I am pleased to send this letter of endorsement in support
of Sheriff Rick Whitney. While the politics of a county-wide race for Sheriff
have attempted to raise issues, the voters must look at important facts to base
their decision for this vital position. When this is done, the choice is clear;
Rick Whitney has the proven and tested leadership and experience that are
required for this position. With over forty years in law enforcement and
thirty-five years in administration, he has been well suited to properly run
the Sheriff’s Office in Allegany County. Sheriff Rick Whitney has consistently
housed in federal and local inmates to generate out-of-County revenue,
averaging more than $2 million annually, and our bond payment for the Public
Safety Complex is $1.6 million. Sheriff Whitney has maintained accreditation,
complying with 164 standards as well as compliance with New York State minimum
standards for the facility. During Sheriff Whitney’s tenure, Office of
Professional Responsibility Inspections and Detention Oversight was on site for
three days with seven inspectors. Over
2,000 line items were reviewed. The team leader noted that they had never been
to this facility, and that it was very unusual for a facility to be this
compliant without any previous inspection. Under Sheriff Whitney’s watch, Union
grievances which can be very costly have been nonexistent. These points alone,
and many others that have been made, clearly elevate and support the need to
vote for Rick Whitney on primary day September 13 for Sheriff of Allegany
County.
Curt Crandall
Belfast NY
