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Post by Republican Voter on Oct 29, 2006 10:33:37 GMT -4
:)To QA Resident, If you read the vote totals in the primary election you would have seen that the amount of votes that Mr Rhodes received was 800-900 more votes than MR Hofmann. These were voters that did not have to vote for Mr. Rhodes because he ran unopposed. The voters that wanted Mr. Hofmann to win had to vote for him in the primary because he had four other candidates running against him. What I saw was more people vote against him than for him. I would hope that in the general election the voters that did not vote for either one of these gentleman in the primary would vote for the most qualified for this position not just because of their party affiliation. Thats why on November 7th I as a Republican voter, will be voting for the most qualified candidates for the positions that their running for.
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Post by Also Republican on Oct 30, 2006 9:39:34 GMT -4
Hofmann has received both written and public endorsements from Both Gov. Erlich and Senator Pipkin. It was a done deal on Friday of last week. Big, big endorsement for Hofmann!
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Post by uvrays on Oct 30, 2006 13:12:47 GMT -4
A candidate being endorsed by both Ehrlich and Pipkin? Sounds like someone I DON'T want to vote for. It may not be a good idea to hitch your wagon to those horses.
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Post by guest on Oct 30, 2006 13:51:02 GMT -4
I did not hear about those endorsements although it is pretty much standard procedure to endorse the other candidates within your own party wouldn't you think? I'd say that those endorsements don't carry a whole lot of weight.
Speaking of endorsements, I was told that Mr Rhodes now has the endorsements of the entire State of Maryland Fraternal Order of Police and the Maryland State Troopers Association. If this is true, I would put a whole lot more into those police organizations backing Mr Rhodes than I would Mr Hofmanns party members doing what is expected of them. Besides, last time I checked, Mr Pipkin and Ehrlich were never police officers.
Mr Hofmann said he had the same police endorsements as Mr Rhodes which we all now know not to be true. However, I did notice that Mr Hofmann changed his newspaper advertisements to show now that he does not have any endorsements except for his ex father-in-law, the sheriff.
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Post by GUEST on Oct 30, 2006 15:53:54 GMT -4
GUEST...PLEASE BE CAREFUL HOW YOU LIST THOSE ENDORSEMENTS..THEY ARE NOT CORRECT...CHECK YOUR ORGANIZATIONS...INFORMATION THAT IS INCORRECT MAKES YOU LOOK NOT INFOMED.... HE HAS ONE FOP AND THAT'S IN BALTIMORE? ONE LODGE FOR BOTH....NOT THE ORGANIZATIONS THEMSELVES. CHECK WITH YOUR CANDIDATE BEFORE YOU WRITE SUCH THINGS. IT HURTS THEM.
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Post by FOP MEMBER on Oct 30, 2006 20:55:05 GMT -4
TO GUEST, I'M A MEMBER OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE "FOP". I ALSO WAS PRESENT AT THE MEETING WHEN THE STATE FOP ENDORSED RHODES FOR SHERIFF OF QA COUNTY. JUST FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE STATE FOP CONSISTS OF MEMBERS FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF MARYLAND " THE QUEEN ANNE'S CO SHERIFF'S DEPT, THE MD STATE POLICE, DNR, CAROLINE CO SHERIFF'S DEPT, KENT CO SHERIFF'S DEPT , ETC." SO IN THE FUTURE BEFORE YOU TYPE, PLEASE DO YOUR HOMEWORK. IF MR HOFMANN WASN'T SO DECEITFUL WITH HIS FIRST AD STATING HE WAS ENDORSED BY MD STATE POLICE , DNR AND TOLL FACILITIES POLICE, HE MAY HAVE HAD THE QUEEN ANNE'S CO FOP ENDORSE HIM .
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Post by bchevy on Oct 30, 2006 22:40:17 GMT -4
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Post by FOP Member on Oct 31, 2006 2:23:09 GMT -4
Guest, You must get your facts straight. Mr. Rhodes was endorced by the Maryland State FOP which consists of all the smaller lodges in the state. Mr. Rhodes also just received endorcement from the Maryland Troopers Association as was voted on this last meeting. The State Fop Consists of all the lodges in the state and they are backing a person who was made for the position of sheriff. It's not all about being just a nice guy. There is a little more to the job of being the chief or sheriff than just being a nice guy. I'm sure your a nice guy too but that does not make you quilafied to be sheriff.
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Post by uvrays on Oct 31, 2006 17:13:44 GMT -4
Brief synopsis of an article I was e-mailed:
Rumor has it that one of Mr Hofmanns biggest political contributor is the Circus Truck Stop at 301 and 304. Didn't the State Police, Sheriff Department and IRS raid the truck stop in 2004 and seized illegal gambling vending machines? My understanding is this case is still on going with thousands of seized dollars at stake. Money that may come back to Queen Anne's County Sheriffs Department. Mr Hofmann owns a vending machine business. Is he personal friends with the suspects in this case? The suspects do have campaign signs on their property. Is Mr Hofmann, if elected Sheriff, going to regulate the vending slot machines at the American Legions, VFW's Moose etc., when he OWNS a vending machine company...HAVCO LLC?
What is going on here?
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Post by sneezealot on Oct 31, 2006 18:00:06 GMT -4
I'm sure thats no problem in the current sheriffs office. AS long as your one of the good ole boys you can do what you want and nothing will happen. stinks of CORRUPTION if you ask me! i know who i'm voting for now! Thanks for the info uvrays!
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Post by falgar25 on Oct 31, 2006 20:32:58 GMT -4
Brief synopsis of an article I was e-mailed: Rumor has it .... So you have an understanding of a rumour from an article on the internet? What's going on here is you were duped into circulating, and apparently believing, an unsubstantiated insinuation. Maybe it's all true, I don't know, but I'm sure not going to put much weight into an understanding of a rumour of an internet article! Hey, I just saw a post about a ghost train on Kent Island. On my way down Rt 8 I went over a "bump" where the road has been cut all the way across in about the width of a train track. If I believed everything I read on the Internet then I'd have to believe that will be the new crossing for the train (or it will mysteriously patch itself after Halloween).
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Post by Insider who knows on Oct 31, 2006 23:12:30 GMT -4
Falger25: I don't know much about ghost trains but I can tell you that everything that uvrays said was no RUMMER and the TRUTH! Mr. Uvrays is clearly an educated person who knows whats going on inside at the sheriff's office. Every word that was spoken was a fact not a rumor. The 301 truck stop (Circus) was raided by county police (Sheriff's Office) as well as help from state police in regard to illegal gambling machines. The incident is currently open and being investigated on a federal level and was a multi state wide joint investigation involving millions of dollars made from illegal gambling. The 301 truck stop that was raided by Mr. Hoffmann's agency (Q.A. Sheriff) gave the largest donation to Mr. Hofmann for his campain as sheriff. Mr. Hoffman is taking money from a suspected business who is currently under federal investigation for money crimes. Hello, call me crazy but something is not right there. Can the sheriff and the office be bought by a criminal enterprise. Does the citizens want a sheriff who takes money from a business who is under investigation for illegal gambling machines. I think not! Does the truck stop want Mr. Hofmann to be sheriff so they can continue to have their illegal gambling machines and in return the sheriff will turn it's head. Does not sound like a person I want to be the head of a police agency.
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Post by guest on Oct 31, 2006 23:46:26 GMT -4
Boy you gotta love it! I don't hear anyone saying that they have "actually seen" these contribution in Mr Hofmann's paperwork that he has to file on election money he gets. When someone says that they have actually seen this "contribution" from this place, then I'll eat crow. If it is the truth, and I emphasize 'is", then and only then would i change my vote!
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Post by Insider on Nov 1, 2006 0:01:03 GMT -4
Quest: Don't take my word for it. Go ask Mr. Hofmann yourself. He will tell you that he did in fact accept a 1,000 dollar contribution for his campaign for sheriff from the 301 truck stop. The truck stop that is still currently under federal investigation for money crimes related to illegal gambling.As of this date and time the truck stop has not been charged with any crimes YET! I am not saying they are guilty of any crimes. All I am saying is that the 301 truck stop (Circus) is a business who is a suspect in a criminal act and it is ethically wrong for Mr. Hoffmann to take money knowingly that they are under federal investigation fro money crimes. How does that look. Not very good to me! Why take the money! If any other officer did the same thing as Mr. Hofmann did they would of been fired from there department for conduct unbecoming. Mr. Hofmann had knowledge of this investigation and may of even been there when the business was raided. Poor choose on his behalf. Don't take my word, Ask Mr. Hofmann if he excepted the money. Its public record. His finance report is listed on line. It shows it. Black and white! He took the money from the truck stop! Have that as the chief law enforcement official in the county, Never! Open your eyes and look into it. It's all there and the facts are the facts. I like Mr. Hofmann very much but he made a very poor decision to take that money and he will not get my vote.
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Post by falgar25 on Nov 1, 2006 5:55:31 GMT -4
.... As of this date and time the truck stop has not been charged with any crimes YET! I am not saying they are guilty of any crimes. So the truck stop has not been charged with anything after two years? If you're not saying they are guilty of any crimes, and if the courts have not said they are guilty of any crimes, and if they aren't under indictment for any crimes, doesn't the law say they should be treated as if they are not guilty of any crimes? If Mr. Hofmann is "guilty by association" with the truck stop, then should I turn myself in? I contributed to this questionable business by eating there the other day. $1000 is not a small amount of money; I sure don't have that much just laying around my house. However, is that amount of money out of line for a business contribution to a political candidate? Is that much money enough to influence someone who will be under the kind of scrutiny the Sheriff will? Is $1000 really the largest contribution Mr. Hofmann received? The online financial report would certainly show that. I searched but could not find the report. Could you please post the link so we all can look at it? And please also post the link to Mr. Rhodes' financial report; it would be good to go over that and make sure there's nothing equally questionable there.
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Post by guest on Nov 1, 2006 10:38:37 GMT -4
I am quite sure that Mr. Rhodes and his people do not want to go there....There is so much out there about Mr. Rhodes that Mr. Hofmann has been too much of a gentleman to disclose....
Typical last minute politics....This was all started by a disgruntled ex-commisioner that has NO integrity....The truck stop was never charged and the investigation surrounding the local facts is going to come out if these rumors continue to surface.
I am dissapointed that Mr. Rhodes and his clan are so desperate that they have to find "something", anything to attempt to discredit another candidate. Mr. Hofmann raised alot of money for his campaign. Also for those of you that are actually looking for the truth, you can check and see that Mr. Hofmanns busines has been bought and sold 2 times since early 2005. This is a last minute attempt to sway votes and I as a reader will ask every person I come in contact with to not vote for Mr. Rhodes. There is way too much proof of blatent sabotage that points to Mr. Rhodes. If any of you were privy to the e-mails and correspodance leading to this last ditch effort then you would also be thoroughly disgusted with the Rhodes campaign.
The investigation which not only included the truck stop but also other local business has not been brought up? Why? Because Mr. Rhodes frequents these business's. Because this is all you can find in this man's entire career to use at the last hour....I CANNOT believe that Mr. Rhodes has gone back on his word to run a clean campaign!!! THis speaks in numbers...What will he do to his deputies if elected. This is going to ruin Mr. Rhodes campaign as it did Mr. Bevilles...There is hard copy proof of this issue directly coming from the Rhodes crew.
None of the business's have EVER been charged. I can promise you that if Mr. Hofmann elected to run a smear campaign the effects would hurt Mr. Rhodes considerably more that this current issue. You will never see it though!! Mr. Hofmann keeps his promises. His itegrity is intact. Go ahead and let the slander and libel roll!!!! Don't you all see the differences in these men. Hofmann did nothing wrong at all...Do you all really think that 1k can buy a police officer??? You are acting as though this was a million dollar contribution. Great Mr. Rhodes has thousands to spend on his own campaign...Mr. Hofmann does NOT! This is not a retirement job for him and he has several donations xceeding 1k....
How many people know that Mr. Beville is again the snake behind the words! Imagine that....Big news there...Mr. Rhodes please take the high road and go back to being the nice guy you are. This back-door politics will hurt more than help. He is a nice guy and this b/s is NOT his style?
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Post by guest on Nov 1, 2006 10:43:40 GMT -4
Thank You Mr. Falgar, another person of integrity!!! You are the only person with common sense at all...Hat's off to you.
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Post by Guest on Nov 1, 2006 11:02:52 GMT -4
Instead of all of this negativity, we should be discussing how we will support either of these men in making the Sheriff's Office a better place for all involved. They both sound qualified! Hopefully this last week will center around real issues. I, for one, am tired of reading about negative campaigning from the entire state, at every level
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Post by GUEST on Nov 1, 2006 12:20:02 GMT -4
AS PREVIOUSLY STATED...DO YOUR HOMEWORK...MR RHODES LISTS ONLY MTA SUPPORT FROM 1 (ONE). LODGE # 271 WITH 271 MEMBERS....ONE LODGE....DECEIVING COMMENTS ABOUT THE MTA STATE SUPPORT..THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF LODGES!
READ HIS ADDS AS STATED..SEEMS NOT EVERYONE ON THE SAME PAGE...UNLESS YOU STATE HE IS ALSO LYING...IN PRINT FROM HIM. ONLY ENDORSEMENT...NOW WHO IS BEING DECEPTIVE.
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Post by uvrays on Nov 1, 2006 15:35:38 GMT -4
Falgar25: I try to take all information into consideration. However, I did e-mail Hofmann and this is the EXACT response I received:
First of all, it is a fact that the Circus Restaurant did have some video casino games in the facility, along with another Centreville Deli in Centreville. The games were seized, however in 2004, the States Attorney did not find any evidence of wrong doing, and DECLINED to charge the local business owners, HOWEVER did pursue the actions against a business in Virginia, whom was operating an illegal business in many states. It is true that the Federal Government has an ongoing investigation, with the Virginia based company. But the owner of the Truck Stop was never charged, nor convicted. This makes him innocent until proven guilty. Doesn't it?
Fact number two, Havco, LLC , Vending was sold in March 2005, and has never operated nor never would operate any illegal machines. Is it true that Havco has a warehouse full of junk machines and parts, but when does he have time to get rid of these?
Fact number three, Yes Gary Hofmann did get a large donation from the TTT Truckstop / Circus Restaurant, as he received too many to list here from the community.
Fact number four, No one knows yet the total amount that the federal government has seized and will be forwarded to our Sheriff's Office, however you can be assured the money did not come from this local business.
Fact number five, Gary Hofmann cooperated fully with the Record Observer, and answered all of Ms. Staffords questions. Gary can not verify the fact that Tammy is still with the paper. But you can be assured that "Last Minute" politics’, and an attempt to discredit Gary with this "rumor" may take its toll, however the facts can not be changed.
Fact number six, Yes there is ONE sign at the Truck Stop, and 500 plus in our county.
Fact number seven, Dobson is and was related to Earl's campaign, and if that doesn't say enough!
Fact number eight, Earl Beville, Charlie Rhodes and Kenny Rhodes meet often at Holly’s to discuss how to discredit Gary's Campaign. Imagine that!
Fact number eight, Have you ever called Gary and asked him about this, he would be willing to talk with you! His home number is 410-xxx-xxxx
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Post by wutashow on Nov 1, 2006 19:05:42 GMT -4
Lets all step back and take a look at the whole picture. Hoffman took $1000 from a business that at the least is questionable in nature (whether charged with a crime or not) because it was raided by the sheriff and state police and feds for illegal gambling. just because they haven't been charged does it mean they won't be? how long do investigations take? federal investigation take years. its not the amount of money thats the issue its the source thats the problem.
hoffman is taking a pay cut to be sheriff and rhodes is spending thousands of his own money. whats that say. can hoffman afford to take a pay cut just to do the "right thing" or does he need to help his agenda along and hide whats really going on in that sheriff office like maybe corruption.
where have the sheriff and chief deputy been during all this and what do they think. i'm sure that they approve of it all. which is whats wrong with tha office to begin with. no wonder hoffman got the sheriffs endorsement.
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Post by falgar25 on Nov 1, 2006 21:51:54 GMT -4
Thank you, uvrays, for sending the email then taking the time to type in the response.
"Facts" 1-4 seem believable. They are consistent with everything else that has been written here about this topic.
Some, like wutashow, might find the donation from the truck stop to be significant. Others, like me, might not. In any case, if what you received from Hofmann can be believed, and it seems like it can, then at least we all know more about the situation and can make a decision based on facts.
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Post by Sally on Nov 1, 2006 21:56:13 GMT -4
I feel bad for both candidates! These men are running for an office in need of immediate improvement and the real culprits for the turnover of officers and poor morale are left a free pass. Shame on the Sheriff and his Captain for allowing things to come to this point. Attitude reflects leadership! This explains the lack of professionalism by current deputies who feel the need to post on this forum. I understand your frustrations and your strong feelings for wanting an effective leader for your future. There is a better way than hiding your name (I understand why you must with your current leadership) and leaking information from within and discrediting all that you hard working men and women do. Hold your heads high and be the role models we need you to be. If the next Sheriff does not fill the bill, then your FOP must step forward and make the citizens aware and not allow that Sheriff to be re-elected. Your FOP must be strong and unified in fighting for your best interests. We as citizens need to be held accountable as well and be informed voters. Seek the answers for yourself and don't rely on the half-truths of others. Attend a candidate forum and ask questions. Don't allow our conty to continue to spiral out of control. It's not too late this time either. Call upon either candidate and ask your questions. This is going to be a close race and I'm sure both Mr. Rhodes and Mr. Hofmann value every vote and would welcome your questions instead of your indecision.
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Post by Guest on Nov 2, 2006 7:18:08 GMT -4
Falgar-25 It's not the size of the contribution that matters, it's the fact that Hofmann took it at all. Hofmann knew that the restaurant was the subject of a criminal investigation in 04 and that the investigation is currently still active with the Feds. It's an "integrity and ethical issue". Hofmann made a bad decission by accepting this contribution. As the Sheriff, he cant afford to make bad decissions because it could get somebody injured or worse "Killed".
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Post by falgar25 on Nov 2, 2006 8:07:20 GMT -4
Guest: You interpret the situation one way and I see it differently. You see an action in 2004 that never resulted in any charges as d**ning and I see it as an interesting footnote.
To me, the size of the contribution does matter to some extent. An extravagant contribution could imply an attempt to influence the candidate once he is elected. An average contribution looks like Democracy in action. $1000, if that is truly the amount, is an amount I might donate and certainly not out of line.
It's easy to find some connection between two people. I'm sure you've heard of the Kevin Bacon theory/game. I ate at the truckstop and now I seem to be definding Hofmann; does that make me part of some conspiracy and connect me to the Virginia company that may still be under investigation?
The truckstop owners wanted to support a candidate, that's their right. The candidate (apparently) did not find the contribution to be questionably large and accepted it as is his right. The fact that there had been an incident at the truckstop two years ago that resulted in no charges (no arrests, no convictions, and probably no fines) is interesting but does not disqualify them from participating in the election process.
You and I don't agree on the significance of the 2004 events. That's OK, that's also part of the election process. I may or may not vote for Mr. Hofmann next week, but the truckstop/restaurant will not be a factor in my considerations.
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