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Brown, Mayfield outline solutions
Published Tuesday, November 17, 2009
NATCHEZ — Candidates for sheriff Ray Brown and Chuck Mayfield know change is coming, and each man wants to be the instigator.
Both candidates spoke before a crowd of nearly 100 people Monday night at a Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce-sponsored forum.
“I plan to construct a department that will do the best for the community,” Brown said. “(My) one main goal is moving the community forward.”
Brown said the key to his plans for running the sheriff’s office focus on bringing all aspects of law enforcement and members of the community together.
Photo by Ben Hillyer
Adams County sheriff candidate Chuck Mayfield speaks during a candidate’s forum at the Natchez Convention Center Monday night.
Photo by Ben Hillyer
Ray Brown, a candidate for sheriff, talks at a forum Monday night.
Through the implementation and continued efforts of programs such as Business Watch, Neighborhood Watch, D.A.R.E. and Big Brothers Big Sisters, Brown said he hopes to see a change in the community.
Mayfield said his experience and background in law enforcement are what makes him stand out from the pack.
“I’ve considered my background to be more diverse than any candidate in this race,” Mayfield said. “I’ve worked extensively with the state and worked cases with just about every agency you can imagine.”
Mayfield said be believes with the problems the county has experienced in recent years, it’s time to make some serious decisions — starting Nov. 24.
“Adams County stands at a crossroad. (The county) can be better or slip into something worse. I’m out here tonight as a candidate that can make things better,” Mayfield said.
Both candidates agreed that knowledge is the key to combating crime in the forms of drug use and gang activity.
Brown said education on such matters should be presented to children before they get caught up in illegal activities.
“We can educate our children about being drug and alcohol free,” Brown said. “Education is the key to it all. Until we can admit the problem we’re having in our community, we won’t be drug free.”
Brown said adults could learn about their children’s lives through paying attention to the outside influences they encounter every day.
“Let us not be blinded, but let us understand what our children are doing.”
Mayfield said children should be introduced to the truth about narcotics at an early age — first or second grade — but that mentoring was one of his preferred methods of education.
“You’ve got to educate (children and young adults) to make good choices,” Mayfield said.
Brown and Mayfield said if elected, one of their first jobs would be to interview all deputies to gauge their efficiency.
However, neither candidate said they foresaw a complete overhaul of the office.
“They are doing a good job, and until I present myself as sheriff, I’ll look into things that have been done,” Brown said.
Mayfield said he admires the continued efforts of deputies since the death of Sheriff Ronny Brown earlier this year.
“I think they’re doing a great job of holding (the office) down,” Mayfield said. “I’ve worked with most of these guys and have great respect for them. There will not be a mass firing. I’ve been a casualty in that situation and know how it feels.
“But if we could do as good of a job or a better job with fewer people, that might happen. We’ll just wait and see.”
The runoff is Nov. 24.
Absentee voting is ongoing at the circuit clerk’s office, and all voters, even those who did not vote in the first election, can vote in this runoff.
Comments
Posted by justmyopinion (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 3:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
go chuck mayfield!!!
Posted by rib (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 3:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ray Brown is a good man. i don't know him personally, but everyone i meet seems to think of him this way. he's got a good idea about parents teaching their kids about crime. "Chuck" Mayfield has the same idea. well it's a good platform, but i think adams county needs more than a parent, it needs an administrator. those programs are ideas that we as citizens or parents can accomplish. our sheriff has many more hats to wear than "#1 DAD".
our sheriff needs to understand the nation/state/community crime problems, the judiciary system, and the financial system (and problems of adams county).
as citizens of adams county, we should realize that we are responsible for abetting the crime problems of our county and city. either candidate will allow us the programs to establish drug and crime prevention. ultimately, it is our responsibility for these parent/community, drug/crime awareness programs. the sheriff's office (along with city gov.) is only a vehicle for those programs.
let's vote for the candidate that can unite us with the state and national governments to actually help our county. let's vote for the candidate that will bring the experience to the position.
let's make "Chuck" our Sheriff
Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 5:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
http://www.mayfieldforsheriff.com
:)
Posted by Big_Red16 (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 5:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Ray Brown is a good man (rib) you are right.The race had been clean until Chuck made the statement "The county is at a crossroad. It can be better or slip into something worse.I'm here as the canidate that can make things better." Well Chuck, you are WRONG. The slip was with your tongue. The worse thing for the county is to go backwards. Ray is a proven leader,with compassion for ALL.Ray has the experience and the vision for the sheriff office that can "Move the community foward." If the people of Adams county want a Sheriff that they can be PROUD of,then the choice is easy. Vote Ray Brown. The reason you hear so many good words about Ray (rib) is because "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." This will be no suprise to me when Ray WINS on Nov.24,2009. So you can choose Ray Brown to move foward or SLIP and choose Tommy Ferrell oops Chuck and go backwards. VOTE RAY BROWN!!! Go Ray Go!!!!!!
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 6:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That was just mean bigred.
And no- there's NO WAY I'll go for Mr Brown....it is Chuck Mayfield or go home!
Posted by Sophieschoice (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 6:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After attending the forum last night the difference between the 2 candidates was very evident. Mr. Brown seemed uncomfortable speaking before the people attending and had to read many of his comments. He did not present the confidence and control that one would expect from the leader of the county. Mr. Mayfield on the other hand took command of the forum easily with strong and straightforward answers that instilled the confidence and strength of a leader. While both men were very approachable, there was no question as to who stood out as the experienced, educated and strong candidate. As Chuck stated I hope people are able to vote for the candidate that presents as the most qualified and not for the color of his skin.
Posted by Big_Red16 (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 6:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gottabehappy I guess we will see ya! Mr. Brown will be our next sheriff. Ray will do a GREAT job as sheriff. VOTE FOR RAY BROWN !!!
Posted by rational (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
www.raybrown4sheriff.com
Posted by sugadada (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vote Chuck Mayfield. He's the only candidate that's QUALIFIED for the job!!
Posted by woodville2009 (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 8:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
RAY BRWN FOR SHERIFF!!!
Posted by revols (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)
re-read the statement bigred, he said "a candidate that" not "the candidate that". Chuck obviously feels that he's a better person for Sheriff. Ray obviously feels he's a better person for Sheriff. That's not running a dirty campaign.
And Chuck did not say that he would interview every deputy. That's a misprint.
Posted by Yeahuhuh (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think Chuck Mayfield is a tried and proven quantity and he better knows what he can do, what he can't do, and what he should do to get the community behind him. Here is an example.
On the raybrown4sheriff website among the obvious desirable policies of acquiring grants, teaching folks etc, Mr. Brown mentions two things that make me wonder about his experience.
"Zero tolerance drug policy" is one of them. Does that mean every little user or loser gets the attention, time and money of the sheriff's department? Or did that just sound good? Most folks realize that a sheriff's department needs to apply their efforts carefully and spend their resources wisely and for most folks the hardened criminal element gets the special attention. The idea of zero tolerance -- no matter how good it sounds -- becomes a luxury they cannot afford and would not want.
"Initiate traffic stops for drug interdiction" - is another statement Mr. Brown made on the website. In this tourist town with a history of racial strife and abuses, I wondered again exactly what he meant by his statement.
I am under the impression that whenever an officer is presented with probable cause that he is free to execute the procedure that could lead to seizures, and that officers use that tactic already. Is Mr. Brown suggesting that people -- those who do not yet show cause -- be increasingly stopped or traffic be increasingly roadblocked in order to specifically see if they can find probable cause?
Even though roadblocks and traffic stops are an essential tool for law enforcement, I don't think that increased reliance on that as a policy would do well in a tourist town like ours.
If you stop people based on their look a certain amount of profiling is usually necessary -- the black community certainly has been the victim of that policy in this country. If you stop everybody in frequent road blocks then the entire community is inconvenienced and for many citizens it is somewhere between inefficient and maddening. It just sounded to me as though Mr. Brown either had not thought out the implications of these methods or could not resist the wish to appear tough and was willing to say what he said. I am sure he is a good man and is well-meaning, but he appeared unseasoned in making such statements.
In addition to patrols, a sheriff's department is empowered with the resources to develop leads through traditional investigative methods that target criminals and leave the community to take care of business otherwise. I think most citizens favor this style of law enforcement as it is efficient and constitutionally sound.
Chuck Mayfield has tremendous experience in this type of law enforcement, and so one of the major thrusts listed on his website is to instruct his deputies to treat the citizens of this county with dignity and respect. I think we can come much closer to prospering as a community with Mayfield as sheriff.
Posted by revols (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Law enforcement may stop you in person or in your vehicle if there is reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is aloof. They may give you a pat down for their own safety at that point. If during that search there becomes probable cause of possession of drugs, then they may continue the search.
Law enforcement may further arrest you for any violation of the law. At that point, they may search you completely, search your wingspan of your car, search your car on the spot if there is probable cause, and/or make an "administrative search" completely of your car after they tow it. Finally, they may search anything they like with your consent.
Currently, law enforcement here searches your car if they have probable cause or your consent so it sounds like Ray wants to use more of the options of searching available.
Posted by drjones (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 8:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
this comment is for big red, i was there last night...this campgain has been clean and for the record chuck did not say that. Next time use your listenig skills. What chuck said was "this county is a crossroad, either we can go foward or backward, and im going to stick my neck out there and put my time in and push this community foward....i hated when people talk negative about someone then try to quote the bible. the bible does say that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, But who are you to say chuck is not a good man???....Now im going to stick my neck out here and say on Nov. 24 Ray Brown is going to loose this election because OF HIS PEOPLE ATTITUDE AND GREED...the bible how ever say in Romans 4:17 Calling those things to be not, as though they were, but you are not speaking in faith you are speaking in greed...CHUCK LET GO AND LET GOD....YOU GOT THIS....I SPEAK IT INTO EXISTENT...
Posted by sobeit (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 8:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Adams County deserves something better than a RENT-A-COP as our sheriff. Good lord, people, think about it.
Get out and vote for Chuck Mayfield for sheriff.
Posted by edmoondust (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have know Chuck Mayfield since jr. high he has always been a good guy.When he was on patrol has a regular cop,I have seen him go way out of his way to help people.We need someone like Chuck to grab the reins and lead this town into the future.A vote for Chuck Mayfield is the best thing you can do for Adams co.
Posted by lovethatntz (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It is funny how people don't see the small things. Mayfield stated "Adams County stands at a crossroad. (The county) can be better or slip into something worse. I’m out here tonight as a candidate that can make things better." The implication is that Ray Brown will make things worse. That was a cheap shot and uncalled for. More than anything, Sheriff Ronnie Brown showed us that a man who is capable of directing his men, managing his men and serving the community, can be an affective sheriff. Ray Brown is that Man!
Posted by thinkaboutit (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Big Red" not sure if you think you devisive comments are going to help you candidate, but remember that Ray "is" one of the "Tommy Ferrell cops" you speak of. If you think Tommy was so bad then why don't you ask your candidate, Ray, why he worked for Tommy so long and quit when Tommy did not get reelected?
Posted by thinkaboutit (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You know what's funny, it's how people don't understand that when you are running for office you tend to explain what "you" will do as the elected official not what the other guy will do. If one candidate says he is against crime it does not imply the other candiate is for crime. It does mean the other candiate should say what they are for or are against. Both candiates had ample opportunity to state their case and I don't believe either said anything that should be considered a cheap shot.
Posted by riverat (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
lovethatntz stated....."Mayfield stated "Adams County stands at a crossroad. (The county) can be better or slip into something worse. I’m out here tonight as a candidate that can make things better." The implication is that Ray Brown will make things worse." The implication is NOT that Ray Brown will make things worse, the implication is that Mayfield can make things better....to imply otherwise is ridiculous!
Posted by lattelovingal (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I think you will take the comments made last night the way you want to. Anytime you are running in a race for anything, you have to present yourself as the better candidate. Which both men did last night. I think they did an excellent job presenting that, however, Chuck Mayfield is still the most qualified. I think it interesting the comments that were made regarding budget management. Did anyone else notice how Mr. Brown changed his statements at the beginning of the forum from, "I manage a $41 million budget for the Adams County School District" to later, after being called on it, "I assist"? Yes, there were slips of the tongue last night, but it wasnt who was implied by big_red. Praying the citizens of Adams County make the right decision and vote Chuck Mayfield in the November 24th election.
Posted by Greenfields (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Vote for COX! He is the most educated of all! GO COX!
Posted by lovethatntz (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In all honesty, people are going to vote for a person because they have a connection with that person or because that person exists within a certain comfort zone. From the information I have seen, neither person has the experience of handling a budget or the personnel the size of the ACSO. So, it comes down to who you want in that position. I wish both of them luck in this election because both of them have invested time and effort over the past months. However, I hope that our next sheriff is given a true opportunity to be the top officer of our county and supported as such.
Posted by Diet_Coke (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:55 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Agreed latte.. I was wondering about the budget myself. He stated that he managed a $41 million budget but then changed his answer to "assist". Not trying to be rude, but what exactly was his job title where he was given power to such a large budget?
Posted by Sophieschoice (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Greenfields....he lost...or haven't u heard?
Posted by vcurrie1 (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Chuck Mayfield will make a fine Sheriff for Adams County. Not only has my family known him since I was a child, I have known him professionally as well. He is the best person suited for the task at hand and as a law enforcement professional I could not have more respect for Chuck Mayfield.
"For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." Romans 13:4
Posted by mommyof3 (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I know both Chuck and Ray. Both men are "good men" as everyone on here states. I firmly believe that neither of these men would be happy with the bickering that is going on. I believe that both men would rather that those of you that are turning this into some kind of free for all argument about who is right and who is wrong stay out of it. I for one have not made up my mind who I am voting for. I hope everyone will stop bickering on the democrat and think about both of these candidates. Both men have in fact worked under Tommy Ferrell. Who is to say that either one will turn this into a "Tommy Ferrell Repeat".
Stop and think about these candidates. Adams County can't go wrong with either one. Good luck to you both.
Posted by gottabehappy (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 1:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It'll be another "race" war vote...watch.
Posted by riverat (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ray does not manage the NPSD budget, Margaret Parsons does. He is responsible for his department's budget, which is security...it is nowhere near $41 million.
Posted by erohed (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
One does not just confront one person, say ones own child for example, and preach to them that drugs are not okay to use. You have to confront the chain or group (meaning all those that gather to do so (use drugs). If one can gather those all the way back to the dealer (top position), that would prove better. It is extremely hard for a youngster to just say "no" to a group of friends.
Posted by DeanWormer (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 6:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Big Red, you are getting as bad as Tinman on your religious spouting. You sound like one of those baptist preachers that service four or five local churches. You know the kind that thinks of HIS churches as rental properties. I'll preach at this church this Sunday and the next church the next Sunday and so on. Flock fleecers that show up and collect the procedings from the church members, and ride around in very expensive vehicles. If there is a Pearly Gate and I was in charge of who gets in, you can bet you rear end there would be a LOT of preachers that would get a swift kick in the butt and told to take a hike.
Posted by bjparker (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 7:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Let's hang together and elect Chuck Mayfield. He has the experience and expertise to handle the job. But the main thing, he has been a servant of Natchez and Adams County most of his life. He knows what is needed and he has the ability to do it. Let's move forward while we can. Vote for Chuck!!!!!
Posted by Sailaway2 (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 10:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Both men are fine candidates and with their backround will serve our county well. I just hope that the winner will consider those employees who are deputies and managers now. The organizaton that Ronnie Brown put together has had little or no problems. There have been no jail riots, major lawsuits, or a rise in crime. The new sheriff would do well to keep everybody on for at least 6 months, and tell them what his goals are to keep Adams county a safe place to live. If those goals are met then everyone wins; especially the people of Adams county. He can then run for re-election with a great chance of winning a 4 year term.
If the new sheriff replaces his top management with untried
individuals with questionable backrounds then he will find
himself a year from this summer with a host of opponents
and himself be replaced. Just a thought...."if it ain't broke
don't fix it!!"
Posted by NameThatTune (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 10:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I attended the debate last night. Mr. Mayfield was composed, articulate, and very professional. He answered all questions without hesitation. Mr. Mayfield's expertise in the law enforcement field was evident.
I think it's important to realize that Mr. Mayfield does not intend to replace the current deputies and staff. Mr. Mayfield stressed that it is important that he get "a good understanding of how the department is operating before considering/making any staff changes." Mr. Brown stated numerous times, "I will personally interview all present and future employees."
It appears that they have two vastly different priorities. Mr. Brown is concerned with replacing all existing employees; Mr. Mayfield is concerned with getting the department back in the shape it was in when Sheriff Ronny Brown was in office. The only change Mr. Mayfield plans is to get the deputies to present themselves in a more professional manner.
Posted by beachbaby (anonymous) on November 17, 2009 at 11:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is a huge difference in these two candidates backgrounds and agreeably they are both "good" men. But just being a good man does not a sheriff make ... it takes experience! Adams County needs a sheriff that can bring diverse experience in both law enforcement and administration.
I also feel both men feel deeply for the welfare of the county and its future and that this is not a decision that voters can make lightly.
Ideally, they would both win but we must vote for the candidate we feel will be best for ALL of Adams County.
Due to his experience in law enforcement and administration as well as the compassion he has shown to the people from all social and economic areas of Adams County, Mayfield offers the diversity and experience to bring stability and organization to the office of sheriff.
Posted by Diet_Coke (anonymous) on November 18, 2009 at 1:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Go Chuck!
Posted by justmyopinion (anonymous) on November 18, 2009 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
to think there wont be any turnover with either is ridiculous. either one of these men will need trusting employees. if youve done your job and not been a slammer to either candidate then-prob nothing to fear. these employees are there to do a job and it shouldnt matter who the boss is. everyone, any new sheriff makes some changes-how many did brown do? 15 or 16 i believe
Posted by Big_Red16 (anonymous) on November 18, 2009 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Ray Brown is the better canidate. Not being mean towards anyone.To move the county foward the BEST MAN in this race is Ray Brown. The people stated that in the first election and will show it again Nov.24,2009. I've known Ray a long time and know that he is a God fearing,kind, respectful,compassionate,fair,and loving family man. He has just as much law enforcement experience as Chuck.HE is a proven elected official.He didn't just start mentoring kids because a position was made for him.This is something that he has been doing a very long time.
Ray Brown is well respected in this community and around the state.Chuck was right. We should not vote on the COLOR of a person skin,but the content of the his character.Sounds familar, and so TRUE. This is the VERY REASON we should vote for RAY BROWN. drjones,sobeit,revols, read the artical ND quoted THEIR canidate not me.
VOTE RAY BROWN!!!!!!!!!
Posted by TigerLily (anonymous) on November 19, 2009 at 12:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well maybe Ray should have followed the law and turned in his finance report. Funny how he couldn't be reached for comment either. By the way Big_Red Chuck was mentoring children long before he started working at youth court. Mentoring means being a role model, being there as a nonjudgemental set of ears to try and help people, children and in my opinion adults too. So if you want to vote for character, Vote for Chuck.
P.S. just because you say Brown is God fearing, kind, respectful, compassionate, fair, and a loving family man does not mean that Chuck is not also all of those things. Mayfield has all of these traits AND what's more the qualifications and expertise required for this job.
Posted by Diet_Coke (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 9:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
TigerLily- Good points. Go Chuck
Posted by thinkaboutit (anonymous) on November 20, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Big-Red please help me understand. You say the people spoke in the primary. Does that mean that they don't want Ray as Sheriff since approximately 65% did "not" vote for him?
Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
There is only one Conservative Choice, Mayfield for Sheriff!
Posted by kubiak (anonymous) on November 24, 2009 at 7:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Bobo, you should have come along in 1776 when you could call someone boy and get away with it. Try it now face to face and see who would actually become the boy. I can't believe that you would make a remark concerning Ray's education. Won't you try reading the bible and maybe you will feel different about the other race. I am so glad I was not reared the way you were because I would be a sad situation!!!!!
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