My statement yesterday about derogatory character assassinations did not refer to Mike McCormick’s Facebook posting but to statements made by other individuals on Facebook. I did criticize the black and white photo of me placed beside the professional color photo of Mike McCormick because it appeared to have been altered and positioned for no reason other than to make me look less than professional. My post yesterday was directed first to the allegations that my Garland County Fair drawing was unfair and my integrity was brought into question because of the drawing as if I had rigged it in some way to be advantageous to my family. I have also been accused of possible favoritism to my family just because we are a large family and because my family has been a part of Garland County for over eighty years. I do know many people in this County but implications have been made that because of my familiarity with the citizens I will not administer the laws and I will give people a pass. If you know me you know that is very, very far from the truth. I have been accused of being a “Good Ole Boy” so many times; what does “Good Ole Boy” mean? If it means I am down-to-earth, approachable, and use common sense then yes, I am a “Good Ole Boy.” If you are using the term in a derogatory manner, I object. I am a professional law enforcement officer and have served Garland County and the City of Hot Springs in this capacity for over 25 years. I have acquired advanced training in law enforcement and have supervised in both the Patrol Division and Civil Division, and for over 21 years I have been the Commander of the Mounted Patrol and the Search and Rescue Team. To show dedication to the County, I and all team members of the Mounted Patrol and Search and Rescue Team are responsible for all expenses incurred with trucks, trailers, and personal equipment. My first brochure listed my qualifications and listed some of the plans I have to move the Sheriff’s Office forward. I have never tried to hide my qualifications; I am simply more vocal on how I plan to administer. I opened a Facebook page to share campaign ideas and materials with my supporters as I am sure Mike McCormick did. I do not believe either of us want to encourage people to bash the other candidate over this. If you wish to ask me direct questions to be informed I will be glad to answer them. If they are negative remarks they will be deleted and not answered. I believe the Facebook page is to be informative and not a forum to belittle anyone. I am asking all of my supporters to not engage in any negative posting of any kind to anyone. I am definitely open to a live debate. I will not debate over Facebook or in the newspaper.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 03:45:41 +0000