It is a temptation for an elected politician to use their office in an effort to get reelected. They have many resources that their challengers do not have at their disposal. Elected officials can use the public's money to advertise to the voters and they can travel using taxpayers funds. The temptation to use the tax payers' money to get reelected must be resisted by our elected officials. If our elected officials are abusing their office it is up to voters to replace them.
Between January and November of this year, President Barack Obama had 56 events in presidential battleground states. These events were paid for by tax payers. The events had the feel of reelection events. He has even taken several bus tours through battle ground states. It appears that he is using his current position to gain an advantage in the upcoming election. Obama's opponents will have to use campaign funds for equivalent events. This will allow Obama to buy more ads, have more paid staff, and have more events then the people running to replace him.
Jim Ford, Brevard's property appraiser, uses the property appraiser's web site to advertise what a great job he is doing. There is a testimonial on top of the front page on how well the office is being run by Mr. Ford. This is not what I would expect from a tax payer funded property appraiser web site.
There is also the ongoing dispute of Lori Halbert's home appraisal. Ms. Halbert is the partner of Jason Steele. Jason Steele is challenging Mr. Ford in the 2012 property appraiser race. There was a dispute over her house's appraisal value the last two years. After independent reviews the appraisal was lowered significantly both times. Even though nothing improper may be going on, it certainly appears that Mr. Ford is using his office to punish one of the people running against him.
Whether or not any of these uses of the office to win reelection gives enough reason to remove the official from office is a decision that is left to the voters. The voters need to be informed of these potential issues and they can use their own judgement.
