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Our Party BlogHave your say about all things democraticJuly 24, 2008RESTORE INTEGRITY IN SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT~ELECT GREG BECK
Yesterday, former Chief Deputy Sheriff Dave Alverson published a letter on the Chattanoogan news website, asking for voters to reject Jim Hammond and choose Greg Beck to restore integrity to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department. Here's the letter:I read with interest several comments regarding Jim Hammond associating with a convicted felon, Lonnie Hood. Mr. Hood carried on a lucrative criminal enterprise for a number of years while Jim Hammond was Chief Deputy of the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department. It was common knowledge that Mr. Hood was deeply involved in steroid use, even to those of us who were not members of the sheriff's department. When John Cupp was elected sheriff in 1994, one of his first acts was to ask the FBI to investigate the corruption in the jail. That investigation subsequently led to the arrest and conviction of Mr. Hood on several felonies. During that investigation, a Deputy Chief, Ron Gilbert, who is also a supporter of Jim Hammond, surreptitiously called Mr. Hood from his office, to warn him that he was the subject of an FBI investigation. Mr. Gilbert was not charged, even though this action was a violation of federal law. As a long time law enforcement officer, I would be reluctant to maintain even a friendship with a convicted felon and definitely would not involve one in my campaign for the office of sheriff. This is not to say that Mr. Hood is currently involved in criminal activities but the recidivist rate among convicted felons is over 90 percent. I hope Mr. Hood falls within that 10 percent who do not involve themselves in crimes after their release from prison. The people of Hamilton County must elect someone with unquestionable integrity, someone whose background is above reproach, someone who has the managerial background and experience to lead the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department out of this period of uncertainty and restore confidence in the department's personnel and gain the trust of the citizens of the county. The only person who can accomplish this is Greg Beck. I urge everyone to vote for him during the early voting period or on Aug. 7. Dave Alverson Ooltewah Post a Reply... Most Recent Posts: 08/16: Senator Andy Berke Asks, "Are Kids Ready to Learn?" 08/12: Join us today for JFK Club & Greater Chattanooga Democratic Women's Club 08/08: Thanks to Democrats for Helping on Election Day 08/07: Vote Today, Then Join us for Election Results at IBEW Union Hall tonight 08/06: OFFICIAL DEMOCRATIC RESPONSE TO TIMES FREE PRESS ENDORSEMENTS FOR SHERIFF 08/06: Get Out the Vote Thursday for Andy Berke, JoAnne Favors, Tommie Brown, and Greg Beck 08/04: Radio Ads reflect candidate with high negatives 08/01: Listen to the "Greg Beck for Sheriff" Radio Ads 08/01: Join Greg Beck for a GOTV Rally & BBQ Tomorrow 07/31: Today's Times Free Press: Hammond continues to show poor ethical judgment in Lonnie Hood Case 07/31: Meet U.S. Senate Candidate Mike Padgett at Party Headquarters on Aug.1 07/29: HEAR TWO NEW RADIO ADS on Jim Hammond: Flip-Flop Jim & Cadillac Jim 07/28: Three RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS ENDORSE BECK FOR SHERIFF 07/25: COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TO BECK EVENT WITH MARILYN LLOYD 07/25: GERMANS LOVE OBAMA; CHATTANOOGANS LOVE VOLKSWAGEN~GREAT YEAR FOR DEMOCRATS! 07/24: Restore Integrity in Sheriff's Department~Elect Greg Beck 07/18: EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY! 07/17: ANNIE HALL and Dr. Brent Staton named to direct "Padgett for U.S. Senate" Campaign in Chattanooga 07/16: Corruption & Poor Judgment: Hammond insists on Keeping Corrupt Cop 07/15: Support Greg Beck this week for canvassing and early vote |
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