| It's important to vote! You may not think your vote matters, but it is very important. the average voting age in Doddridge County is 52 years of age. People use all kinds of excuses (although they have good intentions) not to vote. It's raining, have to take the day off, too far to drive, don't know who to vote for, my vote doesn't matter anyway, & etc.
Know your candidate!
What kind of a person is he or she? Don't go by hearsay or gossip. If you have questions, ask them directly - or someone reliable. You, the people are the employer. (We work for you). Ask yourself these questions. As an employer, who would you hire? And, why would you hire them?
- What are their qualifications?
- Because they're a Republican?
- Because they're a Democrat?
- Would you hire them because they look good?
- Because of their age?
- Because of their Morals?
- Simply because you like them (Personality)?
- Because of their education?
- Do they have computer skills?
- Because of their experience?
- Because of their reliability?
- Because of their confidentiality?
- Because of their integrity? (Honesty)
- Are they courteous? (Professional)
Would you dare go to a Dentist, Doctor, Lawyer, Auto Mechanic, or any other professional who doesn't have an education or experience in his field?
Who would you entrust your life / property / or well-being to?
One day, you may become the victim of a crime. Rape, robbery, domestic assault, auto accident, sexual assault, or some minor incident.
Who would you rely on / put your trust in to investigate the crime?
- A professional?
- Someone with education?
- Someone with experience?
- Someone reliable?
- Someone you have confidence in?
- Someone with integrity?
- Or someone, just because he's a good old boy?
What are the required qualifications to be Sheriff?
Contrary to some beliefs, the only qualification to be Sheriff is to be the age of 21 and above. There is no background check or prior experience required. (Example: Mayor Berry of Washington, DC - after being caught smoking crack-cocaine, was voted back into office as Mayor.)
What are the required duties of being Sheriff?
Being Sheriff, requires Leadership, Authority, and Responsibility.
Following are some of the required duties of the Sheriff's Department other than regular police work (crime investigation, auto accidents, etc.)
- Provide security for the Court House.
- Provide a Bailiff for court proceedings.
- Serve civil papers, warrants, subpoenas, and other court documents.
- Provide transportation to and from detention facilities.
- Handle concealed weapons permits.
- Responsible for collecting and handling your property tax monies.
- Responsible for criminals on home-confinement.
You have to know the do's and don'ts of the Law. You have to know the right steps to take when investigating a crime. If it goes to court and you did not follow the proper procedures, it gets thrown out and the criminal goes free. (example: O.J. Simpson). The prosecutor can only prosecute the case on the facts that you give him.
If you called 9-1-1 for a police officer, would you expect a plumber, electrician, construction worker, or an auto mechanic to show up? They each have their own profession.
I ask that YOU, (the Voter / Employer), seriously consider the Qualifications, Morals, Education, Experience, Reliability, Confidentiality, Honesty, and Professionalism of each candidate as you select your Candidate / Employee for this professions.
The welfare of Doddridge County rests in your hands.
I ask that would entrust your faith in me as your new Sheriff on November 4th.
Thank you,
Gerald (Jerry) C. Turner |
