Broward Republican Party Chair Chip LaMarca issued a news release today accusing the nine-member Democratic County Commission of playing politics with Republican Sheriff Al Lamberti's budget.
The county has asked Lamberti to cut $50 million. He has refused, although he has taken steps to reduce growth in his budget by laying off 177 workers by the end of this month.
LaMarca says that the County Commission has turned the budget date into a ''political circus.''
"The last straw was when the Democratic Mayor went before a partisan group of Democrats to criticize the sheriff,'' he wrote.
LaMarca called on elected officials in cities that have BSO contracts to also speak up.
"Or, will they remain silent out of fear of political reprisals from the Democratic Party?''
Commissioners have said their fight isn't about partisan politics despite the fact that nearly all of them endorsed Lamberti's opponent last year. They argue that its about money: if Lamberti doesn't cut, they will have to cut more from their side of the ledger.
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