Same as the old Mayor*. This does clean up the local political situation, not to mention save some taxpayer dollars that would have to be spent electing an interim mayor. There's something a little off, though, when charges are dropped because the people being charged weren't aware that they were doing anything wrong. Not that I care all that much; Dyer's been an inept politician in many respects but he's (can I say this?) Mostly Harmless.
The state's attorney that first charged Buddy Dyer and his associates is Brad King, who's the same fellow who refused to charge the housemates of longtime sex offender and recent murderer John Couey with any sort of crime at all. Even though John Couey had his victim in his room while his housemates were in. This is in a mobile home, remember.
I'm not all that hot on getting Mayor Dyer fixed up with a rap sheet, I just think that maybe the wrong person's in charge of the investigation. For those of you who haven't been following this story (all of you, most likely) it was discovered that Buddy Dyer's campaign had a paid consultant collecting absentee ballots, which is illegal in the state of Florida. Ken Mulvaney, Dyer's opponent in the election, asserts that not only did the consultant break the law in the way described, he also filled out some of the ballots himself, which is also illegal under Florida law. Mulvaney says he'll be filing suit in civil court.
*This has been used by other people, notably Mike Thomas of the Sentinel. However, it's so much of a cultural fixture (not to mention, obvious) that I'm not giving him credit.
I have no comment, either, but I just wanted to say Hi!
I hate lonely posts.
Posted by: John Thullen | April 22, 2005 at 10:48 PM
Me, too. Thanks for thinking about me.
Posted by: Slartibartfast | April 23, 2005 at 10:03 PM
Well, I should add a comment too, though I normally stay clear from local US politics. This will transfer it from a dialogue to a thread though ;-)
Posted by: dutchmarbel | April 25, 2005 at 03:40 AM