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Candidate Fliers Show Up In School Mailboxes

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By RONNIE BLAIR | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 25, 2008

PORT RICHEY - Fliers supporting sheriff's candidate Kim Bogart turned up this morning in employee mailboxes at Chasco Middle School, which school officials say is a violation of school policy and state law.
Principal Christine Wolff said she had the fliers pulled from the mailboxes when the situation was brought to her attention. Wolff said she doesn't know who was responsible.
Assistant Superintendent Renalia DuBose cited two state laws and a school board policy that govern political activities of employees at schools.
One law prohibits government employees from participating in political campaigns while on duty. The other law prohibits candidates from using the services of government employees during working hours.
Although school board policy allows for political activity by employees, the activity can't happen while they are engaged in their work assignments or other assigned responsibilities. The activity also must conform to state law.
Bogart said he was unaware the fliers were being distributed at the school.
Bogart, a Democrat, is seeking to unseat incumbent Bob White, a Republican. Bobby Kinzy, a non-partisan candidate, also is running for sheriff.

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