Sep 17, 2008 6:47 pm US/Eastern
Ex Ft. Lauderdale PD Chief Wants Commission Seat
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ―
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Former Ft. Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts says he's not done with public service yet, and seeks the post of city commissioner.
CBS
CBS4's Joan Murray has an exclusive interview with Bruce Roberts, the former chief of Broward County's largest municipal police department. Roberts left the department in May, after firing off a scathing letter condemning the city manager and his tactics, but he's apparently not done with public service yet. "I don't know anything but public service, that's my life, that's my job," said Bruce Roberts.
The former Ft. Lauderdale Police chief wants to get into politics as a city commissioner.
Joan Murray met Roberts close to his home at an abandoned public golf course off Federal Highway. It's a controversial area slated for redevelopment.
"We need to get together as community and see how we can re-develop this area as green space," said Roberts.
Roberts is speaking for the first time since he abruptly quit as police chief, and in blunt terms, called the city manager a vindictive intimidator who jeopardized public safety. He says he still stands by everything he said in his resignation letter.
"I'm a professional, and I felt it was time to move on," he said. "It was tough; you don't spend 35 years working with a family, working to better the community and leave there."
He says he misses law enforcement.
"It was fun. You know, like any job you have good days and bad days, but I'm still proud of the men and women who serve there."
Now Roberts feels the only way he can make a difference is entering politics.
"The crime rate has gone up, the violent crime rate has gone up, and I think, I know we can bring it down, and that's what we have to start going to.'
He also wants to capitalize on tourism and revitalize business. He says he knows how to do it.
"There's not enough citizen participation. I also think with some collegial leadership on the commission we'll be able to get more done instead of being so myopic in its vision. With teamwork we'll be able to get things done.
His roots run deep in the city, but the question is will the city embrace all he's done for the police department and sweep him into a new role at city hall as a commissioner taking the city in a new direction.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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