As of Tuesday, July 24, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- Local candidates squared off Saturday during a public forum that touched on a wide variety of topics, including the upcoming vote on T-SPLOST, economic development, raises for county employees and even Trayvon Martin, the teenager shot and killed earlier this year in Florida.
The forum was the second one hosted by the Rockdale NAACP, the Citizen's Progressive Club and NewRock Legal Society.
David Shipp with the Rockdale County Republican Party and Stanley Williams with the Rockdale County Democratic Party moderated the forum at Peek's Chapel Baptist Church on Old Salem Road.
Today's Citizen covers comments from the races for Rockdale County sheriff and tax commissioner. Comments from candidates seeking seats on the Board of Commissioners will be published later this week.
-- Sheriff
Jeff Wigington is seeking his fifth term as sheriff of Rockdale County. He will face in the General Election either Donald Ferguson or Eric Levett, who will square off in the July 31 Democratic Primary Election.
Wigington has more than 35 years law enforcement experience, 15 of which have been as sheriff. He rose through the ranks of the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office, starting his career as a dispatcher. He said RCSO is considered a model agency for other law enforcement agencies. Columbus State University offers classes in its Professional Management Program at the Sheriff's Office.
Ferguson, who challenged Wigington in the 2008 election, is a retired captain from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, where he worked as the jail supervisor, day watch commander and a trainer. He touted his administrative and training experience, and said he is pursuing his doctorate of education in organizational leadership.
Levett, a lifelong resident of Rockdale County, has 20 years of law enforcement experience, most with the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office. He has worked in most divisions, including uniform, COPS, and as an investigator in criminal investigation.
When asked about implementing a drug rehabilitation in the jail. Ferguson pledged to place a program that would help "reactivate" inmates so they can be productive citizens. Wigington said there is no drug intervention program, but the jail does offer a number of other programs, including Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, parenting classes, and chaplaincy. In addition, he said the Rockdale County jail is one of only two in the state that not only teaches GED classes, but also administers the test so inmates can receive their GED while in jail.
Levett said that the Rockdale County Jail is a facility that incarcerates, but he also pointed out that the Sheriff's Office operates more than just the jail and courthouse security.
"We are a full-service agency that enforces the law and investigates crime," he said.
Levett said that as a former seventh-grade GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) instructor, he is committed to educating youth about the realities of crime. Ferguson said he and his deputies would personally get involved with children as young as 3 years old and mentor, coach and engage with them.
When asked about deputies' pay, Ferguson and Levett agreed that an incentive program should be implemented to keep morale high. Wigington pointed out that the Board of Commissioners sets the budget for the Sheriff's Office and its salaries, but that he has shaved his budget. Wigington pointed out that the Board of Commissioners sets the budget for the Sheriff's Office and its salaries, but that he has shaved his budget in order to reinstate three holidays that were cut by the BOC. He said he also cut his budget and offered to give $900,000 back to the county so employees could receive a raise, even though commissioners did not accept his offer.
The final question Williams asked the candidates was how the RCSO would respond if the Trayvon Martin shooting that occurred in Florida happened here.
All the candidates said they would keep the community informed, but would be careful to take the time to fully investigate the matter before releasing any information.
-- Tax Commissioner
Dan Ray has served as Rockdale County's tax commissioner for 20 years and will face Democratic opposition from former Rockdale County Chief of Staff R.J. Hadley.
Hadley pledged to bring open leadership and improved customer service to the Tax Commissioners office. Specifically, he advocated for operating Saturday hours for people who cannot make it to the office during the workweek.
"We need to make it as easy as possible to collect tax payments," he said.
Ray said he has the relevant education and proven expertise and track record to continue as tax commissioner. He said his office has had a 99 percent collection rate for the past 20 years.
"Good customer service has always been the cornerstone of my office," Ray said, adding that he does hold extended hours on Wednesday. He said that for about four years he did open on Saturdays, but it was a financial burden because so few people took advantage of those hours.
Most of the questions for the candidates were procedural, such as who sets the tax rates, how taxes are collected, and how many tax bill appeals have there been in 2011.
Ray easily answered the questions and Hadley said he would easily come up to speed on the specifics, but his focus would be educating the public and being responsive to citizens.
More like this story
- Levett wins Democratic Primary for sheriff ( July 31, 2012 )
- Rockdale candidates square off at forum ( October 8, 2012 )
- Sheriff's race too close to call ( November 6, 2012 )
- Sheriff finds no fault in traffic stop of opponent's ex-wife ( April 18, 2012 )
- Ferguson blames loss on crossover voting ( August 2, 2012 )
Comments
EarlyBird 10 months ago
It was clearly evident that Hadley has no idea what it takes to be Rockdale's tax commissioner. Knowing that he was up against someone with years of experience, he should have been better prepared. How Embarrassing.
Innocent_Bystander 10 months ago
Why would the county residents want to pay the SAME salary as the 20 year incumbent to the newcomer and wannabe politician, Rakeim Jerhal Hadley just to allow him to "come up to speed." That's not unlike paying him for twice the value but less than half the effort since he's not familiar enough yet to even answer the "relevant" questions of finance and the office of Tax Commissioner. While DeKalb County bond ratings went into Junk Bonds (according to elected DeKalb Commissioners), Mr Ray has kept Rockdale afloat with his 99% collection rate. Rakeim, if you don't know the job, why the heck are you applying for it? This "Because It's There" idiocy just doens't apply to my personal investment in Rockdale County...my home!!
But wait....didn't Rakeim already pull that stuff when his "sugardaddy" Oden fired a 20 year member of the government that was doing 3 jobs as her service to the County? RJ was given that job; paid twice as much money as his predecessor and then HIRED other people to do all the work!!
I'm sticking with Dan "the Man" Ray!!
.
Elmo 10 months ago
I always heard that "the only job that starts you at the top, is digging a hole.". For instance, Obama...it's the first real job he's ever had, he started "at the top", and he's dug the deepest hole America has ever seen...and still digging.
Incompentcy is not a color, it's the fabric of a person to do a job, and have the skills and ethics to do it right.
Starting a trainee at top pay, is the height of insanity. Working your way up through crony capitalism is no different than the "good old' boy" system the liberals love to demagogue. Picking winners and losers is the modus operandi of weak leaders. Real winners achieve that plateau on their own.
It would be morally and fiscally wrong to place an upstart -who reportedly has already benefitted from cronyism - into a top-level job that he has no clue on performing other than being a robot for his "handlers".
A power regime is being built in our county based on lies and incompetence, and the best time to heal a disease is early, and often.
You folks want your county back? Then TAKE it back.
1ayk 10 months ago
As a retired Command Staff member of another county Sheriff's Office, I support the current Sheriff. I have personally worked with Wiggington and know of Ferguson. Consider the facts. Sheriff Wiggington has been sheriff since he took office in 1997. Ferguson has worked for one of the the most corrupt Sheriff's Offices in recent years How many Sheriffs have come and gone in Fulton County since 1997? Ferguson is relying on the same voters who conitnue to vote for those of his own ilk. Do you want a seasoned professional, i.e. Jeff Wigginton, to continue to protect us,or someone who has been influenced by a corrupt and often critizied Sheriff's Office. As long as the liberal leadership in this county and country for that matter, is in control life will always be a problem. Since the current administration has arrived, all things have gone to hell. And. by the way. my experience and knowledge go back thiry years. And yes, I am a conservative.
superman 10 months ago
So Hadley is taking the whole "Nancy Pelosi" route? Let's vote Hadley in to see what he's all about or we can vote Ray back since we know he can do it! If it ain't broke, don't fix it. It scares me more that Hadley resigned from Chief of Staff to run for Senate but lost. Now he wants Tax Commissioner. The two positions are not similar; my guess is that next election we'll see Hadley come up for something else (maybe Sheriff)? Pick your passion and become an expert at it. The same holds true for Dillard.
EarlyBird 10 months ago
At least Dillard would probably not be as embarassing as Hank "sinking Island" Johnson.
AWOL 10 months ago
I dont know. Dillard has had a lot of run ins with the police over the years and that looks bad too.
Southside 10 months ago
Don't bet the worm on it
wonderwhy 10 months ago
I happen to have had the pleasure of knowing both Sheriff candidates for a number of years and this is about the only race that both sides bring credibility to an election in this county. There seems to be always one side that is inept, ill qualified and brings to mind a reflection of those in this world that embellishes their resume to gain a position or job, qualified or not.
Of course when I say that I do not consider Furguson a candidate come November.
Y'all can run your mouth about partisan politics all youy want but which ever wins the race in November will surely step up and perform as they always have.
Now, the Tax Commissioner's race . . . . . I don't think we need to worry about who will have this one again. Where does the incumbent's opponent feel he is qualified? Really???
Southside 10 months ago
I hope I'm wrong, but I'm afraid we need to worry about all the races. Qualifications aren't a high priority for a lot of Rockdale voters.
Frustrated 10 months ago
I agree, but its not just Rockdale. Some voters think the color of a person's skin or their party affiliation makes him/her the best candidate. You have to put that aside and look at their qualifications.
Zo 10 months ago
What skin color don't matter....I wish you would take your own advice, but its hard to break tradition when you have been doing the same thing for over 400yrs.
Now apply that to the Sheriff race with one of your own have allowed the morale to go down & pay be the lowest pay of any other Sheriff's dept. We have officers on food stamps and taking to 2&3 outside jobs to make ends meet.
Ferguson has an abundance of knowledge in setting standards, ask Fulton County who washed out all the corruption, he will get this county National accreditation meaning MORE money coming into the county, he will go beyond the suv's & sport cars you currently see the current sheriff & his buddies driving. Ferguson will be about taking care of the troops, the officer, not be just for himself.
So, please vote on knowledge & essential skill sets NOT color. Thanks
Frustrated 10 months ago
I will vote on knowledge and vote for the current Sheriff
Zo 10 months ago
Please share Wigington's knowledge I have shared ALL of Ferguson's knowledge & education. And after you all read the gap between Ferguson & Wiggington you will be "just voting on color". Then you go ask why the morale is low among the officers who lack PAY, TRAINING, & EQUIPMENT.
BrentLuNae 10 months ago
Oh yes, I plan to cross parties on three races because of unqualified candidates in my opinion.
ClaytonBigsby 10 months ago
Hadley's main offering is his skin color. It's a wonder he doesn't have his face emblazoned on campaign signs like some other candidates. Which is it with the ones who do--extreme egomania or "vote for me because I'm black."? You decide.
AJK 10 months ago
I would agree it's about color with Hadley, but not skin color as much as party color.
From the first paragraph of Hadley's Wikipedia page:
How many times can you mention party affiliation in an opening paragraph?
As long as the person who occupies any elected office flies a blue flag, I don't think Hadley could care less what their skin color is.
Of course I could be wrong....my wife tells me I'm wrong all the time!
Frustrated 10 months ago
when thats all you have to mention you do it as many times as you can.
Zo 10 months ago
This is my 3rd attempt to get this posted. We all know the paper support Wiggington and support Levette to beat Ferguson, so Levette can drop out of race to allow Wiggington to win another term. Be fair if you have the better person he will win regardless of my post. Let free speech prevail:
Why are we wasting county money by having an election against Levett & Ferguson. I think Levett should respect his hometown by suspending his campaign for Sheriff. He know that his lack of experience, lack of education, and lack of essential skillsets will hinder him as sheriff.
Food for thought, just think if the Dems & Republicans (those Repb crossing over) vote Levett in office this county is truly in trouble. We crying about Obama won on Popularity why chance it with the sheriff department? If I hv to hv 1 of 2 evils Ill rather have a Dem with skillsets to defend this county.
Sundance 10 months ago
Zo! where you been man? I been missing your "more of the same" comments and you taking up for all the criminals in the crime stories. I didnt know what to do without being falsely accused of racism over and over. Glad to have you back. Did you vote yet? or are you wating till next week?
ClaytonBigsby 10 months ago
It would be interesting to know how many arrests Ferguson has made in his career in FULTON County. Sounds like Eric Levett is going to win the primary...sorry, Zo! Maybe he can move on and try to find another "changing" county in which to tout his various "skillsets" and sheepskins.
Zo 9 months, 3 weeks ago
Please post this...claytonbigsby- U might need to b worried, ur crossover strategy might back fire & Levett, Ferguson, & Dems rally together to gv Rockdale their first BLK sheriff. And Levett place Ferguson 2nd in charge. Trick on u all. Lol
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