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Home › Elections - Collier & Lee

Accusations fly among the stars of Collier sheriff’s race

By RYAN MILLS (Contact)
Originally published 1:10 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2008
Updated 2:49 p.m., Saturday, July 19, 2008

One arrest.

Two complaints filed with state agencies.

A possible violation of a federal elections law. Squabbles over endorsements.

And don’t forget the comparison of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office to a criminal gang.

The race for Collier County sheriff has been anything but clean and simple so far. And with less than six weeks left until the Aug. 26 election, it’s not going to get any easier for the three Republican candidates.

“I think we’re really going to see all the campaigns heat up,” said Dave Carpenter, qualifying officer with the Collier County Supervisor of Elections Office.

In early July, the three sheriff candidates -- Vinny Angiolillo, Victor Ortino and Kevin Rambosk -- came into the Daily News studio to answer questions posed by readers. Visit www.naplesnews.com/sheriff/ to watch the “Race for the Star” interviews in their entirety.

As the race enters its final stretch, now seems like an appropriate time to look back at all that has transpired during the past year or so, and look forward to what can be expected in the final weeks.

• • •

The race for Collier sheriff started on March 14, 2007, when Victor Ortino, a private investigator and former state trooper, announced his candidacy to a crowd of supporters at the Hilton Naples.

At the time, Ortino believed he would be pitted against longtime incumbent Sheriff Don Hunter and said he needed a head start to build name recognition.

But in early October 2007, Hunter surprised many by announcing he wouldn’t seek re-election.

Instead, Hunter endorsed his right-hand man, then-Undersheriff Kevin Rambosk, the former Naples police chief and Naples city manager, who officially entered the race days later.

Ortino and Rambosk then were joined in the race by Vincent “Vinny” Angiolillo, the owner of Class Act Limousine in North Naples, and a former state trooper in Connecticut in the 1970s.

“I think some of these candidates are pretty formidable,” said Carla Dean, chairwoman of the Collier County Republican Party. “I think some of them have excellent experience factors. Some I’m not so sure of. That’s what makes America great, anyone can run.”

It didn’t take long after all three candidates were officially in the race for things to heat up.

On Oct. 16, Angiolillo was arrested on two misdemeanor counts of violation of an injunction against repeat or dating violence.

Angiolillo said at the time the charges against him were bogus. They were eventually dropped.

The race was relatively quiet until late February when the local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police representing Collier deputies announced its endorsement of Rambosk. Lodge leaders moved the vote up two weeks because they said Ortino was meddling in the lodge’s private business by sending e-mails to members’ personal e-mail accounts.

Ortino, who is endorsed by the state FOP, said he merely wanted to speak to the group before the vote, and called the vote unfair.

After the spat with the FOP, Ortino filed a complaint against Rambosk with the Florida Commission on Ethics, accusing his rival of campaigning on duty and using his position to intimidate subordinates, including FOP members.

The commission dismissed the complaint in April without investigation.

Angiolillo followed up Ortino’s complaint by filing a complaint against Rambosk with the Florida Elections Commission. Angiolillo, who in May compared the Sheriff’s Office to a criminal gang, said Rambosk disrupted his campaign and damaged his reputation by not reviewing his case before Angiolillo’s arrest in October.

The commission called Angiolillo’s case “legally insufficient.”

However, it was another legal opinion that eventually resulted in Rambosk resigning from the Sheriff’s Office to focus on his campaign.

In May, Rambosk announced that he had asked to be reassigned from undersheriff to executive officer with no supervisory duties to avoid running afoul of a 1939 election law called the Hatch Act, designed to prevent government employees from using their positions for partisan gain.

On Thursday, Rambosk announced he was resigning for the duration of the campaign when the U.S. Office of Special Counsel warned him that he was still in violation of the law.

Though Rambosk said he disagreed with the opinion, he decided to resign and campaign, rather than stay with the Sheriff’s Office and challenge it.

• • •

There are exactly 37 days before all of this finally comes to a head and Collier voters go to the polls.

Being a local election, there are no polls to show who is ahead and who is behind. In fact, with less than six weeks to go, it is unclear just how informed most voters are about the three candidates.

When the Daily News spoke to dozens of people strolling along Fifth Avenue South and shopping at Coastland Center mall on Tuesday and Wednesday, only two people knew who the candidates were.

Steve Thompson of Naples was the only one willing to comment.

“Kevin Rambosk is probably the most professional; probably has the best vision of what he wants to accomplish,” Thompson said.

Thompson said Angiolillo’s slogan -- “Serve and Protect, not Harass and Collect” -- was funny.

“It’s cute,” he said, “but it’s not professional.”

Carpenter said that one way some people judge who is ahead and who is behind is to look at the finances of the campaigns.

Through March 31, Rambosk led Ortino in reported monetary contributions $82,726.50 to $57,334.89. Angiolillo hadn’t reported any contributions or expenditures through March 31, Carpenter said.

The next financial reports are due Friday, July 25.

Carpenter said money is an important factor, but often isn’t the deciding factor in an election.

“The situation is you have to get your case out to the voters,” Carpenter said. “It’s very difficult to run a campaign if you don’t have the money to do what you’d like to do to reach out to the community.”

Dean said grass-roots campaigning is going to be key for the sheriff candidates from here on out.

“I think a couple of these races are very organized,” Dean said. “They have a good base of volunteers, and they’re out there doing the grass roots.”

Carpenter said Collier residents can expect to see more and more campaign signs on the side of the road in the coming weeks, and can expect to receive more campaign literature in the mail.

Still, with only 20 percent to 25 percent of registered voters expected to turn out to the Aug. 26 primary, Carpenter said the campaigns actually have a relatively small pool of potential voters to convince.

“Part of the thing for the candidates is, can you identify and get to those 20 percent,” he said. “You don’t have to convince even 50 percent of the voters in Collier County. You only need 12 or 12-and-a-half percent of the voters to win the election.

“This is a pretty sophisticated audience. These are the people that really watch local politics and tend to vote in every election.”

Comments

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I think we all should slow down, and take a break to remember a fine young man who's no longer with us.
http://www.fmpolice.com/tabid/54/item...

07-18-2008:
"With great sadness the Fort Myers Police Department announces the death of Officer Andrew Widman (d.o.b. 5-11-78) who was shot killed in the line of duty this morning."

Election day is August 26, 2008. Please remember to vote.

#1 Posted by MarcoRobert on July 19, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I hope the candidates remember we are hiring them to do a job and this is their interview session. The way they ast the things they have said I wouldn't ever contemplate doing in a job interview.

I hope they start acting like men who hope to lead men and women who have difficult jobs.

#2 Posted by kneejerk on July 19, 2008 at 1:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kneejerk...You're not making any sense here;"The way they ast the things they have said I wouldn't ever contemplate doing in a job interview".

Translation here, please. Oh, election day is August 26th, please remember to VOTE!

#3 Posted by MarcoRobert on July 19, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many of the people on Fifth Avenue South are tourists....who could care less about who's running for office locally.

Try a question out in the Estates area or at the library even.

Gutta1,
Republicans do a lot of other things, too. McCainiac just fired his top man for calling Americans a "bunch of whiners."

Gotta love these campaigns both at the local and national level.

#4 Posted by beetlejuice on July 19, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Collier County has had several years of the Hunter regime. We as citizens have seen beatings, completely illegal entries, bad cases, addicted officers, officers arrested for murder and drug possession, thefts, DUI's and a multitude of other sins. A good measuring device is the per capita perspective. 1300 -/+ men and women compared to the general population, there are more officers arrested than the general public "per capita". There's something wrong. Rambosk was handpicked by Hunter to CONTINUE his design, i.e., all of the things that I just mentioned. WE CAN NOT AFFORD IT. Yes Rambosk has "volunteered" for everything under the sun, has been appointed to many things, but even is own men know he is a wet noodle and can NOT get this agency under control. This county needs to take the agency back from these "people" who have destroyed it. Ortino is a hardworking, HONEST, "stand up" person who can do that. Ortino is NOT AFRAID of the people who now control the agency.

#5 Posted by wilsonGG on July 19, 2008 at 3 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have been quiet about this election mostly, since this started but its time to speak out. This Sheriff's Department has ruined the lives of some of my family for absolutely no reason. My family members were arrested, taken to jail, forced to bond out, retain attorneys and spend thousands of dollars we didnt really have just to prove they did nothing wrong. The prosecution never filed the cases, because the people arrested were absolutely innocent, not even involved in a crime. The real culprits were never even spoken to. Yet today, if you run a criminal history, it shows up. And will forever, unless you come up with thousands more to have the arrest removed. I have been in this county my whole life and never has it been so corrupt and backwards. We have to have a change. No one from hunters office should be allowed to run, be elected or even be a deputy. They have caused most God fearing law abiding people in this county to be completely afraid of them. You've got to vote. Vote them ---out.

#6 Posted by ccso_id on July 19, 2008 at 3:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said mrsmith you for got one thing unfaithfulness among the so called higher educated!

GO VICTOR ORTINO OUR NEW SHERIFF!

#7 Posted by fudguther on July 19, 2008 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Post #6. I certainly would not state the CCSO has been destroyed by these "people". Crime rates are down and in fact, one of the lowest in the state of Florida. This does not happen without a clear presence in the community and clear goals of what the community expects from law enforcement. Only one candidate has any experience supervising a large budget and a large agency. Private investigations is not law enforcement experience needed to run a modern progressive law enforcement agency (Ortino states he has 30 years of law enforcement experience on the Studio 55 interview). All organizations have individuals who make poor choices in their personal and professional lives. You state a deputy has been arrested for murder in your posting - this is certainly news to me (I have lived here since 1975).

#8 Posted by harley2 on July 19, 2008 at 3:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People...you MUST stop referring to Mr. Rambosk as Hunter's hand-picked man, or a wet noodle, or a puppet. Also, please stop discrediting the CCSO...they are not an agency in peril under poor leadership; in fact, to the contrary they are one of the best police depts. in the country, per capita.

Mr. Ortino's profession works for defense lawyers that help put back on the streets men like that cop-killer who murdered that young, rookie cop who leaves behind a wife and three kids.

I assure you Kevin Rambosk is more than qualified to be our Sheriff, and will do what's right, do the right thing, and do unto others as he would want them to do unto him.

No fooling around here...he's the REAL DEAL and we as citizens of Collier County are lucky to have him elected as our top law enforcement officer.

Remember, August 26, 2008, the last Tuesday in August is ELECTION DAY...don't forget to vote!!!!

#9 Posted by MarcoRobert on July 19, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The next chapter of this story will be the lawsuit that will follow as soon as we raise the money for the attorneys retainer fee. It was also very sad that three of the five deputies involved in this thing knew for a fact that the boy had nothing to do with the crime, knew the truth but did or said nothing to stop the others or to help. They just decided it was better to let the prosecutor drop it rather than go against the code of liars. I want them, the top people at Sheriff's Dept, including Rambosk, and Hunter to know that this will be made right. Rambosk may be gone for now, but he was part of the problem, therefore he is partially responsible.

#10 Posted by ccso_id on July 19, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

MarcoRobert, you must have been sleeping thru the news. Lt. Roy Kipp, CCSO shot and killed his wife and her secret lover Sgt. Jeff Klein (RIP). He was addicted to alchohol and drugs at the time. Great huh? Also, the crime rate has been low here since the forties, not that you would know. It was low well before Hunter ever came into the picture. This is because there's no place for the vermin to live. Thats a good thing, but not the result of the Sheriff's Office. Collier County Code Enforcement, Building and Zoning and the realtors in this county deserve more credit for that than the Sheriff's Office. And Rambosk is Hunters handpicked man. Hunter said so himself. Whats wrong with your hearing?

#11 Posted by wilsonGG on July 19, 2008 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tdavis...it sounds like your family is very troubled. Anytime a LEO effects an arrest he/she must have sufficient Probable Cause (you can look this up on-line), and after arrest they can present their findings to a judge who will assess the immediate situation at an arraignment, where the charges are read, and probable cause is examined, and then bail is set and the defendent is bound over for trial.

Next, the States Attorney makes the call, based on the probable cause and the amount of evidence presented, as to prosecution for trial or to drop the charges and return the bail or release the defendent from incarceration.

If you had a good defense attorney, he/she should have explained these procedures to you. The bottom line is that someone in your family did something that warranted the police to profer charges. A judge found probale cause to bind over for trial and bail was set. The States Attorney more than likely found that they could not fully prosecute the case with a high degree of probability to win the case and secure a conviction. This was good for your family member...don't look a gift horse in the mouth, as they say.

If you or your family are having recuring problems in Collier County than your family member(s) are more than likely in that 20% of people that are ALWAYS running afoul of the law. They may be drinkers or fighters or dopers or chronic bad drivers or domestic violence offenders...the list goes on.

Ask any cop...they spend 80% of their time policing 20% of the given population. Add to that alcohol, or domestic violence, or drug abuse ect. and you have a formula for trouble with law enforcement. My advice is to move to a new place where it's easier to start over with a new, clean slate. Good luck.

#12 Posted by MarcoRobert on July 19, 2008 at 4:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah...mrsmith...you probably want to redirect your snide comments to harley2. I assure you sir I am not sleeping through the news, and Jeff Klein was a friend of mine. You sir, are a bonehead. Sit down!

#13 Posted by MarcoRobert on July 19, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mrsmith. get your facts straight "former" Lt. Kipp killed those two people. He was not employed by the sheriffs office at the time of the murder.
tdavis. You and your people are just lucky that the State Attorney's Office here is pathetically weak. Thats the reason the those crimes you speak of were not filed. They most likely screwed up the case.

#14 Posted by shawshank on July 19, 2008 at 4:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My home state (Louisiana) is noted for colorful politics...the sheriff of Avoyelles Parrish was reelected while serving a jail term. The Collier County contest is absolutely rejuvenating me! Rambosk, the anointed one, is downright debonair in his uniform. It's too bad the Hatch Act, which he may have learned of only today, will leave him in street clothes for the upcoming debates. The limousine guy's wardrobe is great comic relief, and Ortino as the Energizer Bunny is all over everywhere.
Every one of them is out there digging up the dirt that will aggravate us all during the upcoming debates. This'll be fun, and the survivor will make a tough sheriff for Collier County.
trumpa

#15 Posted by trumpa on July 19, 2008 at 4:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The only thing I have to say is...we need a positive change in Collier County and the one to do that is Victor Ortino. We've had enough of all the mudslinging from the bloggers, not just the candidates. State your opinions and be done.

Ortino for Sheriff!

#16 Posted by WithOpenEyes on July 19, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

It's time for change Vote ORTINO! He is willing to listen to the people. Hunter never has listened. His so called open door policy is not open. He handpicked Rambosk to continue things as is no changes. The majority of the employees of the CCSO are unhappy. They won't speak out in fear of losing their jobs. Rambosk thinks he's above the law. He should of resigned the day he announced he was running. VOTE ORTINO!

#17 Posted by Toesmom on July 19, 2008 at 5:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Bottom Line....we need change!!! Hunter/Rambosk represent everything that needs to change. Twenty years is simply too long. Rambosk does not want to accept responsibility for anything.

When choosing a candidate, remember a master's degree and some experinece does not mean he is or can be an effective leader, nor does mean he has any integrity.

It is time for a change right now!

#18 Posted by straighttalker on July 19, 2008 at 6:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ortino doesn't have a chance.

No qualifications.

No education.

No experience.

No integrity.

RAMBOSK FOR SHERIFF!

No chance.

#19 Posted by nickm on July 19, 2008 at 6:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this Ortino fellow is ridiculous. How can you possibly think you're fit to be Collier County Sheriff when you have no education and no professional experience as a law enforcement officer.

He was fired from being a trooper for lying on his time card. That's enough for me, right there.

I met Kevin Rambosk last week. Great guy. Great ideas. That's where my vote and everyone I know is going. Quality man.

VOTE KEVIN RAMBOSK! Your only choice!

#20 Posted by tombryant64 on July 19, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mrsmith,

Kipp had been fired for failing a drug screen. He was not a member of the CCSD at the time he murdered Klein. This was a jealous ex-husband/ domestic triangle for which there is clearly no connection with the leadership of the agency. Your attempt to connect the two is seriously misguided at best.

Toesmom,

You say the majority of CCSD members are unhappy. After speaking with nearly 100 members over the past few months, I still have not found anyone who is so displeased with their jobs or their leadership with CCSD that they would like to work for Mr Ortino. The general consensus with members that I have spoken to is that he is "not the best candidate" which is paraphrasing a virtual plethora of unpleasant words and analogies.

Repeating a lie does not make it true, even in politics. Sign on with one of your other screen names if you need someone to agree with you.

#21 Posted by TruthHurtz on July 19, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's no choice in this race. I think this is the clearest race for Sheriff that's existed in years. Kevin Rambosk was a great police chief, a great cop and a great man. I'm proud to have known him and his family for nearly 20 years.

I have read about these other two pretenders and can only say it's very sad that people have given them their hard-earned money and that these two men are wasting their time. They really should get real jobs. They seem to like to waste money, especially taxpayers' money with these ridiculous allegations against Mr. Rambosk.

#22 Posted by phyllisknows on July 19, 2008 at 6:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin Rambosk is the only person qualified to be sheriff. He has the experience we need.

We can't chance our safety to a candidate that doesn't have the experience to do the job.

We need a man who we KNOW can do the job. You have my vote Mr. Rambosk

Remember to vote on Aug. 26.

#23 Posted by lynncon on July 19, 2008 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Lets all get a little real.

Just watch the videos of the candidate interviews and the choice is clear.

Kevin Rambosk was very impressive. He's got my vote.

Vinny needs to wear some pants.

#24 Posted by lovenaples2 on July 19, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin Rambosk's endorsements:

Collier Deputies, Lodge 14 Fraternal Order of Police

10-13 Club (Retired NYPD and NY police officials)

Naples Lodge FOP 38

Florida Professional Firefighters (26,000 members)

North Naples Professional Firefighters Local #2297

East Naples Professional Firefighters Local #2396

City of Naples Professional Firefighters Local #2174

Golden Gate Professional Firefighters Local #3182

Greater Naples Better Government Committee

#25 Posted by hah007 on July 19, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I can't wait to vote. Let me say it again. I can't wait to vote for Rambosk.

All Ortino is worried about is getting the jobs back for all of his cronies that got canned from the SO.

And THATS what it's all about.

#26 Posted by shezabetty on July 19, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bravo hah....

I hear Victor bursts into tears when you say "endorsement."

Get used to it, buddy! Kevin's adding to his list daily.

#27 Posted by cardshark8 on July 19, 2008 at 7:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Crime is low and I am safe when I take my dog for a walk or drive around town. Time for a change? I don't think so.

Ortino is not the kind of change I want. I don't think ON THE JOB training for a sheriff is a good idea.

#28 Posted by seaworthy on July 19, 2008 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mrs.Smith you are a typical Ortino Supporter. You just repeat and repeat what others say is not true. Your candidate Victor Ortino is a very nice man however;he is not qualified to be SHERIFF.

1.He has no education
2.Committed timecard fraud (While a sworn Trooper)
3.cheated on his ex-wife
4.Private Investigator (Glorified Security Guard)

5. Defends ciminals who assult the police.

6. The guy is an empty suit with a 3rd grade education.

7. And does karate chops part-time.

Hey, this is who I want handling a million dollar plus budget. I think you and TOESMOM come from the same Ortino mold. Now, sit back and quit talking garbage. We will see who the new sheriff is on August 26th. Until then sit back and think how nice it will be seeing Kevin Rambosk making his victory speech. I can't wait.......

#29 Posted by diamondgal on July 19, 2008 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mr or mrs smith, you are full of it. Ortino supporters and Naples Daily News would have it appear that all the candidates are engaged in the same crap, and it isn't true. Ortino and the other bozo have no legitimate qualifications and no legitimate chance to win unless they cloud the atmosphere with bull, which is what they are doing.

And CCSO has had a few very public issues and a few very loud and well aired problems. Any business or any entity of that size will. The truth is that is not even two percent of the employees, which is way better than just about any business or agency, and tens of thousands of service calls handled professionally every year. Rambosk has not engaged in the crap as NDN would have it appear. He has taken steps in an abundance of caution to avoid problems in the campaign, but that doesn't help NDN sell ink, and it doesn't help Ortino overcome a total lack of qualification, so here we are with another big "story". The real story is that there's NOT a story!

#30 Posted by Sayswho on July 19, 2008 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I met Victor. Very blah, boring...bad suit, needed a shave. Not impressive at all.

Then I met Kevin. He's the Sheriff. Hands down.

I'm voting for Kevin. No choice. Classy guy, great ideas, dedicated to public service.

Great web site. Check it out at www.ramboskforsheriff.com and you'll learn a lot about Kevin.

#31 Posted by jimmymick on July 19, 2008 at 7:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Right on Sayswho, you hit the nail on the head. I couldn't have said it any better. Wow, what a positive post. I know you work for the Rambosk campaign because you definitely write with intelligence. Nice job

The blogs should stop now..... The Ortino campaign is going to see the change that all want so bad. I have said this over and over...

Kevin Rambosk Sheriff of Collier County

Enough said......Goodnight.....

#32 Posted by diamondgal on July 19, 2008 at 7:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)

lynncon, you are so right.

I am a business owner and I wouldn't hire a plumber to be my accountant. We should treat this like a job interview and hire the most qualified applicant. Rambosk is the man I'm going to hire for the job.

#33 Posted by seaworthy on July 19, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, too, enjoy the Rambosk web site at www.ramboskforsheriff.com and urge you, Seaworthy, to check it out.

#34 Posted by nickm on July 19, 2008 at 7:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey nickm you're over on this blog too, huh? You are nicer over here. Not calling people stupid and stuff.

#35 Posted by shawshank on July 19, 2008 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW - mrsmith you Ortino supporters are very negative. I can't believe that anyone would drag up Roy Kipp and that tragedy to further their campaign. That is sad and offensive.

#36 Posted by frosty on July 19, 2008 at 8:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No, I do that freely here, too. Try me.

#37 Posted by nickm on July 19, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

nickm I went to the site. He has a lot of good information on the site. Very progressive. I love the videos and photos. Very professional, but so is he.

#38 Posted by seaworthy on July 19, 2008 at 8:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I wonder about Mr Ortino's math skills. After all, he does not have any education past high school. He's saying that a few years as military police and a couple of years as a FHP worker adds up to 30 years of law enforcement experience? I say he is either a) not too bright or b)a liar. Not good either way.

#39 Posted by naplesalsa on July 19, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

They say the web site reflects the man.

I believe it in this case. You can go there every day and there's something new. It's really cool!

#40 Posted by nickm on July 19, 2008 at 8:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I've mentioned before how impressed with Rambosk's family values I am. And now when I look at experience and depth of answers to the Studio 55 questions, the right person for the job of Sheriff is so clear. Kevin has my vote.

#41 Posted by kbeechnw on July 19, 2008 at 8:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Salsa, So right, my friend.

I vote B (liar)

Wait, I vote A. (not bright)

No, B.

No wait, A. Nah.

A and B

#42 Posted by cardshark8 on July 19, 2008 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hey nick! i love kevin's website. he's really be up on all the neat technology out there and in touch with today's world. i heard he was even live blogging the other night! how cool is that for a sheriff to know how to do all that?

#43 Posted by naplesalsa on July 19, 2008 at 8:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I love the videos. Look at the Fourth of July parade video. That's spontaneous cheering and applause from the CROWD on Fifth Avenue.

Not to mention the 300 marchers he had.

Impressive.

#44 Posted by nickm on July 19, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ortino and his group must be on their bar stools. its quiet around here!

#45 Posted by naplesalsa on July 19, 2008 at 9:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Salsa do you think Vic is home right now reading his "simple" books? Nah, my bet is Vic and his gang are slammin down the brewskis at their Hell's Angels wannabe clubhouse.

#46 Posted by grillerdad on July 19, 2008 at 9:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Here in collier if you find youself or family member a victim of a major crime it is very wise to also seek non-govermental help.
Many unsovled murders here in Collier, canal floaters in golden gate, girl wrap up in blanket at the of the road, dead people in there homes in the estates, women maul by animals, missing teenager but boyfriends car was burnt to ground, young woman beaten to death right across the street from main SO "AT THE COUNTY'S FRONT DOOR" really and the list goes on and on. these cases are not solve probaly because they/families couldn't afford private firms to help and depended soley on the government's help. They need to reallocate Fed Funds to CIS??? homicide division or cut overpaid heads there... I am sorry haven't felt safe here in this county for a while now - We need a police force protect and SERVE!!!!! Solve these crimes get the murderers off the street without or revamp the government attitudes = I only know who I will not vote for. Whoever is capable please invest some time in researching these unsolved murders bring them to light.

#47 Posted by camelopardalis on July 19, 2008 at 9:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Funny, the more people I talk to, in and out of ccso, the more I here Ortino is their choice of sheriff. No matter how much education and experience the under sheriff has does not replace good values. The past under sheriff is corrupt as well as the current sheriff. People, please get out to vote for Ortino. He will make a possitive difference inside and outside the department. Good luck Mr. Ortino and thanks for your commitment to this community.

#48 Posted by whatsright on July 20, 2008 at 12:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, Disney Land is right here in Collier County. I'll go along with Ortino having some experience, but watching 12 episodes of Magnum PI is hardly enough to qualify him for the job. I have no idea how Vinny thinks he's qualified for a security position at Wal Mart yet alone to run the CCSD. I want a guy who has worked the streets, shaken doorknobs on the midnight shift, is up with the latest criminal statutes, and has the backing of his officers. Being a Private Eye, or driving a limo the wrong way on a one way street doesn't cut it.

#49 Posted by cit10driver on July 20, 2008 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"The Hatch Act prohibits Federal executive branch employees from engaging in political activity while on duty, in any room or building occupied in the discharge of official duties by an individual employed or holding office in the U.S. government, while wearing a uniform or official insignia identifying the office or position of the employee, or using any vehicle owned or leased by the government." Therefore all those photos of Rambosk in uniform on the campaign literature and on the website are a violation of the Hatch Act. The person who is supposed to uphold the law, didn't even check to see what that law was. As soon as there was a possibility of a violation, way back in October, someone in Rambosk's camp should have checked into the requirements of the Hatch Act. And it is not an obscure law, anyone that took American History in high school knows about it.

#50 Posted by sunnydaze on July 20, 2008 at 2:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Ah, I see the bars have closed and the Ortino losers are back to their incorrect info and their bad grammar and spelling. What a bunch of losers!

Slide back onto your bar stools. It's where you belong.

#51 Posted by nickm on July 20, 2008 at 6:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey Vinny, GET ON OVER HERE AND PICK ME UP!!! AND BRING THE TOWN CAR!!!

#52 Posted by factteller1 on July 20, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Your average Ortino supporter: A viewer of child pornography and other deviance, offical records show. He wants to bring this guy back as one of his administrators. You want to waste your vote on this?

Read NDN coverage here:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/a...

#53 Posted by cardshark8 on July 20, 2008 at 7:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Post #45..That is impressive, indeed. I wonder, who was the 4 year old that taught him?

#54 Posted by myrealname on July 20, 2008 at 7:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kevin Rambosk's endorsements:

Collier Deputies, Lodge 14 Fraternal Order of Police

10-13 Club (Retired NYPD and NY police officials)

Naples Lodge FOP 38

Florida Professional Firefighters (26,000 members)

North Naples Professional Firefighters Local #2297

East Naples Professional Firefighters Local #2396

City of Naples Professional Firefighters Local #2174

Golden Gate Professional Firefighters Local #3182

Greater Naples Better Government Committee

#55 Posted by hah007 on July 20, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard NAMBLA and Hell's Angels turned down Ortino even after he begged for their endorsement.

Ortino is OrtiNOT.

Kevin Rambosk is our next Sheriff.

#56 Posted by grillerdad on July 20, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Not ALL veterans support Ortino... so don't speak for all of us. I think Ortino is a step back in time and a lot of the people commenting on this blog are more than likely criminals tired of being caught themselves.

GO RAMBOSK!

#57 Posted by theoryofdisaster on July 20, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)

nickm, You're right when you say the bars must have closed at 0200. All the uneducated breweski drinking morons supporting the Ortino campaign I see, came on the blogs and wrote like 3rd graders as usual bad grammer etc...

Rich,Caperton,Varnold,Thompson,Steiss,Hisler,
Bartis,Lauer,Llorca,Knott,Reed,Martin,Celeberti,
Nottel,etc... Must I go on?? Just look who Ortino surrounds himself with and this should tell you everything. They are either terminated,disgruntled,or current deputies who have had major problems just doing their jobs or trying to keep them. Most however, are current LOSERS who complain about everything. And excuse me,I'm a very proud VETERAN who is supporting KEVIN RAMBOSK just like my other veteran friends. Where do you people come up with things like this? Kevin Rambosk is the most qualified man for this job. I support Kevin Rambosk along with the majority of the citizens of Collier County. And yes, the Collier County Sheriff's Office, Serves and protects with pride. Remember,as Sheriff Rambosk has taught all of us. SERVICE TO OTHERS BEFORE SELF.....Nice lesson and advice Sheriff Kevin.

#58 Posted by diamondgal on July 20, 2008 at 12:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is how you treat the general public, its no wonder a large portion ofthe general public, who ARE NOT CRIMINALS detest a portion ofthe CCSO. Demeaning, degrading remarks just because someone has a different opinion. Yet, the only thing you can do about it is to accuse them of being criminals. Laughable. Just think, you get stopped by a deputy and if you disagree with him, you get arrested, regardless of whether you;ve committed a crime or not. Also, your info is bad. Four of the people you mentioned above as Ortino supporters, arent even in Collier any longer and three dont have anything to do with the Ortino or any other campaign. Kevin is a good person, I believe but so is Victor. I dont know Vinnie. Either one would make a great Sheriff in my eyes academically, but Ortino has heart and compassion for people. Kevin just follows the instructions of Hunter and Williams. I know who I and my forty three employees are voting for.

#59 Posted by wilsonGG on July 20, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Very interesting numbers Mrs Smith---the 3 that wont have anything to do with the Ortino campaign anymore- can you shed some light on why they left the campaign and are no longer supporting Mr. Ortino?

#60 Posted by kbeechnw on July 20, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Wow, I must have struck the nerve. Otino supporters can dish it out but sure can't take it. I told you I thought Victor Ortino was a very nice man but he isn't Sheriff material. I also know who my 119 employees are voting for too. Actually, I will tell you it's
Kevin Rambosk.

The only qualified person to be Sheriff Period! And yes, I agree with you downtown is definitely going down. All the merchants say the same thing. The economy is driving downtown out of business. Read the paper dummies, lol ... You better go back and check your roster I think you made some mistakes on who is in your campaign and their current status. Sorry if I offended any of you that wasn't my intent. If you can't take it don't dish it out.

#61 Posted by diamondgal on July 20, 2008 at 2:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mrssmith or mr. and Rambelon THE PARTY IS OVER.

Okay?? Quit talking garbage and enjoy the sunshine with your motorcycles and alcohol.

I told you all the things you have been saying on here over and over. Repeat and Repeat. You are going to experience the change you and your camp want so bad. It's going to happen on August 26th 2008 and it's called Sheriff Kevin Rambosk and CCCSO family together. YES !! Watch his victory speech how intelligent Sheriff Rambosk speaks and how calm he is. No sweat or stuttering from him. Goodnight now....bye bye

#62 Posted by diamondgal on July 20, 2008 at 2:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

>Mrs Smith, are you lefties wife? I really like that new Jimmy Buffet song, "Let's All Get Drunk and Saw."

>diamondgal #62 you nailed it, we'll get you a case of beer for that one!

>Again, let's look at the impressive list of endorsements for Orino:

1. Hammock Cove Liquor Store
2. The house just west of Santa Barbara on GG Parkway with all the yard signs
3. The house just west of Desoto on GG Boulevard with all the yard signs

Anyone else? Bueller?.....Bueller?

#63 Posted by youwilltapout on July 20, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

One more thing before I leave for the day.

(SHERIFF DON HUNTER) 252

Let's not forget the man who has run the most professional agency in the State Of Florida not to mention in the country.

Sheriff Don Hunter, we love you and thank you for everything you have taught us. We will miss you very much. Please, rest assure your tradition and integrity will carry on. Sheriff Hunter you brought the Sheriff's Office a long way. Thank you. Thank you.

#64 Posted by diamondgal on July 20, 2008 at 3:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

About Ortino:
Looking at this candidate as I would look at a prospective employee which I think is a good way to look at candidates...

1. He worked as a trooper for FHP for only 3 years (per the paper and his bio). The time he worked was in 1982 - 1985.

2. He started his PI business in 1984.

This raises a RED FLAG. Let me explain.

LEOs have sealed records.

When working for almost every government agency I know...one can certainly work for others on off time IF proper paper work is submitted to the agency and IF this position does not compromise the agency.
HOWEVER, starting a business as PI when one has access to the State system as a LEO might be a significant conflict of interest.

LEOs have sealed records. I have seen others dismissed for abusing their agency trust by using the very agency that they work for to gain unfair advantage in their own businesses. Some of these individuals were simply asked to leave and not fired. If they did not resign, they would have been fired.
Not saying this is the case because LEOs have sealed records, but I have major reservations about this candidate and this RED FLAG adds to the reservations.

Interesting that he served 4.5 years in the USAF also. Odd number for an enlistment. He had to have discharged with an honorable discharge or FHP would not have hired him.

As he and the others continue to try to bash Rambosk, Rambosk appears to be the single candidate truly qualified for this responsibility. I am planning on "hiring" Rambosk. He has been open and up front.

#65 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on July 20, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am a veteran I i heartily support Kevin Rambosk!

Thank you, Kevin for your service to the community!

#66 Posted by jimmymick on July 20, 2008 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTV,
You are very wrong on LEO records being sealed. They are not. They are available for ANYONE to look at during normal business hours. Yes, some information is redacted, such as home address, phone number, social security number, but the "jacket" is open to anyone to see. The agency cannot ask your name, nor can they charge you to see it. If you want copies, they can charge, but it's a minimal amount. Yes, for "older" records, it may take a bit of time, but usually these records are made available within a day or two...As for Ortino becoming a PI during the time he was an FHP trooper, instead of leading people to believe he did something illegal, why not just ask why he started his PI agency when he did? You, sir, I believe are bordering on a libel case. Please be careful, I hate to see anyone's free speech squashed, but you have to have a reasonable basis to be able to prove what you say is correct and not incorrect. As for someone serving 4.5 years in the military, sorry, but I've been in and seen that happen for a wide variety of reasons. Doesn't mean something wrong was occuring. Actually, usually means someone was asked to stay past their normal enlistment time because they were so good....And, not all the time do people get encouraged to leave because of being bad apples, look at the whistleblowers who have been fired, then got their jobs back or decided to settle because they cannot ethically tolerate the agency of which they served any longer. I know, I'm one of them.....I couldn't stand by any longer and watch felonies and misdemeanors occur in front of me on a regular basis with no action being taken against the offenders. And, the inspector general upheld my allegations. please do proper research before posting what you "believe" occurred. It doesn't matter who you support, it matters that people are portrayed in a proper light and not ruined by inuendos....

#67 Posted by mothernature on July 20, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This is going to be a long six weeks until the election. Now if we only had a real good candidate in which to vote for.

First of all we have two candidates that are not really qualified in reality to hold the office. The third candidate is well qualified ON paper. Now are any of the three really the person we need to take the helm of CCSO and provide the proper leadership changes that are needed in that agency? In my opinion NO.

Rambosk is the best candidate on paper. No argument there. However he does not have what it will take to lead an agency that large and complex. As stated by an earlier post he is a wet noodle. He cannot make a tough decision in a timely manner to save his life. He tends to let things that he does not want to face fall by the wayside.

While serving as Naples City Manager Rambosk let several major issues fester that should have been addressed. The biggest was the city employee pension funds were allowed to become unbalanced. This issues was unknown to many city employees until after Rambosk left to take the CCSO position. There were other issues such as employee health care that had to be addressed right after he left.

Personally I truly believe that is why he left the city manager's job, he knew he was getting in over his head with all the various duties of that position.

I was really hoping that another well qualified candidate would step up to run for this office. Problem is with Rambosk being the "anointed one" it would be very difficult for another person to be able to overtake that.

So now we are stuck with these three candidates. One is a total nutcase, the second one is decent person but just does not really have the management back round to run an agency as large as CCSO, and the third candidate who looks great on paper but in reality does not have what it takes to take CCSO into the 21st century.

Right now my vote is for D: None of the above.

#68 Posted by swfl_ff on July 20, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There's a very simple explanation for Victor starting his PI business before he quit FHP: He was on FIRED status. Victor does not even have the three years experience with FHP that he states. He has more like 2.5 years, 1 year of that he was on FIRED status for time card violations. Effectively, he has only 18 months of FHP (i.e., traffic) experience. He does not even have 18 months of LEO experience.

#69 Posted by ke4ktz on July 20, 2008 at 5:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I vote D also.

Waste of time.

#70 Posted by myrealname on July 20, 2008 at 5:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

VO is not qualified to apply for the chief job at NPD but he wants to run the ccso?

sw fl ff, what's up with you, are you a ff here in collier? If so, why do you bash local law enforcement so much? I hope your are not EG from nn, that would explain it.

#71 Posted by Vetres73 on July 20, 2008 at 8:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What we have here Collier Citizenry, are about four Rambosk campaign workers who blog under different names and are tasked with saying whatevery it takes to sling mud. I would challenge any and all voters to actually call Ortino or check his website, ask him the questions you have in your mind. The voters of this county are not stupid as you seem to imply. Dont you think that if any of the garbage printed above was true that there would criminal charges, suits against him, etc, etc. Seems the only people saying this are the campaign freaks. Even though I will vote for Victor, I dont begrudge or degrade someone else for not voting for Victor. Its their right to do so in this country, or have you forgotten what RIGHTS are. I challenge voters to make that call or send that email. Its easy to do and with email you dont even have to have a face to face conversation, no one will know who you are. About the Ortino campaign workers who supposedly left Ortino's campaign, they were never involved in the first place. Unless you've been to the meetings, you dont know who has been there. I also hope that the citizens of this county can see the one sided hate being spewed by some of these bloggers. This only has served to create more volunteers for VIctor. Thank you, you've done him a great service and it will help him win the election.

#72 Posted by wilsonGG on July 20, 2008 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mrssmith, thank you for the lecture. Go to bed now and take lefty with you. You're in the same dream world as Victor. Don't worry about this anymore we will see who makes the victory speech. You should have been a teacher....now boys and girl play nice or take your ball and go home. wa wa wa wa.....poor poor me and victor.

#73 Posted by diamondgal on July 20, 2008 at 8:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Vertres73 Just so you know, I have been out of the fire business for some time now and I am not EG from NN whoever that is. Also I do not bash law enforcement all the time. As I rule I support the hard job the law enforcement has.

As I have stated many times here I respect the many good people within the CCSO and there are many. I have have had good experiences dealing with many of them over the years.

What I don't care for is the over all "tone" that seems to come from many within CCSO. I attribute that to the management style of Don Hunter.

What I was looking for was a strong leader and qualified candidate to step forward to run for sheriff. A candidate that is capable of running an organization as large as CCSO. A candidate that has the proper leadership qualities to lead the agencies personnel in a more professional and user friendly attitude toward the public. As of right now I just don't see those qualities in any of the current candidates.

I have no doubt that Rambosk will be our next sheriff as his support is wide. I know he has the ability to make the agency a bit more user friendly for the public but I personally don't think he has the ability to keep the agency on track in the long term.

#74 Posted by swfl_ff on July 20, 2008 at 10:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

mothernature, I hope you take a remedial reading course. What I posted had no conclusions, just questions AND my opinion on what I read in NDN causing me to be concerned.

And, I do happen to know that when someone is terminated "for cause" in ANY STATE of Federal agency that the absolute reason is NOT given. There may be a hint or if laws are broken, perhaps more will be in a file, but even when a possible future employer calls for references that the agency is very limited as to what can be said other than for cause.
Before YOU accuse people, you need to have cause yourself. If I stated that I knew about something specific and then it was proven I was wrong, you might find a probable cause for libel. But what I said was hardly libelous. I took the information given as per the NDN bio and said I had concerns. I do and your comments have added to my concerns. I do not find you to be credible.

The more I read by bloggers such as yourself, the more convinced I am that there is no other choice but Rambosk.

BTW, I am not at all employed by or have relatives employed by CCSO. I do pay attention to detail.

#75 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on July 20, 2008 at 10:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

well said Blue...well said

#76 Posted by grillerdad on July 20, 2008 at 11:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Once again, the Redlight Rambosk cheer-leaders are glossing over the fact that the Rambosk campaign people did not even bother to check into the Hatch Act regulations. The fact is that anyone in a state or local government agency that receives federal funding may not participate in a partisan race.

http://www.osc.gov/documents/hatchact...

#77 Posted by sunnydaze on July 21, 2008 at 10 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said mothernature and mrssmith!

I am so glad blue you do NOT work for the ccso or YOU would be one of those few news making people. Or do you?

#78 Posted by whatfair on July 21, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sunnydaze the CHANGE in office of the special counsel's interpretation of the Hatch Act is the key here. I wonder how many other of the folks running for sheriff in the other 67 counties would be in "violation". I know of at least 2 counties which would be with this NEW interpretation.
I know of other states, other elections which Mr.Ortino should complain about because they are also in violation of the NEW interpretation of the law. Laws are interpreted and the office of the Special Counsel has put a different spin on this old law.

I hope that this office goes after all the people who are running of any office with Federal funding (almost ALL government at any level gets such funding) as they will be very busy....very busy indeed. It will be interesting when we have a new President on how this office will then interpret this law.

Mr. Ortino needs to watch all the local, state and federal elections in the US and report to this Special Council. Perhaps that would be a good job for him. We could call him the Assistant to the Hatchet Man.

#79 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on July 21, 2008 at 2 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whatfair: LOL, I "would be one of those few news making people"? Say what?
What ARE you trying to say?
Ah, the logic of your comment is missing.

#80 Posted by BlueTonguedVole on July 21, 2008 at 2:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Finally the Vic/Vinny crowd has found the smoking gun on Rambosk…the Hatch Act. Woopdie Doo!!!

#81 Posted by factteller1 on July 21, 2008 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In reponse to straighttalker post #19. Thirty plus years of actual law enforcement and administrative experience absolutely matters. The experience in managing a city and a police department absolutely does matter. The ability to complete what you start (i.e. a masters degree) absolutely does matter. As I see it, Kevin Rambosk has always been and will remain the candidate best suited for the position. I have nothing negative to say about Victor Ortino. I personally do not know the man. However, I am concerned about whom he has chosen to surround himself with. Many posts have spoken about the Deputies that have been fired or caught in illegal acts. An administratiion that is willing to police its own / or proceed with the unpopular act of prosecuting one of its own is exactly what the county needs in place.

I will vote Kevin Ramosk for Sheriff on August 26.

#82 Posted by concernedcolliercitizen on July 21, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BTV, you are correct about this new interpretation. The Ortino camp will try and make the most of it. If I’m not mistaken, Hunter was in violation in 1988, maybe they should try and make a case there too. After all, the Hatch Act was in place then, just not interpreted to local law enforcement though. If Rambosk has committed a Federal offense as they state, where is the Federal investigation, or arrest? Um, yeah, that’s what I though…

#83 Posted by DeDeDee on July 21, 2008 at 8:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)



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