"The people of this County do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created." ***The views expressed on this blog are the opinions of the individual that wrote them.
9 comments:
Folks, if you haven't already, yuo need to read these latest pages from the audits carefully from top to bottom.
You'll thousands of vote-buying dollars in one year for TWO trips, by air, to that first class, luxury hotel in California that Rick showed you. Thousands and thousands of dollars in airline tickets, hotel bills - which likely include some food - and thousands paid to the proprietor of the Saddelback mega-church, Rick Warren himself. Apparently Smith is both buying votes and working on a theocratic Camden County.
Think I'm kidding? Keep looking until you find the thosuands of dollars in individiual scholarships to Cumberland Christian School, follwed by the same schols Christmas present of $10,000 in a lump sum donation.
You know, a sheriff can work up a big appetite when he sneaks over to Cumberland to check on the illegal project. So what do you do?
Why, you have a "luncheon" at the Greyfield Inn for damned nearly $300.00!
It goes on and on" trust me- it's a must read.
Jay Moreno
Here is a comment posted on 4thebadge- probably her last one there.
Anonymous said...
Well I will add my 2 cents to this. I have looked at the audits posted on Ricks blog and I am wondering why there is so much money given to charity fund raisers, buying uniforms for the high school sports teams and such, but practically none spent for the Search and Rescue Team. Those guys and girls spend hundreds if not thousands of dollars a year out of their own pockets to support the people of this county and it looks as is the Sheriff could care less. Every time there is something NEEDED by them they are always told there is no money, but it looks like if they were holding a Golf Tournament they could get a handout from the Sheriff.
4 The Badge I am sorry if this is not in line with your blog, but I wanted to say this. If you feel it isn't appropriate then I understand if you don't let it thru. I do support the LEO's of this county and have very much respect for them. I have many friends with KPD and even a few in the SO.
August 25, 2007 4:34 PM
Of course, the answer to her question is that there is much more return (votes) on the money for the
quarterback club, etc. Imagine how much equipment the search and rescue team could have purchased with the money that Smith has doled out to garner votes.
Smith should do the county a big favor and resign.
I am the one that posted that message on the 4 the Badge blog and I am not the moderator of that blog. I will say that I used to be a supporter of BTW at one time, but can't seem to allow myself to back a man that is doing what he is doing.
I am a member of the S&R team and i will say that this has PISSED me off to see that a group of volunteers here to help the people of this county do not mean anything to him. We have spent our own money in many cases to provide things we need. I see now why it could not be provided by him.
Under the Radar,
Hang in there...
There are many who greatly appreciate what you and the other S&R team members do for our county!
I want to publicly THANK YOU!
I think I met you and you gave me your home number at Sonny’s one day...
If it wasn’t you, it was one of your teammate who shares your views...
I know for a fact a New Sheriff will provide for his volunteers.
Thanks Again! Vote 2008!
Submitted for posting on 08/25/2007 4:45 p.m. for the 4 the Badge blog But of course they did not post it.
IN RESPONSE TO THIS UNKNOWING, OBVIOUS MISINFORMED, or OTHERWISE FAILED TO DO THEIR RESEARCH COMMENT ABOUT OUR CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF of CAMDEN COUNTY.
POSTED PREVIOUS:
Anonymous said...
I don't know who rick is but i went to his blog and he seems to be a supporter of a candidate for the office of Sheriff for Camden County. I guess he already has all the facts before they are finalized in court. He must be living vicariously through steve. I for one would think that a veteran like himself would be able to cut through the bull and make sound decisions himself. lets not take lose focus of what is at stake and try not to jump on any wagons without all the facts. Jumping on the band wagon of the first candidate to say they are going to run for office is like saying that b/c Bush has done such a bad job you are going to vote for Hillary b/c she is the opposer. not the way to go.
THIS COMMENT IN PARTICUALR I RESPOND TO:
<<<< we need someone in office that has the experience and the leadership capabilities to lead this county in the right direction. so far the other cadidate has failed to do so. maybe he is going to be the only other candidate. i sure hope not, b/c that would not make the citizens of camden better off. >>>>>
on another note, we need to give a raise to the county commissioners so that they will start to take their job seriously. We have no comprehensive plan on anything in Camden County. Our infrastructure, streets, water, sewage are not in place to support the future and our county's growth. we finally hired a county manager. about time. this is the first smart thing i have seen the county commissioners do. it only took them a couple of years. wow. on this pace we should have a comprehensive plan that takes time and research in place in about 2015.
August 23, 2007 5:51 PM
MY RESPONSE TO YOU:
First and foremost, do your research on those you slander or misjudge before posting a comment. This candidate has more integrity, experience, and more leadership capabilities than the current Sheriff could ever hope for. And yes, before you comment on me, I too am jumping on the bandwagon to rally behind the candidate. It is time for a change - a definite change.
It is time for the candidate, or anyone for that matter, to step up and not stand for the embarrassment this county has seen recently with the current Sheriff’s Office situation(s). Not to mention the many questionable incidents from the past under the current Sheriff’s reign. We need a Sheriff to come forward and represent the highest law enforcement office with professionalism, integrity, and as you desire (and I too) – viable experience and leadership experience. I assert the candidate id the better choice.
Let’s take a look at the first quality you denoted, EXPERIENCE:
How much experience does the current Sheriff have vs. the candidate since you did your research before posting? I assume you did some research before posting, since you exalt the candidate has none.
I would venture out and say the Sheriff’s father (former Camden Sheriff) had more experience policing than he does. I do not recall the current Sheriff ever patrolling with his deputies, investigating a single crime, or answering a call for service himself. Does he even know how the divisions in his department function? Has he ever made an arrest? Oh wait a minute! He served with the FBI before becoming Sheriff, right? That gives him experience. Take a closer look at that. What did the Sheriff do for the FBI? Did he ever serve in a law enforcement capacity with the FBI? I think you will be surprised at what you find. You (the person I’m responding to) claim you want someone with experience. I assert the candidate has it, and his track record speaks for itself unlike Bill Smith’s. Bill Smith has a lot of political experience, but lacks viable work experience.
Now let’s take a look at the candidate, Tommy Gregory who is currently seeking the Office of Sheriff of Camden County. I think had you (the person I am responding to) done your research you would see that the candidate’s experience speaks for its self. The candidate has put his resume, or track record if you would, out for all to review. How does the candidate’s experience measure up to Bill Smith’s with regards to your qualities you want to see in a Sheriff? I say they do not compare to one another. Yes, the Sheriff as been in office for some 30 or more years. This has to amount to something, right? Indictments, scandals (trustee), poor publicity, lies, and gross embarrassment – maybe even some more indictments headed his way? Yeah, I say he has amounted to a lot. This is not the person I want to see further lead the Sheriff’s Office. When is enough – ENOUGH???
The candidate comes with real working experience. He has the inner working knowledge of the department, having served with the department for many years in many LEADERSHIP roles. I for one think this is a plus. It appears, based on just a minor inquiry of his credentials made available for public review, that he has experience working illegal drugs, serving in uniformed patrol, supervising patrol functions, serving as law enforcement financial officer (big plus given the latest news with the budget situation), and more. But, this was learned by simply looking at his basic resume on his candidate website: www.gregoryforsheriff.com Did you (the person I am responding to) not view the candidate’s website before saying he lacks experience? I for one get the impression that he has “walked the walk” unlike Bill Smith who “talks the talk.” Actions speak louder than words in my book. Visit his site – need I republish it for you?
Now let’s examine LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:
Again we’ll start with the current Sheriff, Bill Smith. Yes, he is the chief law enforcement officer of Camden County, and serves as the Sheriff’s Office department head, but what leadership experience does he have? Has he ever immediately supervised his staff? Does he even know the infrastructure of his divisions within his department? Has he ever led any criminal investigation and supervised subordinates in the course of that investigation? I say not, but I recall an instance where he was directly involved in a leadership role. That was when “at will employee” situations gave to rise. The Sheriff is real quick to dismiss an employee using his policy of “to serve at the will of the Sheriff.” From someone who does not directly supervise any of his staff, he sure does take a vested interest in hiring and firing. Is this a good way to lead your department – with employees fearful of their jobs? Let us not forget the gross example of this in 2005 when he laid off more than 10 employees for this policy surrounding his re-election. Most of those employees laid off were considered career employees with many having much tenure with the department. Now that’s leadership. Who did he replace these employees with? Maybe those most “favorable” – not more qualified. To employ qualified employees, I think it is good to have the background experience to effectively hire qualified staff. To do so without it would be a leadership error. I think the current Sheriff lacks this leadership experience to effectively do this. But, he may leave this up to a divisional supervisor to hire and fire – smart. But, why does the current Sheriff have his hands in hiring and firing of many employees so much? This is another issue for another thread.
Going to the basics, one would have to be present to lead. Would you agree? Why is it Bill Smith is never present? Why is he always away from his department or out of the state? Why is he hardly ever in his office and available to the public? I prefer a Sheriff available to the public they serve. Not always out of town. I prefer a Sheriff who knows how his department works. Not one who is a department figure head. I prefer a Sheriff that can lead by example and has the experience and know-how to do so. Not a politician. I prefer a Sheriff that can rally his department towards a common goal and boost the morale of its employees- not have them in fear of their job. Not a bully. I prefer a Sheriff that can work with the community and community government. Not one who has the “Us vs. Them” mentality.
I believe the candidate, Tommy Gregory, has the leadership experience to make the Office of the Sheriff of Camden County more than what it is now. The candidate has served in many capacities within the ranks of the Camden County Sheriff’s Office – this has to be a plus. The candidate has served as a drug agent, patrol officer, front line supervisor, and multiple upper management supervision positions. Furthermore, from viewing his site, he has served as the chief financial officer for the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. How can one serve in this position and not know the infrastructure of every division in the department? I’m not saying he should be Sheriff based on his accounting skills, but it is evident his leadership experience is there, contrary to the person I am speaking to believes. What do you need to see this? Speaking of money and budget s this could become a thread in itself too. I’m sure you have read the scandals regarding the seized assets and the hoopla about the budget situation. I do not recall hearing problems as this when the candidate was the chief financial officer. Now that the candidate no longer serves in that role - look at the budget situation. One might counter this comment with saying, look at the Sheriff's current seized asset circus arena – this was suspect when the candidate served with the Sheriff’s Office. I would pose this question for your research. Who is in charge of the seized asset account at the Sheriff's Office? I think you'll be surprised to see that it is not the Chief Financial Officer. Why not? It would seem this be a task fitting the chief financial officer or something that would easily fall under the direction or overseeing of the Chief Financial Officer. When the candidate served in this role, why was he not overseeing this account or managing it? One word: Integrity. I'll leave you to your own devices on what I mean by that. But, in case you need a place to start, start with the many articles in the many papers around. Like I said this subject is better dealt with in another thread. Now back to the issue of leadership experience.
From speaking with the candidate myself as his number is listed on his website, I learned he also served to facilitate many internal investigations within the department while employed there. This is a position not taken lightly and not a task given to those who lack leadership experience and department knowledge. From speaking with him, I feel he is full of professionalism, integrity, and is eager to improve the image of the Sheriff’s Office and move it in the right direction. He comes well qualified and has the credentials to back it up.
I attempted to call the Sheriff, several times this week alone, but was unsuccessful in making contact. I gave up. This is not something I expect to from my highest law enforcement official.
I could probably go on for longer, but I think I have filled enough space on this thread. I for one am jumping on the bandwagon to remove the current Sheriff from office and I personally would like to see Tommy Gregory elected as Sheriff in Camden County. To the candidate, should you see this thread – you have my vote, and thanks for answering all my questions on the phone, and following up with meeting me in person. I will work with you to have you speak in my neighborhood and look forward to seeing you again.
To the person I am speaking to, I welcome you to visit the candidate’s website www.gregoryforsheriff.com for information about him since you failed to make note of his experience and leadership experience previously. I also encourage to you call Tommy Gregory and speak to him about his plan for the Sheriff’s Office should he be elected, It might help you change your opinion. Try calling and speaking with the Sheriff or finding him in his office. I couldn’t.
Now this post was not to flame you or put you down, but simply to encourage you to do your research before passing judgment. Thanks for hearing me out.
I just posted the following on the
4thebadge blog. Any bets on it being posted there ?
Few likely agreed with all the postings of Mr. Moreno. Fewer still will understand or appreciate your censorship. I guess your boss,
Cockroach Willie, could not stand the spotlight showing his malfeasance and "the decision has been made".
Well, annonymous / Paul Revere, the sheriff's employee who is the proprietor of 4thebadge (now all three current and former elected officals in BTW's employ are on the team and doing their part to stave off federal indictments)chose to go ahead and publish your post in a futile effort to gain an iota of credibility with those they hope to hoodwink. That boat has of course sailed long ago.
Note that I have set up a "Posts
Rejected @4thebadge.com" thread over at that Topix Kingsland Ga. site to memorialize all they revalations they are deathly afraid of at 4thebadge.com.
Jay Moreno
Sorry, that Topix is over at:
http://www.topix.com/
Jay Moreno
Well, when Bill Smith's employee who runs 4thebadge rejected my last attempt to post over there (at 1:59 PM, today) he acknowledged my submission with the following post of his own:
"4thebadge said...
Wasted key strokes little rolling troll man, wasted key strokes.
August 26, 2007 3:29 PM"
Just in case you don't get the "little rolling troll man" bit, you need to know that I am permanently partially paralysed and confined to a wheelchair for the rest of my life from a rare, autoimmune disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome (look it up - it's really quite interesting). Nice, huh?
Any questions as to why I sometimes refer to unquestioning Big Thug Willie loyalists as "Thuggies?"
Jay Moreno
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