- April 23, 2024
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Ray Stevens’ false attack ad showed his own lack of integrity
Dear Editor:
A recent political advertisement approved by Ray Stevens, candidate for sheriff, claimed “facts” that were nothing more than another attempt to manipulate the truth.
I never resigned my position as chief of police under pressure from anyone and made my intentions to retire known to the governing body months in advance. There is no such position as a “New Jersey state prosecutor,” nor did any such official investigate me for insubordination for refusing to staff a polling place.
Quite the contrary, the New Jersey attorney general, who is the chief law enforcement officer of the state, ordered that no officers shall be placed at the polling places and I obeyed that order.
The second “fact” Ray Stevens asserts is that I was sued for not allowing officers to assist the New York Police Department in the days following the 9/11 attacks. I sent officers to New York City by ferry on the day of the attack. What Stevens fails to point out is that I was following the orders of the NYPD and the orders from New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who had issued his first public announcement at 9:57 p.m. the evening of the attacks, that no more volunteers were needed, “not even for the evening’s rescue effort.”
The lawsuit against me was dismissed, and the court found the person’s concern “took the form of challenging Pollinger’s orders persistently, flagrantly, and in front of others. We agree with the expression of his concern was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining obedience, order and discipline in the police department, especially in a time of crisis that was the time period immediately following the attacks of Sept. 11.”
Thirty-seven residents from my community were murdered on Sept. 11, and for Stevens to question the unfolding events while he was watching it on TV in Florida is reprehensible to say the least.
Ray Stevens’ final “fact” was a matter addressed in a highly publicized lawsuit by one of his supporters, and the lawsuit was dismissed by the courts.
Ray Stevens has run on a slogan of “small town values,” but I don’t believe his type of values exist here in Flagler County. I ask the voters in Flagler County to look closely at Ray Stevens, the falsehoods he has put forth, and decide whether he possesses the character and integrity to hold the office of Flagler County sheriff.
John F. Pollinger
Republican candidate for Flagler County Sheriff
Bands should be an integral part of community celebrations
Dear Editor:
I really enjoyed the Flagler Beach parade in spite of the heat but was really disappointed that our local high school bands do not participate. It seems that these groups, supported by our tax dollars, should be an integral part of community celebrations like July Fourth, as well as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and others. What’s up with the school bands?
Gary DeKay
Palm Coast
