Tuesday, June 17, 2008

CAMPAIGN SPEECH: The South Rockdale Civic Association

Political Campaign Forum

Good Evening, first I want to say thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for granting me the opportunity as a Candidate for the Office of Sheriff in Rockdale County, Georgia. I would like to thank The South Rockdale Civic Association and Home Owners’ Association for extending the invitation to speak at the Political Forum. I would also like to thank those who are present, those who have been very supportive of my mission and vision for Rockdale County, and most importantly each citizen that lives and works in Rockdale County.

I am sorry that because of a previous obligation, I am not able to stand before you this evening. Currently, I am in a graduate program at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, Columbus State University pursuing a Master Degree in Public Administration (MPA), graduating in December 13, 2008.

I, Donald Ferguson decided to seek the Office of Sheriff because I believe that the citizens of Rockdale County deserve the very best protection and services from the Sheriff’s Office. I feel an obligation to help create positive change for our communities. It is my pledge to return the “Office of Sheriff” back to the people.

“The Time Is Now” to develop a level of service, second to none, by providing special assistance for two of our most precious resources: our youth and senior citizens. Being a parent myself, I am reminded daily of the dangers and pitfalls facing our children, such as drugs, gangs, and other criminal activities.

I will ensure the adequate training and support to all community partnerships as a method of understanding such critical issues that has caused a rippling effect on our community. I will also stand accountable ensuring that all Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office personnel are professional trained to meet the needs of the community and to perform tasks with a high level of proficiency. This will include increasing incidents related to autistism and mental illness.

One of the largest problems I see in this county is the community disconnect with law enforcement. The public is disgruntled because the perception is, that “No Body Cares”. I believe this is caused in large part to massive turnover. The Rockdale County Sheriff’s Office loses excellent employees constantly to agencies all over the metro Atlanta area dues to the lack of competitive salaries and compensation. When employees leave in mass, it makes community relations impossible. There is no continuity or consistency and no time to build relationships in the communities.

I bring to the community my analytical, administrative and organizational skills. My ability to achieve goals, objectives, and futuristic, both short and long-term visions will provide a safe, secure, and better quality of life for all citizens of Rockdale County. With over 23 years of law enforcement experience, I am currently a Captain; Commander of the Planning and Research Division and the agency’s accreditation manager with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Atlanta, Georgia. Also, I served as the Day Watch Commander and Training Coordinator in the Warrant Service and Patrol Division from April 1997 – December 10, 1999. I have a B.A. Degree in Psychology, B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice, graduate of the Southern Police Institute, the Southwestern Law Enforcement Institute, and Georgia State P.O.S.T Certified Master Training Instructor among many achievements.

As Sheriff, I will manage a very proactive and professional law enforcement organization that is dedicated to the communities needs. This means more crime intervention and prevention, which will lead to less crime responses. My strategic plan will focus on innovative community oriented policing strategies directed towards proactive policing which constitutes but not limited to: an aggressive attack against youth gangs and substance abuse affecting our communities through intervention and prevention programs, rehabilitation programs for those incarcerated, extra patrols for citizens in high risk communities and business districts as a method to combat home and business invasions, a multi-agency county disaster plan, effective neighborhood watch programs, and quarterly town hall meetings to allow the citizens to voice their concerns and influence the direction of the agency.

I will also build partnerships with local school officials, city and county government, sister law enforcement agencies, and civic organizations ensuring citizen confidence.

In closing, “The Time Is Now”. Vote Donald Ferguson, For Sheriff, July 15 & November 4, 2008. I am the only candidate qualified to address the expansions and necessary changes required for our county to flourish into the next century and thereafter. Rockdale County CHANGE begins with Donald Ferguson, thank you.

Sincerely,

Donald Ferguson

Latest News!

Dems Pick Ferguson 7/16/2008

Sheriff candidates to hold campaign events 6/20/2008

CAMPAIGN SPEECH: The South Rockdale Civic Association
Political Campaign Forum 6/17/2008

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