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'Surrogates' shouldn't write sheriff's letters

By Letter to the editor
Published: July 03, 2008

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Editor:

In his recent letter to the editor, Madison resident Jerry Butler offered a number of observations regarding the on-going disputes involving Sheriff Erik Weaver. I think it is important for those who speak on such issues be both fully knowledgeable and candid in their disclosures.

Mr. Butler stated quite accurately that the sheriff’s salary is paid by the State Compensation Board. However, he should also know that Madison County residents pay state taxes that, among other things, help fund the State Compensation Board. Thus, we the taxpayers are ultimately going to foot the bill, no matter how he tries to explain it.

Public documents reveal that Mr. Butler was the largest cash contributor to Sheriff Weaver’s re-election campaign. He is also an auxiliary deputy with the MCSO. Interestingly, he does not hold law enforcement certification from the Department of Criminal Justice Services, yet he serves as a badge-carrying, fully sworn investigator for the MCSO.

As a person directly and currently associated with the MCSO, it is inappropriate for him to comment on the sheriff’s dispute with Leigh Purdum, which is now for the courts to settle. Moreover, if Sheriff Weaver wishes to address former MCSO Sgt. Shawn Hill’s comments he should do so himself, not through a surrogate and a subordinate. All matters relating to policy or issues involving the MCSO or its personnel should only be released by the sheriff himself.

That’s the way it’s done in professionally managed departments.

Charles P. McDowell
Reva