By Samantha Joseph
Staff writer
MARTIN COUNTY - Sheriff-elect William Snyder said he will make "substantive staff changes" when he takes office next January, but wasn't ready to release specifics.
"The first few months will be a time of transitions," he said. "Staff changes will be made, comprehensive review of all current administrative procedures (and) comprehensive review of the budget process itself."
A key goal involves meeting the department's challenges in the face of diminishing county revenues, while continuing to promptly respond to calls for service, he said.
"I don't think in a law enforcement agency you can reinvent the wheel," he said.
Mr. Snyder won nearly 96 percent of the vote in the Nov. 6 general election, defeating write-in candidate Trent Wetherald to become Martin County sheriff.
The former state representative also defeated Maj. David Dees and Maj. John "Ski" Pietruszewski in the Republican primary in August.
On Jan. 8, he is set to replace Robert Crowder, who served as Martin County's sheriff for about 20 years.
Now Mr. Snyder said his focus as he transitions form the political world to law enforcement is to have well-trained deputies.
"The time for rhetoric has passed and now it's time to focus on the basics," Mr. Snyder said.
"I don't see any reason why the Martin County Sheriff's Office can't be one of the top law enforcement offices in Florida," he said.
"The most important task for the sheriff is the preservation and protection of life and prosperity. That will always be my overarching goal at the agency: to do the best we can to protect public safety. I see that as the overall reason for government to exist."
And in the days following his victory at the polls, Mr. Snyder also thanked voters for their support.
"We use this word so much but it is very humbling to be chosen by my community to be their sheriff," he said. "I am very excited about it."