09.2007
With two chiefs, of two of Florida's biggest police departments, involved in scandal, corruption in South Florida might seem to be rampant. However, a quick glance at South Florida's political history, and you might realize it's just business as usual.
"I just think it's very sad," said one woman.
Lately, it seems more of our trusted leaders have violated that sacred bond with the pubic, starting with Miami Police Chief John Timoney and ousted Broward Sheriff Ken Jenne.
"You just don't know who to trust to even vote anymore," said Janet Gomez.
"When they are accused of doing something wrong and the rest of us are trying hard to do the right thing, it's just disgusting to hear," said Meryl Catlin.
Attorney Leah Mayersohn hopes this serves as a wake up call.
Mayersohn is a former prosecutor, and she figures some corruption could come from public officials trying to 'keep up with the Jones' on a public servants salary, instead of their former high dollar incomes.
"There seems to be some kind of temptation for them to go ahead and live the South Florida life style," said Mayersohn. "And there seems to be an inherent financial pressure on these individuals as well."
While we're all tired of the seemingly endless cases of greed and scandal, Mayersohn points out an upside: It may discourage others from betraying those who count on them.
"I think that it's good that prosecuting agencies have taken a position that's very tough on any kind of corruption because I think it helps restore the public faith to the different offices that are elected," said Mayersohn.
And don't expect this parade of accused corrupt public officials to end anytime soon. Sources tell us that there are several more cases in the pipeline right now.
