The Sheriff has finally responded to our concerns ... by lashing out at blogs. Here is his statement, published as a letter to the editor in the Sunday Independent of 3/2/08:
Editor, The Independent
I would like to take this opportunity to address the citizens of Shiawassee County about a story that first appeared in the (Owosso) Argus Press on Jan. 24, 2008.
...
The (Owosso) Argus Press published a story alleging that I assaulted the officer without obtaining my statement or the report that was issued to the Board of Commissioners.
The Argus Press gathered most of their information from a local blog. (A blog is an Internet Web log where individuals can post anonymously and write anything without any accountability. The Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce had a community forum/blog but it was halted because of negativity and untruthful information.)
When the reporter for the Argus Press asked me about the incident I stated: "There was not an assault and that she was attacking the integrity and credibility of this office with rumors, gossip and political here-say from political blogs with anonymous posters.
"There are 73,000 residents of this county that depend on this office for a major portion of their public safety. If you destroy the integrity and credibility of this department then be prepared to be held responsible for your actions." This quote was not reported accurately in the Argus Press.
Several days later when I was on my way home from church the same reporter called me about an accident that occurred the previous day. I told her that if she wanted a copy of the accident report then she could get it after it has been reviewed.
She became very offensive and wanted the report immediately. I told her that as per normal policy, which is after my review, I would release it.
She continued to be very persistent that I give her the report that day and I told her to submit a FOIA request. The next story that appeared in the Argus claimed that I was making good on my threats. They claimed "Before the story ran, Wilson threatened the Argus Press, saying the paper wouldn't receive any information from his department if it was published." This is simply not true and originally appeared on the blogs. Following the story they started submitting FOIA requests for all accidents handled by the department.
The stories and editorials continued so I met with the editor of the Argus Press and we came to a gentleman's agreement about releasing accident information. I thought everything had been resolved yet the Argus Press continues to state that the department isn't providing information.
Local bloggers and reporters claim that I am using "bullying" tactics to spread fear and intimidation. In fact, local bloggers, political operatives and possible candidates are trying to bully me into not running.
I am running for office and will not be intimidated by partisan politics, blogs and inaccurate reporting nor will I continue to discuss this matter in the press. This issue was resolved last May when the official report given to the board of commissioners stated that an assault did not occur, there was not a hostile work environment and that I was not in violation of any county policy.
It is my hope that the department and I can focus on public safety instead of dealing with false allegations posted on blogs.
Bloggers have tried to charge me, convict me and sentence me without due process under the Constitution - even some in the news media have bought into it.
As always, I have an open door policy and if citizens would like to speak with me they can reach me at (989) 743-2297.
If anyone has a problem or concern about the Shiawassee County Sheriff's Department, it should be addressed to me as your elected sheriff - not to Shiawassee County Board of Commisioners members or the Shiawassee County Administrator - since none of those people have any involvement in the day-to-day operation of this law enforcement agency.
Sheriff Jon Wilson, Corunna
This letter is total crap, and I intend to respond to it.
