Responce To A Couple Remarks Made By Sheriff Hilton

I would like to respond to a couple remarks made by Sheriff Hilton in a story about my Write-In Campaign for Sheriff on October 14th, 2026.

The first one stated that my write-in campaign was “just another political stunt.” He would know all about political stunts. I guess he thinks everyone has forgotten about his floating Hatch Act violation on Oneida Lake. He put an American Flag with Trumps face on it on a Sheriff Department boat and floated around Oneida Lake.

In an article related to that event published in the Pall Times on March 12, 2021, the article stated: “The sheriff said he respected “the right of people to have a critical opinion” of his actions but issued a defiant response in which he implied those who were criticizing him were not thinking reasonably and claimed many of the people criticizing him “also defend rioters who destroy taxpayers’ property.” Hilton said while he stood by his personal beliefs, he did regret “that some people, veterans in particular, were uncomfortable with the display of an altered American flag,” adding “there was no disrespect intended.”

As a veteran and a taxpayer in this county I certainly did think it was more than just a little disrespectful, and a shame the Sheriff doesn’t pay attention to laws he feels don ‘t apply to him. I am also one of those people that protest on the bridge in Oswego that he finds so distasteful, and we do not condone destruction of property, but we sure as hell support Due Process and Free Speech. Those are 2 things the Sheriff is not a big fan of.

The second one stated that: “Mr. Cannon was rejected by the Democrat Party as a candidate in the June primary,” Hilton said. “I wish him luck.”

Well thank you Sheriff Hilton for your support! There are a couple of things I think the Sheriff should keep in mind; 1 – He didn’t say I was unqualified, and I want to thank him for that insight. 2 – I did lose a Primary in June, but the Sheriff should have paid closer attention, I lost because of higher votes in Cayuga County and Jefferson County for my opponent, but I had more votes in Oswego County than he did. The Sheriff should be more concerned about his county, and the fact that while I am out canvassing for candidates, I hear people of all parties telling me how much they think the Sheriff is doing a horrible job. I had a Republican tell me he was happy I was a write-in for Sheriff, as now he would not have to leave it blank.

I think Sheriff Hilton might need to rethink who needs luck on November 3rd!

Jim Cannon

Fulton NY