Clipping Sheriff Jeff’s Wings
Finally, members of the General Assembly have decided to do something about renegade Sussex County Sheriff Jeff Christopher.
We have had numerous posts about the wannabe cop deciding that not only that he had police powers (he doesn’t), that he was the supreme law of the land (he isn’t), and that he was sovereign to all other elected officials in Sussex County (he’s not).
Rep. Dan Short of Seaford and Sen. Gary Simpson of Milford, both Republicans, are the lead sponsors of House Bill 290, which eliminates several references to county sheriffs in parts of the Delaware Code that deal with law enforcement power.
It also adds specific language to numerous sections of the code stating that sheriffs and their deputies do not have arrest authority, including the definition of “Peace Officer,” which Christopher has pointed to as proof his office’s arrest powers.
The bill is supported by the entire House GOP caucus and “leading House Democrats.” House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf repeatedly told the GOP that they were going to have to take the lead on reining in Christopher, since he’s one of theirs.
Christopher, a Republican, said his party’s endorsement of the legislation was a surprise.
“I’m surprised that there’s so many Republican sponsors on it,” he said. “I don’t think they realize what this entails.”
The Sussex County Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to endorse Short’s bill.
Jeff, they do realize what this entails. It means that you are now on notice that you have to obey the law and your oath of office. And if you cannot, you need to resign or face being removed from office.
Christopher vowed to fight the legislation and said he plans to voice his opposition at a committee hearing on HB 290 tentatively scheduled for Wednesday.
“This is a literal attempt to rid the people of their elected office of sheriff,” he said. “Politics as they are in Delaware, they’re prevailing over common sense, law and reason.”
No, Jeff, it’s not. It’s clarifying once and for all that you are not a cop. You’re the one not using common sense, law, or reason. For if you were, we would not be in this position. By all means, show up next Wednesday and make an ass out of yourself. We need some entertainment up at Leg Hall. I do hope that they have more security at Leg Hall next week, because you know the pitchfork-toting teabaggers from Sussex will be there in force.
Tags: Jeff Christopher, sheriff, Sussex County, Sussex County Republicans, Teabaggers
Pete Schwartzkopf had said that he would support such a bill, but it would be up to the R’s to sponsor it since Christopher was a Rethug Gone Wild. The R’s finally did.
The fact that this appears to have taken Christopher by surprise speaks to the level of his delusion.
Should make for great fun at the committee meeting.
Anybody free to take it all in?
I wish I didn’t have to be in DC that day, otherwise I’d go. Then again, I do have some leave to use. Hmmm….
Jeff Christopher is even nuttier that Robert Reed was. I figured he’d calm down after Vance Phillips cracked him. It’s about time the legislature did something about the shenanigans in the Sussex Sheriff’s office. They need to yank their sidearms while they’re at it, before those chumps get our county sued.
I just hope Christopher does not find Dan Short and Gary Simpson guilty of sedition prior to the bill coming up for a vote.
Just for shits and giggles, could Christopher pull John Atkins over on the fake D’s next trip to Dover?
Christopher should take this law to court, get smacked down and finally put this all to rest.
The quickest way to lose fiscal conservatives on this issue is to tell them how much they would have to pay in taxes in order for Christopher to have his way.
Conservatives may love the Constitution, but the love their money more.
All known comedic measuring instruments and tools would be rendered obsolete.
I decided to take a leave day so I could cover the hearing next week. I’m bringing popcorn.
Sheriff McGraw, I mean, Christopher need only call upon his aide and confidante, BabaLooey; Snuffles must wait outside. Should things not swing into QuickDraw McGraw, I meant Badge Boy Jeff Christopher’s favour, then El Kabong could take the stand and fences..um, fence with standing pretenses, or defend the present circumstances. Uh, don’t he get a gun?
Will anyone be attending the Sussex County Council meeting tomorrow? Bodie and his band of misfit toys are planning on taking over the public comment portion of the meeting to speak out against HB 290 and in favor of the sheriff.
Bodie was all over Gaffney this morning inviting everyone to attend. My only hope is that the sane residents of Sussex County show up and outnumber his “posse”.