Sheriff Contemplates Challenging Negron

Martin County Sheriff Robert Crowder is fed up with state Sen. Joe Negron, R-Palm City, and he's considering running against him in the next election, according to The Stuart News.

The challenge from Crowder, a Republican, comes amid passionate dissent from the Republican-dominated Treasure Coast to Negron's SB 1216. The bill calls for voters to decide every six years whether to close, continue or make cuts to one of the state's eight Children's Services Councils.

The Martin County Commission, in Negron's district, already has the power to call for a referendum vote on its council, and critics are pointing to the bill as Tallahassee's interfernce in local government.

Crowder, whose wife is a former board member of the council, told The Stuart News that he will make his final decision on whether to run against Negron in six weeks.

"I respect the Sheriff, but we have a difference of opinion," said Negron, who started his Senate career in the fall after six years in the House, in a voicemail to Sunshine State News. "I believe voters should have special oversight of special taxing districts, and the Sheriff does not."