This week, State Senator Frank Artiles and State Representative Jason Fischer filed SJR-134 and HJR-721, to elect the office of Sheriff of Miami-Dade County as a Constitutional officer.
The purpose of this legislation is to ensure the people have a voice. The office of Sheriff is separate from the executive branch of government. The Sheriff should be elected by the people and thus directly accountable to the people. An elected Sheriff will bring the highest standards of transparency, aiding in the fight against government corruption and consolidated power.
Senator Frank Artiles had the following to say about the proposal, “Having a locally elected sheriff incentivizes transparency and accountability. When it comes to public safety, every citizen should have a seat at the table. Miami-Dade County has not had a Sheriff in over 50 years, what it boils down to is giving power back to the people. Direct representation through the county officers was originally written in the 1885 Florida Constitution, our bill will allow the voters to reinstate that.”
“Public safety is an issue that every voter should have the opportunity to weigh in on. In Jacksonville, our elected Sheriff Mike Williams has gone above and beyond the call of duty to keep Duval County safe. The people of Florida deserve to have a say at every level of government, and this bill will make sure the Sheriff is independent and accountable to the people,” stated Representative Jason Fischer.
Senator Artiles and Representative Fischer are both committed to safeguarding the democratic process, letting the people decide on their community leaders.
