Frying Pan vs. Drunk Drivers

Published in the March 8 edition of The Sun were two articles detailing three different murders, one committed with a frying pan, the other two with a car and alcohol.

The judge presiding over the first murder trial sentenced the convicted murderer to life imprisonment. . . .

The judge who presided over the trial of the convicted murderer of two victims sentenced the man to 14 months on work release, stating he was running half an hour late for another case.

Obviously, the socially unaccepted murder weapon is the frying pan. The socially accepted weapons are the car and alcohol, probably because the savoir-faire excuse of our society is "everyone does it," that is, drink and drive. How many victims nTC need to be claimed by this loaded weapon before both the legislative and justice branches decide they have a moral as well as a legal right to stop excusing drunk-driving automotive manslaughters and punish the criminal? Sadly, I believe the second judge missed his golden opportunity.

His convicted murderer had a previous conviction for drunken driving, yet the best the judge could do was a work release sentence.

Does this sentence fit the crime? Perhaps it is time to hit the justice system over the head with the frying pan, a wake-up call to the reality that victims of drunken driving are no different than victims of any other corporal weapon, and the punishment should befit the crime. . . .

Jan M. Kohler

Abingdon

Too Many Officials

The Sun recently quoted Maryland Licensing and Regulation Secretary William A. Fogle as saying, "I got 22 lawyers on my staff that have nothing to do but fool around with him." The him in this case being lobbyist Bruce C. Bereano.

Regardless of the issue at hand, this type of arrogance by a government official is what leads taxpayers to go on reform drives.

These 22 lawyers' salaries must total at least $1 million. Where was Mr. Fogle when the governor was searching for ways to balance the budget the last couple of years?

. . . A careful, unemotional look at the issue being discussed would also lead most Marylanders to side with Mr. Bereano.

Mr. Fogle is proposing to levy a restriction on all state citizens by virtue of his authority as a bureaucrat. At the least, the issue should be voted through the General Assembly.

Buddy W. Maxwell

Aberdeen

Sheriff Elections

As the year progresses and the elections grow closer, one must look at the sheriff's race very carefully. As the pool of candidates for sheriff continues to increase, the public is going to have quite a bit of ponder.

Why do these people want to be sheriff? What qualifications and experience do they possess? In what direction is this person going to take Harford County law enforcement? These are all very important questions and concerns.

The issue of forming a police department is also a valid one. We need to hold someone accountable for the good of the public and employees of the sheriff's office; not a scapegoat, but someone who is going to answer the concerns of everyone. I believe placing the decision of a police department in the hands of the people was the best course of action. The people of Harford County will make their wishes known in the coming election. But let us look very closely at our options come September and November.

If a police department should prevail, the county executive will appoint the chief and the duties of the sheriff will be minimized, but still very important. A concern of the people should be if the police department comes to be in November, will all our candidates be as ambitious about their position as sheriff or will it be a part-time job? As a sheriff with less authority, will he maintain dedication and strive for professionalism?

I certainly hope so. As a law enforcement professional and a Democratic candidate for Harford County sheriff, I know how important it is to be dedicated to your work. Throughout the past 17 years, I have been dedicated to the law enforcement profession. Whether or not a police department prevails, I will be dedicated to the position of sheriff if chosen by the people.

George W. Cunningham

Bel Air

Police Experience

During the last year, there has been much discussion concerning law enforcement in Harford County and the need for a police department rather then a sheriff's office. The main focus of this controversy appears to rest on the upper levels of the sheriff's office. Mismanagement, political conflicts, lack of accountability are among the terms and phrases frequenting the newspapers and club meetings.

Considering all this, we are faced with voting a sheriff into office and possibly the appointment of a police chief. Appointing a police chief will be out of our hands and be accomplished by the county executive and County Council. But whether searching for or voting for someone to fill these positions, what do we consider? Personal background, education, experience in the field and overall performance are among those qualifications considered in any occupation and law enforcement is no different. But one qualification is more of a necessity then the others and that is experience.

The sheriff or chief of police is charged with holding his/her people accountable for their performance and actions. . . .

In order to make a decision on a law enforcement officer's actions, I honestly believe one must have done the job. Law enforcement history has taught us the best leaders in this profession have come up through the ranks. Unless you patrolled all night long, wrestled with a drunk in the middle of a highway or been in a position where you feared for your life, you can only speculate on what you should have done in any situation. Then, the attorneys sit around for hours attempting to figure out what they believe you should do in those given five seconds.

There are fine deputies in the Harford County Sheriff's Office and they deserve someone experienced and understanding to lead them into the next century. So whether you are seeking a chief of police or voting for a sheriff, choose carefully. If you think there are problems now, choose someone without experience and your problems are only beginning.

John W. Yeager

Forest Hill

Flora Wiley

I was very touched by your article (March 20) about Flora H. Wiley. I did not know she had passed away. She helped me many times.

I have drawn more than 300 pictures of Harford County scenes for The Sun. In doing this, you quite often need help from other people. Flora Wiley gave me suggestions, information and encouragement a number of times. She was generous in her support and it was always good to talk with her.

Her knowledge of Harford County was truly outstanding. She will certainly be missed by many people and I truly appreciate all she did to help me.

William F. Turner

Churchville