Letter to the
Editor
Hey Walt - Just got done reading one of your endorsements
for sheriff, and have some questions.
How many towns in this county - or this state - have you
"rid the streets of harmful substances and criminals?" Can you name
them for me? I'd like to know.
As for being fiscally responsible and accountable, why do
you need this position? I would guess that with a 38 year TAX FREE New York
State pension, (guesstimated at well over $90,000 TAX FREE ) one could live
rather comfortably. (maybe you should be a little more attentive and
responsible with your own budget.) What kind of legacy costs would the County
pick up? And yet, you're trying to take
out a good man, working towards a decent retirement for himself and his wife.
With your concern for Allegany County, wouldn't you better
serve the community by availing yourself to businesses and advising them on
safety and security? Or even start your own business. Double dipping at the
taxpayer trough is not an admiral trait - especially in a poor county such as
this. Most working people in this county do not make nearly 1/2 of what your
TAX FREE pension is and more people are losing jobs everyday. Let us not be
greedy. Check out the County tax auction sometime. Maybe you'll begin to get
the picture.
As for the overtime at the jail - were you ever paid OT as a
lawman? Did you refuse the extra pay? Why do you object to these young people,
struggling to make ends meet, making a few extra bucks to bolster the pension
they may receive some day? Their job is not an easy job and sure doesn't pay
what a trooper or senior investigator would make ( $120,000+). If these people
are willing to work everyday, as well as work OT, I believe they have EARNED
that money. Too many people don't want to work and won't work (they also feed
greedily at the trough!) I applaud the working man.
I like my county. I also have a vision. Good paying jobs, no
more poverty or greed, full employment, equal opportunities, and a great place
to retire in peace and comfort.
Most of us look out for one another. We are a Community. We
have good neighbors and very good lawmen here - from the town & village
officers, to the sheriff and his deputies and correction officers, to the SP's
stationed in our county. I think they are doing a fine job.
Bill Locke
