Last week during the candidate forum, Steve Wilson claimed there had been no jail escapes since he’s been Sheriff and said Freddie Roden “stuck his foot in his mouth” for claiming otherwise. Now Wilson says he “forgot” about two incidents where prisoners got loose (one made it to Chattanooga) but says Roden is wrong for demanding every jail door and gate be locked 24/7.

“Wilson said the gate, which recently was replaced during a number of upgrades at the jail, is closed from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. It’s also closed, as are the sally port doors, when a dangerous or high-profile prisoner comes in during the day, he said.

“But it’s not practical to keep everything shut down all the time, the sheriff said. ‘We’ve tried it,’ Wilson said. ‘We have [too] much traffic coming and going during the regular work hours.’

“‘That just goes to show [Roden’s] lack of experience running a jail,’ said Wilson, who’s been sheriff and jailer since 1997. ‘He doesn’t know how a jail operates on a daily basis.'”

Yes call Roden an idiot for suggesting we shouldn’t leave half the jail doors open 12 hours a day. Maybe there’s a better way than the broken way you do it, Wilson.

We said his claim of no escapes was a “non-truth” or a lie, and this proves that to be the case. If you accept Wilson’s claim, that he forgot, either he’s incompetent/unaware or he has Alzheimer’s. If you’re the Sheriff how do you “forget” about people escaping from jail unless you’re oblivious to what goes on at the jail, or losing your mind? Senile or a liar – neither is what we need as Sheriff.

WQCH Radio, 06/26/2012:

“IF YOU NEED FOOD ASSISTANCE, BETTER VISIT THE CARE MISSION IN LAFAYETTE, THIS WEEK. THE MISSION WILL BE CLOSED NEXT WEEK FOR CLEANING AND REMODELING WORK. THEY’LL BE CLOSED FROM JULY 2nd THROUGH JULY 10th. THOSE WHO’D LIKE TO DONATE CLOTHING OR OTHER ITEMS ARE ASKED TO WAIT UNTIL THE CARE MISSION RE-OPENS ON JULY 10th.”

There’s also a food program feeding kids (under 18) lunch at the Housing Authority every day, all through the summer, and feeding programs that alternate between Second Baptist and First Methodist. Mt. Zion Church in Naomi also has a food pantry available for those in need while the Care Mission is temporarily closed.

Governor Deal has appointed 36-year-old Court of Appeals Judge Keith Blackwell to the GA Supreme Court. He’ll be sworn in on July 19th to replace a retiring judge.

In Georgia we elect the Supreme Court judges, but the governor can select replacements if one ever retires, dies, or otherwise vacates a seat.

If you’re getting your car worked on, Georgia has the 9th highest average vehicle repair costs in the US. Wyoming is worst, Indiana best.

Watch out for a marauding band of thieves wandering around the south.

Campaign contributions to state legislators make the world go ’round and ultimately determine what bills will pass or fail. In this state there’s nothing to limit lobbying or contributions, so it’s essentially legal bribery.

Blogger Kerwins Swint on legislative ethics:

“Maybe it is arrogance that leads politicians to so openly defy the public will. Maybe it is a misreading of public interest and public sentiment. Or it could be a belief, however misguided, that legislators really do deserve special treatment. More than one legislator has said something to the effect of ‘well the voters keep reelecting me, so it must not be that big a deal.’ Sigh.

“I challenge any Georgia legislator, in any part of the state, to make that their official slogan during their reelection campaign.”

The Fort Oglethorpe Labor Department office has now been officially consolidated into LaFayette and Dalton. First time we’ve ever gotten something that left Fort O.

A year ago, two leaders of the state ethics commission had their salaries slashed and were essentially forced to resign after investigating claims against now governor Nathan Deal. They’re now filing wrongful termination lawsuits against the state.

Atlanta media speculate that the investigation into Deal has ended, because he appointed the guy who was directing it to a judge position in February. That wouldn’t be allowed if the file was still open.

In other ethics news, former governor Barnes has been cleared of charges that he lobbied without registering.

And another lobbyist who gave GA House Speaker Ralston a free trip worth $17,000 to investigate MAGLEV trains is going to pay a small fine, which will of course come from whatever interest or company he was representing with his legal bribe.

Georgia government ethics roll on…

A new state law meant to clarify rules about confiscated guns may actually prevent county sheriff offices from keeping proceeds from gun sales, and also require all guns (even ones that would be destroyed) to be sold. The bill is poorly written and will have to be revised next year.

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