Reactions mixed on governor's sheriff choice

He has a solid resume that includes 25 years of law enforcement experience and a pile of commendations.

He just wasn't the candidate most locals wanted.

Alvin "Al" D. Nienhuis II was selected Tuesday to be the next Hernando County Sheriff. He will fill the vacancy left by Richard Nugent, who was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Gov. Charlie Crist picked Nienhuis instead of Mike Maurer, who is the chief of operations for the sheriff's office and Nugent's preferred successor.

Nienhuis is currently the second in command at the Pasco Sheriff's Office. He previously served 11 years with the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, where he earned the rank of captain.

Several throughout Hernando County voiced their displeasure with the pick. Some thought it was politically motivated. Others thought it was predetermined. Either way, Maurer seemed to be the choice of most.

"I supported the sheriff's recommendation for the sake of transitional continuity," said Hernando County Commissioner Dave Russell. "I think Chief Maurer would have served that position competently."

Brooksville Police Chief George Turner thought the same.

"I have a lot of respect for Mike Maurer," he said. "I consider him a very fine administrator. He's an asset to Hernando County and to the sheriff's office."

Both chose their words carefully. Russell made sure to compliment the incoming sheriff.

Russell said Nienhuis was a "consummate professional" while Turner said the Pasco Sheriff's Office is an elite agency in large part because of the leadership of Nienhuis and Sheriff Bob White.

Assistant State Attorney Pete Magrino was not as cautious with his words.

He said he would have preferred Maurer or his colleague, Don Barbee, for the job. Barbee is a former Connecticut police officer and FBI agent and current Brooksville prosecutor.

"Unfortunately Charlie Crist has done what he has continued to do throughout his career and that's further his own political aspirations," Magrino said. "We had exemplary candidates here in Hernando County who knew the inner workings of the sheriff's office ... Crist made a political decision and that's unfortunate for the people of Hernando County."

Crist, a longtime Republican, opted to run as an independent for the U.S. Senate earlier this year after it became apparent he had lost support among conservatives. He lost to the Republican nominee, Marco Rubio.

Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, is a friend of the governor's and was among the few Republicans who continued his public support for Crist.

Fasano also was left reeling after U.S. Rep. Ginny Brown-Waite waited until just before the filing deadline last spring to announce her retirement.

She hand-picked Nugent as her successor and he coasted to victories in the primary and general elections.

The theory among many is that Crist and Fasano were left burned by the likes of Brown-Waite and Nugent. They thought choosing Nienhuis was a way to exact some revenge.

"I have no idea what went through the governor's mind when he made his selection, but there was one person who has had an ax to grind and that is Sen. Fasano," said Nugent. "He's been very vocal about it and that's unfortunate for the people of Hernando County."

Nugent said he plans to meet with Nienhuis and Maurer soon.

"We're going to do everything in our power to make sure we have a good transition," he said. "We want to make sure everything is right for our citizens."

Fasano said he and Nienhuis have been friends for more than a decade. He applauded Crist's choice.

"I think he will make a great sheriff," he said. "He doesn't bring in any politics to the office ... He's a true professional."

Fasano said he had been in contact with Crist and his staff during the past week to talk about Nienhuis, but said politics "did not play a role" in the governor's decision.

He said any negative comments are likely coming from those with "guilty consciences."

Fasano added he has befriended Maurer during the selection process. He hopes he stays with the sheriff's office for the long term.

"I believe they will work together to continue the great work they have done over the years," said Fasano.

Nienhuis sent a memo to all Hernando County Sheriff's employees announcing he would promote Maurer to chief deputy. The move would go into effect as soon as he takes office Jan. 1, he said.

Questions sent to Crist's press office were not answered prior to Wednesday's deadline.

Barbee said the governor's office contacted him seeking his personnel file and asked to speak to his boss, State Attorney Brad King, immediately.

He thought it was a prelude to some good news.

He received a call hours later from a staffer telling him he didn't get the job.

"It's all politics," said Barbee. "I guess I didn't know enough of the right people."

Barbee also said he was disappointed he wasn't invited for an interview.

He called Maurer later that night to extend his condolences.

The current term lasts through 2012.

If Maurer and Nienhuis decide to run for sheriff in two years, state law requires Maurer to resign prior to the filing deadline. An employee of the sheriff's can't campaign for the job while working for the incumbent.

Barbee has said he plans to run.

Maurer did not return a message seeking comment Wednesday.

Nugent said he isn't aware whether Maurer has made a decision about the 2012 election.

"Right now, I don't think Mike is saying anything at this point," said Nugent.