Sheriff’s race leads in money raised

Wednesday, July 11. 2012
THE RACE for sheriff in Jackson County continues to be the leading contest based on the amount of money raised by the candidates. Through the June 30 reporting period, that race has raised $126,800 among the seven candidates vying for the position.
Early voting began this week with the final Election Day being July 31. A variety of local and state candidates and questions are on the ballot. Voting will take place at the Jackson County Administrative Building, Athens Street, Jefferson, Monday through Friday through July 27. Voting is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, early voting will take place on Saturday, July 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the County Administrative Building.
The county will again offer five days of early voting at locations in Commerce and Braselton. Voting will take place Monday, July 23, through Friday, July 27, at the Commerce Recreation Department office at 204 Carson Street and at the Braselton police and municipal building at 5040 Hwy. 53. Hours at both locations will be 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the full story, see the July 11 issue of The Jackson Herald.
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#1 Dontvoteitonlyencouragesthem on 07/14/12 at 11:45 AM [Reply]
Don’t vote – it only encourages them.
#2 bobo on 07/15/12 at 04:40 AM [Reply]
Yeah, thats it dont vote good answer..
One has to wonder where all of Gilbert's money has come from and truth is alot of it came from an illegal raffle where he raffled off a shotgun of all things. His record at HCSO was not perfect and as a matter of fact may have left under a cloud. He and others left behind a financial mess at the sheriff's office but he and others never felt that as they were considered "contractors" instead of employees. They did this to avoid furlough days that others had to endure...what a team player he is. He has NO degree and only attended the FBI academy and was never an agent..remember now to become an FBI agent one needs a Bachelors degree--which he does not have. His record among his peers and former colleagues at the HCSO is far from perfect as well with the nicest comments being "no comment". Some candidates wont tell you this because its considered dirty politics, but I believe voters should know the truth before going to the polls. Im afraid to say that most do not know their candidates but are only sporting signs in their yards because they were asked to...shameful. Please know your candidate before you support them and for God's sake before you vote for them...
#2.1 anon on 07/15/12 at 07:55 AM [Reply]
Wish we could vote "none of the above" or "no confidence". Not voting is an option, unfortunately not a particularly effective one.

Sad to think that a good turnout (of registered voters) is 60%. Slightly more than half of those elect the "winner", so about 1 out of 3 of REGISTERED voters decides who will govern.
#2.2 bobo on 07/15/12 at 10:23 AM [Reply]
and NO bobo is NOT a candidate but rather one who watches the race carefully and knows the candidates as should most people who vote. Please do not vote for the candidate with the most signs, go to their websites, call them, attend a function with them. This is a very important race and people should take it seriously--if not then please stay home!!!
#2.2.1 Tom Hays on 07/15/12 at 04:45 PM [Reply]
Well said. Thanks.
#2.3 Gary B. on 07/15/12 at 11:26 PM [Reply]
Thanks bobo, I did what you suggested and after reviewing the qualifications of all the candidates running for Sheriff, I have decided to cast my vote for Ramone Gilbert. I wish everyone would follow your advise and research the candidates experience and character before they vote.
#2.3.1 italladdsup.. on 07/16/12 at 08:04 AM [Reply]
No Gary B, you didn't do any review or research on all of the candidates as bobo asked. You are simply a shill for Gilbert. There are not one but several deeply serious concerns with the HCSO candidate. Jackson County deserves a person much better than Gilbert.
#2.3.2 ray on 07/23/12 at 02:04 AM [Reply]
One has to wonder where all of Gilbert's money has come from and truth is alot of it came from an illegal raffle where he raffled off a shotgun of all things. His record at HCSO was not perfect and as a matter of fact may have left under a cloud. He and others left behind a financial mess at the sheriff's office but he and others never felt that as they were considered "contractors" instead of employees. They did this to avoid furlough days that others had to endure...what a team player he is. He has NO degree and only attended the FBI academy and was never an agent..remember now to become an FBI agent one needs a Bachelors degree--which he does not have. His record among his peers and former colleagues at the HCSO is far from perfect as well with the nicest comments being "no comment". Some candidates wont tell you this because its considered dirty politics, but I believe voters should know the truth before going to the polls. Im afraid to say that most do not know their candidates but are only sporting signs in their yards because they were asked to...shameful. Please know your candidate before you support them and for God's sake before you vote for them..
#2.3.2.1 AMEN on 07/23/12 at 08:27 AM [Reply]
Amen! My husband worked with Ramone Gilbert for 15 yrs at the HCSO and he has only one word to describe him "DIRTY". Please everyone talk to the people that has worked with him and that know the true Ramone Gilbert before you cast your vote.
#2.3.2.1.1 there ya go on 07/24/12 at 01:08 PM [Reply]
well there ya go how much more do you need or want... here is someone who worked with the guy and tells you he is dirty...with so many people saying it do you think there may be something to it. Besides being a slum lord he and others crafted shady deals with land and homes while employed at HCSO....
Yep he comes across as passionate and nice as can be and reminds me of alot of used car salesmen Ive been exposed to in my life..hardly one Id like to be MY sheriff..
#2.3.3 bobo on 07/24/12 at 07:21 AM [Reply]
yeah but his creds dont tell you that he left the HCSO in a financial disaster or anything about his personal that one should not trust your wife or daughter around him...but go ahead and cast ur vote for him. It is curious why he and another high ranking HCSO suddenly left that employer...might have something to do with his antics....ya think..
#2.4 Really? on 07/16/12 at 12:49 PM [Reply]
What does being an FBI agent or not have to do with being Sheriff of Jackson County, GA? This is not Atlanta for crying out loud. I have never heard him claim to be an FBI agent, nor does his website reference anything like that. It states that he graduated from their Academy, but not that he was agent.
#3 #2.5 honestvoter on 07/17/12 at 12:27 PM [Reply]
Thank you to all your advice. I am a lifelong resident of Jackson Co. Born and raised. I have done my research on all the candidates for sheriff of Jackson Co. and I'm proud to say that today I cast my vote for Mr. Gilbert. I will say all the candidates seem to be very nice people, but as i have witnessed all the forums he is my number one choice. He is a good man with christian faith. Mr. Gilbert is the most experienced candidate for sheriff.
#3.1 anon on 07/17/12 at 12:56 PM [Reply]
Publicly posting your vote is disingenuous. I sincerely doubt the truthfulness of your statement and only casts further doubt on the integrity of Mr. Gilbert as candidate for sheriff of Jackson county.
#3.2 bobo on 07/24/12 at 07:31 AM [Reply]
Ha Ha good Christian man.. he is a skirt chaser from way back..talk to people who know him for God's sake. Talk to his ex wife about his faith or the folks that used to work with him and KNOW him. We are all sinners but he props himself up on a pedestal stating he is a great man of faith--NOT true..sorry.
#4 CitizenJane on 07/18/12 at 07:44 AM [Reply]
I will vote for the candidate who adopts this view:

"Just before the Idaho primaries this past Tuesday, there was a forum where people were asking questions of the candidates for sheriff of Bingham County. When incumbent sheriff Dave Johnson was asked what he would do if the Federal Government mandated to take all firearms away from private citizens, he responded that he would have to comply with the feds. When candidate Craig Rowland was asked the same question, he responded that he would deputize every citizen who owned a firearm. Rowland got an applause and was elected Bingham County Sheriff this last Tuesday. Congratulations to Craig Rowland!"
Yeah. Gotta love Idaho…. And the Second Amendment. And the Constitution.

If any other sheriffs out there hadn’t thought of this, I think that it’s brilliant. After all, if a firearm is a part of your emergency preparation, you may find yourself in trouble if someone takes it away. There are many emergency situations where a firearm may be needed. In any case, if you are personally against firearms, please work out a plan where you have what you need for food procurement, etc. in case of such emergencies.
#4.1 the wrong choice for sheriff on 07/18/12 at 10:07 AM [Reply]
Last night was the final debate for the Sheriff candidates. We had two hours to learn about the candidates and it became very clear that Janis Mangum is not fit or qualified to serve as our next Sheriff. Her complete lack of financial and admin skills and lack of proven leadership abilities make her the absolute wrong choice. Voting for her because she is a 'friend' or because 'she's a woman' are not what will protect the good citizens of Jackson County from the coming wave of drugs, gangs and crime.
#4.1.1 anon on 07/18/12 at 10:17 AM [Reply]
BUT BUT SHE AIN'T NO YANKEE FROM CLARKE COUNTY OR HAVE A MEXICAN NAME LIKE RAMONE
#4.1.1.1 Annoyed on 07/18/12 at 11:21 AM [Reply]
"BUT BUT SHE AIN'T NO YANKEE FROM CLARKE COUNTY OR HAVE A MEXICAN NAME LIKE RAMONE" ??? What is THAT???

Your ignorance is showing! You're probably the type of voter that will vote for someone because they're a woman or vote for a presidential candidate because he's black! Go educate yourself before you open your mouth and spill out sewage.
#4.1.2 Really? on 07/18/12 at 05:12 PM [Reply]
Racism in 2012 huh? Really? The name of the candidate makes no difference to me, or where they are from. I am concerned about the future of our county and the safety of my family. I want someone with a law enforcement background, administrative and supervisory experience, as well as experience in managing large budgets for our next Sheriff. The origin of their first name doesn't matter to me, and it shouldn't to you. Your racist statements reflect poorly on you, and the candidate you support.
#4.1.2.1 law enforcement background? on 07/23/12 at 10:49 PM [Reply]
or people warehosing and tax collecting professionals?
I wish there were Peace Officers running rathe then those loking for new ways to fund overgrown girls ad boys with badges and guns fun time, with fancy toys that seem to just be excuse to drive fast, and dogs that cant seem to find people or drugs any better then my Chijuawa
#4.1.3 about time on 07/24/12 at 01:17 PM [Reply]
Its about time some folks realize that Janis just does not have what it takes. When she says she will surround herself with good people is just not good enough. If she is not smart enough to run the office why would anyone think she is smart enough to pick qualified people?? Nice lady, good investigator, but not sheriff material whether male of female.Other candidates there gave horrible answers about managing a budget and while Greg Vaughn wants to be walking tall his answers and mannerisms tell me he is FAR from qualified to be even a supervisor let alone a sheriff. His comment about what he makes and how he stretches it was hilarious...who would say that? The fact that he can juggle a family makes him qualified to be sheriff??? This is hwy he and the others should have backed out a long time ago. While it is their right to run they are muddling the waters as well as embarrassing themselves. Sometimes one should do some soul searching to see if they should do certain things..obviously this didnt happen with many of the candidates, including Ramone!
If you put yourself above others and claim to be a man of faith you should walk the walk pal and WE know better!!!!!
#4.2 Please on 07/18/12 at 01:06 PM [Reply]
it is super-unrealistic to think this would happen, and a fairly stupid issue to base a vote on. But I bet you don't have a problem with the Patriot Act, right?

By the way, do you know what the first five words of the 2nd Amendment are?
#4.2.1 she's the wrong choice for sheriff on 07/18/12 at 01:39 PM [Reply]
Say there.. "Please" I think that would have been a great question to ask the Sheriff candidates last night. The Patriot Act reduced restrictions in law enforcement agencies gathering of intelligence within the United States and gave a lot more power to the Sec Treasury to monitor financial transactions.
Not sure of your point, but I think W was right in creating this act. And what part of 'A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state' don't you understand?
This takes absolutely nothing away from fact that Janis M is not capable of, or have the credentials to be our next Sheriff. Her plans for addressing the problem with drugs and gangs will only encourage and expedite more of the same.
#4.2.1.1 Please on 07/18/12 at 09:25 PM [Reply]
Reducing restrictions in law enforcement ALWAYS means reducing personal freedom. You don't have a problem with the patriot act, but you don't realize it's the foot in the door to infringing on your other rights, like gun ownership.

The fact is that there's really no grand conspiracy to reduce gun rights. There is a grand conspiracy to make ignorant folks think that there is, though.
#4.2.1.1.1 she's the wrong choice for sheriff on 07/18/12 at 10:26 PM [Reply]
'Please', your response is a breath of fresh air, you're obviously well-read and don't wear a tin-foil hat. You are right, there are daily assaults on our 2nd amendment rights, especially by the Obama admin. Some odd things are going on right now in the ATF as a result of fast and furious. I agree there is a 'foot in the door' with Patriot Act, but also remember it was written to combat terrorism and encourage inter-department cooperation/communication and trace money being funneled and laundered by terrorist groups post 9/11. I believe it has stopped and prevented further attacks. It may be all for naught with our unprotected borders.
I will stand with you though and will often repeat Moses's (Heston's )famous line, 'from my cold dead hands' from an appearance he made at an an NRA convention.
Something you might interest you. Download or buy Andy Andrews book..
"How Do You Kill 11 Million People?: Why the Truth Matters More Than You Think" The title is harsh but it is a chilling and compelling read about genocide of Jews in WW2. It starts with a lie, often repeated, with conviction. It's a quick read and woke me up.
One last thing, I will continue to stand on my original post that Janis does not have credentials to manage and direct the Sheriff department. Just because she has been there for 20+ years does not make her a viable candidate.
A compelling question from Andy's book: 'Does it matter that millions of ordinary citizens have checked out of participating in the decisions that shape the future of our country? '
#4.2.1.1.1.1 she's the wrong choice for sheriff on 07/18/12 at 10:44 PM [Reply]
Hopefully Mike will allow me to post this clip of Heston (Moses) at NRA convention..
http://youtu.be/5ju4Gla2odw
#4.2.1.1.1.2 sheeple on 07/19/12 at 06:25 AM [Reply]
Substitute "Terrorism" for "Soviet Union".

Wash, rinse, repeat.
#4.2.1.1.1.3 Please on 07/19/12 at 03:50 PM [Reply]
I do not believe that the Obama administration is launching daily assaults on the 2nd amendment. Fast and Furious arose because his justice department was reluctant to prosecute alleged smugglers because of the difficulty of proving those cases. Feel free not to take my word for it and do your own research. Try the Fortune magazine piece, linked here: http://features.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2012/06/27/fast-and-furious-truth/

As to the Patriot Act, there are measures that can be taken that would definitely prevent terrorist attacks that would also infringe too greatly on your right and my right to be left alone and not surveilled by our government. You and I probably disagree on where that line is. I'm a lot more concerned about the poor health of the 4th amendment than the 2nd, which is thriving and probably always will be.
#4.2.1.1.1.3.1 not on 07/19/12 at 09:54 PM [Reply]
jst obama but Bush Clinton etc probably oromney will also two pairs of pants owned by the same group, not the american voters by the way, the group cares not which pair of pants the voters choose as long as the pants belong to the group.....
#4.2.1.1.1.3.1.1 she's the wrong choice for sheriff on 07/20/12 at 03:11 AM [Reply]
'pants, which pair of pants...' huh?
Are you trying to mess with our heads?
I know Sam Adams has some good summer beer, could you try that again? Or maybe you're one of the candidates trying to make a point without saying anything?
#4.3 remember this fact on 07/18/12 at 05:34 PM [Reply]
I like your post Jane, but remember this simple fact. The Sheriff is not accountable to anyone but the citizens of the county he serves. He takes an oath under God that he will protect and serve the citizens of Jackson County while upholding the Constitution of the USA. He is beholden to us not to the federal govt.
#4.3.1 bahabaha on 07/19/12 at 11:52 AM [Reply]
your funny if you think the sheriff,, judges, the president take that oath seriously, they first are beholden to themselfs and tose who got them elected, then they get there and they become beholden tothe absolute power of the office, then the money.....
#5 Come On on 07/19/12 at 01:23 AM [Reply]
ok obviously you are all adults if not you would careless about voting, but these pitiful arguments on here are not going to change anything if you want to voice your opinion GO VOTE! Thats the purpose of voting. By the way 50% of people complaining about canidates dont even vote. Thats the problem with the county to many people wanting to stir the pot but no one wanting to make the change!
#5.1 she's the wrong choice for sheriff on 07/19/12 at 11:28 AM [Reply]
Good day 'Come on' , wanna see my 'I voted' sticker? I put it on my dog's head to mess with people.
#6 ed brundige on 07/23/12 at 08:15 AM [Reply]
have researched and will be voting for andy garrison he had 38 yrs experience and is very up front with where he wants to take the sheriffs office so go vote and let your voice be heard really this is all you have left as your rights
#7 # 7 rediculous on 07/26/12 at 02:47 PM [Reply]
I think the things that have been said about candidate Gilbert are harsh and rediculous. It sounds to me someone feels threatened about his experience and his ability to run a sheriffs department.it takes more than just sitting behind a desk and letting others do the job for you. It takes experience in all areas of a sheriff department. Mr Gilbert has done it from the bottom up successfully. All these rumors that you have told are far from the truth. Now lets get a little class here and be a better person and stop playing dirty games. Sweep out behind your own backdoor first. All we hear as citizens of Jackson county is how much experience they all have but they dont have the true lived hands on experience that candidate Gilbert has. Do your homework people go on his website look at all he has done.
#7.1 To: rediculous on 07/26/12 at 03:29 PM [Reply]
Well, so far all we've seen from Gilbert supporters is attacks on the messengers and not any refuting of the facts.
If Gilbert cannot simply tell us how many people he supervised then how can we trust anything else he says? How many people did he supervise? Is it 493, is it up to 450, is it 450+ ? All three answers can be found on his campaign literature and website! Seems like a very straighforward and easy question for the HCSO candidate. That dog don't hunt.
#7.1.1 Hands on is right! on 07/26/12 at 08:40 PM [Reply]
Hands on experience is right. Ramone not only covered up the assault on HANDCUFFED INMATES his officers in the jail at Hall County made, he taught them how to do it. They just got so mad, they forgot the camera was filming everything. That's hands on for sure. It shows the assault plainly in the video that was posted on accessnorthga.com. Now, Ramone wants to play this smart, full of experience officer, but seems he forgot to tell his own supervisor, Col. Jeff Strickland about the assault until several MONTHS later after the news media did an open records request. That was in the story also. That's when the hands on hit the fan!!!! I have a hard time believing someone who smiles all the time and tells you EVERYTHING you want to hear and makes promises he can't keep. He was at the intersection of Hwy 15 @ 332 this morning waving at the traffic like he was some beauty queen or something and I have been told he's been doing that all over the county. He is just NOT the right man for the right job right now. AND that state certification stuff is just a program for agencys that can't or won't enforce their own policy and procedures. That's all it's good for. A little certificate and a little news story for the agency is all it's good for. As far as Janis not being chief deputy, (I saw this on another blog) Stan Evans has David Cochran as his chief deputy and has had for years. Janis was not considered because she's not a man!!! What does that tell you??? Anyway, hope Stan has a good retirement and enjoys his family.. Janis Mangum for Sheriff for Jackson County, 2012. A sheriff for the people!!!!
#7.1.1.1 she's not the one on 07/27/12 at 11:05 AM [Reply]
Janis Magnum is not capable of handling the duties and rigors of running the Sheriff office. Her plans for addressing the growing drug and gang problems are poorly conceived and if elected will only lead to greater problems. Her complete lack of budget and financial management experience will result in her spending way to much time coming up to speed and result in chaos within other areas of the department and county. What does it tell me that she wasn't promoted to Chief Deputy because 'she's not a man?' It tells me that our Sheriff needs to be a man. Keep up the good work as investigator Janis, finish your career in the department and take care of the kids. Let's leave the tough responsibilities of leading the Sheriff department to someone else.
#7.2 Tom Hays on 07/27/12 at 12:41 PM [Reply]
To rediculous: I believe that you will find many things posted or told by supporters of various candidates to be "ridiculous".
I looked at Ramone's website and did my own fact checking with the news papers in Hall county, WSB TV's website and Access north Georgia among others. If the only thing you looked at was a candidate's website, I feel really sorry for you.
Don't be lazy.
This is a very important choice. This choice will directly affect everyone who lives in Jackson county.
Andy Garrison has my vote. I have known him personally and find him to be of good moral character as well as well qualified for the rigors which will accompany this career.
#7.3 concernedvoter on 07/27/12 at 01:09 PM [Reply]
Those aren't lies about Gilbert, they are facts. A man is known by the company he keeps.
In the HCSO candidate’s case ask yourself about the support he is getting from the former, indicted JPD chief. This individual has been keeping close company with Gilbert at golf tournaments, planting signs and knocking on doors. What has The HCSO candidate promised this former chief?
Folks...if you truly care about this county do not vote for Gilbert... if he is elected there could be major problems in this county with reprisals and paybacks. It will not be a safe place to live, jobs will go elsewhere, gambling and crime will prevail.
#7.3.1 Mike Buffington, Publisher on 07/27/12 at 03:07 PM [Reply]
There is no former JPD chief who has been indicted.
#7.3.1.1 concernedvoter on 07/27/12 at 05:14 PM [Reply]
Well Mike, you are splitting hairs.
There indeed was a 30 count indictment on the former JPD chief. Turmoil and poor morale ruled the day when he was chief. The grand jury mysteriously returned a 'no bill', But the die was cast.
Now he is resurfacing with a likely promise of a high profile position within the Sheriff dept if the HCSO candidate were to win.
Jackson county deserves better, the list of baggage that Gilbert would bring would be a huge setback. Risk of reprisals for what occurred 6 years ago would negatively effect this county. It's a risk we need to avoid.
#7.3.2 Darren Glenn on 07/30/12 at 05:23 PM [Reply]
For years now I've had to sit back and listen to "COWARDS" like you talk bad about myself and the department I used to work for, I again have no doubt the motivations behind the current attacks. The truth is there were no moral issues and the only turmoil was created by the idiots running the so-called investigation.
I will not contiue arguing with a person that is so ashamed to sign your name after the lies that you post,I will only say a prayer that hell won't be to hot for you. I was the Police Chief for nearly ten years and was always given one of the highest evaluations of any city employee by the Mayor and my Council represenative. I love Jefferson and Jackson County and I hate only one thing about it now,people like "you" live here. I have not even spoken with Romone Gilbert about a job but as a wise ole barber once told me "you don't let the truth get in the way of a good story". I know all the people running in this race,they are all great people, we each have our reasons for voting the way we do,just support your candate without trying to destroy the lives of the others!
#8 Mike Buffington on 07/27/12 at 08:03 PM [Reply]
No, an indictment is an action by a grand jury which has not indicted any JPD chief. There was mystery as to why the grand jury didn't indict the individual you reference, the state virtually fabricated it case. I know, I've read all 7 boxes of evidence the state had in that case. Nothing there...politics run amuck. Bottom line, no indictments were ever handed down.
#9 Ms. Optimistic on 07/28/12 at 04:49 AM [Reply]
Jackson County is in for a change this year, and no matter who wins this particular election, it will take them time to get adjusted. We have had an "admin" sheriff for many many years, maybe we should start thinking about the benefits of a sheriff who would be out in the county, cleaning up the "mess" that poses a danger to our families and children on a daily basis. I have lived in Jackson County all my life, and for the most part, love it. However, with the economic situation, and the growing population, we are bound to see a lot more crime in the near future. For the most part we have been lucky. We should ALL vote for the person who has the most experience in the "out in the field" part of law enforcement, who isnt afraid to write tickets to generate revenue for the county which will ultimately help to open up more jobs making this county safer. I have a growing family, and have witnessed first hand how cruel people can be, so I am definitely casting my vote for the one who I believe will implement justice as opposed to favors, and the one who has the most integrity of the whole group. I think a couple of the candidates will do a good job, but in different ways. The point of voting, is to pick the one that you think would best suit your family and the overall good of the county they represent. Either way, Jackson Co is in for a big change... and I think it will be a good one.
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