I’m a bit tired of wearing the reporter hat, it’s time to get a good old-fashioned editorial in.
Unlike some other bloggers, (*cough* Hadley *cough*) I’m not going to endorse anyone yet, since we have several candidates who I think would make a decent sheriff, some more than others but I’m still in the process of judging. After all, when I endorse here before the primary I’m going to endorse one from each party, and hope the best man (or woman) wins from each side.
But there is one observation that I have about this Sheriff’s race, and what I think is that it’s going to be a shame to lose so many good, longstanding deputies in the next year. Who honestly believes that if one of the three current deputies in the race wins, the other two won’t either retire or be forced out in a housecleaning? According to either their websites or information from the recent FOP Sheriff’s Forum Doris Schonbrunner has been in the Sheriff’s Department 19 years, Robin Roberts “over 20” in a 24 year career in law enforcement, and Ken Pusey 25 years. I don’t know the parameters regarding the pension program for our deputies, but generally it’s 20 to 25 years to qualify for a full pension, so, with the exception of Schonbrunner (barely) each likely qualifies for retirement or comes pretty close.
And this doesn’t take into the account the possibility of any of the other four candidates winning. Let’s say for the sake of argument that Mike Lewis wins. Would he want three deputies who ran against him chafing as underlings? Probably not, particularly as his approach will likely be radically different than Hunter Nelms’s has been. I suspect in this case a new broom sweeps clean and all three are “asked” to resign. Also, I certainly think that Doris Schonbrunner’s days would be numbered if Kirk Daugherty wins. As I recall, Schonbrunner succeeded Daugherty as second-in-command when Daugherty left (depending on story, voluntarily or not-so-voluntarily.) Ken Pusey and Robin Roberts might be shown a little better treatment as they’re loyal Democrats.
On the other hand, if either of the two other Republicans (Chris South or Wayne Lowe) win that may be good news for Schonbrunner, and not so much for Robin Roberts or Ken Pusey. However, both South and Lowe seem to be a little more diplomatic and might be able to convince the trio of deputies to stay on, at least for a transition period. I just can’t see that happening though.
So far the Sheriff’s race has not been too rancorous but that may change as the primary elections draw closer. I know I’ve enjoyed the contestants sticking to the issues and putting out their approaches to fighting crime. But I’m not naive enough to know that, lurking under the surface, there’s plenty of rumors and innuendo out there about some of the hopefuls – most of it untrue, but perhaps a little bit of dirt sticks to some. If it’s going to plague the new Sheriff and affect the job that person does, it’s something that should be explained by that person and let the voters decide on their mea culpa.
But whatever the results in September and November, I predict the next year will be a time of major upheaval in the Sheriff’s Department as at least two longtime deputies will leave and infighting begins amongst the remaining deputies to succeed those who left for their vacant prime positions. To my end, I just hope that the successes of the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department don’t fall victim to insider games. Let’s face it – had Hunter Nelms not decided to leave office and decided to seek another term, I’m sure the voters of Wicomico County would’ve rewarded him handily. It’s a legacy I’d like to see continue.
If you want another chance to see these candidates, they will be at the NAACP candidate’s forum next Thursday, check my Election Calendar below for the time and place. I know I’ll be there!
Isn’t it sad that in our day that people are more focused on having allies than having good subordinates. You can’t tell me that if the winner fires any of the candidates that they’ll be able to find a quality replacement right away, especially when they have been serving so well for so long…
Thank goodness in this county that all of the deputy sheriffs are merit employees. No matter who wins the Sheriff’s race, he or she is stuck with the staff that is in place. I would be dismayed to think that a new Sheriff would clean house and start off the first term with a huge lawsuit for the county.