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Monday, February 26, 2007

Why Northampton County Does Not Elect its Sheriff

Northampton County has plenty of problems, to be sure. Our sheriff is not one of them. Sheriffs here are appointed by the county executive. Selection process could certainly be improved to ensure independence. But as things stand, our deputies are probably the finest law enforcement professionals in the county.

Jeff Hawbecker, Northampton County's sheriff, is a quietly effective guy. I once saw him in the parking lot farthest from the courthouse, parking his car at the very end, ensuring a lengthy uphill walk to the government center. He could insist on a spot right by the nearest entrance, and would be justified. But as he walked uphill, umbrella in hand, he told me he's trying to set an example for other county employees.

Another high-ranking county official does that, too. His name is John Stoffa. Me? I park in the judges' reserved spots. They love me. I'm sure they don't mind.

We certainly don't elect police chiefs. Professionalism in law enforcement suffers when exposed to electoral politics. Berks Democrats illustrates what happens in counties that elect sheriffs.

Allegheny County: "Allegheny County's former sheriff was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine Friday for benefiting from strong-arm political fundraising tactics."

Berks County: "[Sheriff] Jozwiak caused a $25 million lawsuit to be filed against the County because he broke the law by using the confidential gun registration list to send a political fund raising letter for a previous campaign."
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2 comments:

  1. AnonymousFebruary 26, 2007 at 8:21 PM

    For these very same reasons, I don't think judges should be elected, either.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Bernie O'HareFebruary 27, 2007 at 12:41 AM

    The men in black dresses need to be more accountable to the public they serve. They are becoming increasingly isolated. I see your point but am extremely concerned at their growing isolation with private floors, dining rooms, bathrooms, etc. The only way to keep them honest and human is make them stand for election.

    ReplyDelete

You own views are appreciated, especially if they differ from mine. But remember, commenting is a privilege, not a right. I will delete personal attacks or off-topic remarks at my discretion. Comments that play into the tribalism that has consumed this nation will be declined. So will comments alleging voter fraud unless backed up by concrete evidence. If you attack someone personally, I expect you to identify yourself. I will delete criticisms of my comment policy, vulgarities, cut-and-paste jobs from other sources and any suggestion of violence towards anyone. I will also delete sweeping generalizations about mainstream parties or ideologies, i.e. identity politics. My decisions on these matters are made on a case by case basis, and may be affected by my mood that day, my access to the blog at the time the comment was made or other information that isn’t readily apparent.