An Educated Voter is an Asset to Beaufort County | Eastern North Carolina Now

    On May 6, 2014, voters will go to the polls to select the Republican nominee for the general election in November. As in all political races, it is important the voter makes an informed decision. To that end, I would like to present some information to help clarify a few key issues. This is the second part of a series of articles to help the voters.

    You will hear repeatedly the accreditation program at the Sheriff's Office costs the tax payers between $100,000.00 and $250,000.00 a year. Those touting this number do not explain this wide range of figures that change yearly. Some claim this money can be used to put 4-6 Deputies on the road at no additional cost to the tax payers or pay the detention officers more money. First, the Sheriff can't add any positions without the approval of the Commissioners or increase the pay of any member of his Office without approval. Second, each new position will cost approximately $80,000.00. Those with little or no experience are not expected to know salary is less than half the cost of a new position. Knowing the budget comes with experience.

    There is a bigger problem, however, with this fantasy. According to Jim Chrisman, Chief Financial Officer of Beaufort County, the accreditation program has approved funding from the county commissioners of $9,500.00 this fiscal year. This is approximately one-tenth of one position. This is not an argument for or against the accreditation program. I am providing facts to illustrate how some candidates use false information to influence the voter.

    If anyone tells you there are hidden costs in this program, ask him to give you the details and explain how that money can be used to create new positions. Remember, the candidate has to detail approximately $240,000.00 in hidden costs to reach the stated claim of cost. Since the Commissioners, the County Manager and the Chief Financial Officer do not know how this can be done, perhaps a more qualified person can explain it to them at the next Commissioners meeting.

    In a local race, especially the Sheriff's race, no one should intentionally deceive the voters by spreading false information in order to gain support. The people deserve a Sheriff they can trust and rely on for advice based on facts.

    Now, there are lies, damn lies and statistics. Using statistics to compare apples to oranges in order to confuse the reader and prove a point about the increase in crime in Beaufort County is easy to do. When a candidate mentions Beaufort County crime, does he mean the Sheriff's Office or all of the towns in Beaufort County plus the Sheriff's Office? Only the candidate presenting the information knows the answer. A careful reading of the violent crime rate listed by the State Bureau of Investigations for the Sheriff's Office is 208 incidents per 100,000 population and is about the lowest in ten years. Any crime is unacceptable in this county, but this number is relatively low.

    The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office's violent crime rate is less than half the rate of Manteo, Maggie Valley and the City of Beaufort. The violent crime rate in the rural areas of Beaufort County is more in line with violent crime in Winterville. The violent crime rate in Washington, NC, depending on the years compared, is 4-6 times higher than the rate listed for the Sheriff's Office. In my opinion, someone has made an error in math by adding the Washington rate to the Sheriff's Office rate to drive the numbers up and create fear. Remember, some candidates must create fear and distrust to get votes.

    Men and women who run for public office must have the knowledge and the skills to succeed in whatever office they occupy. For example, I am running for the Office of Sheriff. I should know the law, have experience as an executive law enforcement officer managing a complex organization, have good human relations skills and be honest and dedicated. I have demonstrated these qualities my entire life and during my twenty-seven year law enforcement career.

    I have extensive training in many areas, a proven record of fiscal responsibility and a history as an effective administrator and leader. I am grounded in my spirituality and believe in the value of each person. I understand that being entrusted as your Sheriff demands the highest standards of accountability. I feel I can earn your trust because I take the time to listen to others. I am not quick to judge and will not allow emotions to cloud my judgment. I am a professional and can be relied on as a trusted friend.

     Republican Candidate for Sheriff of Beaufort County