You neglected to mention that Jim Cox very accurately observed that when one has been with an organization for as long as McBrayer, habit and famililarity often lead to lack of innovation. McBrayer is a good man. Jim Cox is better for Henry County.

This commercial for Jim Cox is over the top, but if Jason wants to let his blog be used for that, that's up to him.
Saying that the current Sheriff spends more time in Florida than Henry County is an outright lie. I'm also virtually certain that you knew it was a lie and you decided to write it anyway, because you thought it would help your candidate. That makes everything else you write suspect.
Cox hasn't brought forth any new ideas. The Fugitive Task force is an idea he got from the village idiot over in Clayton County. Doubling the SROs to include Middle Schools is a dumb waste of money and will only happen if the BoE agrees to pay for it like they do the existing SROs. Cox wants more, more and more, which isn't needed and is only going to cost more, more and more. He ought to be over on the Democrat side fighting it out with Eckler (although he'd lose over there too).
Cox played police officer and thought that would be enough to fool people into electing him when he's run before. It didn't work, so he tried actually doing some real police work for a few years. Well, that doesn't compare well to McBrayer's experience (or Eckler's for that matter).
And to make an issue of the fact that McBrayer was not made the Chief Deputy shows a level of mindlessness that I cannot comprehend. For the record, McCart is not running. If he were, it might be an issue. It has been common knowledge for many months that McBrayer was going to be running when Chaffin retired. He could have promoted McBrayer, knowing that he would be taking a leave of absence. Instead, he promoted the guy who will almost certainly be in that position after the election.

This commercial for Jim Cox is over the top, but if Jason wants to let his blog be used for that, that's up to him.

There is a McBrayer supporter that posts here, let him speak up.

If you have something you'd like to be on the frontpage, send it along.

The reason McCart did not run for sheriff and he did make mention that he might earlier is he did not want bad feelings between him and McBrayer.

Dutch, I agree with Jason's invitation.

A correction: I said spends as much time in Florida, not 'more time.'

OK, Larry...only problem is that's a lie too.

You're right Jason. McBrayer does have a supporter who posts here, but he's been busy correcting lies about another candidate.

My point is that people involved in campaigns shouldn't be posting campaign material here...at least not if you want your web site to have any credibility with the general public. Maybe we'll start dealing with any issues again in mid-July.

It is interesting that several well placed figures in the community are also enjoying the warm sunshine of Florida these days.

Dutch, did you attend the forum? Did you talk with people who were persent? Did you gather opinions and comments? I DID before writing this post.

You are certainly free to disagree. Just as others posting here will agree with my assessments.

The invitation stands. Send your frontpage post to Jason and it will appear - and be subject to agreement or opposition.

I don't feel the need to post too much PR, McBrayer is going to take at least 75%, possibly 85%.

As for the youth detention center, these are regional, it blows my mind that anyone would want to bring them here. Maybe we get some cash for housing inmates from another county, I don't know how that works, but it isn't worth hiring more jailers and paying their benefits.

As for the added resource officers, maybe that is a good idea, lets raise Larry and Jim's taxes to pay for them.

I believe strongly Jim is a nice guy, but you don't take the new cashier at Wal-Mart and put them in charge of the store. It just won't work. Law enforcement management experience comes with time. It isn't the management of a facility, it is the management of a facility AND the people who run it AND and the money that is needed to run it.

I don't mean this as an attack on Cox, I really do believe he is a nice guy, but I strongly feel he is the second most qualified candidate and McBrayer's qualifications are second to none.

The deadline to vote in the July 15 primary is June 16!

Thank you Joshua for your endorsement of Keith McBrayer. And I would like to thank Mr. Stanley for his endorsement of Jim Cox.
At least we know where you stand. About the Wal-mart cashier running the store, I have a story about something that happened about twenty years ago. A well known Ph.D. decided to go to work for the other mart. He was hired as a freight mover and paint mixer as well as a cashier.
Within a year he was employee of the year and became Assistant Manager of the store in the same time frame. I know him very well he is a good friend. Also, I know a Neurosurgeon who recently left his position at DeKalb Medical Center and now runs a very popular landscaping and lawn service in the DeKalb and Gwinnett area. According to friends he is making more doing that than he did as a surgeon. I think what a person does in life is a key to perception.
What a person does, does not make the person. I know and like both candidates for Sheriff but only one can be Sheriff and it will be the one who the voters feel will do the best job for them. Nothing we say will change their minds but it might help them understand who these folks are and what their plans for the Sheriff's office are. Thank you for your good work Joshua and for your opinion.
The Doctor

No, I didn't attend the forum. I have to admit I'm not a political barfly...not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm not playing footsy with them at every possible political gathering. I'm not making friends with the ones who are nice guys nor am I getting pissed off at the ones who choose not to entertain me. Because of that, I'm able to base my opinions solely on issues and qualifications.

With you, everything you write is biased by your relationships with the involved parties.

And Joshua, I agree with everything you said except that I think Eckler has Cox beat on qualifications.

That should read the deadline to REGISTER to vote is June 16.

Sometimes it is good to look a person in the eye who is running for office and see how they answer you on questions of interest to you. This doesn't make you some kind of groupie but if you attend an event to see these people who want to use our money then it may be wise to do so.
The Doctor

I went into the forum leaning slightly towards McBrayer and found myself in more agreement with McBrayer. Though Jim Cox's proposals are well intentioned, I am not crazy about the youth detention center and if we double the Resource Officers how are we going to pay for it?

With concerns to the youth, I believe churches and other private entities should provide places for the youth.

Regarding the Resource Officers, you would have to raise taxes or cut spending from other areas to fulfill the new fiduciary responsibilities.

Another point I found myself disagreeing with Cox on was assault weapons. To be fair I am not quoting Mr. Cox exactly but, he said something to the effect that for officer's safety he would support some restrictions on assault weapons. I do not support any restrictions on firearms. It is also important to note that Cox was the only one to say something on assault weapons.

This is not meant as a smear but I just philosophically disagree with some of Mr. Cox's positions.

Ryan,
How are you this evening or morning. I believe that if the crooks on the street can have assault weapons then our police force should have them to fight back with. Also, if the money for Nash Farm, the golf course, and the butterfly garden in McDonough could have been used for a youth detention center and help to fix our roadways. We are talking about over $45 million dollars that have been wasted on these projects and will continue to be fed by us the taxpayers. Also, the revenue that we will likely be getting from the new training facility which is in the works will be garnering money from other police forces to use to help with their training. These funds can be used to keep the facility operating.
I don't know the exact amount it costs to keep our juvenile prisoners at other facilities out of county but I am sure it is sizeable and we the taxpayers are already paying for this. That money could go to this facility also. I went to school with Keith and I have met Mr. Cox on several occasions. As far as likeability they are both fine gentlemen. But as Dutch and Joshua said earlier Keith has the upper hand in this election because he has the support of the old families and that goes a long way here in Henry County. An endorsement from the Sheriff is like having the golden chalet laid at your feet. One day this will end here but I don't see it happening soon.
The Doctor

Doc,
Were both night owls I guess? I totally agree with you on firearms. I like Jim Cox personally, but the forum showed me how much I disagreed with Mr. Cox philosophically. McBrayer did not reveal how he felt on certain issues with the depth that Jim did. I cannot say with great confidence that I agree with Keith on a majority of issues.

Ryan,
Sometimes I am a night owl
because I can not sleep due to my health. I have trouble breathing when lying down and I am in a great deal of pain. But enough said on that. Follow your instincts on which person you feel is the best choice for Sheriff. When you decide fully then support your candidate and live with your decision. It's these types of decisions in life that we are faced with everyday whether it be an election or our lives. You are a very bright and intelligent young man and it is your insight that makes me feel better about the future. Take care and keep working hard. Remember also if some one disagrees with you or you with them it doesn't mean that you can not find some common ground.
The Doctor

Doc,
Thank you for your kind words.

You're right Jason. McBrayer does have a supporter who posts here, but he's been busy correcting lies about another candidate.

My point is that people involved in campaigns shouldn't be posting campaign material here...at least not if you want your web site to have any credibility with the general public. Maybe we'll start dealing with any issues again in mid-July.

Dutch,

I have defended McBrayer against Larry before, I think it was just before I left for Denver.

I believe he is overwhelmingly qualified and that he'll do an excellent job.

However, I am not going to micromanage every frontpage post. I don't have the time or the inclination to do it.

Jim said the State would lease and operate the facility and would pay the county for the lease. Why would you not want to have a facility in the County paid for by the State, and save thousands of dollars in gas and transport money and reduce the liability of the Officers/Deputies and Juveniles back and fourth to Hampton. The building is already in existence. On assualt weapons, I spoke to Jim and he said he did not like the idea that Nazi groups, Survivalist, KKK members,Gangs, and other subversive groups could purchase assualt weapons. An assualt weapon is not a hunting rifle or a semiautomatic pistol, it is a fully automatic military weapon. The average Police Department cannot deal with robbers and crooks with assualt weapons. The police officers do not have fully automatic assualt weapons issued to them. Does anyone recall the bank robbers with assualt weapons in L.A. and the carnage and destruction they caused before Swat could arrive? The every day Patrol Officers went to Gunshops during that carnage,and tried to get assualt weapons to stop the robbers.

The purpose of the 2nd Amendment is to protect the right to and oppurtunity for an armed overthrow of the government. Anybody here disagree with that?

Ok - now, why would ANY liberty seeking and loving person support any restriction on an assault weapon?

Like it or not the guns contemplated in the 2nd Amendment and protected by the 2nd Amendment will be pointed at employees of the government (see, eg April 19, 1775).

Having said that I like Jim Cox, he is a good man and would be a fine Sheriff. I just don't like the pandering.

I have no desire to spar with you on what you allow on your own web site. It's your property and you're obviously free to allow anything on it that you want. However, since it is yours, everything on it reflects on you as well. I seem to recall some discussions in the not too distant pass about some material with Ron Paul's name on it and an expectation that he bore some responsibilty for the content.

Front page posts for benefits for a particular candidate (garage sales, golf tournaments) and blatant commercials for a candidate are over the top. I wouldn't suggest micromanagement, but unless you're going to meet the legal requirements of a PAC and file the required disclosure reports, I'd be careful how much campaign material I allowed published here for free.

whitehouse,

I hope Jim Cox didn't really say those things and I'm going to assume that this is just more misinformation that we seem to be getting in abundance here close to the election.

The Bill of Rights applies to everyone. If you want to make exceptions for members of certain groups (and survivalists?), then you're endangering those same rights for everyone else.

And by the way, fully automatic weapons are already illegal. Anyone who has made it through basic mandate class for law enforcement officers would know that (or should know it).

The Bill of Rights applies to everyone. If you want to make exceptions for members of certain groups (and survivalists?), then you're endangering those same rights for everyone else.

Front page posts for benefits for a particular candidate (garage sales, golf tournaments) and blatant commercials for a candidate are over the top. I wouldn't suggest micromanagement, but unless you're going to meet the legal requirements of a PAC and file the required disclosure reports, I'd be careful how much campaign material I allowed published here for free.

Free Speech?

Personally, I believe you should be able to say whatever you want...something seemingly guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. However, that's not the way it is with regards to legalities concerning PACs and campaigns in general.

A word to the wise is sufficient.

Here is what Georgia's election code says about PAC's:

"Political action committee" means any committee, club, association, partnership, corporation, labor union, or other group of persons which receives donations aggregating in excess of $1,000.00 during a calendar year from persons who are members or supporters of the committee and which distributes these funds as contributions to one or more campaign committees of candidates for public office.

Thanks for the threat, I mean..."word to the wise."

I have read the Posts on Jason's sight for several years, but as far as I know, this is the first time I have ever posted. I want to specifically address Dutch, and Ryan. I can understand you supporting someone else for sheriff, but maybe I didn't make myself clear in a forum with two minutes to open, two minutes to close, and redundant questions.
1. Juvenile Detention Center. This was not my idea, the Judge had the idea several years ago when the building was sitting empty. He approached the County Commissioners and told them he had spoken to the Governor, and the Governor stated they, the state, was not building any more Juvenile Centers. He approached the State Juvenile Justice Department and was told that they would lease, staff, and operate a Detention Center in Henry County, if the county would supply the building. When the Judge approached the Commissioners, he was told that the building belonged to the Sheriff, and if he agreed, it could happen. The Sheriff did not agree, and turned that facility that was once the County Jail into a minimum security facility. The building was empty, it was refurbished by our tax dollars, and used for minimum security inmates and week enders. My opponent says that Juvenile Centers are a state function and we can't do anything. {He can't, I can.} I have talked to some of the local State Juvenile Justice people and they are on board with me. When I am elected, I will meet with the Judge,and the Commissioners, and the State Juvenile Justice Department, and we will get the Detention Center, because "It can be done, it needs to be done, it won't cost the taxpayers, and it will decrease juvenile transport liability." I must say that I am concerned when my opponent said we should re-habilitate these juveniles. This shows me how out of touch he is with actual enforcement. Its good to be on Committees and Boards, but, in Law Enforcement, it is better to actually enforce. Several months ago, two other officers and myself arrested five Gang Members from Dekalb County who had burglarized three homes in North Henry County, and were doing their fourth. We all received commendations. The Five were members of the Southside Mafia, the Gang who had also killed a store owner in Fayette County. We recovered two stolen weapons, several laptops, several digital camera's recorders, jewelry, cash, etc. The Dekalb County Gang Unit came to the scene and identified all the members, and had arrested several of them in the past. One Gang Member had a fresh gunshot wound to his arm that was not completely healed. I suppose, when those homeowners came to Headquarters that evening to identify and get their merchandise, we could have told them that we were going to send the Gang Members to a Teen Center so they could play sports and be re-habilited. Maybe in a perfect world, not in reality.
Second, I am not for Gun Control. I got my first "22" rifle when I was 10 years old. I have another "22', two hunting rifles, three shotguns, and several handguns. I do not have a fully automatic assualt weapon, but I know officers who do, as a personal weapon. The Henry County Police Department does not issue assualt weapons to their Officers, with the exception of SWAT. As a Police Officer, I have seen other Officers and Deputies killed by Black Panther "Rap Brown" in Atlanta, and by another demented person who killed one APD Officer and wheelchaired another for life. An assualt weapon can't be used for hunting, it can't be carried legally, yet it is available to be purchased by anyone who wants to use it for mass human destruction. I believe in the 2nd Amendment, I just don't believe assualt weapons should be available to everyone.
Finally, it surprises me that all of you want to support the same old Political Machine, Good Ole Boy system that has been here for years. My opponent is supported financially by such people as Mr. Hudgins, Mr Lambert, The Atlanta Raceway, Racing Radio's, the District Attorney, the Solicitor, Mr. Leland Maddox, B.J. Mathis, Tommy Smith,and the current Sheriff. The same old people who have supported the Sheriff for years, because "he is a good man," are supporting my opponent because the Sheriff asked them to. In doing so, they have controlled Law Enforcement for years.
I would also address this to Joshua, but I know he will turn my words around to put his buddy in the best light, and will minimize me with his Political biased logic. "If you can't give the truth, and can't be positive, then make fun and minimize what others say ."

It certainly wasn't meant as a threat. I wouldn't do anything to hurt you or the credibility of your site, which is more than I can say for some of your front page posters.

So what are you going to do with the the minimum security inmates who occupy the building today? In case you haven't heard, the other jail is packed full. And the "won't cost the taxpayers" comment is priceless...like state and federal money is a gift from God.

And you know that fully automatic weapons are already illegal, so what else do you want to ban? Since you mentioned Rap Brown, I recall he shot both of those deputies with a Mini-14. I've got one of those in my closet. Are you planning on coming to get it once elected? It's the best thing I've got to stop a criminal cold and I would never point it at a law enforcement officer, but I guess you know best.

I do appreciate your post. Please keeping writing. This is getting good.

I wouldn't do anything to hurt you or the credibility of your site, which is more than I can say for some of your front page posters.

Jason is well qualified to speak for himself. These words are mine.

A blog is a great online watering hole. Ideas, news, ads, whatever, gets published. That is step one. Then Comments begin and the post usually takes on a new life and walks on different legs than even the original author aniticipated. That is the wonderous exchange of ideas and viewpoints.

When a post is made that offends the sensibilities of a reader, I always hope the offended party will respond with reasoned and documented reasons the post was inaccurate or simply false. Let the debate rage on. That is why we are here.

It is irritating, as we saw with the numerous posts and comments about Nash Farm and BJ Mathis, that the messenger is attacked - and the original topic is lost in the dust.

As Jim Cox said, "If you can't give the truth, and can't be positive, then make fun and minimize what others say."

Whether a reader agrees or disagrees is not the focus of a blog. Hopefully we will continue to see rational debate on all sides of issues. Political campaigns come and go, but they provide great opportunities fo make people think or get mad or just speak out.

”Finally, it surprises me that all of you want to support the same old Political Machine, Good Ole Boy system that has been here for years. My opponent is supported financially by such people as Mr. Hudgins, Mr Lambert, The Atlanta Raceway, Racing Radio's, the District Attorney, the Solicitor, Mr. Leland Maddox, B.J. Mathis, Tommy Smith,and the current Sheriff. The same old people who have supported the Sheriff for years, because "he is a good man," are supporting my opponent because the Sheriff asked them to. In doing so, they have controlled Law Enforcement for years.”

This was asked of Joe Eckler on this site, who was unable to answer with clarity. Since you bring this up, hopefully you will be able to offer an answer. According to what I have seen all my years living in Henry County, the Sheriff rarely enforces the law. The Sheriff’s Office handles courtroom security, maintains the jail, serves warrants. I also pointed out to your opponent that according to their own website, enforcing laws was listed as #12 on a list of 13 items that the Sheriff was responsible for.

So how is it that all of those people control law enforcement if the Sheriff is not the one actually enforcing the law? And if your intent, like Mr. Eckler eluded to, is to start more crime fighting initiatives, then where are you going to get the money to fund, staff, equipment, train, and maintain such a department?

”I must say that I am concerned when my opponent said we should re-habilitate these juveniles. This shows me how out of touch he is with actual enforcement.”

Correct me if I am wrong but doesn’t the basic mandate teach that the only true rehabilitative system in the courts is the Juvenile Court system? I believe anyone who has experience in law enforcement would agree that the Juvenile Court can be too lax on the youth, however, isn’t their goal not solely that of punishment?

Your example is an extreme example, and one that I also agree is not rare. Kids that perform those actions should go to, and I quote Office Space here, “pound me in the a—prison”. However, what about the juvenile male who got into an argument with his mother, lost his temper, and hit the mother? What about the child who got caught shoplifting? Should they not have the chance at rehabilitation?

So you just post "whatever" with hopes that a reader will respond and straighten out the truth? And that doesn't hurt the credibility of the blog? Amazing.

Dear Still Undecided, i will take a stab at one of your queries.

So how is it that all of those people control law enforcement if the Sheriff is not the one actually enforcing the law?

Of Georgia's 159 counties only 9 have both a PD and SO. Henry's division of church and state came after the sheriff was arrested for drug trafficking about 30 years ago.

In 150 counties it is the Sheriff who is responsible for law enforcement, so the concept is neither new nor alien.

In Henry County the Police Department is a county department that answers, through the Chief and County Manager, to the board of commissioners. What they do and how they do it is subject to huge political influences. Shall I go into details about control?

The position of Sheriff is an elected office created by the Georgia Constitution. However,
* the county's board of commissioners provide funding for the Office
* the county provides funding for the jail
* the county provides funding for deputies, who are county employees

My point in all this is follow the money. There are certain requirements the county cannot refuse to fund, and the Sheriff has discretion to cut or increase budget requests. (In fact I understand the Don was considered a great "budget cutter.")

There is a fact of life - control the money and you control the operations. When local politicians control the money, personality and personal agendas will soon follow.

Just to keep you honest Larry, the Henry PD was around before the Sheriff was busted. In fact, the Sheriff, the Henry PD Chief of Police, the Probate Judge and a county commissioner all got busted at the same time...a true low point for this county.

And this one...

what about the juvenile male who got into an argument with his mother, lost his temper, and hit the mother? What about the child who got caught shoplifting? Should they not have the chance at rehabilitation?

There are 1000 circumstances surrounding domestic violence situations. That is why there is a Juvenile Court System, DFACS, etc. If a juvenile male assaults his mother, it is she who must file charges... that takes responsibility for the "poor misguided youth" out of my tax-paying hands.

There are 1000 ways to teach a child that stealing is morally and legally wrong. If the traditional methods (family, church, school, friends) al fail, then perhaps a little time pickingup trach on the highway will sufficiently impress the yourthful mind.

I am one taxpayer who has raised two sons, and I believe some parental failures have occurred. But I also believe that the best and most diligent home life cannot predict the actions of youthful rebellion. My sons will get 100% of the time, effort and energy I can provide toward teaching, mentoring and punishing. I will even hire attorneys if needed. BUT, they were both raised to know there is no way I will ever bail them out of jail for a serious offense or hold their hands to make them feel everything is ok. That is called pesonal responsibility, and the youth must own up to consequences of his/her decisions.

Thanks, Dutch. That was before my time and I have heard the story several times. But I was not correct about the reason for formation of the PD.

And to be 100% accurate, it was dissolved and re-formed once in the Chaffin era too.

Larry,

Thanks for the additional details. They make sense. I believe with regards to your last comment that we are in agreement about youngsters accepting responsibility for their own actions. You are clearly different than some of the parents who have children in the juvenile system.

What I still would be interested in hearing from the candidates such as Mr. Eckler and Mr. Cox would be how they would plan to fund, equip, train, and maintain a new division when the police department currently investigates criminal activity.

I am not sure if it has been covered here or not, but I have seen comments regarding Major McBrayer and Atlanta Motor Speedway. Has anyone done any research into this and what are the allegations?

Dutch,
Once more, please read my lips. I do not believe in Gun Control, I never said I would take your assault weapon or mini 14 or 50 calibur rifle. What I said was "as a police officer, I have a problem with assault weapons." I also have a problem with hand granades, pipe bombs, and snakes. I have been taught in training that if I report to a scene and hear an assault weapon, I should leave the area, because I can't do anything to help. Please stop misquoting me, I don't want anyones assault weapon, and I would also refuse to give up any of my weapons for Government Control. I think every citizen has the right to defend himself.
Also, if you haven't noticed, the new facility is supposed to be ready in September. It will house 1000 Inmates. The minimum Security Inmates could go there and still be isolated from the other Inmates

Undecided Voter.
The point I made is that every Sheriff's Department has a criminal task force except Henry County. It is under the warrant division, which by the way is McBrayers responsibility. It can be as small as two Deputies who are out looking for specific felony high risk criminals who have warrants. It is not a whole new division. I guarantee their are at least two Deputies at the Sheriff's department who had rather be in Criminal Apprehension instead of serving Civil Papers.

No, here is what you said exactly: "I just don't believe assualt weapons should be available to everyone". Since fully automatic weapons are already illegal, what are you talking about? Is my Mini-14 an assault weapon? If it is, you have clearly stated you don't think it should be available to everyone, so I think I have a right to be concerned.

And once you've defined "assault weapon", I can't wait to hear how you can discern the difference between an assault weapon and any other one based on your hearing.

Are you sure that every other Sheriffs Department (all 158 of them) in Georgia has a criminal task force? Are they any better at clearing their warrants than Henry County is? I'm curious as to what numbers you are referring to that prove one is needed here. And you want the public to believe you're going to send as few as 2 deputies "out looking for specific felony high risk criminals who have warrants". Maybe you've still got a thing or two to learn from the Rap Brown case.

Dear Undecided,

Regarding Major McBrayer and Atlanta Motor Speedway

At events held at AMS there are off-duty Sheriff's Deputies providing security details. These deputies are selected for the job by McBrayer, and I understand that situation has existed for some time.

There are allegations, which I cannot personally prove, that comunication and coordination with AMS is done at and through the Sheriff's Office. There are multiple sources for this allegation including current elected officials in the county.

The first question is why a Major, on county payroll, would coordinate an outside business interest from a county office. The deputies perform services and are paid with AMS funds for work outside normal duties. It must therefore be assumed that the Major is also compensated for the efforts.

The second question concerns ethics violations:

Never discriminate unfairly by the dispensing of special favors or privileges to anyone By managing the security details for AMS and hand selecting deputies for such jobs, there are "special favors" in play. Likewise, in order to be selected a deputy would be expected to show personal fealty not related to job performance. The situation places both parties in an ethical quandary.

never accept favors or benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as influencing the performance of his governmental duties

The Sheriff's Office is not a legally defined provider of security details to any private business. The fact that AMS provides huge political influence throughout county government causes reasonable persons to construe undue influence within the SO.

The SO is not in the private security business, yet there it is. Not many years ago a county department director was given a choice between his "side business" in development and his "day job" with the county -- a fitting choice to avoid apparent conflicts of interest.

If any part of this is true, and McBrayer is elected, a citizen would expect continued abuse of office by an elected official. As Sheriff the tasks of coordination could well be assigned to a sufficiently loyal subordinate, but certain "commissions" would certainly continue to enhance the Sheriff's personal benefit.

Larry, I appreciate you using "ifs" in your explanation. I am very familiar with the law enforcement world and I can tell you it is not uncommon for officers of every department to make more money working "extra jobs" than they do with their regular shift work. It's a sad endictment on our society that they just about have to do these extra jobs to have a decent lifestyle.

Having said that, someone is coordinating these activities. If I owned AMS, you know who I would get to do it? The best man I could find who knew the best officers in the county. And who does AMS go to? According to these allegations, it's McBrayer. Personally, I don't know if any of this is true or not, but it sounds to me like another endorsement for McBrayer.

Dutch,
I remember vividly the mess about the illegal drugs being hauled through the county under the supervision of the then Sheriff, Chief of Police, County Commissioner, and Judge. What hurt most at the time is the fact that I knew all these gentlemen and considered two of them as friends. There were a lot of activities from 1973-1983 here in the county that made it one of the darkest periods of our history. As Mr. Cox mentioned about the Good Ole Boy system here these men were a product of that system. Times change, names and faces change, but the premise is still there.
The Doctor

First, I am thankful that you have taken the time to answer my concerns. You at least are doing that. Secondly, being undecided, I feel my choices right now are Major Mcbrayer, Mr. Cox, and Mr. Eckler. Correct me if I am wrong, but Mr. Moss has no law enforcement experience, does he? How would someone expect to gain the respect of those who work under him if they themselves have never had to work the streets? Sure, the position of Sheriff commands a certain level of respect, yet I would argue that he would not be well received nor respected having never walked the walk.

All of that being said, I wanted to comment further regarding your statement:

”It can be as small as two Deputies who are out looking for specific felony high risk criminals who have warrants. It is not a whole new division.”

I would argue that serving warrants and enforcing criminal law are two different things. I am aware that the line between the two is a fine line, yet serving a warrant is vastly different than actually seeking out crime in progress or parties to a crime that has been committed. A warrant verifies that probable cause has already been established and no real investigation or work is needed beyond actually locating the individual. So yes, there is a difference in the unit you are speaking of developing.

I also worry that you would be comfortable sending two deputies to serve high risk felony warrants. If the subject was wanted for aggravated assault or murder, are you telling me that you would take two deputies who have been accustomed to serving civil papers and have those deputies serve a high risk felony warrant? That speaks directly toward safety issues and I would never want to serve a warrant under such conditions.

On your website you list one of your goals as “Make essential training for deputies a priority”. Any specialty unit would require some additional training, would it not? Would these deputies be required to have only basic certification, or would you want intermediate and advanced as well, given the classes that those various levels cover?

I still do not believe this part of your plan is thought out and if it is you are not explaining to the point where I would fully understand it. If you are solely talking about a Fugitive Task Force, I agree that is something that should be handled by the SO and I am a bit surprised if that is not currently happening. However, if you are talking about creating another unit for crime suppression, which is what I personally read in your posts above, then my question of funding, training, equipment, etc comes into play.

I will say that I took the time to read through your website, namely your background and the issues. I have to say that I like what I read and the manner in which it was presented.

Also, hopefully my comments are not interpreted as being negative. That is not the intention. I do not believe your character is coming into question, just your goals as Sheriff and method of implementation. As others have mentioned, this is a place for debate and discussion of the issues and I feel that we are on track with regards to that. We are actually discussing the issues.

Mr. Stanley, thank you for again being a source of information. I realize what you stated could not be confirmed, but that is indeed a little troublesome to say the least if actually true. I believe the term is double-dipping and that is not correct no matter how tempting it may be. I have known those in law enforcement who frequently work part time jobs as they usually pay well. In the event they need someone to cover for them, they have a list of others who could fill in and those are usually their friends. It was a favorites game for some. Though to be fair I have seen just the opposite. What I never witnessed was the organization and planning of such security handled on the clock when they should have been working. I realize that it still could have happened, but that does not make it right. You should not use your full time job to setup your part time job especially when your full time job is at the expense of the tax payers, who are already stretched thin as it is.

SUV,

It is completely unrealistic to think the security detail surrounding an event the size of a NASCAR race can be pulled off without the coordinated cooperation of just about every agency in the area.

Dear Undecided,

I cannot speak for Jim Cox or his intended plans. But your statement

I also worry that you would be comfortable sending two deputies to serve high risk felony warrants

They are supposed to serve warrants. The concerns for training, safety, etc. you pose are very real. Yet they have not been addressed under the current administration, and the Major is certianly in a position to have postively affected the situation.

Failing to serve such warrants because of training or staff is a failure to perform the duties we elect a Sheriff to do.

Dutch, you are 100% correct in the need for cooperation and coordination of mutliple agencies across jurisdictional lines.

The problem I see is the 'side business' aspect that allows private profits to be made using county time, facilities and resources.

This is no different than a water authority director, building department head or code enforcement officer who uses a county office to conduct his private, outside business. I have seen all the above examples come into play and I believe the moral imperative remains the same.

Obe Won, Yoda is pleased with the discussion. They are seeking and learning.
Wisdom comes from knowledge,
and knowledge from truth.
Keep them interested.

It is interesting to me that Mr. McBrayer has not posted here to let us know how he plans on running the Sheriff's Office if elected.
One would think that he would post to counter Mr. Cox's post. It is just like Ms. Mathis not posting anything about the questioning of the value of Nash Farm. Instead she remained silent and let her minion do the talking. I wonder if any of the people posting are of the same type of minion for Mr. McBrayer. It would be nice to see him speak on here instead of ignoring people who are trying to get the facts about his intentions from him and not from a source.
The Doctor

Doctor, here is the image I often have of you - as mentor and warrior for truth.

View image

Thank you Obe-won. The picture is actually an improvement.
Yoda

Well obviously it's not that hard to be the Sheriff, Chaffin practically lives in Florida anyway.

To all those looking for a candidate for Sheriff. Look for someone who you think can be effective. Look at the way they handle themselves with fielding questions about the job.
Remember a Sheriff also has to have a personable quality. Their administrative skills will have to be up to par. Their ability to get funding from the BOC and other agencies will show how they can be skilled at
garnering monies for the department. The Sheriff's department employees should be trained to step into a field job if the situation arises. Law enforcement is just that making sure the law is enforced on every level from the beat policeman, to the courts, to the jail, and further to make sure the offenders after being released don't return. There are so many variables to the job. It is not cut and dry. The people who are in our law enforcement community deserve our respect for doing their jobs often under less than desirable conditions. The Sheriff and those who seek the job should be ready at any time to answer questions asked of them by the taxpayers who they represent and want to represent. Hopefully before the July primary comes around we will see a clearer picture of the contestants for the job. It is good to hear from Mr. Eckler and Mr. Cox on the subject of the issues they feel are important. Now we need to hear from the rest including Mr. McBrayer and Mr. Moss. They have the chance to voice their opinions just as the other candidates. It would be refreshing to hear from all the candidates and not see them remain silent as we have seen in the past months on the Nash Farm issue from the commissioner.
Leadership is only gained by the respect of those you lead and the confidence of the electorate.
The Doctor

Doctor,

The front runner’s creed in the political process is to say as little as possible and just wait for the official coronation. It is much safer to believe your supporters and resting on your laurels. If I was as convinced as he was of certain victory, it would be a giant temptation to follow that creed. I do believe that Detective Cox has made clear his views on the issues and nobody gets fooled when supporters of another candidate try to twist those views. I’ve gotten use to the cut and paste quotes that exclude the rest of the story, just like those that abuse the Bible. Detective Cox, be honored that others fear your positions and try to twist your truths.

If I was McBrayer, I wouldn't post here either. There are just too many Cox minions lurking here that will repeat absolutely anything they've heard that will discredit McBrayer or anyone else at the Sheriffs Department.

You're right about one thing though. I'm becoming afraid of one candidate's positions based on what he's posted here. And I'm talking about the very worst kind of fear a person can have about a political candidate - the fear that they have no regard for the Bill of Rights.

McBrayer has stated he started the first county S.W.A.T. Team. In 18 years as a Major, why hasn't he started a S.E.R.T. Team {Sheriff's Emergency Responce Team?} The training is available at Forsyth.

Why do we need a SWAT team and a SERT team? Do they do the same thing? Redundancy of services is one thing we don't need.

My guess is the Sheriff wouldn't let him. But really folks, how many Emergency Response Teams, SWAT Teams and Task Forces do you think Henry County needs? Before you answer, realize you'll be footing the bill for every one of them.

If you want all that useless crap, move over to Clayton County. The moron over there has a task force for everything. I just hope the citizens of Henry County are bright enough not to elect one of his clones.

Mr. Cox,
Thanks for posting here. I also like what I've read on your site and I feel like you would do what it takes to improve relations between the PD and SO. Maybe this would even foster an environment where the County could have a SWAT team with PD and SO members. Thanks also for clarifying the statement on assault weapons. I've got a MAC 90 and if someone breaks into my house, I'm grabbing it because of the round capacity. I believe as you do that not everyone should have access to these assault weapons but the second amendment is clear and any restrictions would only affect law abiding citizens anyway. I'm very glad that you don't support any nonsensical hug a thug programs like one of the other candidates and that you actually participate in public forums.
Good luck to you and you have my support, because I would like to see positive change at the SO.

I am certain that the Sheriffs Dept is an integral part of the county's Emergency Response Plan. That said, if sheriff's department personel have not had Incident Response Management training, also known as NIMS (National Incident Managment Systems), that is a significant problem. It is the standard for managing disaster response. Having recently received executive training in emergency management and the opportunity to hear Americus city leaders and emergency responders at that training, speak of their experiences handling the aftermath of the devastating tornado a little over a year ago. Had it not been for the training in NIMS and their implementation of a well thought out plan for such an emergency, they would not be as far along on the road to recovery as they are. As a result of their well executed plan, the city was able to recover all but $5000 in damages from GMA and FEMA. I don't remember the exact figure of total damages but it was in the many millions of $. As a result, Americus has become the standard pointed to by the National Red Cross for how to do it right.

If you believe that a SERT team is a waste of time and money, then I suggest you talk to the citizens of New Orleans...... because it is not a matter of IF a natural or man-made disaster will strike, but WHEN. And if we are not prepared, then we are another New Orleans waiting to happen. This is high on the priority list of what government should be doing.

CJ,

Apparently you've already been in government too long. There is no free money or pennies from heaven. If the people of Americus chose not to insure themselves and had to be bailed out by federal or state agencies, then those idiots never had a plan (or a clue for that matter).

The Sheriffs Department does not provide Emergency Medical, Fire, Rescue or Police Services for Henry County. If they did, it would be redundant. All of these inane assertions by you, the candidates or anyone else that more is needed are just plain wrong.

If I were talk to someone from New Orleans, I would tell them to buy some insurance and leave when they are told to evacuate. My tax dollars should not bail people out when they refuse to act with a little responsibility for themselves.

If memory serves, the citizens of NO were at the mercy of a woefully incompetent local and state government with no plan...... Or one that was never implemented. While the Feds made mistakes, they assumed (and you know what that translates to) that the first (local) responders had a plan and knew how to implement it.

The SO may not provide those services specifically, howerver they have resources that are factored into the Henry County Emergency Response Plan.

For the record, I believe in private insurance and have it. I also agree that if people build on the coast where hurricanes hit, they should be able to bear the cost of damage if they don't have, or can't get insurance and not expect to be made whole by tax dollars. Same goes for flood planes.

I hope and pray you never have to experience a tornado, or chemical spill, or any other sort of disaster. If you do, I certainly expect that you will not be asking for help from any source. You clearly are entirely self sufficient. I'm guessing that you'll be the first in line to complain that your power wasn't restored fast enough, or your road wasn't cleared soon enough.

I do my best. I have insurance. If I lived somewhere where a known disaster was about to strike and was told to leave, I would leave. I am more than tolerant of people who put forth their best effort when restoring power, clearing roads or whatever.

Most of my complaints are centered around politicians and potential politicians who want full access to my wallet for every dumb idea, program or taxpayer-funded vacation they feel they need.

Earth to Dutch, Earth to Dutch,
You said you did not attend the forum, but now you are telling me what I said. Let me give you another scenario: Last year, we had received a lookout on a person with a mac 10 or perhaps your favorite mini 14, who was driving a black Cadillac SUV and robbing banks in the area. I was dispatched to a vehicle fitting that description and a person also fitting the description who had just entered the Bank of America in Stockbridge. I was the first Officer on the scene. I blocked the entrance to the bank so no one else could come in, and got out with my 12 guage loaded with double ought buck, and moved behind my vehicle. Other Officers and Detectives began to arrive. I held my position. It was not the perp, but, if it had been, I was reasonably confident I could stop the situation if the perp came out with a mac 10 or mini 14. This is what I want you to pay attention to: If the perp had come out shooting with an assault weapon, I could not handle the situation, I did not have the firepower to match the perp, and his rounds would go thru my Patrol Vehicle. You are so insecure with your mini, go to Ed's and buy an assault weapon, then get on line and buy the part to make it fully automatic. I don't care!

This is not rocket science Mr. Cox. Use the scroll bar and you can read exactly what you wrote. I quoted you verbatim. And you still haven't answered the most basic question I asked - how do you define an assault weapon. I don't think you even know what one is and I'm virtually certain you can't identify one by sound, something you insinuated that you were capable of above.

Yesterday, you didn't like people with automatic weapons (which are already illegal in case you didn't know). Today, you don't care. You are coming of as a bit unstable, but keep writing.

PLUTO express is sounding better every day!

Dutch,
Why don't you ask your candidate to post here so folks take can pot shots at him. Better yet, why not throw your hat in the ring.

If I was McBrayer, I wouldn't post here either.

Just like our friend Mathis. Cannot take the honest scrutiny of an educated public.

The only people who will vote for either of these candidates will (1) benefit personally, or (2) accept that Henry is a 2nd or 3rd rate county.

The only people who will vote for either of these candidates will (1) benefit personally, or (2) accept that Henry is a 2nd or 3rd rate county.

Actually, I'll be voting for Keith because experience matters. Period.

CJ,

"If memory serves, the citizens of NO were at the mercy of a woefully incompetent local and state government with no plan......"

They had many years warnning (in the general) from the New Orleans Times Picyaune. They had several days warning (in the specific) from the National Weather Service and local TV and Radio.

They chose to ignore all warnings. Too bad, not MY problem.

If I am too stupid to ignore repeated warnings, I might as well move to NO, or even to Clayton. I don't need the government to become a nanny.

I'm not involved in McBrayer's campaign, so I wouldn't ask him to do anything. But if I were involved, I would advise him to stay away because I don't think he'd get a fair shake here.

Actually, I would give the same advise to Mr. Cox now that I think about it...just for different reasons.

I can speak from experience that weather forecasting is definitely not an exact science. One problem that a lot of people in New Orleans had was the track record of the National Hurricane Center. Granted they are better than they used to be with satellite photo's and sea level tracking devices. But hurricanes have tracks of their own. Many have been forecast to hit an area and not even approach. Many of the people there probably did not know exactly what to do. Also, many of the people there had not seen a really bad hurricane in the area since Camille which hit east of New Orleans in 1969. The two storms took almost the exact path into the coast. In 1965, New Orleans was under water from Hurricane Betsy. But getting to the subject of the Sheriff's office and their plans for a major disaster here and I mean a disaster that could take out a serious part of the county. Our teams on all departments including the State, local, and Federal are really not that well prepared. A scenario: A large object enters our atmosphere at 25-50 thousands miles per hour. It explodes five miles up in the atmosphere. What do you feel will be left on the surface? If an object of say the size of a VW hits in SE Henry County. What type of crater would it create if it is an iron-nickel object? These scenario's sound fantastic I am sure but you haven't seen the things I have that are a threat everyday. But again I know our local authorities would do their best to handle the situation but it would be up to the individuals here in our county to survive and handle helping neighbors and people they don't even know. And talking about assault weapons if you have ever heard one then you know the sound they make and if you haven't you would learn very quickly what it sounds like if it is fired near you. Mr. McBrayer should post here his intentions on his plans for the Sheriff's department. If he cannot field these types of question from the public then it doesn't say much for his abilities to talk to the populace about what is essential. What if the press questioned him on a subject? Would he have no comment. Just like Ms. Mathis she has run for cover on many occasion to hide from the issues. And Dutch not everyone who posts here is a Cox minion.
But we know you are a McBrayer minion to the hilt.
I have known Mr. McBrayer since school. I am just saying he needs to let people know more about him because the population of Henry County has exploded since he went to work for the Sheriff's office. Many of the people out here do not know him and he should not depend on the old families to make sure he is elected. It is just a thought from a friend.
The Doctor

I didn't say everyone who posts here was a Cox minion, but there are some Cox minions here. From all appearances, people working on the Cox campaign have front page posting privileges. They certainly knew about his yard sale and his golf tournaments.

I'm not sure how I'm McBrayer's minion though. I've never worked on his campaign or for him in any other capacity. Clearly, I do support him in this election because I believe he's infinitely more qualified that his opponents.

As for the assault weapon thing, I don't believe you any more than I believe Mr. Cox...at least not until you can define what an assault weapon is. But before you try to sling any bs past me, remember that Mr. Cox said I can get one from Ed's...which Mr. Cox hasn't shut down, so I'm assuming legally.

Dutch,
Believe what you wish sir.
It is your given right. Maybe one reason why Ed's has not been shut down is because he got the assault weapons for the SWAT team here in Henry County. And then they found a South Georgia County to sell their old guns to. From what I have observed an assault weapon is a semi auto and fully auto weapon that is fed by a clip and shoots rifle and pistol rounds at rapid fire sequence. I often here these types of weapons being fired near my home.
If we cannot disarm the crooks then we should arm our police with equal fire power. It is just a thought.
The Doctor

Let me try to clarify a few things about assault weapons. First, the assault weapons Ed sells are legal semi-automatic weapons. You can buy full automatic
versions, however, you must have a Class 3 Weapons License from the ATF. At last check it cost around 3 to 5 hundred dollars. The big problem is most criminals steal the ones they have. It may be prudent to rearm the PD with semi-auto versions of the M-16 or other automatic types of weapons and phase out the old 12 gauge shot guns for officer safety.

Dark Knight

Well stated DK. I will add that any dirt bag can go to a gun show and without a lot of trouble walk away with any of the AK variants that are for sale and usually very inexpensive. These weapons fire 7.62 mm rounds which are devasting to anything in there path. The have been show to penetrate vehicles lengthwise and even crack the block of an engine.

Harry said, "I'll be voting for Keith because experience matters."

Will Harry also vote for Mathis because she is experienced on the BoC? In four years she has made a mockery of integirty and fair dealing.

In 32 years McBrayer has served the county well, but has not added to the betterment of the SO. He has no direct jail experience posted at hnis website - what are his qualifications there? That is the primary job of the SO.

Experience is good. But fruitful growth is lacking for both of these candidates.

Dutch said, "people working on the Cox campaign have front page posting privileges."

Dutch has been invited to provide a front page post.

Cox has provided information, editorial and comments. McBrayer has not.

Like Mathis, McBrayer believes in his entitlement to office and avoids public scrutiny. A blog like this will draw out every questiona nnd opinion.

If Dutch is not willing, then perhaps McBrayer should at least make contact.

I have been visited at my home by three candidates. I have gotten regular phone calls from others. THEY choose to stay in contact because they want their ideas presented here.

This constant comparison between Mathis and McBrayer is ridiculous and completely out of line. Mathis is a political hack who has no regards for the Bill of Rights. She proved that when she took the Nash Farm. When she did that, she was called on it by many on this blog. What is interesting is that the Chief Mathis Minion at the time was also present here and defended her incessantly. Who was that? I invite you to type in Nash in the search box on this blog and go read up on it. Want a clue? He is now the Chief Cox Minion. You want a connection between a Sheriff candidate and Mathis? There you go.

We're not going to get a definition for an assault weapon because there isn't a consistent one. I'll defer to an expert on the subject - Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Dwight Van Horn, the firearms examiner for South-Central L.A., the most gang-ridden spot in the United States. "I deal with firearms-identification experts at departments all over the country," he says, "and I can tell you that the claim that AK-47s or something called an ‘assault weapon’–which is simply a fabricated political and media term meant to vilify firearms that look like military arms but actually means whatever someone wants it to mean–is widely used by criminals, isn’t true and never has been true."

In other words, when you hear someone talking about assault weapons, it should sound off warning bells that someone may be trying to disarm you.

Dutch - I recognize the huge differences between Mathis & McBrayer, especially in regard to professionalism, integrity and a long list of other attributes.

It is the failure or refusal to promote or defend themselves in this forum - where the tough questions will be asked.

There is no reality in believing either is entitled to the job without first convincing the voters they deserve it.

I have been reading this afternoon the above. I would want the gentleman from Los Angeles to tell the North Vietnamese Army
from the 1960's that a AK-47
is not a military weapon created by the Soviet Union.
Also, you are correct Mr. Stanley when people can not approach a question and give an answer and they want to work for us the taxpayers it makes one wonder. Then that raises other questions. No one should assume that they will be graciously handed an elected position without answering to the people they work for and that is us.
The Doctor

Oh, if anyone really thinks about it an assault weapon is any weapon someone finds to use on another. I believe they call that assault. Whether it is a gun, BB gun, knife, tire tool, broken bottle, baseball bat, battery acid, my cat's week old urine, or any number of items. The point being assault is assault whether it be with your bare hands or with something more substantial.
Just a thought.
The Doctor

Dutch,
I know the person very well that you mention as a Mathis minion about supporting the Nash Farm.
Back in the fall of 2007 he was presented with the truth and was asked not to take it as presented but go and look for himself. And he did.
The Doctor

I have nothing to do with the side of my party that wants to take from you and give it to someone else.
Our founding fathers’ wrote that stuff down so it would live on forever. Come January 2009, don’t worry about the SO being out-gunned. I’ll send them all one after another to rifle school and shotgun school. Anyone that wants to see my NRA card, just ask for my wallet. Gun bans are even more useless than Drug bans. If you really want something controlled, slap it regulations. All these laws create big criminal murderous enterprises, when they only started out as a way to lock up Mexicans crossing the boarder in the early 1900’s, and to keep blacks from wanting white women. Pick just any one year of the death count from Alcohol and Tobacco use. Those two have killed more in one year than in the last 90 years combined for illegal drugs or guns. We can welcome the fact that racist solutions to fears reward us with murders, robberies, thefts, and jails full of junkies. (Special note to Dutch: Don’t even try to say that I am for peddling drugs or letting our kids have them. As long as you pay for it, I’ll let you test my urine as many times as you want.) I wish that there was mass training and respect for proper handling and use of firearms. In fact, if the Public safety in Henry County would every have a descent firing range, I’d offer citizen’s firearms training to every woman in Henry County. (Dutch, be happy, I’ll have Major McBrayer teach it.) No matter how passionate any gun grabber is, CROOKS will always have guns.
Period, end of story. They will have their Drugs too. Law abiding citizens will never be able to completely rely on Law Enforcement for personal protection. If you don’t believe me, just look at the amazing job we have done to end drug use. Why did I add Drugs to the topic of guns? To prove beyond a doubt that gun control would be a complete failure in stopping criminals from having any type of weapon of their choosing. I say let the people be just as well armed as the crooks. Law Enforcement is not out gunned by criminals, they just work for bosses that are gun grabbers and would rather endanger their officers than to have .00001% worry that a citizen could get caught in the crossfire. I believe in just yelling, DUCK!

Open Invitation to Jason.
Jason, I rented a 10X10 space and electric outlet for the two day event at Heritage Park,
June 14th and 15th. I can’t use it because I will be at the below kick-off. Call me and I can get this to you to use for the Libertarian Party. I’ll send this offer to you email too.
Dutch, I know you are so broken hearted that I did not ask you to use it to campaign for me.

Election Year Kick-off for Faithful Dems, New Voters, and Curious Independents
The Henry County Democratic Party scheduled its free picnic for June 14th from noon to 4pm at Sandy Ridge Park. Democratic candidates on the ballot in Henry County have been invited to give short speeches.
The picnic will be at Sandy Ridge Park from noon until 4 pm. Do you need directions or a ride to the picnic? Call 770 312 6736
From I-75, take exit 216. Go east approximately 2 miles to the four-way stop and turn right onto Racetrack Road. Go approximately 1 mile to Highway 81 and turn right. Go approximately 7 miles and turn right onto Keys Ferry Road. Go approximately 3 miles; the the park will be on your right.
"Our emphasis at the beginning of this very important election year is on getting voters involved in the process of government," --Chairman Jim Nichols

I'll let you know, Joe. I have plans already for next weekend. I am trying to find someone who could work it.

Beam me up Scotty there is ZERO intelligent life in Henry County......I have laughed so hard it hurts....sorry GTfan

I remember when the jail was just behind and partially under the Courthouse. Then we built the jail on Hwy 20 at Workcamp Rd. Then we built and are continuing to add to the facility on Henry Pkwy. The facility we are going to have when finished is supposed to be state of the art and house some 1000 inmates. With the growth of Henry County rising exponentially how long will this new addition become obsolete and we need a new facility or another addition? Crime usually rises with more people so it is reasonable that in the not to distant future the taxpayers will be asked to make more changes to this facility or build another one. In comparison it is like going to the emergency room at Henry Medical Center and waiting hours to be seen because they don't have enough staff or space for the amount of patients. There has been talk of even building a second hospital here but it so far has just been talk. Point being that the emergency room is not large enough for the population and the jail will probably be in the same boat. Another comparison would be as a new school is built the trailers are automatically put in because the building will not hold the influx of students from the growth the county is seeing. These are real problems and we really need some serious people making the decisions on how to fix the problem. The Sheriff plays a key role in what he needs to do the job and he is often left to the mercy of the BOC to get what he needs. Even if it is from SPLOST he is still required to ask for what he needs. The question I have had on my mind today is when will this happen and how much will it cost? Something to think about.
The Doctor

Doc,
You opened a thought process that I have had for a long time. Henry County has been growing so fast that the basics have not been able to keep up. I was taught not to live beyond your means. That your basic needs neeed to be met first. That is the way the county needs to do it. The need for more parks is not key to our survival. The need for butterfly gardens is not key to our survival. With the economic times as they are we need to tell the developers to stop. Tell all the big companies no more big warehouses. In other words stop the growth until we can afford it.

Dark Knight

Just a prediction...the jail will be full by the end of the year.

…”goes to the heart of the actual job of the SO.

They are supposed to serve warrants.”

I agree that they are to serve warrants. I want them to do that and would side with Mr. Cox that a Fugitive Task Force, not a new crime fighting initiative, could only be viewed as a positive.

That said, sending only two deputies to serve high-risk felony warrants is tactically unsound, extremely dangerous, and also goes against what is taught in basic mandate. I am hoping that Mr. Cox, having gone through and obtained his basic certification, would remember that and not send two deputies out. One deputy would go to the back door of the apartment or home leaving one deputy at the front door, who might possibly have to make entry alone? If that is the scenario, I would rather have those deputies serving civil papers than put their life at risk due to an item on a political campaign.

”Failing to serve such warrants because of training or staff is a failure to perform the duties we elect a Sheriff to do.”

If what you have said is true regarding McBrayer then perhaps he should have spent less time organizing Atlanta Motorspeedway security details and paid more attention to his own department.

”Just a prediction...the jail will be full by the end of the year.”

I agree.

As long as everything is getting done (and it is), there is no need for any task forces. All that does is soak the taxpayers and create positions where people only do certain functions. Show me a Fugitive Task force and I'll show you at least a sergeant supervising it and a bunch of guys who won't do anything but search for fugitives.

If you like that kind of thing, take a look at the Clayton County SO. They have taken it to the nth degree...a task force for everything, including duplications of services provided by the CCPD. We don't need that kind of change.

All felony warrants are not high risk. Depends on the felony. If a person has committed a felony with a weapon, naturally you should send more Deputies. Battery and Crinminal Damage to property are felony's, but may not be high risk.
The difference in S.W.A.T. and S.E.R.T., the SWAT team does not come to the jail and knows nothing about security, key access, or building layout. The SERT team are Deputies on each shift who know what do do in the jail in case of a riot. It is not another team to go onto the streets to help the SWAT team, it is for the jail.
On that note, when the new plans were reviewed by the former Public Safety Director, the Commissioners, and the brass at the P.D., no one from the Sheriff's Dept. even bothered to attend to see what was being built. It wasn't campaign time then. Now, they have had to hustle to get on board to get ready to occupy and operate. Hence the hiring of 60 new personnell.
One other thing, it will cost to give the Deputies extra SERT training, it will also cost for more SRO's,but what price do you put on the safety of staff and the general public, and the safety of children in the schools.

Spare me the it's for "the safety of children" bs. If adults can't handle Middle School kids, they need to find another profession.

The personnel at the jail are handling it just fine with the training they have. Please enlighten me with any evidence you have to the contrary.

In reality, no Law Enforcement Officer knows in advance what is or isn't going to be a high risk incident. The best they can do is some research prior to the encounter and hopefully this will result in an uneventful incident. You DO have to have a STRONG response plan in place when/if it all goes to hell and even that is subject to change on the fly. Unfortunetly, most of the time, it comes down to how well you have trained for any given situation and what resources you happen to have access to.

As long as everything is getting done (and it is)

Including fugitive and felony warrants?

The training, staffing and dedication have been topics of discussion for some time. If it is all being done, why are they issues today?

Spare me the it's for "the safety of children" bs. If adults can't handle Middle School kids, they need to find another profession.

On this point I will take issue. The school administration (from B0E down) do not want to "handle" Middle Schoolers any more than they want to "handle"High Schoolers.

I know for a fact that the political correctness angle ahs been abused because of school policies.

Drugs on campus - bought and sold - has been pushed aside. One SRO told a parent to contact the school counselor and fluffed it off.

Vandalism is another thing. The school camera systems DO NOT WORK. Ask any principal or the superintendent -- clarity is weak and focus is nil.

Fact is that a police presence of any kind is a sad commentary on our schools. But it is necessary because the our Nanny School System is more interested in PR than controlling the realities going on there.

I speak as a parent of a recently graduated son, and a rising 9th grader. Parents know that town hall meetings and diversity training are not the answer!

when/if it all goes to hell...

Aye, there's the rub. WHEN a situation turns South I want the best trained officers available - for their safety and mine.

We can spend every dollar every citizen in Henry County has and still not be able to handle every possible ill. If that's what you want, there are plenty of Socialists who will do just that.

"If you love wealth more than liberty, the tranquility of servitude better than the animating contest of freedom, depart from us in peace. We ask not your counsel nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you. May your chains rest lightly upon you and may posterity forget that you were our countrymen.”

So what do you say is happening with all these mysterious fugitive and felony warrants? Are you saying fugitives and felons are finding sanctuary in Henry County? It's amazing how much utter and complete nonsense I see repeated here.

mysterious fugitive and felony warrants?

Mr. Cox, what say you? Is the SO properly serving felony & fugitive warants? Is the SO prepared, trained and staffed to handle such duties?

... spend every dollar... and still not be able to handle every possible ill.

I hate taxes as much as any man alive. But there are certain legitimate functions of government, public safety being one of them.

Otherwise, we can continue to rely on Barney searching for his bullet - and pray Andy bought him one.

I can easily approve money for public safety and huge reductions in parks/memorials/living legacies and social programs.

The issue is not about whether we will be taxed. The real issues are about annual increases and how the money is spent. It is senseless to argue there will never be enough money to operate government. The lack of funds comes into play when expeditures are approved for functions the government should not undertake. Likewise is the failure to allocate moneys when and where its use will facilitate legitimate needs rather than political pandering. Likewise is the belief that SPLOST revenues do not require strict accounting for specifically named and approved projects.

The money issues surely portray burgeoning and wasteful uses of tax dollars. I contend that fiscal responsiblity is lacking, not that legitimate functions of health, safety and welfare cannot be afforded.

Everybody pretends to be a fiscal conservative when they're running for office. Some of them even claim to be a fan of the Bill of Rights. But listen to them talk and read between the lines.

Any of them who promise you something new are going to give it to you at your expense and it will almost certainly cost more than you ever dreamed.

Sometimes "new" is simply how the money should have been spent in the first place.

So your information about fugitive and felony warrant is coming from Cox? What a shock! And from such a reliable and unbiased source.

What exactly is the PLUTO EXPRESS? Why is Moss on it.It seems to me if you really want someone not in the good ole boys network,and corruption free, then GO BO

Buckshot,

The last time we elected a Sheriff with no law enforcement experience, he got booted out of office and was given a 30-year federal prison sentence. I think we may have learned that when someone has never spent a single second in a law enforcement organization and then feels he can run one, something is very wrong with that picture.

PLUTO EXPRESS

Latest shuttle from the planet Pluto.

Information coming from Cox?

Actually my information is that the SO avoids serving felony and fugitive warrants. Largely due to lack of incliniation and concern over training and preparedness.

Apparently McBrayer will remain silent on this issue.... and any others.

I asked Cox to respond because it is one of his campaign issues.

Been re-reading some comments, like this one:

The reason McCart did not run for sheriff and he did make mention that he might earlier is he did not want bad feelings between him and McBrayer.

...common knowledge for many months that McBrayer was going to be running...

McBrayer would be Sheriff, McCart would be Chief Deputy... nothing like Same-Old-Same-Old. It's like we citizens get no choice and no election is underway.

Inbreeding is such a dangerous way to proceed. Exactly why I believe It is time for a change.

Dutch,
You forgot to mention that Mr. Glass did not serve the full term he was sentenced to. He only served about 16 months the same as Mr. Childs. Remember Mr. Glass was part of the Good ole buddy system here. He was on the Board of Education before he was Sheriff. He is from one of the old families of the county just like me. I know these people well. Also, Mr. Stanley you are correct they want to keep someone connected to the old families in control in practically every sector of the county government.
The Doctor

Last time I checked, we've had an election here every 4 years for Sheriff. And for many years, the people of this county have shown their approval of this administration at the SO, and have overwhelmingly brought it back for 4 more years. Nobody knows this better than Cox.

My assessment is that the public has not fallen for gimmicks and nonsense that don't work. And we haven't had to pay for them either. What we really ought to do is elect McBrayer and then have someone from the SO visit every other branch of county government and let them find 20% cost savings for useless bs we're already paying for and have them remove that from next years budget.

I think you're way off Doc. Both of them served a lot more time than that. Glass served more than Childs because he was sentenced to more time originally...mainly because he refused to make a deal with the prosecution.

I am not way off because I know the gentleman well and at the time all this went down I know who helped get him out of jail early. Many of these people are no longer with us and remember
deception and money go a long way here.

OK Doc, Maybe the Federal Bureau of Prisons should rely on you instead of their own records because they think they sprung childs on 5-31-88 and Glass on 8-2-1991. They were originally busted sometime in late 1981.

Okay then how did I buy a car from Jimmy in November 1990 at Conyers Ford? It was a 1988 Tempo and I found that I did not like the car. The Bureau records you speak of are of interest. Remember deception and money.

I don't know Doc. If you're sure about the dates, maybe he finished up his stretch on some kind of work-release program or something similar. Even if that's true, he would have done a good 5 years of hard time at a minimum. Honestly though, I don't care.

It is perplexing why a legitimate car dealer would have hired him and even more perplexing why you would have bought a used car from him...not exactly what I would call good judgment.

It wasn't my idea.

The reason the car was bought from Mr. Glass is because of my mom. In 1974 Mr. Glass saved my father's life. I went with her to buy a car at the dealership in Conyers. We did not know he worked at the dealership. My mom insisted on buying the car because of what he had done for my dad years earlier. You might see it as poor judgement she saw it as repaying a kindness. But you know best about these things don't you. I don't like and will never uphold what Mr. Glass, Mr. Childs, Mr. Tew, and Mr. Hinton did for money and breaking the law. I bet they looked dumb when they found out the drug shipment was bags of flour instead of drugs. You know the Feds had already gotten wind of the deal set up by Mr. Tew and presented to Mr. Childs and then proposed to Mr. Glass.
The use of the airport was an overdue favor called in.
This all occurred in 1981. That is when the Governor appointed Donald Chaffin to be the Sheriff of Henry County and to serve out the term of Mr. Glass. Yes, Mr. Chaffin has done such a good job over the years that when election time came around no one would run against him that is until the last couple of election cycles. But all in all he has been a fair man and deserves the thanks of the Henry County citizens. Maybe the election this year will bring the promise of a new start for Henry County with whomever is elected. There is always room for improvement even in the best of cases. But don't be fooled by the smoke and mirrors that lie ahead. Enjoy the primary and election because it is becoming one of our better ones in years. Is taxpayer money at stake here: most definitely. Will we have a real voice in how it is spent: that is up for question. Are there hidden things about the candidates:
probably. Will they come to the surface: not likely.
Do people really care: doubtful. And this is the real shame that people don't care because they are locked into the struggle to survive in our world of high prices that are becoming such an important
part of our lives. It is affecting everyone whether you have money or not. The knowledge to know the truth is basic in any dialogue. Maybe the citizens will find their truth and build upon that. Life is precious and many do not know how precious it really is. Thank you for listening to a tired, very ill old Doctor who lends a guiding hand to the lost, the lonely, the brilliant, the searching and the up and coming. May all see the truth found only in the knowledge that is found from within. Look in the mirror and find your truth because it is there for one to find. Keep working hard Mr. Stanley, Jason let them talk, and to all the bloggers here speak your mind and someone will listen. I am one who listens and you may not like what I have to say but at least you are listening because of your responses. Remember in this election cycle to ask who, what, when, where, and how. If the candidate can not answer these basic questions then find another.
Time is not on our sides but it is our enemy. Don't waste it looking for revenge but looking for life. Have a nice evening to all.
The Doctor

Dutch, in regard to the warrant issue I did some poking around. You may call this “He said, She said” but I cannot reveal my sources for obvious reasons.

I was told that the Deputies go to the person’s residence one time and if they are not home, they leave a note on the door. The warrant is carried back to the S.O. and filed. One peson told me they have over 5000 un-served warrants. Although I can't document this number, I would say the job is not getting done. I also verified this with another source.

Another person stated that there is a warrant on her son-in-law for non payment of child support. When she knows he is going to be in Henry County, and where he will be, she calls the S.O. and notifies them, but they have never been able to arrest him.

I have also been told that the warranty division Deputies go home at 10pm, because the Sheriff doesn't want any warrants served after 10pm. This is a rumor that passes around the P.D. regularly.

There was a domestic violence warrant issued back in March. A P.D. Domestic Violence Officer stated she spent over an hour on the line trying to get a S.O. Deputy to go with her and they “did not have anyone available."

The perpetrator had a record of armed carjacking. It turned out that two P.D. officers assisted the DV officer in serving the warrant and making the arrest.

Everybody cannot be making up stories. I must believe there is some fire behind this smoke.