Mackney for Sheriff: “How About That?”
When I first heard that Walt Mackney had decided to make a
bid for the position of Allegany County Sheriff, the first words to come into
my mind were, “How about that?” I then thought to myself, “It’s about
time!” I have no intention of heaping
abuse upon our present sheriff, although political moves often take such directions when introducing a possible
alternative. No, my enthusiasm for a win by Walt Mackney is born more out of
respect for what he has to offer our county in the way of experience in many
law enforcement agencies, approaches toward the prevention of crime before as
well as following any given criminal activity and what I have come to see as
his regard for law which is fair, just and well applied.
It is almost 35 years since New York State Trooper Mackney
first came before me in the Town Court of Alfred. It was perhaps the first or
second year of my own 18 year tenure as Alfred Town and Village Justice. Once
again, I had been called out at night for an arraignment. I was impressed by
the demeanor of this young officer. He was very well-spoken, obviously
well-educated and he showed not only respect for the court, but also something
in the way of concern for the defendant at his side. He stated the charges
fully and well and submitted his Accusatory Instrument ( the paper-work) which
was both explanatory and well written. Not only was the arresting officer
polite, but he exhibited a stern but polite approach to the defendant. I found
myself to be impressed and so I always found myself to have great respect for
Trooper Mackney for years which were to follow. I saw less of him when he went
into Investigative work, but even then, from time to time I would see either
the man himself or some of the results of his findings concerning a given
matter. He never appeared to have lost anything or slowed down. In fact, I
would get word of some new agency or schooling in which he would be working. It
is praise-worthy that a man or woman might have over thirty years of experience
in Law Enforcement, but it is even much more so when an individual has worked
in so very many areas, had experience with meeting not only State but Federal
authorities, being able to somehow get through to people who really have little
or no idea of what a county such as our own is or could be.
There is something special about Walt Mackney. He is the
type of person who can and does lead by example. To me there is no question
whatsoever that he can work well with local police forces, those of the State
and Federal governments. He is the kind of individual who would attempt to
bring some hope for change or improvement to people already incarcerated
through programs devoted to personal improvement for those prisoners. Further
to that, he can meet with State and Federal people in various offices and lay
the case for our county before them. He will doubtless be reaching out to our
young people as well, bringing programs to the schools. We need such
approaches. We are not the people that we were 20 or 30 years ago. The problems
of the outside world are here, right here! We need some very good leadership.
Walt Mackney for County Sheriff: How about that?...(and yes, it’s about time!).
Looking towards a great future for our county,
William R. MacCrea,
Alfred, N.Y.
