Suzanne Stout: No One Is Above The Law, Even The Sheriff

by Contributor | August 4, 2020 3:06 pm

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

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/suzanne-stout-no-one-is-above-the-law-even-the-sheriff/

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