Sussex Teabag Sheriff Jeff Christopher Gunning for a Show Down w/ SC County Council
Electing a Teabag is a bad idea. Electing a Teabag to a job where they get a badge and a car with lights on top is a really bad idea.
You see, the “Sheriff” in Sussex is supposed to be an officer of the court who serves legal documents and oversees foreclosures. The Sheriff is not supposed to be a six gun slinging, Chuck-Fucking-Norris-wanabee, who crashes through saloon doors to blast away at liberals, Mexicans, gays and other low life saloon dwellers.
But Jeff Christopher is that Teabag Sheriff. His letters reveal him to be the kind of nutbag that you don’t want in office. He thinks that Sussex needs the wild west sort of Sheriff to protect the “Constitution” which he says is under attack and he is fixing for a showdown on March 15th to settle the question of what type of Sheriff he is going to be.
Right now it is the battle to pack that March 15th council meeting with as many lunatic followers as possible.
My name is Jeff Christopher and I am your Sussex County Sheriff. Many of you have heard me at the 9-12 Delaware Patriot meetings in Millsboro. You elected me because I am a Constitutional and Conservative Sheriff who believes that the power of the office comes from you the people.
Recently after taking office I was challenged by County Council members as to my authority and despite my running to improve and make the office more proactive and provide more services, County Council members deny that I ran on this basis and have blocked all efforts I have made to improve the office. They remain convinced that your elected Sheriff has no Constitutional Authority and despite state law listing the Sheriff as a Law Enforcement Agency, we have no support from County Council.
You support us, The Delaware State Police support us, but the members of County Council do not and in fact have recently stooped so low as to draft and attempt to introduce a bill to diminish and or abolish your Sheriff and your right to vote for your Sheriff. They want to make it an appointed position.
I need your help. On March 15th at 10 am I am scheduled to present my case before County Council at the regular CC meeting at Council Chambers on the circle. I need you to come and show your support for me and ask why CC would draft such a bill to take away the rights of people who spoke loud and clear last November. They are making a mockery of the patriots of this county.
I want to strengthen and preserve this office for the people and will fight to the end!!
Thank You and God Bless
Hope to see you there!!
Sincerely,
Your Sussex County Sheriff
Jeff Christopher
If Vance Phillips is the voice of sanity and reason, you know you are in trouble.
My name is Vance Phillips and I have served on the Sussex County Council for more than a decade. I am a sixth-generation Sussex Countian whose ancestors helped build a strong county, strong state, and a strong America.
My roots in County government were established when overzealous politicians sought to establish unconstitutional laws that would have invaded our privacy and created extreme regulations on our homes through Owner Occupied Housing Codes. I stood shoulder to shoulder with freedom-loving citizens on the steps of the Sussex County Courthouse in 1997 to denounce government intrusiveness and I have been fighting the battle ever since.
Recently, the newly elected Sussex County Sheriff, Jeffrey Christopher, wrote in your newsletter inflammatory rhetoric which ignored certain basic facts, a fundamental requirement for any civil discourse. I wanted to take a moment to offer some perspective in hopes of setting the record straight so a healthy and productive discussion about our County and the role of our sheriff can occur.
Sheriff Christopher claims the County Council has “blocked all efforts I have made to improve the office”. This is simply not true. Sheriff Christopher fails to mention he has yet to make a public presentation or request to the County Council for these supposed improvements. This is understandable, since the sheriff only took office eight weeks ago.
The Sheriff goes on to claim the County Council has “stooped so low as to draft and attempt to introduce a bill to diminish and or abolish your Sheriff and your right to vote for your Sheriff.” I cannot speak for the General Assembly or efforts on the part of others, but no such bill has been brought to the County Council for consideration since the new Sheriff has taken office. To the contrary, I and the County Council fought passionately for our local elected officials when Governor Markell proposed transferring authority of some row offices to the State. Mr. Christopher’s accusation appears to be without merit, and in the absence of facts, is reckless and unbecoming of a public servant, in my opinion.
On another note, Sheriff Christopher claims that the Delaware State Police support him. But the County Council has not received any indication of DSP support of the sheriff’s yet-to-be defined agenda.
I have had several conversations with the new Sussex County sheriff and made clear to him that I respect his authority as an elected official of the people and want him to succeed in executing the platform on which he was elected. But I also have reminded the sheriff that the Sussex County Council is responsible for the prudent expenditure of taxpayer dollars and our deliberative body must give thoughtful consideration to each row officer’s budget.
Sheriff Christopher has yet to submit his very first budget, so his claims of denial by the County Council are, to say the least, exaggerated. In a manner of speaking, we’re putting the cart before the horse.
I personally suggested that the Sheriff appear publicly before the County Council and scheduled him for the March 15th meeting. I, too, would like to extend the invitation for you to join us as we begin the public discussion on the role of the County Sheriff’s office.
Patriots are first and foremost thoughtful and responsible, so I trust you will weigh all the evidence in these discussions. I welcome your valuable insights.
There is a reason why Sussex County Council is the only government at the State or County level that has not had to raise taxes. [In fact, the County plans to cut its capitation tax this year.] There is a reason why Sussex County has actually reduced the size of its government in the last two years to meet the financial crisis our society faces and has no general fund debt. There is a reason why Sussex County has the lowest unemployment rates and highest quality of life in the state of Delaware.
It is because our government is respectful of the Constitution, adheres to conservative principles and is mindful of the needs of its citizens. Our philosophy promotes personal responsibility, free enterprise and a fear of God.
I look forward to seeing you on March 15. If you are unable to attend, please join us on the Internet at www.sussexcountyde.gov.
Vance Phillips
I bolded that sentence, “Patriots are first and foremost thoughtful and responsible,” because I think ti is funny that vance needs to throw that out there when facing off against someone crazier than he is.
And BTW Vance, please dispense with all the “Dear Patriots” BS – you sound ridiculous.
Wow:
I feel compelled to salute impressive writing when I see it, and I consider that sentence to be an example, so my hat is off to you. Concise, richly descriptive, and expressive. Props.
The reason Sussex County hasnt raised taxes is because the state foots the bill for them.
OHHHH, can I bring popcorn into the council chambers with me???
This ought to be fun………..
you certainly don’t bring a Tea Bagger into an office that had revenue FOR the county to the tune of over 2 million
if he starts enforcing laws – where will that revenue go..he may have read the consitution but he forgot the Delaware code where the sheriff is expressly EXEMPTED from being a law enforcement officer
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title10/c021/index.shtml
http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/office/opinions/2000/00ib16.htm
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c019/sc01/index.shtml
http://delcode.delaware.gov/title11/c084/index.shtml
they may ues the DELJIS system, but that is IT….
yup – right down the drain
Well Jason, I, myself, take umbrage at your classifying me as a low-life.
When, on the rare occasion, I’ve been knee-knocking, snot slinging drunk, I never fail to say,”Pardon me”, before vomiting on your shoe.
Good manners and good breeding go hand in hand.
Anon – I saw that in Vance’s letter and laughed. What a joke. Vance also says that he wants the Sheriff to operate under the platform that he was elected. So Vance wants him to enact this range of wignut wish list items – vastly expanding the Sheriff’s office responsibilities:
National defense? Better “BOADER” Patrol? Rounding up Mexicans? Means testing social security? These items seem above his pay grade – but I’m not a SC county voter.
I love my saloon dwelling brothers and sisters. It is the teabag Sherriff that see us as the threat to civil order.
Oh my. It sounds like Sheriff Christopher is a Joe Arpaio wannabe.
Also, what’s all this talk of borders? Sussex County does not have an international border.
I know. He sounds like he wants to be the Sheriff of Yuma County.
I’ll be at the meeting so I can report live what happens.
MJ – Good on you, but let me be the first to say, Beware the Ides of March.
I’ll go in drag so no one recognizes me. 🙂
He’s full of Patriot 9-12 and such, but he’s nothing but a re-run of Sheriff Robert Reed who started all this horseshit with the Sheriff’s office. The last Sheriff, Eric Swanson, was retired DSP so he didn’t have the inferiority complex that motivates these other clowns. One of the deputy chumps will end up shooting someone, the County will get sued – AND PAY, and our beloved Cap Jones will roll over in his grave if he hasn’t already. And the Delaware State Police have never supported the organization of any non-municipal police department, and NEVER WILL. And Vance “The Brown Nose” Phillips is full of shit as usual.
So this paragon of Old West virtue is lying when he say, ” The Delaware State Police support us,” ?
Riiiiiiiiiight. Nobody would brazenly lie like that when the truth would be so easily uncovered by asking the DSP.
He’s lying, Jason.
This is Exhibit 1, 2 and 3 as to why the Sheriff’s Office in all three counties ought to be professionalized and made part of the court system. They exist only for limited court enforcement duties and aren’t law enforcement — no matter what they campaign on.
And it is amusing to see one more elected official with an eye to expand his office, while everyone else is trying to come u with ways to cut back. This one, in particular, has put on paper his “all the government you can eat” philosophy with absolutely no estimate as to what that might cost.
Agreed, but there are no adults in the room. If you look at Vance’s letter, he seems ready to give this guy whatever he wants, or at least a huge share of the power he is intent on grabbing.
Another thing about the Sheriff – he is prohibited by County Council from having any type of emergency lights on his vehicle. And he is lying about DSP support.
Anon incorrectly states:
“The reason Sussex County hasnt raised taxes is because the state foots the bill for them.”
Bullshit. They haven’t raised taxes because they provide very little in terms of substantive services to the taxpayers.
Unstable Isotope says:
“Also, what’s all this talk of borders? Sussex County does not have an international border.”
He may have been indirectly referring to the wall we would like to build to separate us from Kent and New Castle counties.
MJ says:
“I’ll be at the meeting so I can report live what happens…
I’ll go in drag so no one recognizes me. :-)”
Be careful. Worst case scenario: Sam Wilson may try to cop a feel.
Delbert correctly states:
“… but he’s nothing but a re-run of Sheriff Robert Reed who started all this horseshit with the Sheriff’s office.”
… And the Delaware State Police have never supported the organization of any non-municipal police department, and NEVER WILL.”
Indeed. I still remember the insane gleam in the Bobster’s eyes when he was trying to get the support of the Delaware law enforcement community to fulfill his wet dream of becoming a real cop. Then, when he finally did realize that dream (in Maryland), things predictably didn’t work out so well. The State Police, and Muriel (Jane) Brady, were his biggest obstacles in this endeavor.
Jason says:
“Riiiiiiiiiight. Nobody would brazenly lie like that when the truth would be so easily uncovered by asking the DSP.”
To which Delbert correctly responds:
“He’s lying, Jason.”
Yep. In my experience, DSP is very protective of their jurisdictions and authority.
Furthermore, I believe Christopher, perhaps intentionally, kept this crusade very low profile during his campaign.
That being said, as a victim of a theft (October 2010) and a burglary (January 2011), and having watched both cases bunged and mishandled, I believe there is a need for another law enforcement agency in Sussex. (I have also said this long before experiencing the aforementioned crimes.)
Theoretically, it could be done by the county. But, it would have to be accomplished by different means than has been attempted by the last two buffoons.
Mis – if Sam comes near me, will you protect me?
Hey MJ, I don’t know about protecting you. We’ll easily be outnumbered.
But, I’ll be willing to stand next to you as we take a beating.
I THINK you can contact me.
If not, ask UI. I give her permission here.
“Patriots are first and foremost thoughtful and responsible…” This is one of the most hysterical things I’ve ever read. He’s talking about a rabid hysterical mob that just figuratively hung Ron Sams.
@skippert and MJ –
Skipper – you da man!! – but MJ will have me too
in drag as well!!
Should we meet for breakfast beforehand? I know a good Latino restaurant that makes a great breakfast.
ROTFLMAO – SURE!! SHOW me the way!
we can get some hot sauce to fire up before-hand!
I’m confused.
Do I have to dress as a chick?
My wife will help me.
Low heels?
High heels won’t work when you’re mano ye mano.
Please advise.
Low heels baby – the pavement is uneven…
jeans, collared polo and flats – do the androgynous thing…
we will take care of you.
mano y mano
really tho – boots OR suits!!
Where do we meet stud? That would be you Aoine.
Maybe Sheriff Christopher thinks that the Sussex Coast line is an international border??
and he’s gonna ask the Council for a flotilla or Armada to protect our shores, turn Cape Henlopen State Park back into Fort Miles and re-use the Watch-towers for the invasion of Obama’s forces, coming to take over!!
whoops, must have forgot about that pesky thing called the US Coast Guard!!
So, how many of you wanna bet he’s an active member of this group:
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
well, DUH!
@skippertee…contact jason330, Cass, or Pandora for my contact info
we can bus you in…LOLOL…
So, anyone who wants to meet before Sussex County Council we’ll be at Mi Laurita on North Race Street in Georgetown at 8:30 AM Tuesday.
It was no secret to anyone listening to him campaign that Christopher was going to pull this as soon as he could. In fact, it’s odd to Phillips act surprised. He was a major supporter of Phillips.
Last night, a wise and beautiful woman told Mongo, “Vance is the person who brought this tool to the shed.”.
I wonder where Jeff Christopher thinks he is going to get all the funds he is going to need for all the kevlar, night vision and ammo he wants to buy? (All this tactical shit looks expensive.)
Confiscating the property of suspected drug dealers and selling it on ebay I guess.
Jeff Christopher will be heard by SC Council, then on a later date will be nicely told to pack sand up his ass.
Is Vance Phillips in touch with reality. I have a son and 3 nieces and nephews living in Sussex. All of them are out of work, so are all their friends. If you want to work at a chicken catching house for min. wage, or work at Walmart at min. wage, you can get in line for one of those great jobs. Sussex County “unemployement is low says Phillips”, what is he smokin! If they keep throwing people out of their manufactured houses (which they do everyday), where does this Council think these people are going. I believe Sussex has a very high rate of people on food stamps, medicaid, and other programs because there are no jobs, forget about high paying.
“I wonder where Jeff Christopher thinks he is going to get all the funds he is going to need for all the kevlar, night vision and ammo he wants to buy?”
Should the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office ever be classified as an actual law enforcement agency, as defined by Delaware Code, they would be instantly eligible for a major pantsload of state and federal grants that would cover virtually all equipment needs.
If one knows how to game the system, everything from vehicles, weapons, soft body armor, communications equipment, radar for speed enforcement, night vision, thermal imaging scopes, Mobile Command Centers, to those pretty (and illusive, for some) emergency lights are there for the taking.
In short, if any police officer in this state is in need of the basic tools to perform the job, his/her chief should be replaced by someone who can carefully word an application.
BONUS! Law Enforcement Factoid of the Day:
When Joe Biden was on the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, he really came through for Delaware law enforcement by tipping us off about certain federal grants, and greasing the skids.
@ MJ
“Mis – if Sam comes near me, …”
Won’t be at this one, but it looks like you’re well covered.
Chivalry is not dead.
Looking forward to your assessment of the county clusterfuck.
Mis – do you know if we can bring laptops into the meeting?
Story in the News-Journal on the subject: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110314/NEWS02/103140336/Sheriff-s-ideas-raising-eyebrows?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home
MJ: Yes, laptops are permitted. The county building has free public wifi, too.
Today is D-Day. Everyone has been trying to walk back the CRAZY. I guess we’ll see how successful they are at that.
Wasn’t MJ going to this thing?
The baggerz must have kidnapped him – we are waiting for a ransom demand….