I have some comments on the Edwards ad on page A-3 of Sunday, Feb. 27. He proposes changes.
Edwards's first change would be to rate the officers on community service that would be equal to their performance in the line of duty. I can't imagine Edwards sitting our rough and tumble, gun-toting officers down to tell them about his new plan! Their first thought will be that community service is assigned to juvenile offenders. The citizens want them out fighting crime, not dillydallying with community service. Let the community service torch be carried by the chamber and Lions Club, who do it so effectively.
Edwards wants community policing; officers developing relationships with the public. Let's be gut level honest. When we see an officer, we check our speed, our seat belt, and go the opposite direction. Citizens don't expect a mutual admiration society with the officers. We want them fighting crime. I do agree that officers are not to hassle or intimidate the citizens. If this happens, Philpot corrects the situation and sees to it that the officer apologizes.
I do agree in drug education. However, because it taints the image of Sallisaw, some chose to deny there is a drug problem. A high school teacher told me there is no drug problem at the high school. Full bloom denial!
Edwards says he wants strong enforcement of domestic abuse. As a victim, myself, Edwards becoming police chief greatly concerns me for the women of Sallisaw. On Nov. 6, 2002, Edwards was disciplined (Van Buren Police Department) for inappropriately touching a Van Buren school employee. On Dec. 6, 2002, Edwards was disciplined (Van Buren Police Department) for domestic battery on his wife. Is it possible, he could turn his head (in sympathy) to men who are caught beating their wives? Do we want to risk believing he has, somehow, overcome these obvious problems?
Some changes Edwards proposes are silly, not practical and just won't fly. But certainly, these two incidents cast a shadow over his credibility. The Police Department, with Philpot's leadership, has aggressively fought all forms of abuse. Voters please, carefully consider if you want to risk a vote for Edwards. And don't buy into the excuses like - she hit me first, she was cheating. Oh, I just meant to pat the woman on the shoulder, she was lying because she was out to get me. There was truth to the charges because he was suspended, placed on probation, and reprimand letters placed in his file. Check it out yourself on www.swtimes.com/archives/2002/december/15/news_officer. If we had appointed chief of police, I seriously doubt that his resume would be considered. Why change the baby's diaper if it doesn't need it? Why fix the clock if it is working? Why replace Chief Philpot when he is fighting crime and making drug busts, educating the schools' children about drugs, as much as he is allowed to, and effectively managing the Police Department?
Re-elect Gary Philpot on March 15.
God bless Sallisaw.
Myrna L. Steggall
Sallisaw
