A Big Ol' Texas Thank You!

Well, November 4th has come and gone and a lot of things have happened. I would like to encourage each and every one of us to support and pray for our military and each elected official that takes office in January 2008.

I would like to thank each and every person that encouraged, supported, and spoke on my behalf! It was truly humbling for the support that came from the great citizens of Franklin County. I look forward to working with each and every one of you!

God Bless America, the Great State of Texas, and the Citizens of Franklin County!

Your Servant,

Paul Fletcher

Who Will Protect the Protectors

Today I was confronted again with the rumor that when I win the Sheriff's race that I intend to fire all the Deputies and Police Officers. I can only answer that rumor with this statement: "I have no intention of doing this!"

To terminate any and all employees flies in the face of reason. First and foremost, any termination would have to result from a complaint that is brought to my attention after I have taken office. The Sheriff just does not fire an employee for no reason! A complaint requires, no it demands, a complete and thorough investigation of allegations and facts of the case.

If the complaint is sustained, then I would have to look at the circumstances surrounding the incident, e.g., was the action taken as the result of "mistake of head vs. mistake of heart" type violation. If the sustained complaint centers around "mistake of head" type violation then the officer was in violation due to a lack of training. These type of incidents generally merit must less severe punishment than a "mistake of heart" violation. A "mistake of heart" violation is an intentional act and almost always results in an officer stepping outside his/hers training. These type of violations will result in a more harsh punishment.

If after a thorough investigation it is revealled that the accuser (s) lied and intentionally made false allegations against a Deputy or Police Officer, you can rest assured that I will meet with the District Attorney and see what actions can be taken under Texas Law.

I have been a supervisor since 1981. In all the years that I was in a supervisory role I only had to fire one (1) employee and probably 98% of the sustained complaints that I investigated were complaints that were of the "mistake of head" type violations. I can't imagine that the numbers would be any different here.

I intend to work hard for you, the Deputies and Police Officers, because I realize that you serve by your choice. I only want to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Franklin County and you the employees.

Support from the Four Corners of Franklin County

I would like to thank each and everyone of you that is supporting me. I have met so many wonderful people during my walk and talk campaign over the last five or six weeks. What I am consistently hearing is:

1. The dislike for the "good old boy" deals that are and have been made. I am here to tell you that I do not play favorites. Law Enforcement is suppose to be neutral in order to be effective.

2. Another rumor is that I am going to fire all the deputies and police officers. I can honestly tell you that I do not plan to fire any employees. You simply do not fire or discipline employees based on rumors and half truths. Any discipline, both negative and positive, should be based on evidence that comes from a thorough investigation.

3. Honest citizens should never fear the Sheriff, his Deputies or the Police Officers of the City of Mt. Vernon.

I will assure you that I will lead by example and ensure that the employees of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office as well as the City of Mt. Vernon Police Department will work hand in hand with our citizens to prevent crime and to improve the quality of life in our wonderful community.

Favoritism and Law Enforcement

As I meet with citizens in my walk and talk campaign it is just amazing how much they are concerned with perceived favoritism when it comes to enforcing laws. I am here to assure you that I do not play favorites. The law must be neutral to be effective. As a police officer I was never allowed to play favorites....and I will not allow that in your Sheriff's Department. We need to make sure that the blindfold is in place on Lady Justice and let the exceptions be worked out in the court room.

Patrolling Franklin County

As I walk and talk with the various citizens in different areas of our great county it is just amazing how citizens in North Franklin County think that the South part of the county receive priority when it comes to deputies patrolling. When I am down South, the citizens think that the citizens in the North part of the county receive priority on this issue. I can truly tell you that as tax payers all citizens of Franklin County are entitled to the same protection. I will not favor any one part of our great county over the other end. I will ensure that patrolling will be done in an equitable way that will make sure that all citizens receive equal protection.

Loyal Supporters

It is amazing just how much support that I am receiving from all corners of Franklin County. I would like to thank each and everyone of you not only for your support and faith in me but also for each and every donation that I have received. I promise that I will work tirelessly to represent every citizen of Franklin County in the ways that I have promised. The two ads that I have placed are my core values. They are what I believe in.

I do not think that I will be able to meet each and every one of the registered voters in Franklin County.....however, I am doing my best to do so.

Thanks once again for your continued support!

Paul Fletcher