In the upcoming Broward County Primary Elections, there are three candidates on the Democratic ticket for Sheriff. Only one seems to have his foot in both camps and we don't mean as a consensus builder.
The story of Sheriff Gregory Tony and the slide of the Broward Sheriff's office from a top notch operation to an unacredited mess has many twists and turns. Most of which seem to be derived from the Sheriff serving one boss, Governor Ron DeSantis(who delivers the money and protection) and giving lip service to the Democrat party (who supply votes and the job).
Some people have even drawn the inference that Tony has been the point man for Desantis' foray into Presidential politics as BSO was highly critical of the federal government policy of allowing migrants to be shipped between New York, Texas and Florida during the Trump presidency thereby allowing Desantis to become the "tough on migration" figure in Florida.
So button up and let's take a look at the recent goings on. (we can leave the Philadelphia story until another time)
Gregory Tony’s Candidacy for BSO Sheriff: A Deep Dive into Political Allegiances and Immigration Policies
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — As the Broward County Sheriff election looms, the candidacy of Gregory Tony remains a point of considerable debate. Appointed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in January 2019 following the suspension of Sheriff Scott Israel, Tony’s tenure has been marked by controversy, especially surrounding his ties to DeSantis, fundraising rumors, and immigration policies.
DeSantis, Fundraising, and Bipartisanship
"Asked by Jake Tapper during a CNN town hall in Iowa who his favorite Democratic official is.......Not missing a beat, DeSantis named Tony, a controversial figure whom the Governor appointed in January 2019 to replace suspended Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel."
Governor Ron DeSantis, a staunch Republican, appointed Gregory Tony to the Sheriff's position, an action that was met with skepticism in the predominantly Democratic Broward County. Tony, who previously served as a sergeant in Coral Springs, was positioned as a reformative figure in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy.
Rumors have persisted that Tony’s fundraising efforts received assistance from connections closely aligned with Governor DeSantis. These "concerned friends of the Governor" purportedly played a significant role in bolstering Tony's campaign finances, even though he is running as a Democrat. This blend of support from typically opposing political factions has raised questions about Tony’s true political allegiance.
"Since his appointment, Tony has faced ethics complaints and calls to resign — or for DeSantis to suspend him, as he did Israel — for failing to disclose on his applications for Sheriff and the Coral Springs Police Department that he was arrested as a Philadelphia teen for killing a man." Jesse Scheckner, Florida Politics
Immigration Policy and Political Fallout
Adding fuel to the fire are Tony’s contentious immigration policies. During his tenure, he has been accused of allowing illegal immigration into Broward County. Notably, Tony has publicly blamed the Trump administration for this influx, although DeSantis was the sitting governor at the time. Recent developments have seen Tony vowing not to participate in mass deportations should Donald Trump be re-elected as President—a stance that starkly contrasts with the hardline immigration policies generally associated with DeSantis.
This multifaceted position on immigration puts Tony in a complex light. While he aligns with Democratic principles on certain policies, his critiques of Trump and passive approach to federal immigration directives sit uneasily with local Democratic expectations and have incited criticism from various political quarters.
"Tony, a former Coral Springs police officer and sheriff since 2019, said that “shook up the community thinking that BSO is going to be going out to the community and knocking on doors and bringing in immigrants. We don't do that here, and I'm not going to allow it out of our deputies.” Man, Sun Sentinel
Challenges to Tony’s Democratic Credibility
Among the primary contentions in Tony’s re-election campaign is his credibility as a staunch Democrat, especially when measured against his Democratic competitors. Critics point to Tony’s origins under a Republican governor’s appointment and subsequent financial backing with potential GOP ties as a divergence from Democratic values.
This political ambiguity has been further highlighted in public forums. In a town hall hosted by CNN’s Jake Tapper, Governor DeSantis named Tony as his favorite Democrat in Florida—a statement that sparked immediate reactions. DeSantis’ assertion was perceived by some as an endorsement that underscores Tony’s bipartisan appeal but also casts doubts on his authenticity as a Democrat.
Broward County’s Immigration Challenge
The issue of immigration is not confined solely to political posturing. Broward County, alongside neighboring Palm Beach County, has grappled with the federal government's relocation of immigrants amidst a border crisis. With over a thousand migrants arriving monthly from El Paso, Texas, local resources have been strained. Officials, including Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen and Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, have expressed concerns over the logistical and humanitarian challenges posed by the influx.
Official Responses and Community Actions
Local authorities have called for more substantial federal support to manage the migrant influx. Mayor Bogen remarked on the potential social services strain and suggested an ironic presidential contribution by housing migrants in Trump hotels. Both Democratic and Republican leaders in Florida have sought clarity and aid from federal officials to alleviate the pressures on their communities.
Conclusion: A Politician at the Crossroads
Gregory Tony’s re-election campaign embodies the complex intersection of local politics, immigration policy, and cross-party affiliations. His tenure and actions have sparked vigorous debate about the essence and flexibility of political identity within the highly polarized landscape of contemporary American politics.
As Broward County heads to the polls, voters are not only choosing a sheriff but also making a statement on the prototype of leadership they envision—whether it’s defined strictly by party lines or through pragmatic governance that spans the political aisle. Tony's candidacy challenges constituents to ponder deeply about loyalty, policy efficacy, and the pragmatics of law enforcement leadership in a politically diverse society.
(Ed. Note: There seems to be a not too subtle connection between a few of these anti-Trump sheriffs and the current Governor. One would hope that when you reach across party lines it is to develop biopartisan support and pull the community together NOT to play some Sunshine State version of Game of Thrones, shoring up your political police suppoert against your political allies. It bears more scrutiny.)
Additional Information:
Broward Supervisor of Elections:
Tony's donations: https://www.browardvotes.gov/Candidate-Information/Announced-Candidates
The "Real" Democrat Candidates: https://www.browardvotes.gov/Candidate-Information/Announced-Candidates
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