The easiest way to reduce the fiscal footprint of the Sheriff's Department is to limit it's functions to those required in the NYS Constitution...I believe that would be a civil office and a jail. Since the politics of that is daunting, and deputies currently make less than state or city officers, its difficult to see how one delivers existing service at a significantly lower cost.
As for not using a car, this really is a job where you are always on duty.
Watertown Daily Times Sheriff challenger finds he can't reject pension
40 comments:
The GOP is really desperate in this one.. A man with great credentials is going to run agsinst a sitting Sheriff.. The canidate is told what to say to make himself look good and fiscal however no facts were checked out.Now he looks stupid and uninformed. If he really wants the job he should run to win, not run to beat Sheriff Burns for the local GoP which appears to be the case.. I think public opinion of Sheriff Burns varies but the vast majority support him and will re-elect him without a problem. The legislators should get a read on what services the general public want the most and judge any cuts that may take place on this poll. The mayor is right jail is mandated along with Undersheriff. I wont go into any detail but Civil Division is not mandated. If you think it is quote the law.. County Law does not mandate it.. The work they do yes. How the work gets done is up to the Sheriff
I just checked as best I could and the previous blogger seems to be correct in his assumption about a civil division. There are no written laws making it mandated.. It stated the Sheriff must act on certain issues in certain manners but nothing ss to who performs the task.. This ought to be looked at.
The GOP wants this man to run on the understanding they will pick his Undersheriff for him.. Hes admitted he only eants one term so obviously the person they pick as undersheriff will be in a great position to be the Sheriff for years. Politics is great.. You have a good Sheriff now you dont need change in the person. If you want change go thrught your legislators and suggest what changes need to be made. Remember you elected this man to do the job. Hes doing it so dont try to manage for him too much.
I took a quick look at Mr. Ruggerios comments on the Times blog.. I come to a quick conclussion. He may be unstable.. You have benefits coming that you earned for years of faithfully working for someone and dont take them. Somethings wrong? He obviously is weel off finacially but something is wrong... He wants to run for a public office which he is qualified to do. He would probably do a good job, but he dosnt want benefits.. Does he want the pay or will he donate that also. As far as a car goes I assume he would use his own and pay for the gas himslef.. Who would be responsible if he has an accident while working. Would he have comminications set up for his own vehicle? In a real emergency I assume he would respond. Would he go back to the office and get a county car or would he use his own... Why only one term... You guessed it..
I think Mr. Ruggiero has made it perfectly clear that he is here to serve the people, you people who pass judgement without knowing all the facts. I'd like to see how you people feel about these facts about your current Sheriff. Why is he asking regular citizens (not sworn law enforcement officers) to police handicap parking spaces? What if that "volunteer" person gets injured doing a police officers job? Who pays? If police work is as dangerous as they say, why have unarmed citizens do the work of an officer? How is Sheriff Burns budget looking if he needs volunteers to do his deputies work? I live in the southern part of the county, on a major road, less than a mile from a school and I rarely see deputies...Why, is my area of the county not important? Did you know that a Jefferson county deputy was picked up for DWI not to long ago, call up the sheriff and ask what has happened to that deputies job, ask if he is still employed? Someone sworn to protect lives, makes me wonder about how stable Sheriff Burns is. I wonder if while he was driving drunk he killed your family member if you would still be ok with paying his salary. Let's use our heads Jefferson County, unless you are ok with this bahavior.
Citizens doing volunteer work are not unusuall St Lawrence Co. had an entire citizens patrol for a couple of years and they had a great response and helped alot. The policed traffic at parades, wrote tickets for parking violations. They did no carry weapons but they were trained in other aspects of public safety. One of them was killed while working. It was his own negligence and during a civil lawsuit and a lawsuit over compensation the County or Sheriff was held not responsible for the compensation. The liabibility was paid from the other participant ofthe accident. Are you against writting tickets for handicap violators. Your deputies probaably have much more important things to do.. The deputy that was drunk is not a big or new issue either. If he was disiplined and I believe he should have been what else would you have wanted.. This is the Sheriffs responsibility no one elses.. Your road not being policed. How often do you watch for a Jeff Co Sheriffs vehicle or any lawenforcement vehicle .. If you have problems simply call and they will respond...
I dont agree with your arguments you dont like volunteers yet you probably want Ruggerio who is simply in his own words a volunteer, as he want oo pay or any bennifits no car and only one term... You just dont like John Burns do you.. And in all honesty you want to be a cop yourself and were rejected at some point in life.
Some of these comments are just so amusing. If anyone really knew Mr. Ruggiero, they would understand that he is his own person and a well qualified leader. He has so many rank and file who believe in him and know how effective a leader he was as Chief of Law Enforcement. He certainly is a very intelligent person who makes his own decisions and who knows the law. Pretty impressive resume he has too. A 4 year degree in criminal justice besides so many other courses. I read his brochure and he has impeccable credentials. Between his experience, education and training, he has everyone beat. And he still works- he never fully retired as some people have said who can't get their facts right. I bet Burns will collect his pension when he's done but will still be young enough to go out and work somewhere else- what's wrong with someone working if they want rather than retire? Look at how many people have retired from Ft. Drum and took civilian jobs. If anyone is unstable - it must be Burns. He has already started the fear mongering by telling the deputies falsehoods about what will happen if Ruggiero wins and he loses. He is even trying to speculate who Ruggiero will pick as undersheriff to make everyone worry. Sounds like Burns is very afraid. He should be. He is probably hoping the county (and him)won't get sued over the malicious prosecution he personally was involved in when he knew there was no evidence to prosecute to begin with but he just had to do it for his drinking buddy Simao. Now, that is unstable, unethical behavior.
Whatca going do bad boys bad boys...
Anom. 351.. Your telling me he is versed in Correctional law, Civil Law and Criminal Law and Vehical traffic Law.and at lest familiar with Family Court Law, Real Property Law and County Law. Correct. And that he knows all about these laws. Where would he have worked to get this expertise? I,m sorry if I sound skeptical? John Burns has to be aware of all of the above laws and any changes in these laws as each and every act he performs as Sheriff could bring lawsuits against the County and taxpayers. You are saying there is speculation on who his undersheriff would be and that would be no suprise.. Whats new?? I,m saying that a one term Sheriff is not what we need here. One term means exactly what I meant this morning when I said the GOP will pick his Undersheriff for him so they can control this office. Folks like you know this Ruggerio and I,m sure he is competent and a very nice person however the way he has been talking makes me believe what I said earlier . Why would anyone want to work a job like that for No benefits, no car and gas, no pension, no hospitalization, and probably dosnt give a damm what it pays either... BECAUSE THE LOCAL GOP NEEDS SOMEONE TO TAKE THIS OFFICE OVER FOR THEM SO THEY CAN TRY AND RULE IT FOR YEARS TO COME.... NO OTHER REASON... And that statement Ruggerio is his own man is bulls--- and he proves it daily with his statements.
Of course you could view the candidate's comments in their entirety on:
www.steveweedproductions.com
Just the facts, Mam, just the facts..
I wonder sometimes when the GOP had a Sheriff(retired trooper) introduce his undersheriff in uniform(not an issue) but when another Sheriff's deputy did an interview in uniform he was brought up on charges, the county was beaten in court in this matter, and had to pay. Anyone remember this????
I have an idea that should help everyone.. Seeing Ruggerio will work for nothing, have him contact Sheriff Burns. He could work the volunteer handicap parking squad. No handicap for Burns budget and it certainly would make life easier on the handicapped. Now him being sucha community orientend person with great credentials that never taken anything from anyone I,m sure he wouldnt let us down. He could gain experience under John Burns and soon qualify himslef for Sheriff.. Oh I forgot he only wants one term..
I don't recall hearing Ruggiero would work for free- not according to his speech. Just no benefits package. Listen to the speech - then get the facts right. Lots of people waive certain benefits if they don't need them. He probably thought he was doing a good deed but I guess the citizens of this county are ungrateful no matter what.
Your right he didnt. So your saying he dosnt qualify for a ticket writer is that correct. My facts are straight I was wrong on that one... As somebody said earlier he should know what hes talking about before he trys to grandstand.. And further more does he have knowledge in any of areas of law I quoted earlier or just Penal Law and VT law.. Takes much more to be Sheriff
What a bunch of left-leaning pinheads. I am a police officer in Jefferson County, and here are some facts for those of you who can't seem to find out things on your own:
Mr. Ruggiero is certified by NY State as a police officer. He took the same courses as every other police officer. Of course he knows more than just the penal law and vehicle law. You can't be certified unless you attend the classes, pass the test and pass your required field training and evaluation. The process takes more than 6 months, and he went through it all. Not only that, but unlike Sheriff Burns, Chief Ruggiero also teaches in the police academies here and in Saint Lawrence counties, and I have taken classes from him. His depth of knowledge is superior to anyone I have ever met, and he is often consulted for answers to problems in the various laws that police officers have to deal with. A lot of supervisory cops have taken some of their courses in police supervision from Mr. Ruggiero. I never saw Burns in the classroom at the podium. Lots of cops, including me, have Chief Ruggiero's cell number on their speed dial.
If he does not want to take a pension, that is up to him. Personally, I need the pension, but this is my one and only career and I can not afford to turn it away. Good for him if he is financially set and wants to give the taxpayers a break. He has my vote.
I am fortunate that I do not have to work for Sheriff Burns. If I did, I would find another job. Character counts, and Ruggiero has it.
All of this is a riot. Call Saturday Night Live and see if they want to do a skit on it! I am not a right-winger, but I have to say that the lefty loonies seem to marching in a goose step behind Burns and his buddy, the politician who makes a living selling booze to drunk drivers and selling Quick-Draw tickets to gambling addicts.
Anon 6:36 answered 4:18's doubts of Ruggiero's knowledge of the law. That's pretty good that he teaches for the academy so he must know his stuff in order for them to have him teach. Since he was a federal Chief of Law Enforcement, I now wonder what Burns knows of Federal law? What about military law? Sounds like Ruggiero is well versed in state, federal and military law. Works for me.
What great information here. I have learned a lot. Bring on the debates!! There will be debates, right?
Burns dosnt need to know federal or military law. He is the chief law enforcment officer in Jefferson co.. Does Mr. Ruggiero know Civil Law, Correction Law of NY. He has to.. Does he know NYs Real Property Law does he now County Law as it pertains to Sheriffs. Obviously he dosnt or you all would be crowing.. As Sheriff it is a must to know these laws so as they can be enforced.
Officer Anom. You obviously are really are young and just out of school. Probably yur first job right.. Possibly the GOP undersheriff pick for Mr. Ruggerio.. How often is he consulted for problems officers throughout the County cant figure out. Does he charge for the cossultaion or does he do it for the people. Like I said your young obviously still wet behind the ears and your head is still swollen from the badge yu where. Once you have a couple ofyears under your belt and they give you an extra bullet to carry make some observations on fact not fantasy.
School Boards work for free...SHouldn't all elected officialsdo the same...including the sheriff
John burns grew up with a gold spoon in his mouth.He has been very oppressive to the people of Jefferson county working on fear.For example look at the picture of him holding the tommy guns in the Watertown Daily Times.He cares about people from his inner circle and thats it.We need new leadership with a positive attitude some one who has a heart.There has been many cases of abuse at the county jail and false charges have been filed on many.His deputys have been in trouble for several things.lucky for the people of this county there are fair Judges and a understanding D.A.
Willie Nelson
One word: Greg Bush
Oh...and another word: Queior
What abuse and what trouble have the deptuties been in. Saying something then backing it up with fact are too entirely different things. Mr.Ruggerio has sounded like a desperate person that wants to be in charge of police badly. He is willing to forego benifits. Oh I forgot he only wants one term.. That a pathetic excuse for someone as intelligent as this person is supposed to be.. He trained Barny Fife anom police officer and impressed him. Now all he has to do is talk staight and know what he is talking about and want the job to really make a differnece.
Saying that Mr. Ruggerio sounds "desperate" is a ridiculous statement. Sounds to me like he has a boat load of training and experience behind him and is looking for a new challenge. Does it make more sense for Mr. Burns to pretty much say that he wants another term for personal satisfaction to bring him to retirement? He corrected himself on that pretty quickly.
I don't know either personally, and am not in law enforcement. But I'm impressed by what I've seen so far in Mr. Ruggerio.
Incredible...
Hey, anonymous 7:43;
Do you want to know what Mr. Ruggiero knows about NYS Real Property Law? You bonehead, he is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson. Look him up on the Department of State website, Senor El-Stupido! He's also a member of the Jeff-Lewis Board of Realtors and a member of the National Association of Realtors. You can't get licensed unless you take the qualifying course and pass the state written exam. And you have to do continuing education courses to maintain your license. This is all a matter of public record, so take the time to look things up before you put your foot in your mouth again. No knowledge of Real Property Law, huh? Every time you open your mouth you prove what a moron you are! You are a pathetic liberal fraud. Enjoy the kool-aid!
Oh yeah...learn how to friggin' SPELL too, you illiterate clown.
Anom 1038.. knowing the law pertaining to Real Property Law and the other laws has nothing to do with selling real estate. The Sheriff has to know these other laws only as they pertain to his position.. I didnt know Mr. Ruggerio was a real estate broker. Thats nice.. Wow... I,m impressed.. He teaches, real estate broker, firman, Wow.. He teaches military law and federal law.. Who up here needs that taught. Officer Fife.. I,m sure his credentials are impecable to you.but to the average joe it dosnt matter.. No one is running down what he is or stand for people are simply concerned about someone who is willing to forgo benefits and that persons motive for such.. One term to leave his footprint, and then retire again. I question the motive in this..
Okay, Einstein. Real Property Law is Real Property Law! The sheriff can't possibly know any more about it than Mr. Ruggiero does, because realtors have to know ALL of real property law...ALL OF IT...in order to be licensed. Mr. Ruggiero knows as much about it as anyone else. You seem to be interested only in slamming him and putting him down, and you exhibit your lack of intellect every time you open your pie-hole and emanate your trash-talk. Why don't you tell us why Burns is the perfect man for the job? And don't bother with that "he's doing a good job" nonsense. The dog catcher is doing a good job, and so is my garbage collector. I have not seen one thing worthwhile about Burns, and I live in the same county you do. So what if he got grant money? The federal government GIVES IT AWAY and anyone can get it. He got a boat? So what? Deputies on the boat are not responding to domestics or burglaries, are they? And there are LOTS of agencies on he river and the lake already. Maybe you're one of the people he calls to come pick him up when he gets drunk...something that happens a lot. I've seen him getting hammered in Pete's. What a fine example of leadership, and a great example for his deputies. Maybe that's why one of them figured it's OK to drink and drive drunk.
Your entire comment is pure pathetic GOP BS.. I cant answer your questions abot answering calls when on boat patrol ect. But on the same hand they cant answer marine related calls unless they are out there. I am not seeking to diminish Mr. Ruggerios credentials I am simly putting fact out there that he is not as qualified as Jon Burns. What Mr. Burns does on his own time is his business not mine or yours. Unless you gave him a sobriety test your are assuming what you said. I never said Burns was the "perfect" canidate. Now did I? I just feel Burns has done a good job and should continue.. Because someone has "Federal Law Enforcment experience and Military Law experience dosnt make one qualified to be Sheriff of a County. Because a group of citizens is less than satisfied with John Burns as an individual dosnt make Mr. Ruggerio qualified. Politics and law enforcement should never been mixed but it was years ago and will remain their. The law says you have to have a Sheriff, UnderSheriff a jail and must act on certain court ordered things. Does Mr. Ruggerio have the experience in these things. "I doubt it". Will Mr. Ruggerio learn these things.. "No they come with years of experience and acting on these matters" Remember Mr. Ruggerio is a one termer and will not allow himself time to learn these things.. Thats how I reach my decision on how I vote not anyones personal life.
You folks are setting a standard for the job of Sheriff in Jefferson Co based on the personal life of Sheriif Burns and who you consider his friends.. I have observed most of the comments and come to the conclusion that Ruggerio has many more fruit cake friends than Burns.. Some of those responses are unbelievable. It looks like in reality that you have a Sheriff who is doing the job and an opponent who believes he can do the job better or at least as good.. Both with great backgrounds in law enforcement as we define it.. I agree however with the writter who brought up the many other laws and areas of the law that the Sheriff must be knowledgeable in and Sheriff Burns seems to be well ahead in this area. Mr. Ruggerio while probably very wll versed in many laws dosnt seem to fit with the other laws a Sheriff must be familiar with. We will have to let this play out for a while and see.. Hoping for some debates, and mayor please post them here if any upcoming.. I also doubt ones intentions about one term and no benifits.. Dosnt fit with me... Of course Mr. Burns insinuated he only wanted one more term or that what I was led to believe, Should be an interesting race and I cant wait to vote in November...
It seems Mr. Ruggerios friends cannot have a friendly debate about his qualifications.. My posts dont need removal because of language or insinuendo. I base my statements on facts. The facts are John Burns is a good Sheriff. Mr. Ruggerio is a good person but of the two Mr. Burns is much more qualified.
John Burns for Sheriff and lets move on....
Tommy gun John for sheriff ya lets get it on.....
let's have a debate! Burns is barely itelligible
It is fun to read the posts by people who are hiding behind the anonymous moniker and tearing down a person.
As far as Chuck's qualifications, I would put him against anyone I know. I have had the honor of knowing Chuck for almost ten years and he has proven himself to be one of the more intelligent and insightful people I have interacted with.
He is, as people have already mentioned, also a licensed realtor and a man whom I am honored to call a friend.
His qualifications speak for themself, but I will copy and paste them here for people to read again.
Occupation: Cape Vincent police officer, part-time, 2007-present.
Law enforcement experience: Aberdeen Proving Ground chief of police services, 2007-2009; Fort Drum Police, 1986-2007; served as federal game warden, police captain in charge of the Police Academy, and as deputy chief from 2003-2006 and chief of law enforcement from 2006-2007.
Education: bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, Empire State College, 2006.
WoW. John P.. Whats the difference in John P than Anom.
John P ..John P.. Thats what I thought.. You should add that anyone that is accredited from a police school can teach at these schools with little or no experience.. Its all resume stuff
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