In the News: Virginia Sheriffs’ Op-Ed in Today’s Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star

Today the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star ran an op-ed written by local law enforcement officials on why they endorsed Bob McDonnell for governor.  In July, 111 public safety leaders from across the Commonwealth announced their endorsement of McDonnell, forming the “Law Enforcement for McDonnell” coalition.

The full column is available below or at this link.

OP-ED

Bob McDonnell Gets Sheriffs’ Support for Governor
Wednesday, September 30, 2009

As local law enforcement officials, we would like to endorse Bob McDonnell as candidate for governor.

He is a man of principle and integrity. He has served this commonwealth admirably as a prosecutor, legislator, and, most recently, as our attorney general.

Bob’s background is one of public service. He is a veteran, having served 21 years, active and reserve, in the U.S. Army.
He began his law enforcement career as a prosecutor in Virginia Beach and was elected to the House of Delegates in 1991. His work to reform our juvenile justice system, abolish parole and institute “truth in sentencing,” and crack down on drunken drivers are just a few of the reasons we support him.

As attorney general, Bob led the effort to pass sweeping reforms targeting sexual predators who prey on children, initiated a statewide Youth Internet Safety Task Force to help keep our children safer online, brought together state and federal law enforcement agencies to identify and deport criminal alien sex offenders, and fought gangs statewide.

Now, as a candidate for governor, Bob’s commitment to public safety is in full view once again. In July, more than 100 sheriffs, commonwealth’s attorneys, and other leaders announced their endorsements of Bob.

As governor, Bob will balance a “tough on crime” position with prevention and intervention. He takes a realistic approach to combating illegal drug abuse by supporting drug courts that allow first-time offenders the opportunity for rehabilitation.

Our regional jail currently houses more than 1,100 inmates, many of whom are substance abusers. The recidivism rate for these individuals is high. Offering them a chance to get their lives back on track before being sent to prison is a viable option.
Bob also recognizes that repeat drug dealers need to receive heftier jail sentences.

He has a host of other proposals—improving protective orders and working closely with other states to protect victims of domestic violence; dramatically toughening the laws for commission of a violent crime in the presence of a child; and continuing to make Virginia a national leader in combating identity theft.

He has committed year after year to protect funding for law enforcement so that we have the resources to do our job.

Bob McDonnell has dedicated his life to public safety, and Virginia’s law enforcement professionals respect him for it.

We believe that Bob McDonnell is the best choice to make Virginia safer in the years ahead.

Charles E. Jett
Sheriff, Stafford County

Howard Smith
Sheriff, Spotsylvania County

C. W. “Moose” Dobson
Sheriff, King George County

Anthony A. Lippa Jr.
Sheriff, Caroline County

Paul Higgs
Sheriff, City of Fredericksburg