‘Keeping residents safe is government’s most important responsibility.’
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The Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Association is backing former Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn as he runs to reclaim his old job.
The group represents more than 100 members from more than 30 agencies in seven Tampa Bay area counties. It provides police chiefs, other law enforcement executives and select business interests that support the law enforcement profession.
The endorsement builds on Buckhorn’s public safety support, after previously securing support from Tampa Firefighters Union Local 754 last month.
“Bob Buckhorn has always understood that effective public safety begins with strong leadership and real partnerships,” Tampa Bay Area Police Chiefs Association President Major Jeffrey Peeke said. “He respects the work our officers do, listens to public safety professionals, and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to giving law enforcement the tools and support needed to keep our communities safe. We are proud to endorse Bob Buckhorn for Mayor.”
Part of Buckhorn’s public safety includes support for law enforcement recruitment, retention, and investment into innovative technologies to improve emergency response and crime prevention. Campaign priorities also include strengthening community policing initiatives, expanding partnerships to address youth violence and improve mental health, and improving traffic safety.
“Keeping residents safe is government’s most important responsibility,” Buckhorn said. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked hand in hand with our law enforcement officers to reduce crime, strengthen neighborhoods and build trust between police and the community. But public safety isn’t something we can take for granted. As Tampa continues to evolve, we must stay ahead of emerging challenges by investing in our officers, embracing new technology, addressing recruitment and retention, and ensuring our police department has the resources it needs to protect every neighborhood.”
Buckhorn pledged, as Mayor, to continue making public safety his top priority, including through supporting competitive pay and benefits to boost recruitment and retention. He also vowed to ensure officers have the training and equipment needed to keep communities safe.
“Every resident, no matter their ZIP code, deserves to feel safe where they live, work and raise a family,” he said.
Buckhorn is running to succeed incumbent Jane Castor, who is leaving office due to term limits. Buckhorn was her predecessor, having served two terms from 2011 until 2019.
He’s the early front-runner in what is shaping up to be a crowded race. Also running are Tampa City Council Members Bill Carlson and Lynn Hurtak and nine other lesser-known candidates.
So far though, Buckhorn has dominated the field in key metrics, including polling and fundraising.
A recent poll put Buckhorn just outside majority support, with 49% supporting him. The poll put Buckhorn 30 percentage points ahead of his closest opponent, Carlson, who posted just 19% support. Hurtak and Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez — the latter of whom hasn’t announced he’s running, but is considering it — each polled at 13% support. The poll also included candidates Taryn Sabia and Gary Hartfield, at 4% and 3%, respectively.
Buckhorn also has a huge funding advantage, with more than $2 million raised to his affiliated political committee, Friends of Bob Buckhorn. Carlson, Buckhorn’s likely top competition, has raised less than $44,000 to his political committee, Friends of Bill Carlson. Both totals are as of June 26, the most recent date for which reports are available.
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