Sheriff Don Hilton is quoted as saying, “no problem” as citizens and officials throughout Oswego County denounce the misuse of government property, manpower, and defy NY Civil Service Law S.107.1 and County policy, which state that people in civil service may not use their office for political rallies to promote partisan lines. Mr. Hilton and his men seen with him have blatantly defied that law, or worse, were not even aware of laws which they have pledged to enforce.
If this law was defied, have there been others they are not aware of or chose to ignore? County Administer, Phil Church put out a memo to county employees stating that any partisan politics was against local policy. Was that ignored, not read, thrown away? A mere slap on the hand by Legislature Chair, James Wheatherup, and a claim that it would not happen again is not enough. A full investigation into Hilton and those with him is called for in order for the people of Oswego County to regain trust in the officers of the Sheriff’s Department.
Hilton claims he supports Trump because he defends law enforcement. We all know that local, county, state and the national military are absolutely necessary to maintain the laws and safety of citizens, and they are supported. The great majority of our law enforcement and military personnel are regarded with respect and appreciation. However, as in every profession, there are those who bring a bad name to their office through poor judgement, lawlessness, prejudice, misuse of power, and inability to deal fairly and with understanding in different situations. These are the ones who need to be weeded out.
As a citizen of this County and the City of Fulton and on a personal note, I have had dealings with local, county and state law enforcement, mostly in connection with mental illness or petty crimes. My choice was usually to call the State Troopers. They always dealt with calls in a courteous, timely, and thorough manner. Their training seemed to be to de-escalate sensitive situations and treat both parties equitably without rancor. Perhaps training, using good judgement and analyzing situations without prejudice is the difference.
In this case, it seems that using good judgement, adequate training, and being neutral in divisive situations would have benefitted our sheriff’s department rather than lose confidence in it and some of its members. It’s time to take a closer look, investigate, and decide if changes are in order.
-Suzanne Stout
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Oh my goodness! They flew a flag! Oh the horror!!!
Let me start out by saying that I understand that the Hatch Act was violated. But our Sheriff and the dept. are going to be crucified for flying a TRUMP flag? I’d like to meet just one federal or local public employee who has never broken the Hatch Act!!
Now we all know that if it was the other way around and a BIDEN flag was flying, sure people would be upset, but it would just be swept under the rug by citizens and local government and be forgotten. Why is it that anything to do with OUR PRESIDENT is an issue?
Marie Schadt (D) is quoted as saying, “Hilton’s actions show a troubling lack of leadership and that children are watching this. We are supposed to be leading them, and this is not the right example.” Come on REALLY? Our children are also watching every police officer in the United States of America be ripped to shreds by the Democratic Party and so called “peaceful” (ha-ha) rioting protesters that are destroying the US. But I guess its OK to “protest” ever so peacefully by rioting and breaking laws, burning down buildings, destroying whomever and whatever is in their way. That will really teach our children to abide by the laws!
WE SUPPORT YOU, SHERIFF HILTON AND YOUR DEPARTMENT!
Make America Great Again. TRUMP 2020!
Remember what county you’r in *Trump*
Gunlov’nGranny-Boy are you so sad, You yourself admit that the sheriff broke the Hatch Act…that hasn’t be proven yet but he did go against a County protocol. Now it does appear that he broke two laws, and with that said, What Legislator Schadt is true…you ask how can these people get away with burning bldgs. causing damage…well it’s examples like this that tells them they can do it and get away with it…if the Law can break the Law and get away with it why not me….so if it were a Dem that had done this I and Marie Schadt would be up in arms..the Law is the Law and who ever breaks it has to pay the price…So you can support the Sheriff and his Deputies as I do but not when they break the Law….
Former County Legislator Frank Castiglia, have you ever broke the law?
Gunlov’nGranny..Yes, speeding and you know what when I told the Officer and Judge I was sorry and I wouldn’t do it again, it cost me $75 dollars and a mark on my license, everyone has to pay, one way or another when they break the law. No one is above the law.
For heavens sake. Once again people dont get their way. I saw absolutely nothing wrong with that flag. Don Hilton , I stand with you because you stand with our country and its laws to protect and serve and our president. And yes I support our law enforcement 100%. My advice to all the liberal democrats that think they should be entitled to everything and their way is the only way need to accept the fact that this is a democracy not a socialist nation. Grow up and shut up!
It seems to me that Trump lover’s feel they can do as they please. Where do you thinkthey got that idea from? Exactly, our President himself!
Maybe we should change the law. Seems that when a conservative does something the liberals go nuts about the law. I’m in support of the sheriff. Let’s look at the liberals and see what laws they have broken. Tit for tat. I’m sick and tired or the finger pointing liberals who are to blame for the mess we are in. Why don’t you start looking at your own actions and correct them before you start pointing fingers. Sheriff Hilton has been doing his job as well as his department. If you don’t like it here move. I’m sure Nee York City, Seattle, Chicago, Portland and a few others would welcome you with open arms.
I guess we should draw the line in the SAND and jump to the side you believe in.(racism),(political), and anything to make us fight.I guess I started a political brawl. SORRY.
Desecrated The Flag, renamed the OCSD as the DHOCSD, the Don Hilton Republican Oswego County Sheriffs Department. Democrats, don’t bother calling 911, or if you do and get nothing, here’s the State Police phone number to get a response from REAL law enforcement: 315-593-6314. DH is so immature…”I felt the need……”.
@GundamentalistGranny: You will never see an American Flag desecrated by having it sullied with Biden’s face printed on it. Those who know how to repect The Flag by following The Code of The Flag have a deeper understanding of the responsibilities that go hand in hand with Freedom. Desecrating The Flag in DC is punishable by up to a year in jail.
It’s your flag Sheriff Hilton. Fly it. The Democrats have no problem defending the burning and desecration of it during riots and destruction of statues ,buildings ,and our society. But let someone who defends our homes and keeps us safe show support for someone who stands behind them and the crying and tantrums begins. Like RJ said remember what county you are in. We defend our sheriff. We defend our police and we defend our county. If you have a problem with that no one is stopping you from leaving
This is just unbelievable! We have so many other issues in our county to address, lets start with Poverty, Lack of Affordable Housing, Suicide, Hunger, Drug and Alcohol Abuse, and many, many more. People need to move on and solve the real issues that are affecting our citizens.
OK Skip: Lets see you own a business and the profits are down,your getting kicked out of your house, your kids are hungry because your not bringing in enough money from your store, your daughter is on drugs, and somebody just stole over $500 dollars worth of your merchandise and you catch him or her and they say I’m sorry I won’t do it again..and you don’t do anything…I don’t think so…so yes there are many issues happening in Oswego county and the United States…but you know you deal with the ones that you can deal with, and don’t let bad things happen because there other things happening.
Sheriff Hilton actions is NOT a bad thing. Give me a break. This whole thing is just a political s*** storm pushed by the sad democrats in the county. There is a reason why there are only a few democrats on the county legislature.
hey gunlovinggranny…he’s YOUR IMPEACHED president, not mine, so be careful when you say OUR president…majority of us want nothing to do with that disgrace