Deputy Firings Explained by Other Media

From http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1130/a08.html

Real School Police Comments in Red

ROTTEN APPLES
Camden County's new sheriff right to give some deputies their walking papers.
When a law enforcement officer swears to uphold Georgia's laws, that officer must be willing to live up to that oath, even if it endangers the officer's job. (The oath something everyone has forgotten about all these deputies, they took an oath to the state, county, and the Sheriff's office, NOT THE SHERIFF HIMSELF. They had a duty to report Smith's wrongdoing)
That's why Camden County Sheriff-elect Tommy Gregory is to be commended for holding the command staff of ousted Sheriff Bill Smith to account for their failure to stand up to their old boss. Mr. Gregory has fired 27 sheriff's office employees effective Jan. 4; a drastic measure that's necessary in light of leadership issues at the coastal Georgia department. Years of news reports have detailed Sheriff Smith's use of inmate labor to do favors for private groups and individuals. The Florida Times-Union, our sister newspaper, even reports that the outgoing sheriff used inmates, paid through seized assets, to build himself a hunting lodge south of Woodbine. (And shown exclusively right here)
Where was jail administrator Jim Proctor at the time of such wrongdoing? Also, why didn't Mr. Proctor call a halt to the practice of using inmates accused or convicted of everything from rape and murder to child molestation in off-site work details? (He was to busy ushering inmates in and out of his office window)
Sheriff Smith displayed a warped preference for employees with a checkered past. He hired an officer who had been fired from another department after stalking an ex-girlfriend. (I wonder who that was) He rehired a deputy two months after the officer was videotaped beating an unarmed suspect after a high-speed chase. Chief financial officer Wanda Easterling, once caught Christmas shopping on a county credit card, was allowed to maintain her shoddy watch over the sheriff's office accounts. (I think they mean Gina Evanson, but the CFO allowed it)Perhaps keeping her job was worth overlooking the sheriff's use of assets seized from arrests on I-95 - by one estimate up to $20 million during his time in office - as a political slush fund.
While state law requires the seized assets to be used only for law enforcement purposes, Sheriff Smith apparently handed out cash to local groups like a parade marshal throws candy, according to published reports. (published here)
The department's accountant also should have questioned the purchase of 11 boats and two jet skis. Does Camden County truly need such a navy? Ms. Easterling had a duty to local taxpayers to ensure the tax dollars spent providing work details and the assets seized through drug enforcement went to a public use, not political favors. (Boston Butt for Sears campaign)
While Sheriff Smith is the subject of a Georgia Bureau of Investigation probe and a federal grand jury investigation, he has not been accused of any crime. The GBI bull's eye, however, has been painted only on Mr. Smith's back - his underlings have thus far escaped notice.(Once the FEDS start hauling these guys in the will sing sing sing, if Smith doesn't blame them first.) That does not mean they are not culpable for failing to live up to their responsibilities as public servants.
Newly elected Sheriff Tommy Gregory campaigned on a promise to clean up the department by clearing out the suspect elements, or as he put it, "the bad apples." After this pruning, the Camden County Sheriff's Office should yield better fruit. (Good job thus far Tommy)
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin

Are Indictments Coming For Soon To Be Ex Deputies?

I just received information that several soon to be ex deputies may be sitting next to Bill Smith at the indictment hearings when they resume in Savannah next month.

Sources tell me that some deputies have spilled the beans on some of those that will not have a job come next year. Apparently, now the FEDS are looking into charging those deputies who knew and received compensation from all of Smith's wrong doing. I would have to say the Easterlings may be the focus point for the FEDS. The Colonel had used the inmates to build his house. Lord only knows what else he got from Smith to keep quiet. Yet the Sears, and the Godleys could also be the focus point. Then there is Corky Rozier. He received drug money as well to keep quiet in the Dennis Perry case. I wonder if Bundy will be investigated for framing Perry for murder.

I know some are sitting here reading this going show me proof. Trust me time will tell.

• I didn't have proof when I said Bill was paying the inmates, audit reports proved me right.
• I didn't have proof when I said Bill was using inmates on private property, TU proved me right.
• I didn't have proof when I said Bill would lose the election, the voters proved me right.
• I didn't have proof when I said Bill would be investigated by the FEDS, yet again I was right.

Just give it some time, and I will be proven right again.

IF I WAS ONE OF THOSE MENTIONED ABOVE I WOULD BE TALKING TO THE FEDS NOW, INSTEAD OF LATER

Where Are The Candidates??????

Here we are a month out of the elections and none of our local candidates are talking.

Preston Rhodes,

Where do you stand on ending the closed door meetings called executive session?

Why have you not emailed me back on your opinion?

Do you not want the people to know where you stand on this issue?

Willis Keene,

Are you still running for office?

Could had fooled this blogger.

Haven't word a word from you either.

Mr. Berry,

I know you have already won your election bid, but I think the people deserve to know where you stand on executive session. Do you support doing the peoples work behind closed doors?

Ms Zell,

Don't you think the peoples business should be done in front of the people. It just makes sense don't it. You were elected because of your views, and now you want to hide those views behind closed doors. You work for us, and you should work were we can see you.

Mr. Rainer,

I know I will ask the Sheriff if executive session should be ended, as what ever the Sheriff wants is good enough for you. Does that mean any Sheriff or just Bill Smith?

And Ms. Sears,

Do you see the conflict of interest NOW? A county commissioner tell the newspaper that the Sheriff's Office needs more money is not a problem, but when that commissioner is also an employee of the Sheriff, then you have a problem. But from what I hear you have more than just a conflict of interest problem. Good luck, you will need it.


The hot race for tax commissioner has fizzled.

Where are these candidates?

I am voting for BLUE.

Why?

Because BETH SOLES can not be trusted to tell the truth!!!!!!!

I have written documentation that she is a liar.

She lied during a statement given to a national investigation agency, involving a murder case here in Camden County.

Many of you saw the report I had on this blog from this agency. I was later asked to remove it by Mr Ross, as some in the county complained about it being posted online. That does not change what was said in the report. Beth Soles lied to help a friend who was and still is suspected of killing his wife.

That is why I will vote for BLUE.

By the way if you try to contact me by email, there may be a delay. My computer has exploded and I am using a government computer to post for now.

Thank you for reading my blog, and my postings will resume on a regular basis soon.

Simple File Clerk Says A Mouthful, While Driving Around In County Car!

From The Florida Times-Union
September 17, 2008
Camden County deputies ordered to take 5 days off
By Gordon Jackson, The Times-Union
WOODBINE - The ongoing budget constraints imposed on Camden County Sheriff's Office are now hitting deputies where it hurts - in their paychecks. To meet the October payroll, which has three pay periods, outgoing Sheriff Bill Smith is requiring all employees, including management, to take five days off without pay.
County Commissioner Charlene Sears, who is also a Sheriff's Office employee, said some deputies, jailers, bailiffs, supervisors and other staff are taking one or two days off at a time until they accumulate five days off. The other option, she said, was to fire employees. Sears said she took her five days off without pay last week.
"It's really bad," Sears said. "There's really no relief for us."
At least one person is working on some relief.
A White Oak man is so concerned over the deputies' loss of pay that he has established a special account at a local bank to funnel donations to deputies to help them buy Christmas gifts.
Tripp Casey said he set up the account at Southeastern Bank last week after learning of the forced days off.
"They are already underpaid," Casey said. "They are really concerned. They're not getting anything."
Casey said his goal is to raise $10,000 to donate to deputies so they can afford to buy Christmas gifts. Donations can be made to the Deputy Christmas Fund at any Southeastern Bank location in Camden, Glynn, McIntosh or Nassau counties, Casey said.
Sears said she was happy some people in the community understand and sympathize with the financial struggles with the department.
"It's so wonderful," she said of the account. "It's so hurtful to know we can't pay deputies what they're worth."
The forced days off without pay are the result of the County Commission slashing the department's budget for the second year in a row. After Smith spent more than $9 million two years ago, commissioners voted to cut his budget to $6 million instead of raising taxes.
They criticized Smith for issuing county cars to department employees such as record clerks, mechanics, secretaries, jailers and bailiffs. They were also upset after learning money from the jail budget was used to buy quiche, tiki torches, steaks, Boston butts, cheesecake and ice cream.
The commission voted to dole out the money in monthly increments to ensure the department would not overspend.
Commissioner Steve Berry, a critic of the sheriff, who recently lost his bid for re-election, said the forced days off "sound like a dog and pony show." Problems with the budget should have been addressed two years ago, he said.
"I haven't heard anybody say 'Let's park the cars,'" he said. "They're not going to give up their perks."
But Sears said the department has been doing lots of cutting, including eliminating hot breakfasts for jail inmates, recycling deputies' uniforms instead of buying new ones, withholding pay raises and reducing travel.
"You cannot run on $6 million," she said. "There's no logic in it. They are hurting people at the bottom."
gordon.jackson@jacksonville.com, (912) 729-3672


Reviewing the RED:

How do we know this? Since Nov. the Sheriff has not turned in expense any reports. Charlene, if you want to do more turn your car in. Brantley Counties Sheriff's budget is less than 2 million, Why is ours so much?

They are hurting people at the bottom.

Charlene, Your a simple file clerk, why aren't you hurting? Would you suggest doing away with Bill's NAVY. Selling our boats to amke payroll. Of course not. Because your husband is part of the top brass making much more than the bottom people. I bet they love that a county commissioner calls them bottom people.

More to come...

Support The Sgt. Dan Jenkins Foundation

Click on pic to enlarge image:

Could Comp Time Bankrupt County?

From a Sheriff's Office employee:

If you (sheriff's office employee) or a family member, supported TG then you have already taken your time off or have scheduled to take your time off. If you are loyal to the sheriff, you will either take your time off when you want to or you may not even have to at all. You think I am wrong. Then have someone investigate the time records at the courthouse. Teresa Smith does all of the time for all county employees. When the news broke about everyone taking their time off, I was told that day to take off the next three 12 hours days I was schedule to work. I also have 355 comp hours to take off, and I have been told that I could not take them as there are not enough employees for me to be off. But yet I can be laid off with no problem. You see I voted for Gregory and I am being punished. I did not openly support TG, just in secret voiced my right to vote for who I wanted to. I will lose all of my comp time when TG takes over and I understand that, but why punish me and not let me take time now while Bill is still in office?? I worked the hours and was not paid, so I should get my time off. I am not sorry that TG is coming to run this department and I am looking forward to his new sheriff's office.

TRSP Review: How many others have this much comp time?
You stand to receive about $5,000 for your comp time? And I don't believe you will lose it when Gregory takes over. If you are fired before Jan. 1, they have to by law pay you for your COMP TIME. Just a thought!!!!

Check out this article:

From http://compensation.blr.com/display.cfm/id/152648

The most important part from the link above.

Compensatory (or "comp") time is time off from work in compensation for irregular or occasional overtime work, substituting for overtime/time and a half pay. It is only available to state and local government employers, both exempt and nonexempt, through a 1985 amendment to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The rate of comp time under FLSA must be one and one-half hours granted to the employee for every hour he/she works over forty hours in a single week.
Employees may bank their comp time to a particular cap or maximum, and accrued time is paid at termination.
Problem in the public sector. Employees accruing large amounts of comp time has led to problems for some public employers, because it meant that at an employee's termination the agency had to pay for a significant amount of banked time, and the cost could be very high.
Public employers began to require employees to take the time off in order to reduce banked time, and employees sued, charging the employers with violating the FLSA. The issue finally went to the U.S. Supreme Court, in Christensen v. Harris County, 529 US 576 (2000). In Christensen, deputy sheriffs sued the county for their implementation of a policy requiring employees to use accumulated comp time. The sheriffs alleged that the county's policy violated the FLSA's requirement that there be an agreement between employer and employees as to when the time should be taken.
The Supreme Court said otherwise. Employees may choose whether they want comp time or overtime, said the court-but if they choose comp time, and bank it, employers may mandate when (or by when) the banked time must be used. The FLSA does not bar an employer from specifying when compensatory time must be taken nor does it bar employers from reducing the cost of accrued comp time by "cashing it out" and paying the employees time-and-a-half for it.


Why do you think the Sheriff didn't want to cap COMP TIME?

I have requested those time records!!!

Football Trumps Education...Attendance

Once again we are told that attendance at school is so important that the B.O.E. is going to take Thanksgiving vacation away from our kids. Just another reason to be thankful for our school system, What would we do without them?

But never fear, school is still closed for the football game. I guess the need to learn and be in school is not as important as a high school football game. Is this game a championship game? Does this game have any importance for the playoffs? Will we also close schools for the games in the dome at the end of the year? This game will not be aired on K-Bay, but for a small fee you can ride the bus, I believe it is only $70 per person.

Why the double standard? We close schools for life threatening conditions, and have to make those days up, but a football game closes schools and no need to make those days up. And lets not forget we were told our kids can't miss more than 7 days of schools or they can play football or any other after school activities. But we can miss it for football. What a double standard. How can these people preach about students missing school and then close it for football. Unbelievable.

Remember some parents on these blogs actually said it was bad parenting if your child missed more than 7 days. That would be those parents who have sick children with chronic illnesses and those who Dad's come back from sea. But we know better. Parents with just a little common sense will tell you, that you have no idea what can happen during a school year and things happen as they do. Sometimes kids are sick longer than a day or two.

Here is the press release the school released on making up the missed days.

Notice September 12. Two weeks just is not enough time, many did not even know school was closed on the 12th.


For Immediate Release 8-28-08
On August 21st and August 22nd, 2008, Camden County Schools were closed due to severe weather associated with Tropical Storm Fay. The rigor of our curriculum and high expectations for student success dictate that we allow students to make up these lost days.
Dates considered for make-up and factors influencing dates ultimately chosen include:
September 1, 2008 – Labor Day proved to be too close to the current date to allow parents sufficient time to change travel plans or make other arrangements.
September 12, 2008 – As a result of the short notice, many students, parents and staff members have already made plans for this long weekend. If more time was available to allow families to alter plans, this date would have been viable.
October 8th through October 10th, 2008 – Student holidays/Teacher Professional Enhancement Conference. Contractual agreements with conference facilitators and reliance of some staff on Professional Learning Units (PLU) during this conference made these dates an unrealistic choice. Using these dates would require additional time away from the classroom to recover the PLU credits lost by teachers and require additional costs to break existing contracts. These dates would also require staff to work an additional two days some time later in the year since they are already included as part of the 190 day calendar.
November 11, 2008 – Veterans Day was considered as a possible make-up day but only briefly. Although Veterans Day was not removed from the table altogether as a make-up day option, the consensus was to use this day as a last resort. Hurricane season is still active and there remains the potential for additional school closings. If necessary, this date will be used to make-up additional days.
December 22nd and 23rd – Using these dates from the winter break would cause high school students to miss two additional days of critical instruction because the dates fall after the completion of the End of Course Tests (EOCT).
These factors all influence student learning, school personnel and the community. Weighing each of the factors led the administration to select November 24th and November 25th, 2008, as make-up days for those missed during Tropical Storm Fay.
The decision to convene school on the first two days of the Thanksgiving break was reached with full knowledge that this may present a hardship for some. A decision that met the needs of all 9,700 students and their families was impossible. These dates will be the least disruptive for the largest number of stakeholders.

Executive Session Must Go (My Response To Mr. Howard)

If you have not read Mr. Howard's response to my letter to the editer, please scroll to the next post before reading this one

Mr Howard,



Thank you for your quick and informative response. As many know I have been working for open government in Camden for the last two years. I have fully researched both the open records and open meetings laws. I totally agree with you that the commissioners can meet in private for the reasons you stated. My point is that it is not required by law, reasons were put in the open meetings law to protect the elected. And who wrote the law? Yes the elected, but they left it open for the people to choose. I believe the majority of Camden County would vote to end executive session in Camden County for all governing bodies, not just the commissioners. Our school board breaks the law at every meeting, just by what their agenda says. It says, that if someone has a complaint that the board feels they should not address in public, they will take that individual back into executive session with them. As I am sure you know that is an illegal action, as only the members of the board are allowed in executive session. If they take that individual back with them, then they are hearing evidence in private, which is once again is illegal. Here is the link to the most recent agenda, just click on the public participation link on the side bar. https://eboard.eboardsolutions.com/meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=4025&MID=8775



Mr. Howard, I am glad that you are our County Manger. I think you have done a wonderful job thus far, But you don't know the history of Camden County. Our government is filled with friends and family, and that is to be expected in such a small community. What is not expected, or maybe it is, is that they will lie, cheat, and steal for each other. This is what needs to stop, and the only way for that to happen is complete and total open government.



I have made a few comments under the portion of your email where you talked about reasons for executive session. My comments are in red.



From your e-mail:



Additionally, I would like to provide you with some additional information regarding Executive Sessions. Although there are a number of reasons the Commissioners can hold an executive session, our Commissioners generally hold such a session for one of three reasons: to discuss litigation, personnel, or real estate.

An executive session for litigation allows the Commissioners to seek legal advice from their counsel on pending or potential litigation, settlements, administrative proceedings or other judicial actions. Such discussions wherein the Commissioners are seeking advice from the County Attorney are attorney-client privileged, and the open meetings law in no way repeals the attorney-client privilege. However, after speaking with the County Attorney on a pending claim, for example, if it is the desire of the Commissioners for the County Attorney to proceed with the negotiation of a settlement, that action for negotiation must be taken in the open meeting. Likewise, once both parties agree to a settlement. The acceptance of the terms of the settlement must also be approved in an open meeting.



Attorney-client privilege, Who is the client? Are the Commissioners being sued? NO, the taxpayers of this county are. If the commissioners did no wrong why keep secrets? Isn't the attorney paid for with tax dollars? Holding these meetings in public will end all the "he said, she said" that always surrounds these proceedings. For example the Penny Woodard case. If the defendant does not want their side of the case made public, then I would suggest they not communicate with the board, as by our "new local law" that communication would have to be made in public. Otherwise the court will determine the out come. I believe this would actually lower the number of lawsuits and save the taxpayers money on unnecessary settlements.

Also, the Commissioners will hold an executive session to deliberate on the
appointment, employment, hiring, compensation, disciplinary action, or dismissal of an employee or public officer. For example, the Commissioners will hold an executive session on personnel to discuss qualified applicants for a vacant position. The Commissioners generally do this to protect the applicants from possible retribution from current employers. However, once the Commissioners have narrowed the field and have qualified applicants they are seriously considering hiring, the names of those applicants are made public, and of course, the action to hire is taken in an open meeting.



This is an interesting one, as when anyone applies for a job, the application always says "May we contact your current employer". So I don't buy that one. I am more concerned about compensation, disciplinary action, or dismissal of an employee or public officer. Disciplinary records are open records, so why not the proceedings. Why can't we hear what our commissioners think about the problem or situation? After all they do work for us. If an employee is wrongfully accused, they may be railroad in executive session and lose their job because of one or two commissioners dislike for them, or maybe that employee spoke out against them. It has happened before, and will happen again without open government.



Additionally, our Commissioners will hold an executive session to discuss the acquisition of real estate. One reason for this is to keep the value of the property from being artificially inflated. Once the acquisition of the property has been completed, terminated or abandoned, the location of the property is made public.



This one is a shocker, as America was built on Capitalism. Under Capitalism competition is what fuels the American economy. Yet when you do land deals behind closed doors, where is the competition. If there is no competition then land prices are inflated. I believe you will get lower land prices, if you open the door to competition. Otherwise someones family member will get rich on the backs of the taxpayers, and yes this has happened before.

Although the Commissioners may hold discussions or deliberations in executive session on these matters, any action on these matters is always taken in an open meeting.



In closing, I can't understand why anyone would be against doing the peoples business in front of the people. Who are you protecting? I will tell you who gets protection under the current law. It is the board members. Why do they need protection, when each of them took an oath to work for the people.



I would still like to hear the views of those elected. With all due respect Mr. Howard, we didn't elect you and I asked to hear from those who we elected, not the man the elected hired. As I stated above, I think you are doing a good job, keep it up.



Mr. Berry, Mr. Rhodes, Ms. Sears, Mr. Rainer, Ms. Zell,

I would still love to see a letter to the editor from each of you on your views of ending executive session in all of Camden County. Let the past election be a learning tool for all of you. You all are "at will" employees as well. At the will of the people.

My Unedited Letter

No, it was not edited by the T&G. I had to shorten it for the papers 500 word limit.

This letter is followed by a response by Mr Howard, County Manager.

Gregory Supporter Reaches Out To Smith Supporters!!!

Dear Editor,

I know many of those who supported Bill Smith are very angry. I know they all think that Steve Berry is going to grab all the power and control this county. I have a way to ensure this does not happen. We need a County Ordinance for OPEN GOVERNMENT. With the help of those that voted for Gregory and those that vote for Smith, we can achieve another historic victory on taking back our government. For those who are wondering what open government is, simple put it is completely open. We would have no more executive sessions, no more meeting certain people behind closed doors, no more keeping the people in the dark. In an open government, everything is out on the table in front of the people. This ordinance would be for all meetings of any government body in Camden County. According to the Georgia Sunshine Laws, the elected boards may meet in private for several reasons. These exemptions can be accessed at http://www.rcfp.org/ogg/item.php?t=short&state=GA&level=M2A2. The key word in each of these exemptions is the word may. If the elected were required to meet in private the law would say they are required, but it does not so our elected have the choice to meet or not to meet behind closed doors. Yes, it is their choice. They chose to leave us out of their conversations. WHY? They are there to do our business. If everything is on the table no one will be able to hide what they are thinking or doing. Tommy Gregory has already promise an open Sheriff's Office, it is in his six-point plan. That is why I voted for him. Now is the time to get the rest of the county open and in the sunshine. This is the time of year to get these things done. We have an election for County Commissioner in November between Chip Keene and the current Chairman Preston Rhodes. Which candidate will embraces open government? The candidate the runs on an open government platform will win this election and we will be on our way. Unless Mr. Rhodes wants to get started on it right away, then he could add it to his resume. Mr. Rhodes wouldn’t it be nice to campaign on the fact that you got the ball rolling on open government. As for Mr. Berry, I have good news; you Sir are now officially my Commissioner. Yes, I moved to your district, so I could urge you as my commissioner to bring open government to Camden County. I hear you quote to Sunshine Laws all the time at meetings, now is the time to take those laws and make them work for the people. The time has come for the people to take back this county and make it fair and equal for all. Ms. Zell, Ms. Sears, and Mr. Rainer, You all must want open government as well, I do not know how anyone could be against doing the people business in front of them. Do you? In the next few weeks I would ask, each Commissioner to write a letter to the editor, explaining his or her position on open government. Mr. Keene, your comments are also welcomed.

The bottom line is if you want more accountability from our elected officials, then you must demand an open government. This way, everyone will be treated equally and fairly. How could anyone be against OPEN GOVERNMENT?

Click on pic to enlarge:

My comments to follow shortly, what are yours?

Their Open Government still includes hiding in executive session.

The Big Announcement

Folks,
I have several BIG announcements. It started as just one, but now I have several.

First,
I plan on reaching out to the Smith supporters and ask them to help bring open government to Camden County. No I don't mean just follow the current open government laws, I mean a complete open government. No more closed door meetings. No more "you can't see those records". No more "we have personnel issues to discuss", don't the personnel work for us.

Smith supporters are concerned about Steve Berry grabbing all the power. A complete open government would not let that happen. Everyone would be treated equally. If we had this during the Smith years, he would still be in office come 2009, and he wouldn't be in trouble today.Open government will keep all elected honest.

I am going to do all I can to bring this to Camden County. I selected a candidate for Sheriff that campaigned on an open Sheriff's Office, one point of his six point plan. I also moved so I could be in Steve Berry's district and urge him to get on the open government bandwagon. He answered my call when I asked the Commissioners to speak out against Smith, hopefully he will do the same this time.

Folks in District 1, you will have a choice this fall for your commissioner, pick the one that wants open government. Asked both candidates if they believe the peoples business should be done in front of the people.

I am asking the County Commissioners to draft a new County Ordinance making all of Camden County open to the people. This includes city government, the school board, and all these little boards that pop up to waste our money.

Open government hurts no one and helps everyone. Call or email your commissioner and tell them to vote for open government!!!!

District 1 Preston Rhodes e-mail lbrhodes@tds.net

District 2 Katherine "Nisi" Zell e-mail zellblnt@tds.net

District 3 Steve Berry e-mail writersteveberry2@yahoo.com

District 4 Charlene Sears e-mail cjsears@co.camden.ga.us

District 5 David Rainer e-mail drainerga@earthlink.net

Together, let's make this a county, the county that leads the way for open and fair government across the USA.


Other big announcements are not yet complate, but here is what I have been working on:

Did St. Mary's hand out contracts, before a vote was held?

Is the local radio blackout on two away games, just an attempt to make more money?

Will let you know soon.

Thursday, Big Anouncement

Thursday will be the day. If you all agree, this will change Camden forever.

To hold you over, did anyone know we have a yacht club in Camden?

School System's Overcrowed Buses Puts Student Lives In Jeopardy

My latest email:

Ms. Cox, Members of the Camden County BOE, BOE Employees, and News Media,

I would like to take this opportunity to voice my opinions on issues that affect every student in the school district of Camden County.

Camden County School buses are very overcrowded. Students are forced to sit on the nasty floor; and are seated four students to a seat- intended for only three persons. At Open House, parents were informed buses would be crowded due to high gas prices, but this is ridiculous. This is a lawsuit waiting to happen. What if these buses were in a minor fender bender and these kids on the floor got hurt, or even worse. Could you live with that for the rest of your lives? Would you allow your kids to sit on the floor of any bus?
My teenage son told me today that he could not find a seat this morning to sit down in, even though there were four empty seats in the front of the bus, that only a selected few students are permitted to sit in, and they are then sat two to a seat on these selected few seats. Why?
There is also one high school student that rides this bus, and he gets the entire seat to himself. This is happening on morning bus # 73. Also, other parents are complaining of the same things happening on their children’s buses as well.

I understand gas is expensive and cuts need to be made, but if I can find a way to manage things on my small budget, I think this school system should be able to manage on a multi-million dollar budget. Maybe some of the employees at the B.O.E. could take a pay cut, or jobs eliminated.


I would also like an answer as to why so many students fail the Math portion of the C.R.C.T.
I find it impossible to believe that the state and local officials expected a high number of failures in the beginning of the year, as they explained. That answer is a lie. No one ever told parents to expect their children to fail the test that I am aware of. The other answer, that the test was more difficult than the past, is also impossible to believe. 8th grade math, is 8th grade math. If you make it harder, wouldn't it be 9th grade math? Why wasn't our students taught what was on the test?
This letter will be posted on www.schoolpolice.blogspot.com and your comments as well, or the lack there of. But you may want to read what others will have to say on these subjects.

Stop The Sheriff, Before He Bankrupts The County

This was a post I made back on August 30, 2007.

amazing how things come true!!!!


Dear Commissioners,

You must ask the Georgia Sheriff's Association to ask the Governor to appoint a panel to investigate our Sheriff. He is attempting to BANKRUPT our county. He is having budget problems and yet continues to hire new people. It has been brought to my attention that Mr. Smith has hire St. Mary's councilman L.J. Williams. Why? What was the Sheriff's Office missing that they needed to hire more people? Or are the taxpayers paying for more political reasons.

He continues to spend, spend and spend, and he was over budget last year. Do you really think he cares how much he goes over this year? We need to have him removed from office for the sake of the county finances. The taxpayers should not be held responsible for a renegade Sheriff.

But if you don't take action it will cost us, the taxpayers.

Rick Rogers
The Real School Police

Indictments To Be handed Down This Week

If you are reading Topix, and wondering why Bill Smith is firing everyone insight. Well, I have been told that the indictments will be read this week. Yes indictments, that is more than one. My sources say that there are at least 15 counts. I have not been able to confirm this from my three usual sources, only two are saying this. So it might not happen this week, but it will happen. I was told it took so long, because every time the feds talked to someone they gave more information that needed more investigations and more interviews.

So why is Bill firing everyone? Because all these people have to go to court and testify at Bill's trial. How many of them are going to plead the fifth? The one I can't wait to see is my favorite County Commissioner Charlene Sears. Remember she is nothing more than a dumb file clerk, Oh I am sorry that is a simpleton file clerk. I would love to see her on the stand. She is just as guilty. Charlene maybe you could be a file clerk for Dr. Chua when he gets out. Are you the reason Bill never could find the permission from Janet Reno. Of course not, you can't file what you don't have.

Look for the indictments this week. Should be interesting.

And this is not the big announcement, I am still waiting on others to confirm things. Just thought I would pass on the indictment news. I sure hope it happens. Once again 2 out 3 sources have confirmed it, so take it as you want.

For those of you that emailed me about the school board, I will be looking in to what you have said, and will post my findings when complete. Thanks for the emails.

Stay Tuned

Shortly I will have a huge annoucement that will change politics in Camden forever.

Please stay tuned!!!!!

Gregory's Post Election Interview!

From the Florida Times Union:

Camden, there's a new sheriff in town




Gregory addresses top issues plaguing county law enforcement.




By Gordon Jackson, The Times-Union


The man who unseated Camden County Sheriff Bill Smith in Tuesday's election is preparing for what he hopes will be a smooth transition between the old and new administrations.



Tommy Gregory campaigned on a platform to restore integrity to the Sheriff's Office, which has been embroiled in a series of disagreements with the County Commission over control of seized asset accounts, the operating budget, inmate labor programs and the number of cars assigned to employees.

Gregory answered questions about his plans for the office after Smith's term ends Dec. 31.

What was your motivation to run for sheriff?

I worked at the Camden County Sheriff's Office over 18 years. While I was there, I identified several problems that needed to be corrected. I shared those views with the sheriff. At the time, he basically said it didn't warrant changes. When I left in 2004 I decided to run for that top seat to make the changes that would benefit the citizens of this county.

How did your father, former Georgia Bureau of Investigation special agent Joe Gregory, influence your career choice?

My father and my grandfather were both law enforcement officers. I admire them both. Both of them told me don't get into this job. ... But I couldn't wait to get in it. I actually got into law enforcement explorers, I did two internships while in high school. Straight out of high school I got hired by the GBI and loved every minute of it. I love helping people and I've been here ever since.

What is the biggest misconception people have about Tommy Gregory, especially among Bill Smith's supporters?

I think Bill has spread the word I'm not qualified, [that] I don't have the leadership skills. I'm the highest certified and qualified person in the county. I've spent my whole life training to obtain almost every certification the state of Georgia offers. I started the first training division. I started the first firearms instructor for the sheriff's department. ... I was their patrol commander. I was their training commander. My qualifications are the misconception. I'm very qualified to take this next step and lead Camden County forward.

Are you concerned you will have problems with the staff at the Sheriff's Office?

I don't think I'll have problems with the staff, but I think they're scared for their jobs right now. The sheriff told them all basically they're going to be fired and that's the farthest from the truth.

Will some Sheriff's Office employees lose their jobs?

Yes. While I was there I saw certain officers and employees commit crimes. My employees represent me, and I'm only as good as the weakest employee there. ... I vowed to clean up the Sheriff's Office. So, if they are committing crimes, they can't work for me.

Can you identify the employees you plan to release?

They still have to work for the current sheriff another 5? months, and I'd rather not identify anybody at this point.

Do you plan an audit of the department?

Yes. I'll hire an outside agency to come in and basically audit and inventory everything that's there.

What changes do you expect people to notice after you take office?

Basically, more police officers on the streets. I'm going to reorganize and reform and transform the whole Sheriff's Office, every department, the management staffing level. We're going to get more people on the streets and basically do it in a budget-friendly way. There's a lot of waste there.

How can you put more deputies on the street and save money?

Currently, the administration is top-heavy. If we get some of these high-paid political positions out of the office, [we can] use the same money to pay [new employees]. For every one of our administrators, you can put two deputies on the street.

It sounds like some of the existing staff may have to accept demotions.

Yes. I truly believe in paying people for what they do. [Some are] doing a $20,000 job and getting a $50,000-a-year paycheck.

Which employees will be allowed to drive county vehicles home?

Patrol deputies and active investigators, because they can be called out for emergency response at any time. A little more than 20 would go home any given night. Two-thirds of the current take-home cars will be parked.

Which employees are going to lose a car?

Any administrative clerk, secretary, jailer and non-sworn personnel will lose their cars. We'll have to keep a few cars for a motor pool for office personnel to run errands during the day.

What will you do with unneeded vehicles?

I'll turn them over to the county for surplus. They can do what they want with them.

Will nonprofit organizations and churches still get inmate work details for chores, such as moving furniture and mowing lawns?

It depends if it meets the guidelines of the law. Just because you're a nonprofit organization or a church doesn't mean you're necessarily going to get a free labor force. ... I'm in the business of public safety, not supplying labor.

How will you use money from a seized asset account?

Basically to benefit law enforcement here in Camden County. Bill Smith has done a lot of good buying other agencies equipment ... but he's in front of the [County Commission] asking for money to take care of his own employees. Let's take care of our own employees before we take care of others.

How much money do you believe will be required each year to operate the Sheriff's Office?

That's an unknown. I ran his budget almost 10 years up to 2004 and we did all three divisions for $5.2 million for the last three years I was there. Currently, they get $6 million to run two different divisions [patrol and jail] and another $1.3 million to run the 911 center. So that's $7.3 [million] for what I used to run on $5.2 [million]. I'm pretty sure I can run on the $6 million that they provide for the two different divisions.

Is the current staff too large, too small or just right?

When I first announced I was running, [Smith had] about 160 employees. Since I was complaining that he has a large staff and only four deputies patrolling he's let that go down ... to 138. One hundred and thirty-eight is close to where it is optimal to run efficiently.

What are you going to do with the boats?

Right now, he's got about 12 boats and he just bought two. We're not in the business of patrolling the waterways. We've got the Department of Natural Resources, two Coast Guard units, the Navy, Marines. We've got a lot of people on our waterways. But, with that said, we still have to respond if nobody else can. I do propose to keep one large boat ... and a small boat in case somebody gets into trouble in one of our smaller creeks. The rest of them, just basically turn them back over to the county and let them surplus them.

What will you do about jail overcrowding?

Aggressively bond people out. If a judge gives them a bond and he deems them to be safe to be in public, I'm going to do everything I can to bond them out. They don't need to sit in our jail at taxpayers' expense.

If you need to create more cell space, how are you going to do it?

We built that jail in 1987. That jail was designed as a pod system to be added on to. The land's there. People in Woodbine are against that. The mayor of Woodbine is against that. And I do feel their pain. But the question is they built in Woodbine knowing the jail's been there since 1929. I propose if we have to build, we add another pod onto that jail.

Will you continue drug and drug money interdiction on Interstate 95?

Yes I will. Every dollar we seize, that's less drugs being transported up and down our highways. Every dollar we get out there is a dollar less our taxpayers have to pay.

What are your plans between now and when you take office?

Reach out to Bill Smith and hope he meets me halfway. The biggest thing is there are a lot of fine employees who work there that are scared for their jobs. They don't need to be scared, they need to be out here taking care of the citizens of Camden County. I just want to make it a smooth transition. I'm willing to meet him 90 percent of the way. He's got to be there to make a smooth transition.

Get Your Gregory Gear

Show your support for our new SHERIFF!

These items and many more available at:
http://www.cafepress.com/gregory

Judge Gillette's Briefing

And Camden County Wins!!!!!!

That's right the people of Camden County decided to stop the corruption. For all those elected officials who think they can get away with it, you won't. We did it Camden County. Congrats.

We WON!!!


Tommy on the phone with the President?

Just his good ole boys

For those who said Bill would win with 98%. You were so wrong!!!!!!

The crowd outside the courtroom watching the returns.

Where's Waldo?

Jay, send me that one picture of the deputy flipping you off.

Yes, Mrs. Bush I am proud of him.

Enjoy this video:

I have been waiting a long time to use this one.

Can You Name The Deputy Behind This Loaded Finger

Sheriff Fundraiser (your seized assets at work)

Harry Callahan for District 5 County Commissoner

Read Harry's letter to the District.

Click on pic to enlarge:

Tommy's Letter To The Citizens Of Camden County

For those of you who don't get mail!

Click on pic to enlarge.

Sheriff's Office Can't Get Their Stories Straight

In The Tribune and Georgian, published July 9th 2008, the article titled Sheriff's Office halts payments to inmate workers, records show W. Terrell states:
" ....Smith believes that education is essential to success. "Having these Scholarships, which were approved by Atty. General Janet Reno, available to local students makes achieving that success much easier," he said. ....."

But this can't be the truth either, for two reasons:

First, these scholarships were started in 2002; Janet Reno was not in office in 2002.

Second and more importantly, I have a piece of paper signed by Sheriff Smith that states he never used the seized assets outside the guidelines. So, who is not telling the truth?
Smith or Terrell?

Also, in reference to Grant Porter’s letter Fry’s letter spread untruths about Smith. He states that “the county clerk and the finance department cannot produce one letter requesting the expenditures.” That part I hope was referring to Berry, because I am sure they can produce my email, Terrell can show you the same email. It asks for those same records, and here was their response dated June 17, 2007 via email:
“We can provide you with an expenditures report from July 2007 through November 2007. After November 2007, the CCSO was given monthly allotments (less the payroll expenses) to manage, and we have not received an accounting of those allotments as of yet.”

You be the judge!!!

Gregory Gets Another Endosement!!!!!

Click on pic to ENLARGE:

Shared Assets State Level

The whole thing should be up and running now!!!

Just click on pic to enlarge.


This is the one you all have been waiting for. This is the first half. I will try to post the second half, but I don't know if I will have time. I am tired!!!!! This message will self destruct, if I get the second half posted.









































And the rest