Sheriff Candidate Bob Gualtieri: Why I Moved to Palm Harbor

• Pinellas County Sheriff Candidate Bob Gualtieri, 50, Republican 
• Occupation: Current Pinellas County Sheriff
• Spouse: Lauralee Westine, 41
• Kids: Jordanna, 22; Christina, 21; Lauren, 6

How long have you lived in Palm Harbor? 

Since 1995

Why did you move to Palm Harbor?

It's a great place to raise a family and it's easy to access all parts of the Tampa Bay area.

What is your favorite thing about Palm Harbor?

That it is a small town residential community with all the benefits of a big city.

What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

Participating in and watching sporting events.

What time does your average day start and what time does it end?

I leave home around 7 a.m. each day and usually get back home around 9 p.m.

How does your family help out, when it comes to your campaign?

My family has been amazing during this campaign. They help with the daily campaign activities as well as keeping life in order.

What is the one thing that surprised you when meeting people during your campaign?

How important it is to have direct contact with and personally meet as many people as possible and how much a difference it makes when you have time to sit and talk with someone one-on-one.

Why should citizens vote for you?

People should vote for me because of my experience and demonstrated ability to keep Pinellas County safe, especially during this difficult economic times. We have cut $108 million from the sheriff's office budget over the last four years and eliminated 616 positions. At the same time, crime is down by 12% over the last three years, arrests are up by 28% and we have 100% closure rate for all of our homicides (the national average is 65%). Further, crime is down another 8% for the first half of this year.

My opponent has not had any law enforcement experience in the last 18 years and has never prepared or been responsible for a sheriff's office budget.

Experience matters and I have established that I can do more with less and keep Pinellas County safe. I am proud to be endorsed by the PBA---the union representing Pinellas County Deputy Sheriffs.  

• Sheriff Candidate Scott Swope: Why I Moved to Palm Harbor

Related-

• Palm Harbor Election Guide 2012
• Florida’s Constitutional Amendments: What Yes Votes Mean
• East Lake Election Guide 2012