What Positives?

From the T&G:

Battering of sheriff's department ignores all the good

Dear Editor,
No. It's not time for Sheriff Bill Smith and Maj. Jim Proctor to go. Yes. We do deserve the best, and we think we have the best in the Camden County Sheriff's Office. We have a chance every four years to say who we want as sheriff of our beloved Camden County, and we spoke four years ago and will speak again in 2008 if we are given the opportunity by our present sheriff.My grandmother used to say, "A person who doesn't do anything is a person that doesn't make any mistakes." Yes, mistakes are made by the CCSO, but what about the good things. Are they worth talking about as well? I guess that isn't "news".

By the very nature of law enforcement, people become angry and resentful at the sheriff and his department. We also see that the political system and the outcome of the "people's voices" has caused many "get even" and negative things to be written.Are these the ones that speak for the majority of the citizens of Camden County? Is that the attitude that helps this county? Is that what the people of Camden County really think and need?There are many, many citizens that respect and depend on the CCSO. We feel safe and protected. We appreciate the "open door" policy of the administrative staff; We appreciate the deputies, as they are approachable and professional. We know we can walk in the door of the jail in Woodbine and, if the sheriff is there, we can talk to him. We don't make appointments; we go there and see him face to face.There are two words that we use to describe the CCSO. They are heart and history. Bill Smith is a kind and generous man. He and his family have been here for our families in Camden County for 70 or more years. They have worked with the good, bad and ugly of Camden County. We agree with William Terrell when he says there is the "personal part of the story" that the media and scorned people care nothing about.

Many of the new folks moving to this area appreciate the "heart and history" of Camden County. Continually "spewing" negative criticism is what we are tired of hearing.We need to hear the positive as well, and there is more positive to the CCSO than negative. If you will listen, you rarely hear CCSO responding to this criticism. They are taking the "high road", accepting the challenges as they day by day continue to protect Camden County and do their job. Don't tell me how much you know until you show me how much you care. Thank you, CCSO, for caring.

Roger and Mary Ann Seman
St. Marys

TRSP Review:
Roger and Mary Ann,
Thanks for your views they are always accepted here. I understand that you are sick and tired of hearing only the negatives, but why didn't you tell us some of the positives.

First of all, All of Uncle Bill's friends must realize that no one has ever said one bad thing about any deputy, so stop trying to make this issue about the deputies, it is not. They do what they are told and most do a great job of it.

Of course once again we hear what a good man he is, But not what kind of Sheriff he is. Not once do they say he is a good sheriff.

As I have said in the past this is not personal, I have never even talked to Bill Smith. I just comment on his record. I know nothing about his personal life and I don't care. He could be a complete ass and still be a good sheriff, but just because you are a good man does not make you a good Sheriff.

And why is the Sheriff not responding to the criticism? How would he say "I take full responsibility." Heard that before did it fix anything, NO.

Lt. Terrell writes a letter to clear up some questions; and he did not answer a single one, instead he bashes the paper. Great PR work.