301
Press Release
The Lisa Sprague Campaign Will Stay Focused On The Issues
Florida Press Center - 336 West College Avenue, September 10, 2012
5:00PM ~~Women’s Campaign Fund, National Organization for Women,
Florida Women’s Democratic Club, Capital City Women’s Democratic Club.
Despite recent strides, too few women participate in the processes that determine political power and too many women face a challenging road to powerful public service positions. Of the 3,084 sheriffs in the United States, only 42 are women according to Fred Wilson, director of operations for the National Sheriffs' Association. There are currently two Sheriffs in the State of Florida that are female. One such Sheriff, Susan Benton is the incoming President of the Florida Sheriff’s Association and the other, Sadie Darnell, is the Chair of the Sheriff’s Foundation.
Lisa Sprague is a candidate for the office of Leon County Sheriff. Lisa Sprague’s Opponent Sheriff Larry Campbell has shown blatant sexist attacks in candidate forums, and most recently has made several over the top remarks addressed solely to Ms. Sprague, in a public setting, while in uniform representing the Leon County Sheriff’s Office. Voters expect professionalism from their elected officials, Law Enforcement or otherwise. The other male opponent Mr. Tommy Mills, has not been subjected to this type of treatment or rhetoric.
This is inappropriate, unacceptable behavior to voters, and has nothing to do with Ms. Sprague’s merits, years of career service, or extensive qualifications. The citizens of Leon County expect more, deserve better, and need to be reassured that the public discourse will remain focused on the issues that will impact their families and continue to move Leon County forward in these tough times. Instead of focusing on meritless statements, we should be focusing our attention on reducing the crime rates, reducing costs to tax payers, improving cooperation, and strengthening communication amongst our law enforcement agencies. In short, moving our Sheriff’s Office into the 21st Century.
Sheriff Campbell’s sexist, divisive, and demeaning rhetoric has no place in this election cycle, or the electoral process. The process permits the difference of opinion. Discussion and debate on matters of policy or principal are encouraged and welcomed. But, it is equally as important that our discourse remain focused on the families of the public we wish to serve, and the Office of Sheriff. This kind of harmful sexism damages our political debate, our democracy, and will no longer be tolerated. Ultimately the kind of behavior exhibited by Sheriff Campbell hurts how women and young girls see themselves in our society, and discourages women candidates from participating in future elections.
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