Heart Beat of Franklin County, Texas

I am returning to post information vital to citizens of Franklin County, Texas from Sheriff Paul Fletcher

2011-02-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

After a long pause, I have updated my blog site and will begin blogging again with events, news items, and other information that you will find useful as well as give you more access to me.

Sheriff Paul B. Fletcher Jr Franklin County, Texas
208 TX HWY 37 Mt. Vernon, Texas 75457
Email: Sheriff Fletcher
Sheriff Fletcher Website

A Big Ol' Texas Thank You!

2008-11-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-10-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

Support from the Four Corners of Franklin County

2008-10-01T04:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T03:59:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T03:52:00.000-07:00

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

2008-10-01T03:43:00.000-07:00

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

Spreading The Word

2008-09-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

I am doing my dead level best to meet as many people in Franklin County as possible....but with over 6,200 voters it is posing some special challenges. If I can't get to you before voting please feel free to contact me via the telephone or via this email. In addition to walking and talking I have placed ads in the newspapers. These are my core beliefs. I want each and every one of you to start holding not only me but all candidates feet to the fire for what they promise to deliver!

I apologize to all my supporters that are having signs taken from their property as well as questioned about why they placed my signs in their yards. I truly appreciate your support and promise to be there for all the citizens of Franklin County.

YOU ARE A REPUBLICAN

2008-09-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

...if you believe marriage should be between one man and one woman, you are a Republican.
...if you believe abortion is wrong, you are a Republican.
...if you believe that you should be able to own a gun to protect your family and yourself, you are a Republican.
...if you believe we should be drilling for oil on American soil, you are a Republican.
...if you believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be provided by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs the least, you are a Republican.
...if you believe government should practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn, you are a Republican.
...if you believe Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom and human rights throughout the world, you are a Republican.

WELCOME TO THE GOP

Fall Fest

2008-09-26T17:14:00.000-07:00

Fall Fest is just around the corner....can't you just smell the pancakes, stew, and a hundred other goodies that await us! Pressing the flesh and greeting old friends and making new friends is the highlite of the day. Strolling around the square and looking at the crafts and finding the just certain thing for Christmas or simply looking at the old restored cars and trucks is beyond good! Hope to see you all there!

Meeting the Public

2008-09-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

I have been pounding the pavement and meeting as many people as I can in Franklin County. The common thread is how gracious all the people have been! Even those that said they could not vote for me were wonderful! When I tell people that Franklin County and Mt. Vernon is Pre-Heaven, I mean it! It has been a long time since I have witnessed the way that a community pulls together to solve a problem or help a citizen in need! It is for reasons like this that I am running for Sheriff......the goodness of this community is simply the best!

Cheering for the Tigers

2008-09-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

Well it is Friday night again and another outstanding football game will be played between the Mt. Vernon and Mineola. Let your purple shine threw! Last Friday, the Tigers took on Winnsboro and it was the most thrilling game I have seen in years! When the smoke cleared we won by one point! I can't remember when we yelled, stamped our feet and clapped as much. I for one could barely talk the next day! Cheeeeeeer on the TIGERS tonight!

2008-09-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

This is Vicki and I on our front porch with our dog Henry. I will be blogging here and sharing what we are up to and thoughts about life here in Mt. Vernon.

Just Setting UP

2008-09-23T16:01:00.001-07:00

It is the first day and I am just setting things up, so this is a trial posting.