117 responses so far ↓

• 1 someone at the fair // Aug 20, 2006 at 3:21 pm

  I know there is supposed to be party loyalty and about 99.8% of the time I do vote Republican. BUT, if, heaven forbid, Cochran ends up running against Bane, I WILL be voting for a Democratic sheriff. The underhanded tactic Cochran has used attempting to claim Ehrlich’s endorsement is enough to make me not want him in office. Then there is the issue of him having donations from so many big names in Harford Co business, and his support within the current administration at the HCSO. It all reeks to high heaven of the good ole boy’s network. Which, it is TIME TO END! Until the good ole boys are gone, things are not going to improve. I surely hope an outsider other than Cochran can pull off a miracle and win the Republican post for sheriff. It aint over till the fat lady sings!

• 2 GOP4runner // Aug 20, 2006 at 4:42 pm

  Gee GOPerative, do you really think Bane can beat Terry Serago? (extreme sarcasm) How about a Bane vs Cochran poll here? The results may prove very interesting….

• 3 hmmmm // Aug 20, 2006 at 9:51 pm

  To me there is the Price/Tritt camp of change, the Bendetto camp of someone other than Cochran, and then the Cochran camp of everything is fine.

• 4 RepublicanTeamPlayer // Aug 20, 2006 at 10:51 pm

  Jesse Bane spent $150.00 for an O’Malley fundraiser, so I doubt he is supporting Governor Ehrlich. Jesse Bane is very partisan, so we as republicans need to wise up or we will see another elected democrat supporting other democrat candidates against some of our very own favorite republican elected officials. Please remember Jesse was the treasurer of the new democatic club here in Harford County. Look at his donors. DON’T BE FOOLED. Let’s wise up and support the republican party we fought so hard for in Harford County!!!!!!!

• 5 HereWeGoAgain // Aug 20, 2006 at 11:00 pm

  How soon people forget! Remember when Mr. Bane was the Chief Deputy Sheriff under then Sheriff Mele from 1986 to 1990? That was when the Union was formed, wasn’t it? And wasn’t it formed to help then-candidate Comes beat the Mele/Bane administration because of how the deparment was run? Wasn’t Mr. Bane then “demoted” from the Chief Deputy’s position to a “Bureau Commander”, and hasn’t he remained a “Bureau Commander” up to the time he retired? Didn’t he continued to be a part of the administration under former Sheriffs, Comes, Meadows, as well as Sheriff Golding? Besides being great at social programs (not really the “meat” of law enforcement), what did he do to combat the gang problem? Besides neighborhood watch, what did he do to implement other tactics in the fight against crime? Hmmmm, don’t you think he knew about the gangs “way back when” they first showed up in the County? I suppose he was too busy with his social programs and making friends so he could run for Sheriff after he retired.

  Mr. Cochran? I don’t think so. So many of the big developers, mortgage bankers and mortgage officers are backing him financially, as well as the current Sheriff’s Office administration, and that in itself is a distinct early warning sign that the “Good Ol’ Boy” system will continue. The Sheriff’s Office needs to rid itself of the “Good Ol’ Boy” system. This is 2006, not 1946.

  You really need to take a long, hard look at the other Republican candidates. Find out who has skeletons in their closets. Find out who has baggage. See who has a true, life-time committment to public safety, committment to fellow law enforcement officers and Correctional Officers. Find out who has the most law hands-on law enforcement experience Draw your own conclusion. That is exactly what I did, as well as many people that I know. We all came to the same conclusion.

  Mr. Joe Price is, without a doubt, the best suited candidate for the job of the Sheriff of Harford County, bar none.

• 6 10-50 magnet // Aug 21, 2006 at 12:00 am

  I would be interested in seeing one-on-one polls with Bane facing Benedetto, Price, and Tritt as well. I don’t see the other two as being major vote getters. I’d also like to see a Ed Hopkins poll vs Bane just for kicks.
  I hope the GOPerative hasn’t conceded the primary. The premise of your article is pretty scary!
  I’m not expecting Bane to renounce his allegiance to O’Malley, either. Just a gut feeling. If he was going to be a party switcher, he could have done it years ago. I don’t think he will be pounding doors for O’Malley, but he will support him quietly.

  SATF-
  Your comment ” hope an outsider other than Cochran…” implies that he is an outsider to begin with. He most certainly is entrenched in the GOBN and no doubt many back room deals have been made already should he win. You are RIGHT ON about ending the GOBN!

• 7 lifelongrepublican // Aug 21, 2006 at 12:02 am

  Well, if you are disturbed by Cochran’s contributions from “developers” (what other issue has consumed so much press space over the last bunch of years?) then you will REALLY like Cochran’s donations from, and fundraiser ticket sales to, multiple “private investigation” companies including a bunch from outside Harford County. What’s up with this? Any P.I. could certainly benefit from having an inside track to law enforcement and its access to criminal histories, DMV records, the NCIC ‘wanted check’ system, etc. etc. I would be much more concerned about that than the “developer” money. In case you are wondering, any law enforcement agency worth its salt tells its personnel to keep a long arm extended to P.I.’s (unlike TV programs) for just these type of ethics concerns. P.I.’s are not “crime solvers” nor do they “work” in criminal arenas which could even generally be of assistance to any sheriff’s office or police department. Lest he say something along the lines of he became “acquainted with” or “friends of” some PI’s along his law enforcement career, if he did so, it was outside the bounds of his MSP employment. To be sure, it is flatly ILLEGAL in Maryland for any law enforcement agency to use NCIC or similar means for non-law enforcement purposes. If caught, the computer terminal operator, personally, faces stiff punishment from the State and the AGENCY can be CUT-OFF from the system. Try running a roadside check on someone with a tin can and string. I know from whence I speak!

• 8 DiscoChick // Aug 21, 2006 at 6:02 am

  They both look so old!

• 9 publican // Aug 21, 2006 at 8:25 am

  Bill Kunkel saw the light and switched over about a year ago. It is a shame Jesse didn’t switch at the same time. Had he done so, we’d have a publican sheriff in November. Does any other DEM have a shot at a county wide position? Me thinks not.

• 10 HereWeGoAgain // Aug 21, 2006 at 9:36 am

  LifeLongRepublican:

  Well, there seems to be a new surprise almost daily about Mr. Cochran, et al! Do you think we should hire a contractor to do more digging? Oh, I forgot…..they are backing Mr. Cochran.

  You have solidified my vote for Mr. Price even more. Thank you.

• 11 PolJunk // Aug 21, 2006 at 12:23 pm

  GOPerative hit the nail on the head with this piece.

  The only tie I think Bane will have to O’Malley is through his campaign treasurer. Then again, a smart man will ask someone that knows what they are doing and does it well to ‘man’ that position, so can you really fault him for that?

  …to answer publican’s question…I agree, probably not.

• 12 GOP4runner // Aug 21, 2006 at 4:08 pm

  Anyone else going to the candidate forum in Edgewood tonight?

• 13 someone at the fair // Aug 21, 2006 at 4:14 pm

  To lifelongrepublican, thank you very much for bringing that information to light. I think that would merit an article in The Sun, The Examiner, and The Aegis. I know well that P.I.s and Police do NOT mix and should not….this was the first I had heard of the contributions by them to the Cochran campaign. Agreed, that is of more concern than the big money interests being sent to the Cochran campaign, though, they both are a worry to me.

  10-50, sorry for lack of clarification. Agreed, Cochran is NOT a true outsider, just hails from another agency. He is the status quo in the GOBN.

  GOPerative, how about posting a link on the home page with the final results of that original poll about sheriff?

  And another poll might be in order considering some of the points brought up here, as suggested above.

  Let us hope the GOBN will end up out in the street come November.

• 14 Steve // Aug 21, 2006 at 7:14 pm

  This site is unbelievable……The domain name should be slantedharfordrepublican.com Why would you start a Bane poll before the party was unified. Nothing but sore losers here with personal agendas.

  Ive done my own digging and I think each person contributing on this site should be held accountable for their words….stay tuned.

• 15 GOPerative // Aug 21, 2006 at 7:37 pm

  Oh Steve,
  You are a Cochran supporter (even though I had to ask you several times before you admitted it) and I think the current poll is showing that you are the sore loser. The fact is that you are entitled to support Norm Cochran just as much as someone else is to oppose him. I along with many others feel he is being pushed to the front of the line and that that is not good for the Party. He didn’t even want the job which is why he originally filed for Central Committee. Unfortunately in our democracy money can make sub-par candidates win in the primary. I wrote the latest article to see where the readers were coming from and it appears that many of us are on the same page. I honestly do not think Cochran can beat Bane. I’m not sure if anyone can. I think Ed Hopkins could but for some reason he has not entered the arena.

  “Stay tuned?” Should the contributors on this blog look for GPS tracking devices on their cars and men dressed in all black? Is that the kind of accountability you are talking about?

• 16 Steve // Aug 21, 2006 at 9:33 pm

  Too funny…….Just a republican supporter GOPerative as we wish you were

• 17 someone at the fair // Aug 21, 2006 at 10:10 pm

  Held accountable for their words? Is Steve threatening us for exercising our FIRST AMENDMENT rights to free speech? I was under the impression this site was for the free, vocal, expression of our opinions. Without fear of reprisals! All of the observations I have made on canidates are backed up by what has been in the papers of late. Steve, if you want to attack us here, you may as well start with the reporters first. Oh, and there is nothing wrong with Republicans debating a ” what if ” scenario about Bane.

  Unbelievable.

• 18 GOPerative // Aug 21, 2006 at 11:02 pm

  Oh Steve,
  You damage your credibility so much with comments like that. I do enjoy your comments though. When all else fails, accuse of being a democrat. I love that one. It is so intellectually void of substance is just has to be taken as folly. You have yet to tell us why we should back Cochran other than him being a Republican. The jist of the article was to show that Party may not determine the winner in this one. I would like the seat to stay Republican but if Cochran wins it will be more difficult than you are willing to admit.

• 19 Mission Impossible // Aug 22, 2006 at 7:40 am

  Your mission (if you choose to accept it) is to elect someone right for the job that doesn’t have a rolling snowball of hype or slip into bed with big money?

  Anyone at the FOP candidates night could see the difference between Cochran and Bane. We can’t put too much weight into these events, but if you consider this with everything else then Bane will blow Cochran away.

  Most impressive to me were two gentlemen that towered over both Bane and Cochran and the other sheriff candidates.

  Casling commanded the room. I would not be disappointed if he were elected. We would have an excellent command in the sheriffs office.
  I had written him off, but he’s been to my door and has the best experience unique for the job.

  Dave Tritt showed everyone why we should elect him Sheriff. He had the courage to stand up for what is right long before anyone else had the guts and he didn’t disappoint last night. I watched afterwards just to see if he would get jumped in the parking lot.
  That counts a lot in my book and he made a great point. 30 yrs. experience is wasted time if it lacks integrity, accountability, and service before self. As a deputy, I would want someone of this kind of courage and resolve to have my back.
  For you Nancy Jacobs fans, I also spotted what looked to be a little quiet support for Dave Tritt coming from her camp.

  Bane lost my vote last night because if not for the hype surrounding him I would not have noticed him at all. He blends in. Leaders do not blend in.

  Cochran lost my vote b/c you can smell corruption seeping from his pores. I cringed to imagine the next minimum 8 years if he is elected. All GOBN affiliates need to go. They are a cancer to our community in Harford.

  This race should be between Tritt and Casling and a fair decision of what you want

  1) a guy who I think has the vision and potential to acheive truly great results as sheriff, but will have a slow start for his first 3 to 4 months

  -or-

  2) someone who will simply get the job done, like a general, and will go unnoticed except if we notice less crime on the street and it being safer for Harford’s children in and after school

  This message will self destruct in five minutes so that Steve can’t trace it.

• 20 HereWeGoAgain // Aug 22, 2006 at 11:44 am

  Mission Impossible:

  I see you commented on all of the Republican candidates, and the lone Democrat, for Sheriff that attended the FOP forum last night, and early this morning, with the exception of Mr. Price. Maybe you were indisposed when he gave his presentation, which he did not use a “script” to read from as most of the others did. I do hope you picked up one of his flyers when you left so you can make an informed decision on this most important race.

  With his life-time committment of giving back to the community of Harford County since he was a teenager, no skeletons or special interest groups in his closet, his honesty and integrity and his law enforcement background, Mr. Price is truly the best qualified for the Office of the Sheriff.

  I’m thrilled that you saw through the smokescreen laid down by Mr. Cochran, and Mr. Bane, who it is said has been part of the problem at the Sheriff’s Office over the years.

  I can’t agree with you about Mr. Clasing, or mr. Tritt, though. Both are “nice guys”, I’m sure. There’s just something about Mr. Clasing, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. Mr. Tritt and Mr. Price seem to parallel in the morals and ethics, with both being religious family men. However, Mr. Price has 30 years of law enforcement experience, which is paramount to the job of Sheriff in our county. Mr. Price is a “hands-on” commander with experience and will not turn over the operation of the Sheriff’s Office to anyone who is second in command. In other words, he will not just be a figure-head.

  Is Steve also tied to the land development industry? Sounds to me like he must be.

  LifeLongRepublican:

  Mr. Cochran is also tied to the private investigation industry? Not that there is anything wrong with private investigators, as long as they are legitimate and trustworthy, as I know several. Most are fine investigators that only use legitimate tactics to pursure their cases. Then again, I know a couple that I wouldn’t hire to babysit my dog. It would be nice to know what investigation companies Mr. Cochran is tied to, and how.

  Total disclosure for the position of candidacy for the Office of the Sheriff is an absolute must. It would be a total injustice to the citizens of Harford County if a candidate for Sheriff hid something, got elected and was later found not to be the person he portrayed during his campaign? That would open another can of worms………..again.

• 21 PolJunk // Aug 22, 2006 at 3:37 pm

  I wish I could have attended the forum. I know I would have been wiser for it…and I really appreciate and enjoy ready the summaries here.

  However, with the morale of the deputies being reported as being low (something that doesn’t seem to get much discussion here), is bringing in a rival Trooper or a tie-in to the current admin really going to improve or help the situation?

  Don’t misread me, I’m not trying to slam any candidate with this post. I just wanted to bring up another significant issue that will improve the department. I just think that deputies working in a potentially hostile environment don’t make for efficient, effective protectors of the public.

  Maybe the State Trooper/HCSO rivalry isn’t as big a deal as the impression I have been given?

• 22 HereWeGoAgain // Aug 22, 2006 at 10:36 pm

  PolJunk:

  Take a few minutes, stop in at the Republican Central Committee Headquarters in the old Red Cross building on Main Street, Bel Air, and pick up one of Mr. Joe Price’s brochures. Read it and make an informed decision. There is definitely a morale issue and Mr. Price has a very workable solution to benefit the Deputies, Correctional Officers and civilian employees of the Sheriff’s Office.

  Or, go to his website at http://www.priceforsheriff2006.com and read his letter to Sheriff’s Office personnel.

• 23 ReaganAgain08 // Aug 23, 2006 at 11:22 am

  I have to admit, I like what Joe Price has to say. Still, I’d committed to Dave Tritt awhile back, and am going to stay with Tritt. Dave is energetic and, I believe, greatly enhanced by his outsider status. Bottom line: Either Tritt or Price will serve the GOP – and county – well.

• 24 GOPerative // Aug 23, 2006 at 11:09 pm

  Final Poll Results:
  Bane vs. Cochran

  * Norm Cochran: 22% (16)
  * Jesse Bane: 78% (56)

  Total Votes : 72

  I’m going to run a few more people against Bane to see how they do.

• 25 TheOldGuy // Aug 24, 2006 at 12:52 pm

  I saw that Mr. Cochran has spent hundreds of dollars of the contractors money for an advertisement in the Aegis urges people to call 911 if they see someone taking down, or destroying, his signs. He’s blaming his opponents. Boo-hoo! I don’t think his opponents’ character would allow them to stoop that low!

  Some of the people that I talked to said that Mr. Cochran has been putting signs on their property WITHOUT getting their permission, and they take them down. Other signs that he is missing are probably the ones that the State and County Highway Administrations removed because they were ILLEGALLY placed on State and County right-of-ways.

  If Mr. Cochran, the leader of his group, can’t follow the simple Election Laws regarding the placement of signs, how can we trust him to lead a large law enforcement agency?

  Makes you wonder, doesn’t it?

• 26 RealGOP // Aug 24, 2006 at 10:33 pm

  GOPerative-

  I disagree with your “centrist” comments about Bane, and so does your ultra-left-wing blogging counterpart (I won’t give the satisfaction of a link). Bane is not a centrist, he is a liberal. He is in the party of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Ted “The Swimmer” Kennedy, Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean, etc. Locally, he associates with the hate-spewing John Haggerty, Artie Helton- who lied about where he lives so he could run against Jacobs, and many other flaming libs. He was the secretary of the New Democrats, an active democrat, not just some conservative farmer who has always been a dem.
  We cannot afford to trust liberals with key positions of power in government. I caution you and other conservatives that frequent this site not to be duped by liberals appearing to be “centrist”. The liberal philosophy is harmful, especially in law enforcement and corrections.
  Liberals must be defeated at ALL levels. Your banner says it best- Keep Harford County Clean- “Keep it REPUBLICAN.”

• 27 RepublicanTeamPlayer // Aug 25, 2006 at 12:31 am

  Poljunk,
  Listen up!
  Your Qoute “The only tie Bane will have with O’Malley is through his campaign treasurer.”

  Jesse (DEMOCRAT) Bane spent $150.00 to support O’Malley at a fundraiser!!

  O’Malley is running against the first REPUBLICAN governor in 36 years. His name is Bob Erhlich. Don’t support (democrat) BANE, support your republican choice (there’s six) candidate for sheriff.

  REPUBLICAN’s this is not rocket science!!!!!!! It took long hard work to accomplish what the party has become, let not put a crack in our armor.

• 28 Greg2 // Aug 25, 2006 at 10:02 am

  If Republican elected officals are failing to keep it REPUBLICAN they must be removed. I don’t know what to make of this race, but no candidate should be dismissed like that. There is a reality that O’Malley will win.

• 29 Anonymous // Aug 25, 2006 at 5:33 pm

  Vote Team

  WAGNER – O’MALLEY

  Sierra Club Endorses Wagner

  Sierra Club Picks O’Malley for Governor

  Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley picked up the endorsement of Maryland’s chapter of the Sierra Club, bolstering the Democratic gubernatorial candidate’s environmental credentials.

  O’Malley used an endorsement event in Howard County to present his case that Republican Gov. Ehrlich had not done enough to protect the environment since 2002, citing cuts in land preservation funding early in his term, among other things.

  “Thank goodness the job of governor is a temporary job,” O’Malley told a few dozen supporters gathered at Centennial Lakes Park.

  O’Malley wrote to Ehrlich yesterday, asking that the state offer to purchase two-thirds of the site of a large planned development in Cambridge that he said could harm the environment.

  Redirecting growth away from the nearby Little Blackwater River would protect a wildlife refuge on the Eastern Shore that is one of “our state’s natural treasures,” O’Malley said.

  Ehrlich spokesman Henry P. Fawell responded by suggesting that O’Malley “tend to his own zoning failures in Baltimore City before lecturing others about a local zoning matter on the Eastern Shore.”

  He was referring to a development in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor where city officials recently acknowledged that condominiums were being constructed in violation of height restrictions.

  Fawell also argued that Ehrlich’s environmental record is a strong one, and that he invested record amounts in land preservation once the state’s budget improved.

  Sierra Club Endorses Wagner

  Aaron Kazi, today commented on the endorsement incumbent Council President, Rob Wagner, recently received from the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club.

  “It’s ironic that Rob Wagner continues to attempt billing himself as a conservative after showing his disdain for Governor Ehrlich and after voting for O’Malley Deputy Campaign Director Lucie Snodgrass over David Craig,” Kazi said. “It’s even more ironic that Wagner will likely still insist he is a conservative after recently being endorsed by the Sierra Club. That extreme left group does not endorse conservatives.”

  Besides Wagner, the Sierra Club also endorsed Democrats Ann Helton, Mary Dulaney James, Dion Guthrie, and Valerie Twanmoh, among others. Besides Wagner, only one other Harford County “Republican” was endorsed by the group. Kazi said it was only right that Wagner be included in that list of endorsees.

  “Like his fellow recipients of the Sierra Club endorsement, Rob Wagner is no conservative,” Kazi said. “At least Ann Helton and the others don’t pretend to be Republicans.”

  As for the Sierra Club’s extremism, Kazi noted that the national organization had joined with other far left groups, including the ACLU, the Feminist Majority, and the National Abortion Rights Action League as part of the Coalition for an Independent Judiciary, an organization whose mission is to derail President Bush’s Judicial nominees. Further, Kazi pointed out, in 2003 the Sierra Club elected (now former Board Member) Paul Watson to its Board, after Watson, also an animal rights activist, stated in 2002, “There’s nothing wrong with being a terrorist, as long as you win. Then you write the history.”

  “Rob Wagner should embrace the endorsement of the Sierra Club because he’s a perfect fit for their extreme liberal beliefs,” Kazi concluded. “This endorsement makes it even clearer I am the only real Republican in the race for Harford County Council President.”

• 30 someone at the fair // Aug 25, 2006 at 7:14 pm

  Ah yes, the mention of Ted Kennedy makes my skin absolutely crawl. It is testimony to the liberal mantra that Kennedy still maintains a public office to this day, in spite of being guilty of vehicular manslaughter. What a coward he was to leave that woman drowning in his car. I know that had a Republican done such a crime, he would have been hung out to dry and sent to prison – justifiably I may add, but it seems that liberals/democrats are willing to gloss over any crime to support their party.

  But that being said, if it does end up being a Cochran vs Bane race, I can not see myself voting Republican for sheriff. I am sorry.

  So, I surely hope that anyone other than a representative of the GOBN wins come September. We need TRUE change! Not just a continuation of the past 20 years, which is exactly what we will get if Norm wins. Just look at who has been contributing to his campaign, and that should be enough to show just where is coming from.

• 31 RepublicanTeamPlayer // Aug 25, 2006 at 10:48 pm

  someoneat the fair,

  Bane has been part of the command staff for the last 20 YEARS. There will be no CHANGE just another liberal that will support other liberals for other offices.

  I’m no Cochran fan either but REPUBLICAN WISE UP!!!!

• 32 BelAirGuy // Aug 25, 2006 at 11:53 pm

  When picking a Sheriff this time, we really need to pick someone with morals, ethics, and a spine. That person is certainly not Cochran. Besides the simple fact that he bounces whichever way the wind blows, he is primarily backed by Mike Euller- whom most everyone can agree is a pretty shady character. Euller is the poster child of the worst elements of the GOBN. He is a developer of the nastiest sort that does NOTHING unless it involves a profit and will do anything FOR a profit. Euller has likely invested in some crime ridden property in Edgewood, will order Sheriff Cochran to sweep out the bad elements, and then sell the property at a handsome profit. This is Euller’s M.O.

  Because of the fact that Cochran is a puppet of the “land grabbers” (reference: Blazing Saddles), practically anyone else will do.

  We have some good choices. Based on their speaches at FOP, I would say:

  My first choice- Tritt.
  Second- Price

  Both obviously very intelligent and honorable men. I prefer Tritt though, because we need a true outside to law enforcement to truly undertake the massive overhaul the department requires.

  P.S. Be careful of ANY politician that takes money from Mike Euller or from one of his many furtive LLC’s. Euller will demand a payback from all these politicians. He does not just try to buy access- he wants hard favors and will demand them. He also hones in on the weak in order to control them.

  P.S. P. S.

  Cochran cannot possibly beat Bane. If they ever debate, Bane will clean his clock. Norm would lose a debate to a mute. He must be one of the worst communicators I have heard in a long time… well… since Golding.

• 33 Jimmy the Greek // Aug 26, 2006 at 10:28 am

  Does anyone have any feedback on how the candidate forum went this past Wednesday for Northern district?

• 34 Anon // Aug 26, 2006 at 12:48 pm

  Kazi concluded. “This endorsement makes it even clearer I am the only real Republican in the race for Harford County Council President.”

  NO IT DOESN’T KAZI. YOU KEEP SAYING THAT. STOP LYING AARON-BILLY BONIFACE IS A REAL REPUBLICAN.

• 35 Anonymously_Speaking // Aug 26, 2006 at 1:32 pm

  Vote Team WAGNER-O’MALLEY: Hilarious, but your point is dead on, Anonymous.

  The enviro-nuts, just like The Aegis, apparently, want to make sure that their status-quo, leftist-driven agendas, are not disrupted by Republicans actually electing Republicans who have Republican ideals and values.

  Heard this comment made at the Central Committee Office the other day: “A vote for Billy Boniface is proving to be a vote for Rob Wagner.” Scary thought.

• 36 TheOldGuy // Aug 26, 2006 at 10:07 pm

  BelAirGuy:

  Very bold statements! Absolutely true, I’m sure!! Thank you for the great info! Too bad the Aegis and Sunpaper won’t print anything about it, though.

  The only part I disagree with you on is your #1 and #2 choice for Sheriff. Your choices need to be reversed. Mr. Tritt, I agree, is a very well-spoken man with good ethics, morals and is a fine family man. Mr. Price also retains those same characteristics, as well as having 30 years of distinguished police experience. From what I have read, and heard by speaking with Mr. Price, he is a hands-on commander, dedicated to resolving the morale issue within the Sheriff’s Office. That, in itself, will lead to better service to the public. This is what the Sheriff’s Office really needs, rather than a figure-head with someone else running the operation on a daily basis, which is the tail wagging the dog.

  Everybody is upset over Bane’s attempt to go back as the Sheriff, and rightfully so. The Deputies, and the citizens, don’t need law enforcement to be set back 20 years and receive more of the same. After all, wasn’t he an administrative commander for the past 20 years? Why didn’t he do something about the crime problems? Why didn’t he do something about the morale problems? He certainly was in the position to do so! He has a lot of people baffled with B.S.!!!!!

• 37 Fallston_Elephant // Aug 26, 2006 at 10:42 pm

  –Anonymously_Speaking

  I have heard that too. Boniface it dragging just enough votes off Kazi to make it a dead heat between Wagner and Kazi. I wonder how the farming community will love Boniface if Wagner manages to beat Kazi by 10 votes?

• 38 ReaganAgain08 // Aug 27, 2006 at 10:46 am

  Anon,

  Billy Boniface is a “real” Republican,….whose volunteers I have seen at three events wearing Boniface shirts and Helton stickers.

  I have to laugh at the ineptitude of the Billy Boniface folks who are allowing, if not quite encouraging, their people to wear Helton stickers during a Republican Primary. It is truly amazing.

• 39 I LIKE IKE // Aug 27, 2006 at 12:11 pm

  Fallston_Elephant & Anonymously_Speaking,

  Don’t know where you are getting your info. I hear that Kazi is having trouble breaking 10-12 points, and that the real race is between Boniface and Wagner. I am sure the truth is somewhere in the middle, it always is.

  Don’t know where the Kazi camp is getting their numbers, but they are a far cry from the numbers I have seen and heard. Fact is, that a vote for Boniface IS NOT a vote for Wagner. If anything, Kazi may come out the spoiler in this race.

• 40 hmmmm // Aug 27, 2006 at 2:33 pm

  Do we have a known or strong candidate in F? What is the deal with Correri? isn’t he suppose to be Craig’s choice, but I haven’t seen him anywhere.

• 41 GOPerative // Aug 27, 2006 at 8:01 pm

  Bane vs. Benedetto

  * Bob Benedetto: 39% (23)
  * Jesse Bane: 61% (36)

  Total Votes : 59

• 42 TrueHarford // Aug 27, 2006 at 9:28 pm

  Fallston_Elephant,

  Stop misleading people about the state of the Council President race. Kazi is a distant third. But don’t take my word for it, ask an insider who has the actual polling data.

  The numbers are out there.

• 43 MiddleAgedMan // Aug 27, 2006 at 9:38 pm

  Old Guy,
  I have to chuckle at your comments. Everybody is upset about Bane? Yes, they are all so upset they have gone and put his signs in their yards. All over the county. They must be REALLY mad. Do you drive anywhere in Harford County?? I also have to laugh at your apparent suggestion that Tritt would only be a figurehead. Tritt and Bane were the only ones who had the guts to challenge the incumbent. You should be thanking these men for taking him out rather than taking cheap shots at them. If those two had not done the grunt work, no doubt your man would still be on the sidelines like all the rest watching the current regime coast back into office unchallenged. I am sure they all are nice guys, but true leaders don’t sit around and watch bad things happen without taking action. Bottom line is, Bane and Tritt ran when Golding was still in, your guy and all the rest did not until the seat was open. No amount of spin can change that fact. They are jumping on the bandwagon, they are opportunists and politicians, not leaders. IMHO, if they truly cared about the agency, they would have been out there a long time ago, like the two you now criticize to promote your candidate. I want a leader for a sheriff, not a follower or a puppet. I want a sheriff who can be trusted to do what is right. I am not impressed by these candidates telling me how long they have been cops b/c the people who are in charge now have both been cops for 30+ yrs. and things are screwed up big time. As a republican, I only see one candidate for sheriff who is a leader, and that’s Tritt. If he doesn’t make it, I will vote for the only other candidate who challenged Golding before it became the free for all that it is now.

• 44 rt 40 littering // Aug 27, 2006 at 9:39 pm

  hmmmmmmm

  In case you missed it, Correri people were out on Rt 40 today putting up illegal signs up and down the rt 40 corridor. Haven’t seen any signs of his except the illegal ones. Is that significant?

  Glen Glass is doing the same thing……and he is also putting them on private property without asking, directly under Jacobs 4 x 8’s. Wonder why Kohl and Pate aren’t screaming bloody murder? Aren’t they supposed to be on Jacobs’ ticket? Why haven’t they put their signs with Jacobs signs?

  Is Glass just plain naive or is he smart and calculating? Someone should blow the whistle on these guys. State roads cut the grass on Friday and Saturday on the rt 40 corridor so I guess they think they are safe for a week with their illegal signs. Wish they would get fined for their signs that are placed illegally – $25 a sign. What they are doing is wrong.

• 45 Fallston_Elephant // Aug 27, 2006 at 10:21 pm

  -I LIKE IKE

  How could Kazi possibly be considered a spoiler when he got into this race months before Boniface? Did Boniface just expect him to bow out? That certainly is the height of arrogance- but we are talking about “landed gentry” here so…The farmers can make up there own minds when they are getting crucified by Wagner in the event he skates through. I am sure their love affair with Boniface & Holloway will turn into one nasty divorce.

  -ReaganAgain08

  I was at Ropewalk the other day when Boniface was having a fundraiser and there was a car in the lot with the following 3 bumper stickers: Sarbanes; O’Malley; Boniface. Snapped a picture of it with the ol’ camera phone. Even got the license tag. Ought to be interesting who THAT is.

  Got a call from a buddy of mine who spotted the Boniface truck at Ann Helton’s HQ- multiple times. What is up with that?

  hmmmmm-

  No one I know has seen hide nor tail of Correri. Maybe he is still sick. Nice enough guy, but I think the unfortunate reality is that Hirsch will probably beat him just due to name recognition.

  Question: what is going to happen in District B? Will people still vote for Roni with her being so sick? There are a lot of Twanmoh signs in Fallston. Kazi could end up presiding over a council with 3 Dems: Hirsch, Twanmoh, and Guthrie. It ought to be an interesting 4 years.

• 46 TheOldGuy // Aug 27, 2006 at 10:53 pm

  MiddleAgedMan:

  What you say may be true of the other candidates, but not of Mr. Price. He has been planning his run since last year. I respect your thought of why didn’t “they” didn’t have the guts to file prior to Golding dropping out. Strategy, maybe? However, you must remember that the deadline for filing has been the same throughout the years, and just because a candidate didn’t file for a month or two before the deadline, or even the day of the deadline, does not mean that they are all opportunists.

  What you should be more concerned with is the qualification, ethics, leadership qualities and dedication to giving back to the community. Not just a being a nice guy, heavily funded by a special interest group, or someone that has been a part of the existing problem over the years as well as baffling people for years.

  Do you want someone with no law enforcement experience giving the order, God forbid, to take a life? Do you want someone with no law enforcement experience to run a 500 person police agency? Do you want someone with law enforcement experience that would set the agency back 20 years? Do you want the land developers, mortgage bankers and contractors to call in their favors from the Sheriff’s Office? I certainly do not.

  Have I driven around the county lately? Why sure, I’m not a recluse. The numbers of signs displayed don’t mean that much……It’s the number of people that vote that counts.

  If Tritt doesn’t make it you’ll vote for Bane??? Hmmm, as GOPerative would say, “You must be a Switch-O-Crat.”

• 47 RepublicanTeamPlayer // Aug 27, 2006 at 11:06 pm

  Middleagedman,

  Don’t wast your vote on Bane or your get more of the same with a liberial slant. Remember he has been part of the Sheriff’s office command staff for many years. If the office is screwed up as you put it, Bane has to bear some responsibility.

  Support Tritt and if he doesn’t win the primary and you can’t vote for the Republican winner then don’t vote for that office.

  We have worked to hard for to long — Keep Harford County Republican!!!!!

• 48 Greg2 // Aug 28, 2006 at 9:34 am

  Fallston_Elelphant says
  I was at Ropewalk the other day when Boniface was having a fundraiser and there was a car in the lot with the following 3 bumper stickers: Sarbanes; O’Malley; Boniface. Snapped a picture of it with the ol’ camera phone. Even got the license tag. Ought to be interesting who THAT is.

  Got nothing better to do than stalk people? This is the kind of gutter politics that defines Kazi’s campaign. Aaron is trailing badly in the polls no matter how much misinformation the bloggers post here.

• 49 Outsider Looking In // Aug 28, 2006 at 10:50 am

  I just received a piece of mail from Aaron Kazi that give the impression that he is supported by Bob Ehrlich. I called Ehrlich campaign headquarters and they said that Bob is not supporting any candidate. If Kazi is already trying to mislead us, how can we trust him once he is elected.

• 50 ReaganAgain08 // Aug 28, 2006 at 12:34 pm

  Outsider,

  Is that the piece of mail that has glowing quotes on the back from Delegate Jennings, Senator Nancy Jacobs, and Governor Bob Ehrlich? I received that piece, too, but fail to see where an actual quote is misleading.

  Still, based upon your posting, I called Ehrlich HQ and they said the quote on the back stands. So, what’s the deal?

• 51 Anon // Aug 28, 2006 at 1:20 pm

  Outsider – YOU CAN’T.

• 52 HereWeGoAgain // Aug 29, 2006 at 9:58 am

  I see by a mailer that I got yesterday that Cochran is PROMISING to get rid of drugs and gangs in Harford County, as well as a multitude of other things. He must have a genie in a bottle stashed away somewhere! Gee, the Federal, State and Local Governments have been fighting the drug problem for, what, 20+ years? If Cochran can make such a promise, why hasn’t he shared his great plan to rid the nation of the drug problem?

  Be afwaid! Be vewy, vewy afwaid!

• 53 Jane DeHaven // Aug 29, 2006 at 6:42 pm

  With Jesse Bane , what you see is what you get. Check out his history. Not one thing is made up . He has worked hard for Harford County and its citizens. He will be the next Sheriff so prepare yourselves.

• 54 GOPerative // Aug 29, 2006 at 6:55 pm

  Bane vs. Price
  Joe Price: 47% (27)
  Jesse Bane: 53% (30)
  Total Votes : 57

• 55 anon // Aug 29, 2006 at 7:35 pm

  Hey, shouldn’t the ads on Harfordrepublican have an authority line. Isn’t that the law regarding campaign finance?

• 56 GOPerative // Aug 29, 2006 at 8:11 pm

  Funny you mentioned that. The Tritt and Price campaign both resubmitted one with the authority line. These ads are actually in-kinded from individual donors so they are not actually paid for by the campaigns. I will recommend that the donors put them on there from now on.

• 57 Republicanteamplayer // Aug 30, 2006 at 7:23 am

  Jane Dehaven,

  Thanks for the tip, here’s what I found out,

  Jesse Bane’s history.
  He was the in the direct chain of command of the female sheriff emmployee that sue and won MILLIONS from the Harford County taxpayers!!!!

  He gave $500.00 dollars to the Maryland Democratic Party on 8/13/06
  He gave $150.00 dollars to Friends of Martin O’Malley on 6/23/06

  His campaign supporters include Lucie Snodgradd (O’Malley opertive in Harford County), Friends of Mary Delaney James (Democrat Delagate District 34), Craig DeRan (Democrat candidate trying to unseat two Republicans in District 35A), Michael Hiob (Democrat on Aberdeen City Council), Catherine Riley (Democrat defeated senator from Harford County), Art Helton (Democrat that’s tried to unseat Nancy Jacobs), Eileen Rehrmann (hopefully the last democrat county exective) etc…. the democratic list goes on and on).

  Republican WHAT A HISTORY LESSON!!!!

• 58 Retired_Trooper // Aug 30, 2006 at 10:58 pm

  I am a retired State Trooper. I know both Cochran and Price quite well.

  Cochran is not up to the task of of serving as Sheriff. While a Trooper, I watched time and again his inability to make a decision. This is not a good indicator of his ability to serve as Sheriff.

  Price on the other hand is quite the opposite. He is a strong leader and does not hesitate. He will clean house if elected.

  The only two capabable of beating Bane are Price (due to his integrity and experience) and Tritt- who is unique in his outside status. Speaking as a law enforcement officer- I have no concerns with Tritt’s lack of law enforcement experience. His military record speaks for itself and like Joe Price, is obviously a man on integrity.

  Please make a choice between one of these two, and I strongly urge you to avoid Cochran and Bane. Nothing will change with either of those two.

• 59 TheOldGuy // Aug 30, 2006 at 11:14 pm

  Aha! I knew it! The staff at the Aegis clearly sees that Mr. Price is THE “……..most capable man for stepping in and making a difference at the Sheriff’s Office.” “From his campaign slogan of ‘Restore Public Trust’ (to the Office of the Sheriff), to his no nonsense demeanor, to his experience as a leader in the State Police and the Bel Air Volunteer Fire Company, Price is THE Republican candidate who stands out as THE person able to bring the most well-rounded resume.” “…..Price is the one most ready to lead the Sheriff’s Office to a brighter future.”

  Congratulations to the Editorial Staff for their wise selection!

  Keep up the good work, Mr. Price! With your distinguished 30 year career in law enforcement, volunteering with the BAVFC for so many years, and your commitment to your family, church and the citizens of Harford County, my entire family (over 200 just in Harford County) is keeping you in our prayers for your continued success during this most volatile of election years.

  We need you to be elected Sheriff to help rid our streets of these vile gangs, the crime they cause, and to help restore a positive morale change to the Sheriff’s Office and detention center employees. There has obviously been a lack of morale for many years.

• 60 COUNTY EMPLOYEE // Sep 1, 2006 at 1:38 pm

  To “Retired_Trooper”,

  You made the comment that voters should stay away from Cochran and Bane because nothing would change. Your statement is true of Cochran, but not Bane. Many people within the current administration support Cochran for Sheriff – mainly because they no that there will be no change. However, before Bane retired to run for Sheriff, he was on the outs with the Command Staff. If Bane is elected Sheriff, there will be changes within the Sheriff’s Office that will be good for the community and the employees of the Sheriff’s Office. There need to be major changes at the Sheriff’s Office – and Bane is the man to do it.

• 61 APG worker // Sep 2, 2006 at 7:04 pm

  Harford County needs a Sheriff that has the ability to motivate the deputies that protect and serve the citizens. Anyone that attended the forums and listened to all the candidates speak could form a fair opinion on who is best qualified to motivate and direct people. In my humble opinion, Clasing is clearly the one that stood out among all the candidates as he was without a doubt the most impressive.

• 62 Kim Wagner // Sep 2, 2006 at 8:16 pm

  goperative:
  i actually had a few hours to kill tonight, in between laundry loads, dinner and work emails. soooo, I was bummed to see a dated article from August 27th, with 60 comments, some relevant to the article, some not.
  Let’s move on….
  Can you write an article comparing the Aegis and Sun endorsements, and maybe speculate or ask others to speculate on why there were several endorsements that didn’t sync. Also, some opinions on which ones carry more weight in our community, the Aegis or the Sun. Please, no Aegis bashing, that is so done! We all know they have a more liberal stance than their readership. Thanks kim

• 63 TheOldGuy // Sep 3, 2006 at 9:18 pm

  County Employee:

  If Bane is such a wonderful leader, then why didn’t he lead, as a commander of a bureau for the last twenty years, a drive to rid the county of the gang problem? Gangs have been here for years and something should have been done about it back when he was second-in-command of the Sheriff’s Office. Why didn’t he push for better morale for the Deputies? He’s been through FOUR Sheriff’s administrations, count ‘em, Mele, Comes, Meadows and Golding, as an administrator, but nothing was done other than satellite programs to get his name exposed to the citizens in preparation for this election. That opened a lot of people’s eyes to realize, hey, he was part of the problem!

  Definitely stay away from Cochran. You need to rethink things and make an intelligent choice. I did, and there’s no doubt that Joe Price should be elected Sheriff.

• 64 RetiredCop // Sep 3, 2006 at 9:51 pm

  Retired_Trooper:

  I can’t agree with you more, except for one small thing. Mr. Price should be elected Sheriff, without a doubt. Being retired from an outstanding law enforcement outfit, you surely recognize the problems inherent with having a Superintendent that had little, or no law enforcement experience.

  This is not meant to fault Mr. Tritt, but a 500 person law enforcement and corrections agency cannot be immediately stepped into and run by an inexperienced person. As a retired law enforcement officer with many, many years of service, too, I cannot justify in my mind the fact that a man with 9 years experience as a service manager would be able to take on the tremendous task of heading up the Sheriff’s Office.

  Mr. Tritt, should he win, will surely be in way over his head. He may make a great budget analyst, or something along those lines.

  From what I have read, it appears that Mr. Tritt and Mr. Price are friends and have a great deal of respect for each other. If Mr. Tritt really wants to see the Deputies treated fairly, and the gang problem resolved, then he should support Mr. Price for Sheriff.

• 65 RetiredCop // Sep 3, 2006 at 9:59 pm

  APG worker:

  Yeah, he (Mr. Clasing) talks a good game. But, moving the Office of the Sheriff to Edgewood??? I think there may be something in the Maryland Constitution that prohibits the Office of the Sheriff being outside the county seat, which is Bel Air. He should have looked before he lept…….

  I wonder what else he would do in such a manner?

  Pick up literature for each candidate and you will re-think your position. You will clearly see Mr. Price stand out as the best selection for Sheriff. Public speaking isn’t what this important election is about.

• 66 RetiredCop // Sep 3, 2006 at 10:20 pm

  GOPerative:

  It looks like the Democrats and Switch-O-Crats are invading your polls and voting for the Democrats! Too bad there’s not a way to identify them…………

• 67 someone at the fair // Sep 4, 2006 at 6:38 pm

  I do not think that Tritt would be in way over his head, since he will not be alone in his endeavor to run the HCSO. After all, he will not be the direct supervisor of every single deputy. Tritt would allow the chain of command to function and the guys to continue doing their jobs. Tritt has the vision to enact new ideas to lead the agency forward, not squash them as has happened over the years. I think he could do very well, and that the morale problem will be fixed by having a leader who will listen to what the rank and file need, and take care of enacting it. Take care of the lowest common denominator, the street officer, and I think the agency will become a force to be reckoned with. Tritt has a vision of true leadership and a desire to serve his deputies as well as the public. With that kind of viewpoint, he can not go wrong.

  By the way GOPerative, what were the final poll results for Tritt vs Bane?

• 68 MiddleAgedMan // Sep 4, 2006 at 10:33 pm

  OldGuy,
  I find your claim that “Mr. Price was planning a run for sheriff last year” to be dubious at best.
  Do I want Tritt to be the one giving the order, God forbid, to take a life? Absolutely. I think he has the intellect, common sense, and judgment to make the right call in such a situation, as well as leading this 500 person agency forward in the right direction. I find his outsider status refreshing and think that a different viewpoint would be beneficial to the agency, unlike all the other candidates who bring all their “baggage” from their other agencies.
  No, I am not a switch-o-crat, but I do look for leaders in government. Leaders do what is right no matter what (Tritt). Opportunists wait for others to do the hard work and then join in when it is politically convenient(every other republican candidate for sheriff). I question how serious any of the others are about changing the place when NONE of them stepped up to challenge this corrupt regime except Tritt. Had your candidate stepped up like Tritt did a year ago, I may have supported him. Since they did not, why should I gamble with someone else when I know Tritt is serious about change? Your suggestion that Tritt should drop out and support Price when Price couldn’t even make up his mind to run is laughable.
  In addition, I find the general tone of your remarks concerning the personnel at the sheriff’s dept. to be rather condescending. I know many HC sheriff deputies and they are good, decent, competent people, not mind-numb robots sitting around awaiting instructions from the sheriff as you seem to make them out to be. I think Tritt will be a breath of fresh air for the deputies because he knows they are the ones who make the Sheriff’s Dept. work.

• 69 GOPerative // Sep 4, 2006 at 10:51 pm

  someone at the fair,
  Sorry, I forgot to copy and paste it before I changed the poll. Here it is.

  Bane vs. Tritt

  * Dave Tritt: 64% (42)
  * Jesse Bane: 36% (24)

  Total Votes : 66

• 70 RetiredCop // Sep 4, 2006 at 10:57 pm

  someone at the fair:

  FYI, unlike police departments, the Deputies act as the Sheriff, therefore the Sheriff is responsible for each and every Deputy in his agency.

  The street officer is the lowest common denominator? OUCH! Don’t tell them that!

  Hey, Retired_Trooper, did you hear that?

  The street officer is the first line of defense for the citizens. There is no lowest common denominator in police work.

  Again, I think Mr. Tritt is a fine young man, with no law enforcement experience, but be realistic.

• 71 Lil' republican // Sep 7, 2006 at 3:21 pm

  I think that Mr. Price is the best qualified for the sheriffs position. He has 30 years of law enforcement experience, he’s a volunteer firefighter,active in his church,and active in the American Legion. You really need an outsider to be the sheriff, so things change and make the HCSO a better agency. If you get an insider to be the sheriff, things will NOT change, the will stay the same as it has the last 10-20 years. Mr. Price has alot of ideas to help the HCSO to expand and make it a better agency. Some of the other canidates are really nice people, but experience is what counts the most. So make the right choice and vote Joe Price on September 12th.

• 72 ABC // Sep 7, 2006 at 8:25 pm

  Very interesting to hear both side of the insider/outsider, experience/no experience in law enforcement debate. To dredge up a name from the past, does anyone remember Joe Meadows for anything other than his shameful departure? He was an outsider/no experience and he actually led the department into the 21st century. He established the southern and northern precincts, got rid of the antiquated DARE program and replaced it with the school policing unit. The inception of other specialized units was under his command–these are but a few of the progressive ideas he brought to the table. It is the insiders with experience who are in there now who have led to the downfall of this department. I guess my point is–who cares if Dave Tritt has no law enforcement experience–that might just be what the sheriff’s department needs.

• 73 someone at the fair // Sep 8, 2006 at 2:20 am

  I hate to say it, but ABC has a great point. True, Meadows left in a cloud of shame, but he did get a LOT of good done. The southern pct was a good idea poorly executed, imagine working out of a converted 7-11, but other things were done well. I think that Tritt can, and will, continue to bring new and fresh ideas to the agency and help them become an agency that is a front-runner in the state. Not a haven for the GOBN.

• 74 RetiredCop // Sep 8, 2006 at 10:23 pm

  ABC & some one at the fair:

  Not that I was a Meadows fan, but he did have quite a few years of experience as a prosecutor with the States Attorney’s Office, and he was a good prosecutor. But he had no clue as to personnel management, especially law enforcement people.

  He also “got” the agency a lot of “things”, and did realign some of the Deputies tasks, which is all the public saw.

  What the public did not see was his firing of career Deputies when he walked in the door and took over, ruling by intimidation, fear tactics, vindictiveness, and retiribution. They didn’t see his Holier-than-thou ego, or his arrogant attitude towards personnel. He also furthered the cause of the GOBN.

  I will take a career law enforcement officer with a distinguished career and a good working relationship with all law enforcement agencies, regardless of the color of the uniform, before ever giving the slightest thought to having an inexperienced person take the helm.

  Would you want a gas station attendant treating you for a broken leg? Me neither…..that’s why I don’t want an inexperienced person trying to run a law enforcement and correctional agency of 500 professional people. Been there, seen the results, don’t want it again!

• 75 OldGuy // Sep 8, 2006 at 10:53 pm

  MiddleAgedMan:

  Are you sure you were reading the right blog?

  Condescending remarks about the personnel at the Sheriff’s Office? Not hardly, my friend. Having spent 30+ years there, that is something that I have never done, nor would I do.

  All I want is to see the Sheriff’s Office get the right leader, with experience (Price), which you call “baggage”. Did you mean “skeletons in their closet”? That would NOT be Mr. Price. I want one that will look out for the Deputies and Correctional Officers by instituting policy and procedure in their best interest (Price). I want one that will work in the best interest of the public (Price). I want one that knows where to go for all available resources to serve the citizens with the best possible public safety (Price).

  Not one that will continue the bull_ _ _ _ that has been going on for so many years, and definitely not one without law enforcement experience.

  You have your views, and I have mine. Nuff’ said…..

• 76 waltersfordistrictb // Sep 9, 2006 at 11:45 am

  I think Dave Tritt us a fine moral man. But I feel the Sheriff’s job not only requires a moral honest peron, but on with law enforcement experince. As a former police officer, I know that leading a law enforcement department is not just about being a good administrator. The Sheriff needs to understand law enforcement itself and understand the mindset of the deputies that serve under him. Until you have missed one too many of your kids’ birthdays, stood out in the rain for hours directing traffic, had a dwi arrest spit on you, or make a traffic stop alone at 2 am on a dark lonely road I think you will have a difficult time understanding the mindset of a street cop.

• 77 KEVIN KANE // Sep 9, 2006 at 1:25 pm

  Jerry,

  Advertising yourself at Dave Tritt’s expense is cheap and despicable.

  You are acting in the same mold as Roni when she called for Councilman Cassilly’s resignation after he was called to Iraq on active duty.

  You’re wrong about Dave, and your opinion has no merit.

  * Dave Tritt has missed more than his share of his kids’ birthdays while he was stationed in South Korea. That is a remote tour whereby your family cannot join you.

  * Dave has worked plenty of shifts through the night on a runway in the middle of BFE, knowing that any mistake he makes could cause a pilot and other innocent people to die and a $30 million F-16 to crash.

  * Dave understands integrity, which means doing what is right even when no one is looking and leading by example with honor.

  * Dave understands that serving the deputies and families of Harford County matters more than politics and personal ambition.

  * Dave Tritt is a hard-working, honest man. He would make a great sheriff.

• 78 VotingInB // Sep 9, 2006 at 2:26 pm

  I second Kevin Kane’s comment. I was looking for an alternative to Roni and it looks like I just found one.

• 79 MidleAgedMan // Sep 9, 2006 at 3:16 pm

  OldGuy,

  Just for the record, corrections officers ARE deputies. It may sound a little nit-picky, but you keep saying “deputies and correctional officers”. Corrections deputies are not just “guards” as some would suggest, they are a valuable and underpaid part of this agency and deserve our full respect. You are correct when you note their is a morale problem, the problem is your candidate did nothing to correct the issue until after the grunt work was done by others. What good are years of law enforcement experience if you sit on your hands when there is wrongdoing? If experience was the most important issue, the agency would not be in the current situation. The common thread in the intimidating and vindictive behavior you refer to has been carried out by a career deputy with over 32 years experience, who happens to be a staunch Cochran supporter.

  Having said that, I do think Price is a better candidate than most of the republicans, at least he is recognizing the morale problem and talking about accountability (like Tritt has been all year), but I will be casting my vote for Tritt on Tuesday because I am sure he is the real deal and will change things for the better.

• 80 someone at the fair // Sep 9, 2006 at 4:54 pm

  Since Cochran is supported and endorsed by the administration and thus represents a continuation of the GOBN and the problems they cause to the agency, just remember your ABC’s on Tuesday:

  Anybody

  BUT

  Cochran! ( & Clasing )

• 81 OldGuy // Sep 9, 2006 at 5:35 pm

  MiddleAgedMan:

  You are correct , in that all personnel, with the exception of civilians at the Sheriff’s Office are sworn Deputies. However, there is a distinct difference between a law enforcement Deputy and a Correctional Deputy. The Correctional Deputy, as you call them, will tell you that they are C.O.’s, or Correctional Officers. You’re right, it’s a little nit-picky.

  My candidate (Price) cannot do anything to correct the problem until he is elected. How would he be able do something before he is elected, or were you talking about someone else? He has had a plan in place to fight FOR the C.O.’s and Deputies for quite some time, and will enact that plan upon taking office. He has spoken to the Correctional Officer’s Union and told them about his plan and they were very receptive to his ideas.

  I know for a fact about the C.O.’s short-comings and morale problems, and apparently someone has told you about some of them, too.

  Unfortunately, the current administration is an on-going part of the Meadows “empire”, and his “traditions” have been carried on. Yep, they are supporting Cochran, without question. There’s no doubt he is somebody’s puppet, and that is a bad thing for the Deputies…..all of them.

  By the way, it does not matter who filed first…..it matters who finishes first.

• 82 Young guy // Sep 10, 2006 at 8:44 pm

  All I can say is that I was personally at the Cochran fund raiser at the tower. And Gov. Ehrlich was there and stated that he backed Cochran, this is also on video. At least it was being taped while I was there… take it for what it is worth.

• 83 someone at the fair // Sep 11, 2006 at 2:03 pm

  I like Gov Ehrlich a LOT, and I will be voting for him come Nov. But I do not think he realizes just what a mess the HCSO has on its hands, nor would I expect the governor to. After all, he has a state to run, and a campaign to win against a certain mayor who I dont think should run a small town much less a major city or state.

  Anyway, Cochran is endorsed by the current administration within the HCSO, and that is BAD. Don’t care if the gov likes him or not.

• 84 KeepingItReal // Sep 11, 2006 at 3:00 pm

  The time is short and there may simply be too many Republican candidates that will cause us to shoot ourselves in the foot, so to speak. In the big picture, is it really that important when someone made a decision to run? The Sheriff race will have immediate impact on everyone’s life. Let’s face it. When someone steps up to the plate to run, they all are likeable and personable. But that isn’t a good way to make a choice, is it? If their bios don’t include facts about them, how do you decide? Maybe more information can help.

  Cochran has his own private investigation agency and has for years – N.R.
  Cochran and Associates. Ask Barry Glassman about how Cochran testified in Annapolis on a bill that would have allowed p.i.’s access to MVA digital
  photos and Cochran said that some can get MVA photos. (It is current MD
  law that no one but LE can obtain MVA photos.) The implication as told
  from someone who was there was that being a former trooper, he could bend the law to obtain the photos.

  By the way, Cochran is also the Maryland licensee and resident agent for a Michigan private detective and security agency called Seventrees
  Corporation.

  Cochran is a member of the Professional Investigators Alliance of Maryland (PIAM), hence the donations from outside the county p.i.’s.
  lifelongrepublican’s question as to how Cochran would assist his
  associates is valid, considering his statement in Annapolis and his
  neglect of mentioning his p.i. businesses. One wonders why Cochran did not include his affiliation to PIAM or his p.i. agencies in his bio. You can
  contact the Maryland State Police Licensing Division at 410-799-0191, ask
  for the Private Detective Section, to verify it for yourselves. In The
  Examiner story dated August 18, 2006, Cochran calls himself a “private
  contractor” (assuming he’s referring to a past landscaping company), but
  still no mention of his p.i. firms.

  According to Governor Ehrlich, he is not endorsing any candidate. So why do people think Ehrlich has endorsed Cochran or anyone else? Sounds like another bend to me. Many Republicans will attend other Republican fundraisers, but that does not make an endorsement.

  There are public records on Clasing that may or may not be important to your decision. There are stories and negative allegations from other troopers but no one proved or disproved them. So for what it’s worth, it does leave room for doubt.

  Marlin Mills has a history with the department of being a leader that
  separates and destroys morale. So now is not a good time for that activity
  to continue.

  Benedetto has been the head of security for Harford County Schools. Our
  schools are a mess. Drugs are everywhere, even in our elementary schools. If he can’t control drugs in the schools, what will happen to the county if he’s sheriff?

  Tritt, while he may have the best of intentions, has no LE background at
  all. At least Joe Meadows had some experience with the issues having
  worked with LE and cases involving drugs, etc. as a State’s Attorney.
  Management skills are definitely needed, but what knowledge can Tritt bring to the table to handle the drug and gang issue? Military ecperience
  with neighborhood drugs and gangs doesn’t happen. Understanding the ins
  and outs of drug dealers and users and gang mentality requires training
  and experience, even in management levels. Do we have the time for a learning curve? I believe there is a pertinent old saying, “the road to hell is paved with good
  intentions.”

  Jesse Bane is a likable man. But he is a true Democrat in that social
  programs are his answer to most things. That idea has never worked with
  crime. The Neighborhood Watch Program should have resolved thefts, drugs and gangs, if it worked. But it doesn’t. The D.A.R.E. Program was a dismal failure and simply educated kids on what drugs they wanted to do. I could go on, but I think you get the point.

  Joe Price may be relatively unknown and quiet. But he is a Harford County
  resident with ample LE experience, positive management experience, and is the only candidate with new plans and ideas to actually fix problems. He’s ethical, practical, logical and can prove it. He has no skeletons. He has a teenager which gives him extra momentum to clean up the gang and drug problems.

  Maybe someone should have hired a reputable p.i. to show everyone clearly who the one Republican candidate for sheriff should be. However it seems clear to me that Joe Price is that candidate. Does anyone else see that?

• 85 ReaganAgain08 // Sep 11, 2006 at 4:38 pm

  Any predictions on how the GOP Sheriff’s race turns out? I’m not asking who everyone’s favorite candidate is, but who everyone honestly thinks will win.

  I am personally supporting Tritt – and I think Tritt either pulls it off, or finishes third (with Price finishing number one). Either way, Cochran finishes second.

• 86 ABC // Sep 11, 2006 at 5:02 pm

  Some musings on this election eve….

  I have talked to quite a few deputies and there is NO WAY that they want an ex-trooper as their Sheriff, even nice guy Joe Price. I think if it came down to a battle of the nice guys, Tritt would win out over Price as far as the sheriff’s personnel is concerned. So we GOPers better hope Tritt pulls it off to get some support from the deputies, who would support Bane otherwise. Now, some Norm. Has anyone noticed that he is the only candidate not to have filed his 2nd financial report that was due, I believe, on September 1. This is a perfect example of why he should NEVER be in an elected office. Obviously he does what he wants, accountable to no one. He’d fit in GREAT with the current administration at the Sheriff’s department. Oh that’s right, Golding and Walter are endorsing him–kiss of death. Also, has anyone else noticed the Cochran signs at the abandoned Shell station at the corner of Rt 22 and Bond Street (across from MaGirks)? The signs Norm and Co have placed there invite everyone to a party (presumed victory party I would imagine) after the polls close tomorrow. Hope he has his concession speech ready for all the revelers.

• 87 Steve // Sep 11, 2006 at 11:07 pm

  Have you checked out http://www.cochranforsheriff.com He explains everything there including the P.I. biz……… By the time this gets posted Cochran will have won anyway……….Cant wait to see when this gets posted.

• 88 GOPerative // Sep 12, 2006 at 10:12 am

  Oh Steve,
  I have never purposefully held up a comment and I never will. You have quickly identified yourself as a whiner. FYI – It was posted around 5:00AM. Cochran may win today and that will not be good for us. Are we supposed to get excited about him? What is there to get excited about? Golding’s choice winning is not something I will be happy about. That appears to be a continuation of the same old problems. I really hope I am wrong about that. If Cochran wins, I need to be wrong about that.

• 89 belair43 // Sep 12, 2006 at 12:09 pm

  The men up on Main St are afraid of change if Mr Price gets in he will do just that which to me is a great thing i have lived in Harford Cty all of my life.I know Mr Price and Mr Bane on a personal level,Jesse will keep it a country club and Joe will run a county law enforcement office

• 90 Young guy // Sep 12, 2006 at 4:32 pm

  I believe it will come down between Cochran and Banes in the final.

• 91 Steve // Sep 12, 2006 at 4:38 pm

  GOPerative,

  You are very wrong about Cochran I can assure you. The second phase will not be about signs and mailers. It will be about real solutions and real action. In addition, Cochran is as squeaky clean as they come, unassuming and thinks before he acts. This developer support **** has been just that “****”. I know all involved and Cochran will do whats right for the citizens for Harford County period. He will need the support of every Republican in the county during the second phase and I hope ppl take the time to reach out and learn what he’s all about. They may even want to get involved……imagine that.

• 92 Anonymous // Sep 12, 2006 at 10:37 pm

  Belair43: You have no idea what law enforcement is. Nothing about it is a country club. Price cannot not even figure out a 5 man units schedule let alone an agency with 500 people. Even the people he used to work with think he is a joke. Furthermore it is obvious that Cochran is nothing more than the same regime for another 4 years. That is obvious from current Sheriff and ocmmand staff supporting him.

• 93 Joe Steffen // Sep 13, 2006 at 12:30 am

  I would like to congratulate Billy Boniface and his team on Billy’s victory, and wish Billy the best in his new role as Harford County Council President. Good luck over the next four years.

  Joe Steffen

• 94 Young guy // Sep 13, 2006 at 4:56 am

  Looks like it will be down between Cochran and Bane.

• 95 ABC // Sep 13, 2006 at 3:57 pm

  What are we to make of the rumor that Bane is going to ask Tritt to be his public information spokesperson? Apparently the deputies were quite impressed by his demeanor and poise when he spoke and they genuinely like him. I don’t know if Dave would even consider being a spokesperson under Bane but that is a civilian position and not political at all. Think of all the GOP votes Bane will pull in if this turns out to be true and he announces it before November 7. Sorry, but my initials say it all–ABC even if it means going Dem. But Bane/Tritt would be a whole lot easier to swallow and would get us “in the door”. I personally think Dave would be an asset to anyone’s staff. I just hope Norm doesn’t steal the idea and beat Bane to the punch. Go for it Dave!

• 96 Young guy // Sep 13, 2006 at 7:52 pm

  I actually hope Norm wins by a landslide. He definately would fit the sheriff role a whole lot better. Maybe the deputies will stay awake while they are on duty also..

• 97 someone at the fair // Sep 13, 2006 at 7:55 pm

  It would be a very cold day in a certain eternally hot place before Dave aligned himself with Norm. Of that I am totally certain. As for him working as PIO for Bane….. this is the first time I have heard that rumor. Hmmm.
  An interesting thought.

  The absentee ballots could conceivably throw things for Price, but I dare not allow myself to hope that.

• 98 independent educator // Sep 13, 2006 at 9:10 pm

  I’m LIKING this idea!

• 99 MiddleAgedMan // Sep 14, 2006 at 5:17 pm

  Young guy,
  Apparently you have never heard Mr. Cochran speak publicly. Keeping people awake is not exactly one of his strong points.
  As for the deputies, you do yourself and your friend Mr. Cochran a disservice by taking cheap shots at them on this website. Educate yourself on what really happened and you will discover the situation you are referring to is nothing more than vindictive political retaliation being conducted a failing, corrupt regime- a regime that is COMPLETELY aligned with and endorses your candidate.
  We can only hope and pray at this point that Joe Price gets enough of the absentee votes to win this thing. Otherwise, Mr. Bane will surely be the next sheriff.

• 100 KeepingItReal // Sep 15, 2006 at 9:00 am

  Steve and Young Guy’s comments show that the GOBN is continued with Cochran. The addition of a paragraph to his website after posts here about the “p.i. biz” raises questions as to what the citizens can expect if he does win. If something is “discovered” then he will admit it? Apparently, after the facts are raised. The statement of “the second phase….” proves the network will continue. Why didn’t he explain his phases in his four paragraphs of Platform & Commitment or anywhere else except with his “insiders”? Even his website and his mailers don’t agree. The mailers said “I WILL stop drugs and crime” and the website says “will increase efforts designed in stopping the spread of drugs and gang activity..”. Cochran obviously had a volunteer that mastered wordspeak. IF he wins, what we will see is more GOBN and continued morale problems with the deputies and no real change on the street. Another four years lost. One can only hope the remaining votes reflect that voters see the real difference and elect Price who is honest and put forth real plans.

• 101 Joe Amic // Sep 15, 2006 at 10:57 pm

  Here’s my two cents worth on the whole sheriff election:

  I am so glad Cochran beat Joe Price. Price is a nice guy, but he has no guts and no backbone, which a sheriff will need.

  Bane is a snake, someone who is not to be trusted under any circumstances. He was a part of the problems at the sheriff’s officer when things were at their worst. Electing him Sheriff would be a huge mistake!

• 102 ABC // Sep 16, 2006 at 11:52 am

  Joe Amic: I think that some unknown event in your life has caused you to become delusional. You have it completely backwards–Cochran is the snake and Bane is the one with guts and backbone. After all, Bane threw his hat into the ring while Golding was still running. Cochran had to have his cronies make him file for candidacy after Golding dropped out. Obviously you are a developer or something of that nature who has something to gain by Cochran being in office. Again–Bane was completely disassociated from Golding, Walter and the rest of the command staff, so he cannot be blamed for the problems that Golding & crew created. His thoughts and ideas were totally inconsequential to them. While they were out partying, Bane was meeting with community and church groups. Elect Cochran and we are all in big trouble.

• 103 Joe Amic // Sep 17, 2006 at 12:27 am

  Instead of trying to guess who I am, how about opening your eyes and searching your memory, back to when Bane worked for Meile. Or maybe you haven’t lived in Harford County all that long? Bane has shafted people in the Sheriff’s office for years. He is not trusted by the deputies, no matter how many churches and community groups he trots off to. I’m not especially a Cochran fan, but there is no way I would ever vote for Jesse Bane.

• 104 ABC // Sep 17, 2006 at 6:56 am

  Joe A: I have lived in Harford County for over 40 years so I am well aware of the history of the sheriff’s department. At this point, if the election count holds, we are facing 2 choices, Bane or Cochran. It appears that we do not have the preferred option of either Joe P or Dave T taking over the helm. With that being the case, in my eyes, Bane is the much lesser of 2 evils. He may have “shafted people in the Sheriff’s office for years” but I don’t think the general public knows or cares about that, all they see is an airplane flying overhead with a Cochran banner and that scares me. All the **** that is happening in Aberdeen with annexation will be rampant countywide, as we all know the Cochran/Simmons/Wright connection. Also, I have heard that the Sheriff’s Department Corrections and Law Enforcement unions will be endorsing Bane so they must have short memories too. I’m just upset that the best men in contention for this nomination came up a bit short.

• 105 RepublicanTeamPlayer // Sep 17, 2006 at 9:55 am

  ABC,

  I’m part of the public and I do care about the Bane issue that cost the taxpayers million on the Meadow scandal. Bane was in her line of command. He took no action!!!

  I don’t want him again costing us million because again a lack of leadership!!!

• 106 independent educator // Sep 17, 2006 at 12:49 pm

  Interesting debate… I have talked personally and privately to a number of HC deputies- and they unanimously prefer Bane to Cochran….. Something to be said for the horses mouth….

• 107 someone at the fair // Sep 17, 2006 at 5:59 pm

  I question Joe Amic’s intel since he can not even spell the name of a former sheriff nor can he get the name of the sheriff’s OFFICE right.

  As for Bane’s previous inactions, just look at the retribution handed out to those who have spoken up just this year. When one’s pension and livelihood is at stake they will tend to think twice about making waves about anything.

  Agreed with independent educator, talking with those I know Bane is preferred over Cochran always.

• 108 Joe Amic // Sep 17, 2006 at 10:04 pm

  There is another aspect to this that makes me support Cochran over Bane. I think it might be a good idea to bring in an outisider, somebody who has not been with the Sheriff’s Office before, who has no axe to grind, no bunkies to reward, no adversaries to smite. I will be voting for some Democrats in November, but Bane will definitely not be one of them.

• 109 rudyinbelair // Sep 18, 2006 at 12:49 am

  Joe Amic sounds and spells a lot like Terry Serago

• 110 ABC // Sep 18, 2006 at 6:11 am

  Joe: Again, your logic is suspect. Cochran is NOT by any means an “outsider”. With Howard Walter and Tom Golding supporting him, that means Howie does NOT have to look for a new job, Roy Mitchell is IN as second in command and Chief Teresa Walter steps in after 4 years to take over. This is the original plan that thea GOBN had before Golding bowed out. Actually, it is BANE who is the outsider in his own agency. Not too many people “get” that yes, Bane was part of the command staff during the Meadows sexual harassment issue, but his hands were tied. As I said, he is the outsider, not Cochran. Ask any deputy and they will tell you that Bane is fair. He’s not the type to hold grudges and go after people. Yes, he will hold you accountable if you do something wrong, but no, he will not seek retribution if you supported a Republican candidate.

• 111 OpenYourEyes // Sep 18, 2006 at 6:48 am

  Joe,
  Where have you been? Cochran an outsider??? No axe to grind or bunkies to reward? Please tell me you are not serious. Cochran is buddies with the current administration, so I wouldn’t be surprised if some key positions (i.e. warden, chief deputy) had already been promised in return. Cochran’s boss was originally Golding’s choice to replace him. Cochran’s boss is dating the county attorney that is trying to help the sheriff fire the union president, supposedly for sleeping- though we all know this administration wanted an early endorsement and didn’t get it, so now it is payback time. Euller is also a fine upstanding supporter of Cochran’s, funneling thousands in developer money into his campaign coffers. Ricky Williams of the Maryland Trans. Police (formerly of the sheriffs office)who works with Cochran is also campaigning hard for Cochran and has been mentioned as a possible warden.
  Take off the blinders and see the light. There are no outsiders left in the sheriffs race, only good-old-boys on both sides. At least Bane opposed the current opressive regime, Cochran still brags about their support.

• 112 Joe Amic // Sep 19, 2006 at 12:45 am

  Sorry folks, you won’t change my mind on this one. Bane is a snake — trust me, I know firsthand about this! — and so Cochran gets my vote.

• 113 Young guy // Sep 19, 2006 at 7:46 am

  MiddleAgedMan.. Actually I have heard him speak, I was at one of his fund raisers. And as for Cochran being a snake.. lol. You guys have it reversed, Bane is the snake just like Joe said. I hope there is no skeletons in the closet for Banes, because if there is (and there is) they will be coming out soon.

• 114 publican // Sep 19, 2006 at 8:56 am

  The County Council is getting lectures on gang signs and MS/13. Bodies are being dumped in Edgeweed. Multiple homicides in Aberdeen. If Bane or Cochran can get this straightened out, I am moving back to Bawlmer….. I’d feel safer.

• 115 Notes and Asides // Sep 19, 2006 at 9:17 am

  Who is Developer/David Craig Supporter/Martin O’Malley supporter Bob Hockaday supporting for sheriff? Anyone know?

  If Bob Hockaday is backing Jesse Bane and Bane is backing the Boy Mayor (whom Hockaday is supporting), this tells us a lot about the inner workings of the David Craig camp.

  No wonder the Governor’s Campaign isn’t relying on the Craig Camp to help carry the water in Harford.

• 116 PolJunk // Sep 29, 2006 at 10:14 am

  Deputies endorse Bane (see below)

  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/harford/bal-md.ha.union29sep29,0,1045420.story?coll=bal-local-harford

  So….Bane takes 167 out of 182 possible votes. That’s overwhelming support, especially considering that 9 of the remaining 15 votes were simply abstentions. I guess Mr. Cochran either knew he wasn’t getting much support from the Deputies, or he made a huge mistake in not attending the meeting. I don’t think these numbers will be overlooked by the voting public.

• 117 BullElephant // Sep 29, 2006 at 2:30 pm

  There is a story in the Examiner today that says Mr. Cochran calls for the Sheriff’s Union President to step down. Wow talk about flushing your campaign down the toilet. Arn’t there other bigger and more important issues for him to focus on? I’d imagine the voting public could care less about the Sheriff’s Office personnel issues right now. I know I don’t. I want to hear more about gang, drug, recruitment/staffing, and crime solutions.

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