Reading Dan Smiths Letter to the Editor in the The Enterprise on October 30th 2024, was disappointing on two levels. First, while Dan Smiths piece was well written it was also wholly deceptive. Its a shame that the Sheriff, one of our most important Constitutional Officers, feels the need to lie to the public and employ “Dog Whistle” rhetoric that was intended to be as inflammatory as it was false.
Steve Ferrings questioning of Dan Smiths expenditures relate ONLY to the operations budget of the correctional facility/jail. Lets not forget that when Dan Smith lobbied for our own jail and rejected membership in a multi-county jail, he promised that the housing of state prisoners would fund the costs. This has not happened. Instead the overages come out of your pockets as taxpayers.
Both Mr. Ferring and myself have suggested that there would be enough savings of taxpayer dollars to create at least three new patrol positions if we could reign in Dans sometimes highly questionable use of taxpayer money. In fact, I was the only County Supervisor to suggest the additional funding for law enforcement in Patrick County and Candidate Steve Ferring wholeheartedly agreed. Andrew Overby has made no such suggestion and strangely neither has Dan.
Steve Ferrings suggestion of a Central Purchasing Department, if implemented, would take all of that spending out of Dan Smiths hands and of course out of his overall budget. This WOULD NOT affect the law enforcement Personnel budget. Dan Smith would still get exactly what was needed for the jail and prisoners but the county and taxpayers would have oversight of all that spending. The purchasing of supplies is where most waste occurs in any institution and it is the first place to look when graft occurs. It is highly suspect behavior when a public official is so adamantly opposed to a policy that would provide for his departments needs and lessen his own agencies workload. Some might even say that attitude produces at least the appearance of impropriety.
Secondly, I am disappointed that Andrew Overby has come right out of the gate saying he represents the Sheriff on spending issues and not the interests of the taxpayers and residents.
Make no mistake, Dan Smith wants an open checkbook, yearly spending increases, and above all he wants no questions asked. Thats why he felt the need to bring the insults, lies and plays victim with an imaginary vendetta. Apparently the Sheriff has in fact secured the promise of both the additional funding and silence from Mr. Overby and that is truly unfortunate. I am not sure which is more damaging to taxpayer interests, a public official that fears the sheriff, or one that panders to him.
Steve Ferring wants to CUT WASTE – NOT “DEFUND” ANYTHING. Elect people with a backbone and some integrity. Vote for Steve Ferring.
-Steve Marshall, Patrick County Board of Supervisors Blue Ridge District.