I read with interest the letter to the editor, “Why blame the sheriff,” by David Lovelady, dated 15 June in the Star Democrat. Two of Mr. Lovelady’s points require rebuttal as they misconstrue Lieutenant Joe Gamble’s positions on the Talbot County drug problem and his strategy for addressing it.
Mr. Lovelady suggested Joe Gamble has blamed Sheriff Dallas Pope for the county’s drug problems. This could not be farther from the truth. Gamble’s stump speeches never fault local law enforcement. In fact, I have heard Gamble praise Sheriff Pope for his many years of distinguished and honorable service to our state and county.
Gamble is a seasoned investigator with the MSP who has been on the front lines in the war on drugs. He understands our local drug issues have roots in illicit national and international drug organizations aided by the speed and ease of the internet. Gamble’s main critique is that our county lacks an integrated, collaborative partnership with the state funded Narcotics Task Force. Talbot County is shamefully the only jurisdiction on the Mid-shore which does not participate in this nationally recognized organization. This is unacceptable in today’s fiscally challenging environment.
Mr. Lovelady also claimed that Gamble’s proposal to join the state drug task force will substantially increase the county’s budget. This charge is disingenuous. Gamble has made it clear that he will support his initiative with the two additional deputies already authorized by the county council in its FY15 budget. He also indicated that should funding for these two deputies fail to materialize, he would still fully participate with his existing cadre of personnel. This approach to problem solving is consistent with mainstream Republican philosophy and governing principles: fiscal conservatism; finding efficiencies within existing structures; and reducing redundancy. By way of contrast, Dallas Pope made a request to the county council on 30 April to form his own independent narcotics unit within the Sheriff’s office at a cost of $25,000.
The status quo is no longer acceptable in our battle against illicit drugs. Families raising children in the county should be particularly alarmed. Immediate and decisive action is required. Joe Gamble possesses the visionary leadership and passion to make a difference. Vote Gamble on 24 June – He is not your average Joe.
Mark Harrison
Easton, Maryland
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