Comments on: Albritton Announces Candidacy For Escambia Ala. Sheriff

By: A citizen

A citizen — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 22:28:30 +0000

I have to say Escambia County needs a change. I can tell you stories of Grover Smith’s (as well as a few other’s) connections in Brewton – not Escambia County. I refer to it as cronism. It is very strong on our little community. I think someone like Albritton can make the beginning of change in our local government by NOT being part of that local brotherhood. It starts with one person with integrity to make a stand. Each of us is that one person. Lets day good by to Grover and a few of his friends.

By: Travelin' Man

Travelin' Man — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:00:34 +0000

I think the job of Sheriff is one of management and leadership. A top notch Deputy might make a lousy Sheriff and vice versa. Too many of you above are making a judgement based on “what he looks like”. I recommend you get to know Mr Albritton before you decide about his ability to hold the office he seeks. Personally, I think two terms in ANY elected office is enough.

By: observation

observation — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:32:37 +0000

Am I understanding correctly ………….”This position is one that you are “groomed” for by others. It takes years of working not only the streets but making connections at the right levels within the county.”

Hmmmmm….serious?

By: Safebear

Safebear — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:08:03 +0000

This guy looks too much like an office guy. You can’t manage a Sheriff’s Department from behind a desk. Especially in a county like this where at any given time he may have to get out from behind that desk and back up one of his officers at a scene somewhere. I think he needs to come down off his ego go back to selling whatever he was selling.

By: People are telling half truths and whole lies

People are telling half truths and whole lies — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:44:13 +0000

Thank you “Local Yocal”, well spoken.

By: Local Yocal

Local Yocal — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 04:28:36 +0000

I commend “People are telling half truths and whole lies” as you have stated the facts as they are within the Sheriff’s Department. I am a former employee of this department and of the Sheriff that Grover Smith replaced. I cannot commend Sheriff Smith enough of the job he has done since taking office. He has utilized every resource available to him to improve the department, including the addition of Mike Lambert as chief deputy; which was one of the best selections for the job that Grover could have made. Given some of the “shady” decisions made by the last Sheriff, many of the citizens of Escambia County would have been applaud if they knew what was really going on back then; Grover has been a breath of fresh air.
I now Lloyd Albritton and have for most of my life and think very well of him. However I do not think he fully understands what it takes to be the Sheriff of Escambia County nor understands the qualifications it takes to run this department. He has spent too many years away from here to “really” know the inner workings of this county. Being elected Sheriff is not about campaigning to the voters of Escambia County. This position is one that you are “groomed” for by others. It takes years of working not only the streets but making connections at the right levels within the county. It is not a job you just step into, and if you are not careful you will become a puppet of the people who paid for your campaign like the former Sheriff did.
Lloyd, I wish you the best, but this might just be a decision you re-think and run for another office. Anyway, best of luck!!

By: get off that soapbox

get off that soapbox — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 15:26:18 +0000

Voting for Grover Smith again and proud to say it. Has done a great job with resources available. Super nice guy and always professional. You know that old saying , “If you can’t say something, nice don’t say anythng at all”. But then they wouldn’t be many comments would there?

By: People are telling half truth’s and whole lies.

People are telling half truth’s and whole lies. — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 23:44:30 +0000

Too many investigators? The sheriff’s Department has eight investigators, most of which are covered by grant’s, meaning that the county pays part or none of their salary. Three are Drug Task Force, covered by a grant. Two are Domestic Violence Crime Unit, covered by a grant. One is assigned to the Child Advocacy Center, covered by a grant. The other two are Criminal Investigators, not covered by a grant. You also must know that the investigator’s work patrol when needed, take walk in complaints, register and track the sex offenders in the county and are on call 24-7. I will agree that there should be more than two Deputies’ out, and on some nights there are. If the county commission would give the Sheriff money to hire more patrol Deputy’s I’m sure he would. I am also sure that the Sheriff would take into consideration any suggestions to solve the issues that have been brought up.

Oh and just some free information, prior to the current Sheriff’s election into office there were only one Deputy on duty at night. The Sheriff’s Department has more Deputies’ employed now than any prior administration and the Sheriff has had to fight for every penny to get those Deputies.

By: preacher man

preacher man — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:14:14 +0000

scotty was on office over 20 yrs,hawsey was in office about 20 yrs, why rock the boat let grover stay in office 25/30 plus
yrs.

By: Billy

Billy — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:07:52 +0000

To Mr. Albritton,

That was very professional. You are earning my respect.