Wigington, Levett field questions at forum

By Alice Queen (986)
alice.queen@rockdalecitizen.com

As of Wednesday, September 19, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Rockdale Citizen

CONYERS — The race for sheriff of Rockdale County will have voters choosing between an experienced candidate and one who says he wants to bring a fresh approach to the department.

Incumbent Republican Sheriff Jeff Wigington and Democrat Eric Levett, who is a sergeant in the Sheriff’s Office, answered questions in an amicable forum Tuesday night sponsored by the South Rockdale Civic Association.

In opening comments, Levett, who has 20 years in law enforcement, said he is concerned about the increase in crime over the past 10 years and pledged to make sure deputies have the tools and resources they need to reduce crime. He also said he would hold town hall meetings so he can be held accountable for his actions.

Wigington, who has been sheriff for 16 years and has worked for the Sheriff’s Office for 35 years, pointed to his years of experience, combined with the experience of his command staff — a total of 209 years in law enforcement. He added that he believes deputies have the necessary equipment to do their jobs. “Unfortunately, our salaries for our deputies are not what they need to be …” he said, “but I also understand that these are tough economic times.”

The candidates answered questions from the audience on a wide range of topics, including budgeting experience and hiring, firing and promotion practices.

Levett was asked to comment on his plan to hire a chief deputy if elected. Levett responded that he is considering filling that position and has three people in mind, none of whom are employed by the Sheriff’s Office.

Wigington, who does not have a chief deputy, said he intends to continue that policy.

“There is a position in the Sheriff’s Office budget for one, and I purposely did not have one because I want to be involved; I don’t want someone else running the department for me,” Wigington said.

In a follow-up question, an audience member asked Levett if he would be “another Victor Hill,” referring to the controversial sheriff of Clayton County who fired a large number of deputies when he was first elected to office.

“I’m a fair person,” said Levett. “I do believe in treating people equally.”

Levett said he would fire employees who violate policy or break the law, but he has no plans for widespread dismissals.

“I did not agree with what Victor Hill did; I was not a supporter of his and I do not support him now,” Levett said.

In a related response about promotion and discipline practices in the Sheriff’s Office, Wigington said the department has had a nepotism policy for years and a promotion policy that he implemented when he was elected. In addition, Wigington said a Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office Merit Board governs all firing or demotion decisions that are not for cause.

On the issue of budgeting, Levett acknowledged he has little experience in that area, but said he would surround himself with people who are qualified for that task. Levett also said he received training in budgeting through the Professional Management/Supervision Program at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University.

Levett pointed out that he, like Wigington, would have to learn the budgeting process on the job.

“Eric’s right,” said Wigington. “But I was a lieutenant for 15 years before I ran for sheriff, and at that time a lieutenant was a uniform commander position, so I did do part of that budget process.”

Wigington said he also gained some knowledge of budgeting through college coursework. Wigington has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and public administration and a master’s degree in public administration.

In closing, Wigington said the election comes down to experience.

“I think Eric’s a good guy,” Wigington said. “If he wasn’t he wouldn’t be working for me. I like to think I’m a good guy; so it isn’t about who is a good guy.”

Wigington highlighted some of his professional accomplishments, particularly being named chairman and vice chairman of a metro Atlanta emergency response organization and the only Georgia sheriff appointed to serve on the Georgia Homeland Security Task Force.

“The big difference in this race is just experience,” he said. “Who has done the job and has a proven track record.”

Levett closed by saying that while he doesn’t have Wigington’s experience, he will continue to learn. He said he is family-oriented, takes a hands-on approach and believes in connecting with people in the community.

“I feel that we are still kind of separated,” Levett said of the Rockdale community. “I think we need someone who can bring us all together, and I think I can.”

More like this story

Sheriff finds no fault in traffic stop of opponent's ex-wife ( April 18, 2012 )
Ferguson blames loss on crossover voting ( August 2, 2012 )
Candidates for sheriff, tax commissioner field questions at forum ( July 24, 2012 )
Levett says he will work to unite community ( October 27, 2012 )
Levett wins Democratic Primary for sheriff ( July 31, 2012 )

ClaytonBigsby 8 months ago

Translation of the last sentence: "vote for me because I'm black". How disappointing.

Elmo 8 months ago

When you don't walk your talk, color is not a factor.

Zo 8 months ago

LOL, wow look at how experience & education is NOW the center piece of this election. Ferguson, they ran you out the race to make Wigg look good, "Wigington has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and public administration and a master’s degree in public administration" to Levett's, "received training in budgeting through the Professional Management/Supervision Program at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University". lol

Ferguson had much higher education and experience. Now I see why they had the big cross over vote movement to get the weaker candidate to run, so Wigg could look bigger than what he is. WOW

Elmo 8 months ago

Zo, you just won me ten dollars...as soon as this story emerged yesterday I bet ten bucks that you'd be on this board, bloviating about poor ol' Fergie, within 24 hours.

You're as predictable as obama at a food stamp rally.

But, you're a really, sore loser.

Fergie, is history, both he and his correspondence school "degree" lost the primary, again, LOST THE PRIMARY. He lost by the people voting against him, it wasn't a conspiracy.

You've just about played your whole deck of race cards and victim cards, and the irrelevancy of a Ferguson candidacy is obvious to most people.

But, thanks for the 10 dollars anyway...I'll donate to the Romney campaign, in YOUR name.

Southside 8 months ago

And his "center piece" has the same degree as our Sheriff--a masters degree.

Zo 8 months ago

Ask the paper to publish where Wigington received his degrees from? Oddly, they gave Levett's location of training, but NEVERstated what google university Wigington got his so call "bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and public administration and a master’s degree in public administration".

Now here's the education of Ferguson: Attending: Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with Emphasis in Organizational Development. [10/2013] MPA-Master Degree Public/Justice Administration Columbus State University-2008 93rd Administrative Officer Management Course, Southern Police Institute -1995 Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute-1996 29thGeorgia Command College -2008 Clayton County Regional Police Academy-1985 BS-Criminal Justice, University of West Georgia-1982 BA-Psychology, University of West Georgia -1981 Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #64 National Organization for Black Law Enforcement Executives National and Georgia Sheriff’s Association Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity York Rites Mason, Majestic Knights Lodge No. 333 International Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Training Managers Association American Jail Association Correctional accreditation Managers Association NYCCA Youth Coach (Baseball, Football, & Basketball) 1989-2000 *Member, Springfield Baptist Church, Conyers, Georgia

Southside 7 months, 4 weeks ago

What wold you say if Jeff was a member of National Organization for White Law Enforcement Executives? And I've told you befoe, I've belonged to a union, Shriners, Masons and I go to church. When I worked I did all my continuing education. Will you vote for me?

Frustrated 7 months, 4 weeks ago

you might want to check some of those facts. Almost any law enforcement officer can join some of those organizations and take classes at the Command College and some of the other Institutes you name.If Sheriff Wiggington named all theplaces he has taken classes, Im sure the list would be just as long if not longer. And I noticed that most you name are older than four years. Kind of out dated dont you think?

Southside 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Like I keep telling him: Continuing Education

Frustrated 8 months ago

I had hoped we had heard the last of Zo but I guess it was just wishful thinking..just like Ferguson winning the election

Jon 8 months ago

Jeff Wigington said he wants to "be involved," which is why he doesnt have a chief deputy. Seems Jeff is being critical of the other candidate for sheriff, Eric Levett, for wanting to hire a chief deputy. If my memory serves me right, and maybe Jeff forgot this part, but Jeff DID have a chief deputy from 2006 to 2010 before he fired him. Why was it that Jeff thought he needed a chief deputy back then, but does not tell the entire story when this issue comes up. Perhaps this article will refresh his memory!

RCSO chief deputy Cordero fired by Alena Parker

Let's keep it honest Jeff!

Elmo 8 months ago

I once thought I needed a convertible, so I bought one, kept it four years, but the lesson I learned was that it was a drafty rattletrap, so I got rid of it. I learned that I don't need a convertible.

Maybe Jeff found that he didn't need a convertible either.

maryinga 8 months ago

Has 3 people in mind for a job.....bet he hires each one of them like our "CEO" of Rockdale did. Think people.....think.

Elmo 8 months ago

Some people think winning an election - however it's done - is a "coronation" instead of a job.

Frustrated 8 months ago

Levett plans to hire a Chief Deputy, does that mean he isnt confident enough he can run the department by himself? This job shouldnt be a learn as you go deal. The person running the County Law Enforcement Department should already have the experience and knowledge to run it.

Elmo 8 months ago

Crony capitalism...

Zo 8 months ago

Emo, didn't realize I had a fan base. Regardless, u know the point I'm making. Now, where are all the Levett supporters at....the same way u won ten bucks. I won more because u all are making my points. Again where are all the supporters for Levett there are none & never was. Wigg & gang was afraid of Ferguson & it's so apparent. And FYI, Ferguson's education makes Wigg's education look like Levett.

Good point about Chief, he doesn't want one, because he doesn't trust those around him. He might need to call Ferguson.

And by the way, I gv much more to Mitt.

Elmo 8 months ago

Evidently, there are "and never was" support for Fergie, either, as he lost way back in the primary. He was deemed incompetent to even be in the finals.

You've failed to tell us exactly how "Wigg and gang" pulled off this miraculous "coup" that made Fergie, and his mail-order degree, lose the primary. I'd, er WE, would be interested in any facts you may have on exactly how this was done.

And I set the ten bucks to Mitt under YOUR name, I sent him considerably more under MY name.

Maybe Fergie can get on-line and get four or five more Googledegrees, and run again in 2016. Meanwhile, McDonalds is alway looking for good "fry guys".

Zo 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Open primary. A registered voter may vote in any party primary regardless of his own party affiliation. When voters do not register with a party before the primary, it is called a pick-a-party primary because the voter can select which party's primary he or she wishes to vote in on election day. Because of the open nature of this system, a practice known as raiding may occur. RAIDING consists of voters of one party crossing over and voting in the primary of another party, effectively allowing a party to help choose its opposition's candidate. The theory is that opposing party members vote for the WEAKEST candidate of the opposite party in order to give their own party the advantage in the general election. An example of this can be seen in the 2012 Rockdale sheriff's primary with the nomination of Eric Levette as the Democrat candidate in the general election

Elmo 7 months, 4 weeks ago

I know what an open primary is, Zo. And, I am against them.

An open primary gave us John McCain in 2008 - the weakest candidate in the group - to run against King obama and ACORN.

The point you're not getting is, IT IS, WHAT IT IS. Fergie lost, no matter where he went to school, or what you think of him.

From your posts I'm about ready to agree with some others that YOU, in fact, are Fergie. You seem to know more about him than anyone, and can't accept reality as it is.

The election is between Wiggington and Levette, whether you like it or not, It is, what it is.

Zo 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Please share what University Wigington received his degrees from. Emo feels it makes a difference where you received your degree from. Can't wait to read this response. Mitt for $500 Emo is not going to disclose the info, because Again it proves Ferguson is the better Sheriff if everyone was ethical.

Southside 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Beneau University & Columbus State University. Maybe they had classes together at Columbus State.

Southside 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Unless I missed something, Ferguson isn't a sheriff. Maybe if he takes another continuing education class he (and you) will realize there is no star on his chest.

Elmo 7 months, 4 weeks ago

"Emo thinks it makes a difference..."?

Back during the race you continually boasted the Fergie had some certificate from the grand canyon online university, or some such nonsense.

But I guess that kind of gibberish only counts when YOU think it's to your advantage.

I don't care if he has a masters from Harvard, I still wouldnt vote for him...it takes more than just a degree to do a job right.

Frustrated 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Zo (aka Ferguson) give it a break already. Ferguson lost, period. You are really sounding like and old tired record. Get the message...We didnt want Ferguson regardless of how you think.

NitetimeinDaytime 7 months, 4 weeks ago

Sometimes I just wish people would stop looking at party lines and color and just have an opinion on whether or not someone is GOOD at the job. As an independent I will vote for Wigington. He has gone a good job in this county and is extremely involved in the community. I feel as though even with things changing, he and his staff do a great job keeping us safe. If it's not broken, I am not too inclined to try and "fix it". I have no doubt that Ferguson is a great guy. If he has some good ideas I hope they both work together to implement them. I would like to think that for most of Rockdale county it is not about race - it is about safety and we should vote as such.

ClaytonBigsby 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Like you, I would very much LIKE to think "that for most of Rockdale County it is not about race". However, I direct your attention first to the local election in 2008 when a lifelong resident and businessman lost to a truly shady character who had been tossed off a police force under suspicious circumstances and later proved himself to be a deadbeat with a streak of violence. Fast forward to this year--there are several candidates running whose basic selling point is "I'm black". It should be disgusting to any thoughtful voter, but I direct you back to 2008...

ClaytonBigsby 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Oh yes, and who can forget Oz Nesbitt's infamous Facebook post, reported right here in the Citizen? "...light-skinned B.S.! Black is here to STAY!". Maybe for most of the county it's not about race, but it darn sure seems to be for at least one politician.

Lorenzo 7 months, 3 weeks ago

Zo, Ferguson lost. He lost because the voting citizens of Rockdale County don't want him. It wasn't a race issue or a conspiracy or anything else. He lost because he appears to be exactly what he is...uneducated (pay for play diplomas don't count), lacking experience (hasn't worked even one day as a Patrol Officer) and a lousy public speaker with a hidden agenda. Let it go, drop it, move on to something current and relevant and we'll be glad to make fun of you and your boy in 4 years when you try again.

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