Dismayed by Israel endorsement

I read with dismay the editorial board decision to endorse Scott Israel for Broward sheriff. Seventeen people remain dead in Parkland due in part to lack of preparedness, training and a department culture that made the non-response of so many deputies acceptable.

The editorial board omitted the several dozen times that deputies responded to the future mass murderer’s home. Yes, the FBI failed to respond to a credible warning. So did BSO. So many interactions with the murderer, so many opportunities. The editorial board is correct: BSO’s response was the responsibility of Sheriff Israel. That unacceptable response, and the former sheriff ’s failure to accept responsibility, should disqualify him from holding office.

The editorial board conveniently now seems to regret supporting the removal of the disgraced sheriff. The board says the school system was more to blame. Will the editorial board now call for the removal of Superintendent Runcie? Will the editorial board call for any accountability for the myriad failures that left so many dead in Parkland? I am inclined to doubt it.

The editorial board’s decision, weak rationale and flip-flopping reeks of partisan considerations. You should be ashamed of yourselves. There exists an option of not endorsing any candidate. The board should have exercised discretion and opted not to endorse in the race.

David Gott, Parkland