Sheriff enforced smoking ban while violating it

On April 28, I read an article in The Sun entitled, "Carroll sheriff accused of smoking in his office."

When confronted about violating state law that prohibits smoking in county-owned buildings, Sheriff John H. Brown was quoted as saying, "I honestly didn't think the law applied to this building." Mr. Brown reportedly informed The Sun's Mike Farabaugh that he never saw the county memo that banned smoking in all county-owned or leased buildings.

Here's the rest of the story: On Nov. 10, 1993, Mr. Brown issued Sheriff Department General Order 93-009: "Effective Nov. 15, 1993, the entire Carroll County Sheriff's Office will become 'smoke-free.' There will be no further smoking in any sheriff's office, to include sheriff's services, detention center or court security."

Compliance and integrity are not options for elected officials.

At least he didn't deny that he inhaled.

Robert W. Johnson Jr.

Westminster

Tregoning: Trust in law enforcement

Carroll County is rapidly approaching the year 2000 and many changes are occurring around us. Our community, especially in the South Carroll area, is experiencing considerable business and residential development all around. With this growth comes many issues and problems that will affect our quality of life.

I have been involved in law enforcement for 25 years and know first-hand the problems and complexity of a sheriff's office. As a citizen and taxpayer observing the sheriff's office in Carroll over many years, it is obvious that it is time for a change in leadership.

A relationship of trust and confidence between the sheriff's office and the community is essential. Professionalism, personal integrity and leadership are the hallmark of Kenneth L. Tregoning, candidate for sheriff of Carroll County.

During his distinguished 30-year career with the state police, Mr. Tregoning faithfully served the citizens of Carroll as commander of the Westminster barracks. He now wants to direct his expertise where it can most affect the community where he and his wife live and have raised their family.

Bob Keefer

Mount Airy

Brown's slogans can be read two ways

Campaign slogans can become catch phrases or they can "catch" a candidate with his own words. For instance, in reviewing Carroll County Sheriff John H. Brown's slogans, I found them to be terribly misleading.

His signs claim him "tough on criminals." However, if he is tough while serving warrants or housing prisoners, use of excessive force is against the law. He demonstrated his toughness when the infamous gun incident occurred. Pointing a gun at the back of the head of a suspect in handcuffs, subdued and on the floor, was totally unprofessional.

"It's jail, not a hotel" is a slogan in one of his ads. A prisoner is shown wearing one of those cartoon-like uniforms he favors. One is reminded of a 1930s B-movie, or better yet, a scene from the Keystone Kops. If this is his idea of toughness, one can only laugh.

Another slogan, "If it ain't broke, why fix it?" begs the question: Why for the past year has he whined about how broke it is? Not enough space -- try to put prisoners in tents. Not enough manpower -- try to form a posse. Can't help with the drug problem -- all this even though his staff has increased from 67 to 84.

The next slogan mentioned in his ads, "What people are saying about," has politicians praising his management abilities.

What people in the neighborhoods are talking about is how he mismanaged a $1.4 million budget. Or, about the nearly $5 million cost overruns from the addition to the jail, a result of his objection to the plans.

We deserve a professional lawman, not a flamboyant showman.

Judith B. DuVal

Taneytown

Grenada comparison to Clinton ludicrous

In Matthew Rothschild's Opinion Commentary piece in The Sun ("U.S. takes a wrong turn with air strikes," Aug. 23), he states, "Since the end of World War II, presidents have been abrogating to themselves these powers of Congress. [Bill] Clinton is no exception, but his action was the most self-serving since Ronald Reagan invaded Grenada on Oct. 25, 1983, just two days after 218 Marines were killed in Lebanon."

To state that a successful operation such as Grenada was put together in 48 hours so that Ronald Reagan could look presidential is self-serving, irresponsible and ludicrous.

Richard D. Oler

Finksburg

Real debate needed, not 'beauty contest'

In the past several weeks, commissioner candidates have been invited to speak at public forums. In my opinion, these forums are not doing justice to this important race because they are mere "beauty contests" (no offense, gentlemen).

I would like to offer a challenge to the six who are successful in the primary: Please join with me and urge at least one organization to sponsor a meaningful debate on several of the most pressing issues.

I am not suggesting a battle of words or name-calling, but a real opportunity for voters to "get inside our heads." We need to discuss growth, taxes, affordable housing, adequate public facilities, economic development, the education system and any other issue of your choosing.

Let's give the voting public a chance to hear us rationally and professionally discuss the concerns we all have.

Carolyn Fairbank

Eldersburg

The writer is an Independent candidate for Carroll County commissioner.

Blair understands Maryland's problems

As a relative newcomer to Carroll County, I am facing my first election in which I will have to decide among a number of fine men and women who want my vote. While I am still making up my mind about several of them, one in particular has really impressed me.

W. David Blair is running for the House of Delegates in the 5th Legislative District. I recently heard him and several other candidates speak at a function hosted by local Realtors.

Mr. Blair was solid, from lower taxes and real estate settlement costs to the elimination of burdensome regulations on small business. Mr. Blair also advocates the abolition of parole for repeat violent offenders, and legislation which will effectively address issue of domestic violence and child abuse.

He is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights, while at the same time being a proponent of gun safety goals which he, unlike so many who currently populate the legislature, believes are not mutually exclusive.

He spoke rather poignantly about his only daughter who recently obtained her graduate degree, and had to decide between comparable job offers in Maryland and Virginia. She took the one in Virginia, because, her father explained, her money would go farther and her quality of living would be better. It reminded me of my parents who are retired and reside in Florida instead of Maryland, near me, because their standard of living is better there.

The politicians and policies of the past have made things this way. Mr. Blair gets my vote.

Janet Truhe

Reisterstown

For Blair and Smith; not sure of Tregoning

As the Republican primary approaches, voters need to consider aspects of certain candidates as they make up their minds. Three important races are for delegate in the 5th Legislative District, county commissioner and sheriff.

In the delegate election, Republicans are interested in taking the seat held by the only liberal Democrat in office in the county.

I support W. David Blair as I did four years ago when he was nominated in the primary and beat the Democrat by more than 6,000 voters. This time, Mr. Blair has been endorsed by Republican gubernatorial candidate Ellen R. Sauerbrey and Maryland Business for Responsible Government. He has worked hard the past four years and deserves another opportunity.

I don't think his opponents do. Commissioner W. Benjamin Brown is basing his campaign on his experience as commissioner the past four years. If you are happy with the present county government, including the two major tax increases, then vote for Mr. Brown.

The other opponent is Carmen Amedori, who lost the only election she's ever been in and quit the position of public trust she was appointed to serve in. Her only qualification seems to be that she is the wife of the current state's attorney, and I'm not sure Republicans are ready for a husband-wife team.

There is a large crop of commissioner candidates, and again Republicans must ask if they are happy with the way things are going, what with mismanaged growth, tax increases and turmoil. If you want a fresh face, someone who is not beholden to special interests, join me in supporting Betty L. Smith.

Ms. Smith owns a small business, grew up in the southern part of the county and now lives in Uniontown. If, you like the way things are, vote for present commissioners Donald I. Dell and Richard T. Yates. While you're at it, you might want to consider Mr. Dell's protege, Robin B. Frazier. Ms. Frazier was Mr. Dell's treasurer in several elections and was appointed by him to the Planning Commission. Her work there speaks for itself. I'm certain she would be very supportive of the present commissioner.

Finally, there is the sheriff's race. This is going to be close and the decision for Republicans could be tough. Should they replace two-term sheriff John H. Brown with Kenneth L. Tregoning? Mr. Tregoning seems to be a nice man, but I and many other Republicans have a major problem with his candidacy. He was the Democratic candidate in 1994.

Mr. Tregoning switched parties around 1996, which any Republican would welcome, but the question lingers, why? Did he switch because he realized his basic beliefs no longer agreed with the Democratic Party, or because he felt it would be easier to be elected in Carroll County as a Republican? I don't know that answer and because Mr. Tregoning hasn't been real clear, I am having a lot of trouble in deciding to vote for him. This is one race that will be interesting to watch.

Regardless of who you support, be sure to vote on Tuesday and reaffirm American freedom.

Frank H. Rammes

Finksburg

Pub Date: 9/13/98