To HCSO Personnel
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have concerns or questions. My phone number for the campaign is (410)836-7070. You can reach me by email at dave@trittforsheriff.com.
Thank You
Thank you for your dedication and service to our community. Every day, HCSO personnel give their all to make Harford County a great place to live. You do an excellent job performing a duty that most people would not do for twice the salary. I want to also thank the wives, husbands, other family members, and friends for the sacrifices you make and the support you give to your loved ones who serve our county so well. As a veteran, I know how important it is to have the support of your family. I also understand the importance of having leaders that take care of their people. When leaders take care of their people, those people can better focus on carrying out their duties for their families and the community.
My Commitment To You
Due to the number of personnel eligible for retirement, there will be many changes over the next few years, regardless of who is the next sheriff. If entrusted with this office, I will appoint leaders who are not just outstanding at their jobs, but leaders who understand that the men and women of this agency are its most important asset and treat them accordingly. We will treat every employee with dignity, fairness, consistency, and respect. I am a firm believer in the chain of command and solving problems at their lowest level, but I am also aware of the occasional breakdown in the chain, and the need to have accessible and approachable leadership. I believe being a good listener is key to being a good leader. Mutual respect and a free exchange of criticism and ideas will go a long way toward enhancing morale and preventing stagnation.
I will be accessible to you. I will not lead from behind my desk, I will make it a point to be in regular contact with employees at all levels, whether on the road, in the detention center, courthouse, precincts, and other facilities. I will not micro-manage, but I will be in touch with what’s going on in the field.
As sheriff, I will not forget where I came from. Being able to serve as sheriff is a privilege and an honor, but it’s not about me. This agency, this body, is so much more than one man. YOU are the arms, the hands, the legs, the feet, and the backbone of this organization. These are not simply words; my actions will reflect this philosophy by treating people with dignity and respect. I will never ask for a pay raise out of proportion with the pay raises of deputies. I will ask the legislature to return the sheriff’s salary to the 2002 level, repealing the raise of over 25% sought by the current sheriff while HCSO personnel got a meager 3% increase.
Fiscal Responsibility
I will not squander the trust of taxpayers by asking the county council to fund items for myself that do not directly enhance the performance of your duties or benefit public safety, such as fully loaded, full size SUVs for the upper echelon. These vehicles would serve a greater benefit to first responders in the field, instead of being parked at 45 S. Main Street. Unnecessary expenditures such as these fritter away funds that could be used on things that would truly benefit not only you, but the public as well. Making sure YOU have what YOU need to do your jobs safely, effectively, and efficiently will be my priority.
Protecting Your Political Freedom
I will defend your right to support or oppose the candidates of your choice. Political affiliation or non-participation will not factor into the promotion process. Personnel should be able to do their jobs without being harassed for political reasons. The current sheriff was appointed, not elected by the people, after scandal forced the resignation of the former sheriff. I do not believe he is entitled to the position simply because he occupies it now. I believe citizens are best served when there are choices in elections, not when candidates are appointed by the current political establishment. When there are competitive elections, voters have a better opportunity to be educated about the issues and make informed decisions. Elections give deputies a greater opportunity to bring public safety needs to the forefront of public debate, and you should be able to do so without fear of reprisals.
Working To Protect And Defend The Name Of The HCSO
I will work hard to visibly promote and defend the agency. I will not sit by silently when inaccurate, misleading, and damaging information about the agency is put forth by the media. I will not wait passively expecting retractions or corrections when the story does not accurately reflect the facts. I will use the agency website and other methods to get the truth to the public. If we want to enjoy the trust and support of the public, I believe it is essential that we elect a sheriff who can articulate the needs of the agency in the public arena. We need a sheriff who can communicate effectively and in a timely manner to build public support for ideas and initiatives that will benefit law enforcement and citizens alike. If people aren’t aware of manning shortfalls and inadequate facilities, they won’t contact their public officials to urge greater support for law enforcement. As sheriff, I will use the “bully pulpit” to inform the public of the agency’s needs, improve recruiting, and to increase citizen involvement. Working together with the unions, we can build a strong coalition to promote public safety needs in Harford County.
The base realignment at Aberdeen is expected to bring up to 70,000 more residents to Harford County, along with many more challenges for the agency. We must elect leadership who will not be content with the “status quo”, but someone with the vision, drive, energy, and determination to continually steer the agency in the right direction- especially in light of this expected growth. I believe I am that person. I would be honored to have your support in this campaign, and honored to serve you as the 80th Sheriff of Harford County.
Committee to Elect Dave Tritt · Authority Brian K. Powell, Treasurer.