The earliest Hege could file for the Nov. 2010 election is February, but FOX8 reports that “Vote for Hege” signs already have appeared across the county.
Hege held the office of Davidson County Sheriff for 10 years, beginning in 1994. During his decade as sheriff, Hege’s eccentric management style and public persona made him a polarizing figure in the county. The self-proclaimed “America’s Toughest Sheriff” had the Davidson County Jail painted pink with crying blue teddy bears, removed all TVs and books — except the Bible — from the jail and reinstituted chain gang labor.
Hege, a Vietnam veteran, was also well-known for wearing paramilitary fatigues and driving a sheriff’s car painted with silver spiders. One year, he sent out Christmas cards featuring him and the severed head of Osama bin Laden, titled “Happy Ramadan.”
In May 2004, Hege pleaded guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice for attempting to cover up money missing from the vice and narcotics unit of the sheriff’s department. He was removed from office and served three years of probation, which ended in 2007.
Hege was indicted on five counts of embezzlement by a public officer, five counts of obtaining property by false pretenses, two counts of obstruction of justice, one count of endeavoring to intercept oral communication, one count of aiding and abetting to endeavor to intercept oral communication and one count of aiding and abetting to obtain property by false pretenses. As part of his plea bargain, 13 of the 15 charges were dismissed.
Allegations against Hege included that he misappropriated county funds and equipment, ordered prisoner abuse, promoted racial profiling, falsified crime statistics and engaged in speeding and reckless driving in his “spider car.”
Current Davidson County Sheriff David Grice, who has held the office since 2004, said that he plans to run for re-election in 2010.
“I will be running next year on the Republican ticket for sheriff in the primary and general elections,” Grice said. “I feel like the sheriff’s office under my administration has done an excellent job, and we’ve earned a second term.”
He said that Hege’s “in-your-face” leadership style was diametrically opposed to his own, which he considers to be more professional.
“We run an honest, professional organization with good management.” Grice said. “My interest in being sheriff is what is best for the people of the county, the victims of crimes and the taxpayers.”
Grice also said that as a convicted felon, Hege cannot own a firearm, but he is allowed to run for public office.
Staff Writer Karissa Minn can be reached at 888-3576 or newsdesk@tvilletimes.com.
But, when elected to serve the people in senior law enforcement capacity the individual is held to higher standards, and must represent her/him in such a manner. On the other hand, while serving in an official capacity and indicted with two felony counts the official ascertains it best to resign. Now, after the end of the probation period the individual now wants to return to the arena and serve the citizens of your county once again!
Why, would intellectual citizens of Davidson County consider re-electing a convicted felon? Did the convicted felon receive a pardon? If so, based on what legislation? Accountability and reverence for laws and the public is first and foremost.
Consider re-electing the individual currently serving admirably in the position. A sociable, responsive, and jovial but ingenuous official is a face in the community trying to make a difference for the good people of this county.
Special traits, loyalty, appreciation and ability to serve the community admirably, reverence for everyone and understands that he is not above the law. Citizens of Davidson County, this is not a motion picture staring Steven Segal in “Above the Law”.
Recognized traits such as corruption, insensitive, intimidating, insulting, and a dubious individual serving as a public figure is a recipe for disaster.
Unfortunately, crime is at an all time high especially in smaller cities, but for smaller towns, cooperating with constructive law enforcement, and formulating strategic measures that will undoubtedly facilitate the communities ability to regain jurisdiction of their neighborhoods is essential.
Law Enforcement must develop and maintain a rapport with its many citizens and collectively combat criminal activities by organizing community watch groups, and reporting criminal activities. Orchestrate Fund Raisers to construct Boys & Girls Clubs to get kids off the streets is definitely a positive measure.
When voting in 2010 ballots, consider the traits of each candidate then compare your principles and ask yourself, does this person have my interest at heart?
Gina Weste