If you haven’t committed a crime or been the victim of one, you may not be aware there are some serious problems in the Sheriff’s Office today. Let me start by telling you why I got interested in this race.
A friend of mine served on a jury for a significant murder case. When the trial was over, this friend was absolutely livid and called to tell me we had to have a new Sheriff. Apparently, the work done on this case by the Sheriff’s Office was so shoddy that a person possibly guilty of murder got off scott free. That is pretty serious stuff!
As I looked into it, it became apparent that the problem was INEXPERIENCE – they’re just plain incompetent. When he became Sheriff, Ronny Brown had no law enforcement experience. He claimed he did, but he just worked in Parole and Probation, which, I’m sorry, is definitely not law enforcement.
So what did this inexperienced Sheriff do right after he was elected? Fired most of the experienced, competent staff and replaced them with his buddies. After all, loyalty to him was more important than any knowledge or experience. This was the first not smart thing he did.
Ronny hadn’t been in office a year when a prisoner died while in his custody. Her parents have filed a federal law suit against him, and people say they have a good chance of winning some big bucks. Guess who’ll pay for that? We will, as taxpayers.
That’s not the only cost to taxpayers. Ronny spent more than any Sheriff ever, mostly in administrative costs. So far he’s spent about a million and half dollars more than the previous Sheriff. Ronny just had to buy eight new cars last year – and then he bought eight more this year. He was driving a brand new Ford Expedition SUV while the Chief of Natchez Police drives an old Ford Taurus. There is one place Ronny has saved money though – the narcotics unit. Why does that not make me feel good?
If you check the State Auditor's Report for the first year Ronny was Sheriff, you’ll see he was cited for not giving the County the money he collected in fees in a timely fashion. He was also cited for not following the proper procedures for spending money. However, he promised to do better. Now check the audit for the following year. He’s still not paying the money he’s collected to the County as required by law, and he’s also cited again for not spending taxpayer money in the manner required by law – 32 times!. But not to worry, he promised again to do better. Somehow I just don’t believe him. (The latest audits are not available online for me to check.) This sounds suspiciously like someone else we know.
Another thing is very troubling to me. Apparently, his employees have been threatening and intimidating voters who dared to support his opponent, Charles Woods. The Sheriff’s Office has a lot of power, and abuse of that power for political purposes is abhorrent.
My final concern about Ronny is not major, but it bothers me. It’s the way he looks and dresses. He’d be perfect to play the Sheriff in Mississippi Burning. Although I hate to cast aspersions on someone for the way they look, I do think image is important. Say what you will about Tommy Ferrell, he always dressed the part.
In my next article, I’ll tell you why his opponent, Charles Woods, is the person to vote for on August 7.
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We all know that Ronny Brown got elected because he spent a huge amount of money four years ago. What we have to ask ourselves is where did that money come from and who does Ronny Brown owe for it. No one gives the kind of money he spent on a local election without owing someone for it. Who does he owe??? I remember in his campaign he promised jobs, industry, and to save the taxpayers money. Anybody seen any of that??? And what about the thirty years of law enforcement experience he claims. Weighing trucks and babysitting probationers??? What about patrol experience, investigating murders, rapes, robberies, arson,etc. We have to ask ourselves "who is really running OUR Sheriffs' Office"???? I have also heard the talk about the federal lawsuit and I have heard that the lady who died had problems with the probation office when Brown was there so it is probably much deeper than we know. It is too bad that we don't have any investigative reporting from a newspaper so the voters would know about these things and make a truly informed decision before they cast a vote. I also remember Brown criticizing the previous Sheriff for having a helicopter, well I have noticed Brown using that helicopter way more than the previous administration. I have also heard talk about outside interests using the helicopter. Maybe someone should look into that!! Brown also criticized the previous sheriff for letting deputies take cars home. I have personally seen Browns deputies off duty tooling around on taxpayers gas. And what about the deputies who live in Louisiana and drive back and forth on the same taxpayers gas. Then Brown has the gall to ride around in a big SUV. What a slap in the taxpayers face. And on top of this we find out Brown has spent more than one and a half million dollars more than the previous administration. After all that it seems his "people" he brought with him are incompetent and lost the only big case they have brought forth for prosecution. I also have a close friend who told me they were talked to in a threatening manner by some of Browns "people" because they were supporting Charles Woods for Sheriff. Just what we need, a Sheriffs Office that rules by threats and intimidation just like in the " Good Old Days " Lets see, millions more spent and less protection, no new jobs or industry. And Brown thinks giving out a free meal will buy him the election. We have got to get rid of this bogus "house of cards" administration and replace it with a true law enforcement professional for the sake of the community.
Read your article about current Sheriff and agree some changes need to take place. Not a change in the office however.
Did you know that under the Ferrell
administration a person hung himself in the county jail? Another
inmate was raped after sending a note pleaing for help which was ignored by the jailers. This was settled quietly in Federal court with the young man getting big bucks...because of broken jail locks and not being guarded properly. Ask Tim Blalock the boys
attorney how much that cost taxpayers!! Finally what about the
jail escape where 6 people escaped.
One made it to New Orleans where he
raped several women before being
recaptured. Lots more than that
happened under the watchful eye of
Sheriff Tommy.
As to letting experienced deputies
go....the truth is Ronnie Brown retained about 70 percent of the deputies who worked for Sheriff Ferrell. Billy Neely, Robert Brown
Wayne Rabb, Jerry Brown, and Randy
Freeman to name a few. He did get
rid of some top management, but
hired Charlie Sims as chief deputy.
Mr. Sims has 30 years of both law
administrative and enforcement experience.
So you see it is not all one sided.
I will agree fully though that the
deputies need to not look so sloppy. While competent, their unkept image does not command respect with the public.
Many years ago I served on grand
jury with Lillie Blackmon-Sanders.
Blackmon-Sanders was unhappy with everything. The evidence was good, and law enforcement had done their job, but Blackmon-Sanders consistently voted against charging these men with their crimes. Her arms were folded, her face tight, and her position being, there are too many black men in jail.
What is Charles Woods position on crime? Who is he related to? Who will he protect when they get into trouble? Does Charles Woods have the strength of character to do the job of upholding the law, no matter what?
We elect too many people to office, not because the candidate is qualified, but because we want the old one out.
I wish this was the only office in Natchez with questionable incumbents and candidates.
I want to say that our Adams County Sheriff Department is doing a great job. Sheriff Ronnie runs a top notch department and is as qualified as any Sheriff in the Southern States. The deputies work their tails off every day and night to help maintain a quality of life all the citizens of Natchez demand. I'm not sure why Casey is so critical on this issue sounds like somebody got to her with bad information. Woods needs to stay in public relations at the Police Department
Let's do what's right for the city of Natchez and Adams Country and keep our hard working Sheriff and his department in office so that he can continue to improve the drug abuse and crime in our area.
It was a tragedy for Adams Country when we lost Tommy Ferrell. He was a true professional who is qualified to lead any department in this country.
While I am certainly no fan of Ronnie Brown, I have many reasons to believe that Woods would be considerably worse.
Yet another election that lacks quality candidates.
Sheriff Brown have no actural law enforcenent sxperience,he sold cameras,worked at the scales,alderman and Ms Dept of Corrections.The only reason he was elected is people voted aginst Tommy,lets face it, Ronny Brown has to go he is a disgrace to Natchez and Adams County.People are talking all over the state.
That last comment about Ronny's appearance was a low blow and totally uncalled for. You work for a public agency. How would you like it if someone said that you look like a 1960's hippie reject throwback? Keep personal appearance out of it.
Only in Adams County do you replace the PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL SHERIFFS ASSOC. with a uneducated idiot, like it are not Ferrell was a leader maybe not a people person, but thought of by his peers as THE HIGHEST OF HIGH SHERIFFS, but Adams county thought otherwise and look where we are at..... All I say is THAT FIGURES, Brown can't hold Ferrells JOCK.
Well just make sure you vote Brown for Sherrif this go round since Tommy ain't here. And another Brown for Highway Commissioner.
I would like to respond to some of the questions posed about Charles Woods. I have known Charles for many years and know him to be an honest, straightforward, christian man who has spent his career enforcing the law equally and fairly. As for the question if elected is he strong enough to do the job, I can guarantee you that he is more than strong enough. I would ask that you look at his web site www.sheriffcharleswoods.com and see where he has worked and make your decision based on experience. The website will also answer the question about where he stands on crime. I am voting for Charles because I personally know he is the right man at the right time to be our Sheriff!!!
Regarding personal appearance.
It is an important issue for our sheriff due to the degrading stereotypical image portrayed on tv and in movies. When a person is visible to the public at large, serving in a public position, image is important. Experience, education, and integrity are more important, but alas.....
It seems that public offices, with their large budgets, and influx of fees is the 'free money' for the elected official to spend and enjoy. This mentality is no different than lawsuit money that abusers have enjoyed for so many years.
Is there a log as to why the sheriffs office has spent so much more money, used the helicopter more frequently, and such.
How does this system work and who oversees the cash register?
I am amazed how much this goes on, and am anxious to learn who is ultimately responsible for the bottom line of our public offices and their large budgets.
If anyone knows, please respond.
The Board of Supervisors is ultimately responsible for all County spending, and the Mayor and Board of Aldermen for the City. The State Auditor is also responsible for overseeing spending of taxpayer money.
anonymous 9:41
You must sure be working with a different Charles Woods than I have. On the various occasions when I have had to deal with him in his role as whatever the hell he does for the NPD, I have found him to be arrogant and ignorant (a truly dangerous combination) and quite possibly a closet bigot.
Also, somebody with the access needs to check and see if this is the same Charles Woods who applied for a job with the NPD under Ken Fairly in the 1980's and was turned down because of serious problems with his background check.
Okay, Board of Supervisors, Mayor and Alderman are watching the cash register. I am unaware of any public outcry, by our officials, regarding financial abuses. Perhaps I have missed something...it seems the State Auditor is the only one that has questioned and challenged any of the bookkeeping practices. Apparently, in Ntz and Adams County, anything goes until the State Auditor happens upon it and investigates. Thanks, now I understand the process.
The idea of an investigative reporter is valid....but our newspaper considers itself a small town, country newspaper and does not like to get into that kind of
'stuff'. That level of investigating and informing doesn't fit with the puffy white clouds image of small town life.
It's apparent that the opposition to Mr. Woods is getting desperate by posting lies to try and discredit him. Anyone who knows Mr. Woods know's he is sinsear, educated, and is etremely knowledgable in law enforcement. Anyone can say bad things about you but can they back them up with facts. Slinging mud at Mr. Woods is not going to help Me Brown get re-elected. God be with Mr. Woods he refuse to sling mud regardless.
Didn't say it was him in the 1980's, just said someone needs to check. We've already got 3 semi-felons running in other races. What's one more or less? As for the ignorant and arrogant comment. I stand by it. That was my experience with him when I was trying to do some anti-drug youth programs 10 years ago. Your mileage may vary. BTW, it's sincere, not sinsear.
I would like to respond to the untrue coment made about Mr.Woods earlier,
I know personaly because I was there,Mr.Woods background was completely clean,the reason he did not except the position with Mr. Fairly was due to the fact hundreds of clasified documents came up missing at Lockheed and Mr Woods was assigned to the investigation.Mr.Fairly had made arangements for Mr.Woods to fly back for his physical etc... when Mr Woods called and stated he would not be able to make it because of the above investigation he had been assigned to.
It is not out of line to check the
background and history of any elected, appointed or qualified candidate. We have already
had a couple of city employees (with this administration) that have a new name or title due to their background. One has since been let go, due to months of complaints, and I am not sure about the other. A new position, by the Mayor, was made available to him, due to the problem with qualifying (because of background) for the position he was originally hired.
Negative backgrounds appear to be a non issue for our current administration, and even some voters, but newsworthy non the less.
Chief Fairly and the officer who actually did the background investigation are both dead. Does Civil Service keep records that long? I guess we'll never know.
So, do another background check.
The previous background check is so old it would no longer be valid.
In fact, I suggest all officials and candidates request a background check on themselves. What a wonderful statement of self.
At the very least, it would eliminate fertile ground for erroneous information and negatively suggestive yak.
Good idea. Who would do such an independent background investigation? It would have to be independent to have any validity at all.
in case you don't want to check very far back in mr. woods background you only have to check the circuit court records--try cause # 97-0435 in the court records and a default judgement against c. woods for 12,608.84 plus 200.00 court cost that have never been satisfied and another in justice court for 327.50. if he (mr. woods) can't pay his judgements how can he run such a large dept.???
Mr.Woods is an employee of the natchez police dept and passed all bankground checks and civil service do have his file.
I wish being an employee of the police dept was enough. While I do not know the police depts criteria for employment, it appears being financially competant and clean is not required. Whereas, a sheriff, police chief, mayor, alderman, supervisor, clerk of court....well, you get the picture, needs to be financially solid. Why? because they are dealing with millions of dollars..our dollars.
Financial health is the backbone of our city and county.
Facts and opinions are two entirely different things. The words typed are scattered with vague facts mixed in with blatant opinion. While that is perhaps the entire point of having a blog, don't quote things as facts, unless they are of course backed up and founded. I will give you my opinion and scatter facts in to despute the ones listed in support for Charles Woods. Mine of course will be in support for the current administration.
You list parole and probation as the only experience he has in law enforcement. He was also Department of Transportation law enforcement. I saw both mentioned in a negative tone but in definition, are those jobs not law enforcement? Is the same schools that the police department or Sherrif's department required? Are laws not studied and memorized? Are those same laws not enforced?
You also mentioned that MOST of the employees were terminated when the new administration was put into office. 15 of 59 is not most. And with every administrative change, in high government or local, there are casualties. That is what it is called a NEW administration, not simply a new sherriff.
Let's touch on the death of a prisoner while in custody of the Sheriff's office. No one mentioned the fact she had stuck her face into a plate of coke. Also, if I am not mistaken, the first time the family tried to file suit, they found the department at no neglagance. I am not one to put blame on the dead, but certainly you must see she did it to herself, and that the Sheriff's Department did not put the narcotic up her nose.
While on the topic of narcotics, you say their spending has been stripped. Perhaps you were not privy to the knowledge that most of that comes from grants and if the state or government does not supply those grants, they are not given that money. That is how a lot of sections of law enforcement works. Under the complete submission of higher elected officials and THEIR administration giving said departments allowances as they sit fit.
I am also in commincation with many of those that work under Ronny Brown, and not once have I heard it uttered that he has threatened anyone. What is there to threaten? A loss of job? That is called instant law suit and do you honestly believe the Sheriff would want such a repuation on his head? Or to pay out of HIS own pocket for a personal law suit?
And lastly, appearence. I am not one to bash anyone's outward appearence and compare it do the job done. But honestly, can you say he does a poor job because he dresses like a southern man? How does Charles Woods dress besides in a department issued police uniform whether he is on duty or not.
These are just the bullet points I see fit to respond to. Yes, facts is scattered with opinion, but at least I can back mine up.
As for where Ronny gets his money for his campaigns - the contributors are called FRIENDS!
As for deputies off duty using the deputy cars...look at it as extra patrol for our city and county streets. Do you think that in an emergency that any of them would not stop and help? These guys are professional - they put their lives on the line everyday for people like YOU who don't appreciate what they do.
As for the money spent on vehicles - do you realize that the streets of Adams County are patrolled 24/7? Most deputies put over 250 miles per shift on their cars or approximately 45,000 per year. Now tell me - do you want your deputy to break down on the way to your home in an emergency? The cars are needed so these officers can patrol our streets safely and get to the calls they are sent on. They cover 465 square miles in this county - not just the city streets like PD offiers do!
As far as less protection on the streets - where does that come from? Ronny has 3 men shifts and crime rate is down in this county not up as Woods has stated. That information comes directly from the Natchez Police Departments own statistics!!!
As far as Ronny letting deputies go after the first election - why would he keep people that slandered him during election time? Would you keep people on staff that are not supportive of you? Ronny could not afford to keep people that would not be behind him 100%. That is a no-brainer.
I have had dealings myself with Woods in doing programming for youth. He is not a people person. He is arrogant, not someone easy to talk to and definitely treated the children at our program like they were a waste of his time. Ronny has an open door policy and he is very easy to talk to. He supports youth programs in this county and that is very important since youth are our future.
Ronny is by far the best candidate for Sheriff of Adams County - with him in office we will have a sheriff that will be fair nd honest. We will have a safer county because crime is lower now than before and he will continue to employee Professional men that will serve this county to protect idiots like you.
Good grief people, typos are one thing, but remember PIMF, especially proof your spelling and grammar if you don't want to look like complete ignoramouses (Civil Servie do have.....)
that black chief deputy that ronny brown hired is nothing more than a uncle tom.he is a traitor to his race.black folks hate him.all he does is cater to the white folks.he is certainly not a people person,like charles woods, all he can do when you talk to him is rant and rave and walk out.
I am new to this so be patient. If you want to know something about lawsuits against the county concerning the sheriff's office;I have them. there are about 25 with former sheriff Tommy Ferrell's name on them. I can publish them for you if you wish. They are supposed to be sealed,but with the freedom of information act and all,well you know the rest.It will take me a while to publish,let me know!!!
If a Sheriff who served as long as Tommy didn't have any law suits filed against him that would mean that he did absolutely nothing while in office and we all know that was NOT the case. Tommy F. was a fine Sheriff and is a fine person. Who cares if you have a copy of some law suits against him, he's not even in the race! Sounds to me that you might just be a trouble maker.
And to whoever was defending Brown's appearance, it's not his peronal apprearance so much as the appearance of the Department. The deputies now wear tee shirts and landscaper pants (you may say they are military fatigues, but they don't look anything like the government issued quality fatiques I've ever seen). THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT THE DEPUTIES LOOK FAR LESS PROFESSIONAL NOW THAN THEY HAVE IN THE PAST RECENT YEARS UNDER TOMMY F. The uniforms that Tommy has were very sharp and professional. Image is very important and says a lot about the organization.
But all that said Brown is a good Sheriff and is the best candidate for the job in this election.
PIMF Servie=Service, although I could have sworn it was correct when I entered it.
Re: 1:31
I don't know this chief deputy but it would seem to me that color is an issue of pigment and does not determine whether a person is in the right or in the wrong. Before I could offer empathy or condemnation I would need more information on each incident.
Has this seriously turned into calling employees of the sheriff's office and the protectors of this county derogatory names and bashing them because they chose a uniform that is more comfortable to chase people, patrol buildings in the heat of the summer nights, and do their jobs easier in general, in? I thought this was going to be an intellegent debate.
GOD WHY DON'T YOU PEOPLE GIVE BOTH CANDIDATES A CHANCE TO RUN THEIR ELECTIONS WHAT ARE WE BECOMING AND FERRELL WELL 65%OF THE PUBLIC SHOWED HIM WHAT THEY THOUGHT OF HIM HE NEEDS TO GO BACK INTO HIS HOLE IF ANYONE IS A DISGRACE ITS IS FERRELL
I was told today that the board of supervisors have gave Ronny less money than Ferrell Budgets are cut and it is no way he has spent all the money you have said this is a untruth I guess you can post anything here Get your facts mam
I guess I might as well get on the level of immaturity as the rest of the citizens in Natchez who are posting comments on this site. Whether good or bad, your comments need to be kept to yourselves. You all are acting like a bunch of preschoolers. Make your choice and let everyone else make their choice. Find something better to do with your time than degrading and demeaning people no matter who they are. Everyone is so caught up in this society straying away from prayer and the christian beliefs; well none of you are acting like christians. So the facts really are that YOU NEED TO CHECK YOURSELF. Stop trying to sway people and be your own person. In essence, GROW UP!
Casey, It is evident that you are not concerned with all the facts of the history of the Adams County Sheriff's Department through the years. You, like many of your ilk are only concerned with what you deem to be fact or what you want the people to believe is fact. You have done this many times and you certainly have proven it in this misguided article.
You seem to think of yourself as the "messiah come to make Natchez perfect" so I look forward to the day that you run for public office and set yourself up for all the ridicule you have manifested in this blog about the candidates for public office. Albeit some was deserved.
The attack on appearances was just over the top and when did God promote you to Chief of Fashion Police?
I first want to get something off my chest. Those of you that say “he just worked at the scales, that isn’t law enforcement”, I want to give you some FACTS. I currently work for the MS Department of Transportation Law Enforcement Division. First, take note of that name. LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION. I had to attend and graduate the MS Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy just like any other local Police officer or Deputy Sheriff. I worked at the Scales here in Natchez for 11 years before being transferred to patrol. During that time I made several arrest, one for possession of 105 pounds of marajuana and possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon. During my time on patrol I have been involved in 2 high-speed chases while assisting the ACSO, 3 manhunts for murder suspects, and 2 searches for armed bank robbers. I have been involved in MANY arrest by my fellow DOT officers for possession of LARGE quantities of drugs that were being traffiked across our state. Sure, we enforce the size, weight and load laws of the state of MS, but many are ignorant to the many other duties we have. Anyone that says we’re not “law enforcement” needs to know their FACTS before opening their mouth.
The same can be said for our Department of Corrections officers out there. I have also been involved in many ‘roundups’ throughout the state were I worked side-by-side with many of them in seeking out and finding criminals that have yet to be apprehended. I personally don’t know all of their duties, so I’m smart enough to keep my mouth shut when it comes to saying what all they are. Some here need to take a lesson from that.
Did I investigate murders, rapes, burgleries, etc…? No, but how many of those does a public relations officer do?
All those out there that have been commenting on how much better Tommy Ferrel was than Ronnie is probably never had to work with the man. I can tell you now that he was definitely not friendly with other law enforcement organizations. He was arrogant and thought the office of Sheriff in Adams County was his God-given right. Working around him made you feel that if you didn’t work for the ACSO, you were nothing in his eyes. Many agencies found a dead end when they’d go to the ACSO asking for assistance.
As for the deputies driving their patrol cars when not on duty, do you not like the extra law enforcement presence seen in the county when they do it? I can promise you that if an off duty deputy runs up on an emergency situation, he takes care of it. Now days, I think we need as much law enforcement presense in our community as we can get. I’m sure Mr. Woods neighbors like the fact there’s a city police vehicle parked in his driveway every night.
Now on to the uniforms. I challenge anyone reading these comments to get out and try working in 95-degree heat wearing the uniforms Mr. Ferrel insisted the deputies wear. Polyester shirts and pants, t-shirt, and bullet proof vest. I’ve worked in uniforms just like that and I can tell you, they aren’t built for comfort and cut down on the amount of work I could do a day. The current pullover shirts the deputies are wearing are pretty much standard for ALL departments these days during the summer months. The pants are cooler and provide much more freedom of movement and are much easier to maintain. Try running through the woods looking for someone in a polyester suit with a heavy tool belt strapped around your waist. You’ll soon learn why the more comfortable uniforms are a must now days. Making your officers as comfortable as possible makes for a much more productive force.
I’ve heard people talk about how Mr. Woods is a Christian. I’m not saying Mr. Woods isn’t a good person. I don’t know him that well. The question I have to ask is how such a “good Christian” can own a liquor store. Sure, I know some people know how to drink in moderation, but on the whole, most of the people I know that frequents a liquor store are buying it to get drunk. Let’s hope those drunks aren’t out there driving and adding to our little drinking-and-driving problem we have around here.
Onto the budget issue. Ronnie has NEVER gone over budget since being elected into office. If there are concerns with excessive spending, then you need to look to your supervisors and find out why they’re allowing it. They’re the ones that dictate the budget for the Sheriff’s Department.
I think more people need to stop listening to the rumer-mill and learn the facts before making rash decisions that could be detrimental to our community.
I do not want to be negative but in responce to training,no Mr Brown has not attended a police academy for patrol officers,because MDOC did not require it and when he worked for the scales it was not required. So no he have no training as a police officer,sorry.
All of these postings can be boiled down to one thing: black versus white.
All the comments about " Christian man, honesty, sincere(sic), apperance, qualified" -- they are all thickly layered adjectives hiding an undercurrent of racial fear and bigotry.
My own observations tell me that white people will vote for a black at certain times, mainly to get some fool out of office ( referance to Hank Smith).
Blacks will, overwhelmingly, vote black, regardless. It doesn't matter if the person is a complete idiot (Tricky Gray) or a habitual criminal (Slinky Binky). As long as they are pandered to and placated, they will vote for who will "fight the bad ole white people and the establishment that keeps us down".
All this mentality keeps us from truly achieving anything meaningful in this community/state/nation/world.
You must not know anything about probation and parole these guys and girls go to the same academy as anyone else How many people has Ronny sent to Parchman (100's) how many times has charles even been in the circuit court room (none) and never a felony arrest wake up ask a Judge or DA I think you are jealous because the justice wheel runs smooth with Brown unlike Ferrell
Just a few thoughts on the sheriff's race--the deputies that live in Louisiana and drive their patrol cars there, are they making extra patrols in another state? How would the Natchez Police Department have crime stats for the county? Couldn't narcotics enforcement budget be supplemented by the officers developing cases, making arrests, seizing money and using that money to fund their department if the grants have been reduced? I've heard that some deputies spend a lot of their time on duty at the golf course, I guess crime is really down on the course! Ronny Brown is not taking care of business. Let's elect someone who actually cares about making Adams County a better place to live--Charles Woods.
I have one question I hope that you all can answer. Why is it that the same people who support Charles Woods now, never supported him before?
He has Tommy Ferrell's support and by that I mean all of Tommy's "friends" support too. I used to work for Tommy and believe me, none of you want to know what he really thinks of Charles Woods. As for Evil Dunkley and her band of morons, they only support the canidates who pay them. She passed out letters urging everyone to "vote all black" except for Eddie Walker and Donny Holloway. $$I wonder what makes those white boys special?$$
Why is it that Charles Woods has never been able to gain this much support til now? God knows this ain't his first election campaign. Some of the "folks" who supported Ronny in the last election are supporting Charles now. Does that mean that Woods wasn't good enough the last time, or the time before that, or the time before that?? He only became Christian and "sinsear" in the last four years?
If any of you readers can answer this question with any intelligence, I look forward to your reply.
I’ve heard…
I’ve been told…
Someone said…
I see a lot of this in here. Well let me tell you what I’ve heard.
I’ve heard Charles Woods is a racist bigot that hates white people.
I’ve heard Charles Woods is a crook.
I’ve heard Charles Woods is an unintelligent man.
I’ve heard Charles Woods is an Uncle Tom.
Should I be posting these things in here as fact?
Hell no! Why? Because I don’t know the man well enough to say if any of these things is true. I’m smart enough to say “I don’t know”.
Please people, stop listening to everything you hear and taking it as fact.
I see a lot of people bringing up the issue of the deputies driving their cars when they’re off duty and others driving them home to houses in Louisiana. Some of the same people are praising our former Sheriff, Mr. Ferrell. Does everyone realize that the same policy was in affect during the previous administration? This isn’t something Mr. Brown just started allowing when he took office. Has Mr. Woods said he’s planning on changing this policy if elected? If not, what’s the point of even bringing this up in this forum?
why would anyone want to post a comment here. Because the comment has to be proof read before it is displayed. And if it's not benifiting Charles Woods, in most cases want be shown. I bet this comment will be posted.
There's no doubt that most of what gets written that is not in line with Kc's agenda is probably cut out here but who knows maybe not. If this blog were a true open forum then the moderation would be disabled. But folks have their own agenda and in Kc's case it's a "bring down" Natchez mentality. If the truth be told all of these politicians that Kc is in support of got elected she would be on their ass too after they took office. It wouldn't take long. You see people like these that are against progress are never happy. It doesn't matter what happens. They are negative people. Negative thinkers. They do nothing but think negatively and criticise and bring the people and the politicians and the city down. That's why we need to weed them out. Vote for sheriff Ronny Brown.
In Natchez and Adams County the uneducated vote puts politicians in office. Folks it is pitiful, and it hasn't always been this way, but like it or not we are an uneducated community. And no, highschool does not qualify as a complete education. Anything less than a college degree is commonly considered uneducated. I could list several instances in the recent past where the more qualified, more experienced, more professional and clearly the more capable candidate has been up-rooted by the uneducated voters in this community who were influenced in various ways by others.
Just like I said, I knew my last comment would be posted at 5:55pm, But the one I wrote at 11:30am this date will never be posted because it was the truth. And O by the way, Casey we know that you are good friends with Chuck Mayfield and all the others that are against Ronny Brown whom lost their jobs after the last election. To tell you the honest truth, Ronny Brown has done more for Adams County the past 3 years, then Tommy Ferrell did since he was elected Sheriff back in 1988. What happened to Tommy Ferrell was his own faught, and he needs to accept the fact. I remember him telling us in a staff meeting one day that everyone at the Adams County Sheriff's Department could be replaced, and he was right. I'll stop here for now, because I'm sure this message want get thru either. If someone would like to pickup where I left off please feel free to do so.
The man providing money to Ronnie Brown is a former Grand Dragon of the KKK.
Talking about a Grand Dragon of the KKK. Let talk about some of Tommy Ferrell's past supporters, E.M for one was the grand dragon in natchez and 2 of his brothers worked for the Adams County Sheriff's Department at the same time Tommy Ferrell was Sheriff.
I very much take issue with a couple of the later postings that criticized Casey for being a nay- sayer and trying to be negative about Natchez affairs.
Lawd help us, but we need to see ourselves as others see us!!!
What kind of city are we when an admitted embezzler still can run for office and appear out in public wearing a smile and handing out re- election cards and signs??!! I could not go out in public,...I'd have to move.
What kind of city do we have where elected officials can disregard rules, laws and their guidelines that have been set in place by even themselves??
What kind of city do we have where kids are fostered into the world of underage drinking at such wonderful events as the Hyterical Pagaent and the Balls that go with it. Boy, the booze flows.
What kind of a rock do we have ourselves under?
Certainly it is the case of the Emporer's New Clothes. Natchez is butt- ass bare, but we fool ourselves and others into thinking otherwise.
I always laugh when I read something about tourists saying how wonderfully they were treated by the locals and how friendly everyone was!!! What gracious people!!
Well, try moving here, folks,..and then try breaking into the sub- culture, such as Pilgrimage clubs, Mardi- Gras crews, Little Theatre, etc. And if you can, try offering new ideas and suggestions to such things.
You will then find the true Southern charm as the in- fighting, power- hungry, gentlemen and belles show themselves.
You can get black- listed very easily here if you try to introduce new and fresh ideas.
Or question how things are done.
Or, saints preserve us, point out things that are just plain wrong and stupid.
Casey does that- points out what is wrong, stupid, illegal, and just plain bizarre.
If we can't stand seeing ourselves and our community for what we have allowed ourselves to become, then we just need to shut up!
No shortage of feelings and emotions with this election and with these candidates.
Free speech...gotta love it.
I've been reading these blogs and it seems that facts are lacking. Well here are some facts. It's all public record available to anyone who asks. Check them out yourself.
The supervisors do not create an elected official's department budget. The department head, in this case, the Sheriff, submits his department's budget for approval. It is the responsibility of the sheriff, or for that matter, any other department head, to be good stewards of the taxpayer's money. Any good administrator would take that responsibility seriously. Ronny Brown IS responsible for the Sheriff's office budget. He has spent $1.5 million dollars over three years more than the 2003 Budget. He has bought more cars, he has more people working and they are not on patrol, the narcotics budget has been cut. He did fire 17 qualified, experienced, professional law enforcement personnel when he took office and out of 51 employees, that equals firing 33%.
The facts:
2003 Budget-$2,519,957
2004 Spent -$3,088,137
2005 Spent -$2,961,255
2006 Spent -$3,037,998
2003 Budget -$2,519,957
2007 Budget -$3,274,938
2003 Narcotics Budget - $238,588
2004 Narcotics Spent - $195,112
2005 Narcotics Spent - $136,823
2006 Narcotics Spent - $154,858
Number of Employees 2003 - 51
Number of Employees Now - 61
Cars bought 1999-2003 - 12
Cars bought 2004-2007 - 19
Amount Spent on travel
2003 - $6,435
2004 - $18,170
2005 - $16,883
2006 - $12,534
2007 - $17,053
Amount Spent on Firearms
2004 - $4,490
2005 - $2,500
2006 - $5,300
I work hard for my money. I expect my elected officials to spend my money wisely. I believe that inexperience and a total disregard for the voters and taxpayers has led to this level of overspending. I want accountability from all my elected officials including the Sheriff's Office.
Maybe an experienced, law enforcement professional wouldn't change out firearms twice in 3 1/2 years; maybe, the departments' employees shouldn't be playing golf or running errands on county time; maybe, the helicopter ought to be used for official business only; maybe, the neighborhood watch program should have been started earlier, instead of in an election year; maybe, some of the new hires should have been put on patrol or in narcotics enforcement where they could make a difference in the community; maybe, the firing range should be open to all the public, not just used for special privileges for supporters and private parties for employees. Maybe, we should take a look at the priorities and performance of the current administration and say that 4 years in office is enough inexperience, waste and unprofessionalism.
I see a lot of figures and statistics the some are taking the time to look at and post for us. Where are the crime rate statistics? If you've got time to look up all the other stuff, why not the most important statistics of all? I honestly don't know for a fact what the crime rate is now compaired to 2003 or earlier, but I'd think that's something everyone here would like to know.
Ronny actually seems to have done a good job in office. Costs do rise and new cars and supplies are necessary.
Budgets are made and adhered too.
I think his department likes the way he runs it. Most deputies seem happier now than they did with Tommy.
Charles Woods is also a good man - is he better than Ronny? probably not - he may look better in a uniform, but many talented people have not been well dressed. If being well dressed was a requirement for office Paris Hilton would be running for president.
Casey you said that the sheriff's office ruined the case in a murder case and a murderer was freed. I am pretty sure I know the case, the defendant was not a pillar of society - neither was the victim, but I believe the reason he was not convicted was he did not kill his friend. The jury found him not guilty - they could have voted for a mistrial and given the DA another shot at getting a conviction. Maybe your friend should have held out for a mistrial if she thought he was guilty.
The ACSO like many small departments is fortunate that they are inexperienced at investigating murder cases, as very few murders occur in Adams county and most murders were committed with witnesses or the murderer left ample evidence for a conviction. An indictment is not a conviction and accused murderers and circuit clerks are still permitted to defend themselves in a court of law. No law enforcement agency can compete with TV's CSI, the fact is that occasionally crimes are committed that leave few clues for the culprit. These cases go unsolved, in Natchez and in the rest of the world
While I am not overly thrilled with either candidate, at least I know what we have in Ronny Brown. Woods is too much of a wild card for me to risk my vote on him. I am exhausted with this 'equality' issue and trying to work with angry people. Fool me once....
How many murder cases have there been in the County this year (or over the last 4 years) and how many of the accused have have been convicted? The only trials I can remember this year have all ended in a not guilty verdict.
Are there any murder trials in the county that have been delayed for many months until after the election? Why? What ever happened to a persons right to a speedy trial?
look at the figures of 4 years ago in the sheriff race Tommy Ferrell spent more than Ronny
I remember Ronny having to run 3 campaigns
I do not one thing He has not had to pay any money back to the county like Ferrell or has he been fined by the ethics com
Charles Woods half-ass does the job he has now. How could he possibly be an effective sheriff?
I just learned of Casey's blog over lunch and had to check it out. After reading it, I have to agree with many of the readers. Casey, you are basing your facts on previous disgruntled employees. Yes, I agree that some of these men were "experienced" law enforcement officers. Nevertheless, politics are politics and they were let go. This happens in every election, in every city and county throughout the State. Get Over It!!!! The fact that these same individuals are now doing all that they can, with your help of course, to slander Ronny Brown is a disgrace. The bottom line is that on Tuesday, August 7th, Sheriff Ronny Brown will be re-elected and that those previously let go will still have ugly things to say and/or write. My suggestion...you and your cousin Chuck Mayfield need to invest in some Kleenex....come August 7th, I have a strange feeling that your going to need them.
If elected sheriff, Charles Woods would be the Binky Vines of law enforcement: A disgrace and laughing stock!
I would like to change the subject for a moment to the Justice Court Judge race. This may shock some of you, but did you know that in Mississippi you do not need to have a law degree or any legal experience to be a judge? One of candidates, Danny Barber, is one such person. He has no law degree, no legal experience. How could he possibly sit on the bench and make judgements concerning law that he doesn't know. In an interview on local TV, Barber ended an interview saying defense lawyers do not like him. With that statement he has already declared himself biased against the defendant in a case. Shouldn't we have a judge that is impartial? Danny Barber clearly is unqualified to sit on the bench as a judge.
Too bad Danny Barber isn't running for Sheriff if we can't have Tommy! I'd vote for Danny for Sheriff and WILL vote Barber for Judge!!!!!!!!
Someone has been submitting comments typed in ALL CAPS that have not been posted. The person thinks it's her/his opinions that cause them not to be posted, but that is never the case. Please read How to View & Post Comments for rules. There's a link in the column to the right.
A-Men he is a crook and we don't need him as a judge. We need honest people that truly cares for the people. Not just himself.
Danny Barber happens to be a very fine, distinguished, charismatic, fair and honorable gentleman. His experience in law enforcement and his broad understanding of the law coupled with his previous tenure as Judge and his friendly and sincere personality make Judge Barber the ideal candidate in this race. Danny will put an end to the BS in Natchez and beyond.
Who is the idiot that wants to stir up crap about Barber? This posting is about the sheriff's election not the Justice Court Judge. I wish the man would have ran for sheriff.
I think Danny has run for most positions in town - from Mayor, Sheriff to Judge - he normally comes towards the bottom of the pack - Judge race will be close it will be Charlie in a run off with Jack or maybe one of the others
Casey my comments were not the only blog in caps, thanks any way
I still believe you are very slanted in your views and choose the comments you wish your supporters to see, remember you cant vote for anyone but yourself.
Well i have a problem with danny's so call honest and upstanding ways he has on many occasions had the police car at his shop while on the clock since when do we the tax payers pay him to work at his own business at our tax dollers expense hmm seems like the judge want a be is not so honest and he never pays people back t when he borrows or buys things just ask him he spending our tax dollars to potest his business interesting just think if we let him in office how much money he blow then
The right person won the election for Sheriff. Ronnie Brown has been in office for four years. The Sheriff’s position is more of an administrative position than a law enforcement position. The sheriff does need to know the law, but he also has experts that work for him. Not all criminal cases are air tight. It is the nature of the beast. Charles Woods has not been in a leadership position at the police department since he has been there and in fact he has been behind a desk for most of his career at the police department. He may own and operate a security company but that does not equate to being a qualified candidate for sheriff. Mr. Woods has not passed a sergeant’s test for promotion since he has been at the police department. Are you sure this is the person you would have really wanted to have been elected into office?
You folks in Natchez have serious problems with your elected officials, (corrupt).
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