Blanks' strong record qualifies him for sheriff
I was surfing the Internet and came across a story that the News & Record published on May 5, 2002, reporting on how well Berkley Blanks handled his duties at the American Hebrew Academy on a frightening day, Sept. 11, 2001. It was titled, "Berkley Blanks - A consummate street cop and leader," and written by Alex Wayne.
It spoke of how co-workers and the headmaster at the academy, Alan Mars, viewed Berkley's handling of a potentially dangerous situation that faced all of the Jewish students in the days following Sept. 11. This is how Mars described Berkley's actions on that awful day: "He knew what to do and he did it in a very professional, responsible, mature, almost methodical way. He just made it all happen."
It is this kind of leadership that would make Berkley Blanks an asset to any organization. How about Guilford County sheriff? Isn't that what we want in a sheriff, proven leadership? Leadership does make the difference.
Evaluation by his peers and superiors demonstrate that Berkley Blanks has what it takes to lead this county. Give him the chance to protect you, the citizens of Guilford County. Please, vote Berkley Blanks for sheriff on Nov. 7.
Sandy Russell
Pleasant Garden
Comments (6)
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Ms. Russell,
I have no intention of disputing your opinion, because I too have heard quite a few good things about Mr. Blanks.
On the other hand however, having gone through a highly contentious divorce a few years ago, I have found that as a general rule the Guilford County Sheriff's Department handled the enforcement of the relevant Court Orders we had in force in a much more professional and consistent manner than the Greensboro Police Department.
I have to give Sherriff Barnes at least some of the credit for that consistency of procedure, reflected in an adherrence to the enforcement of the law instead of allowing potentialy volatile situations to deteriorate into "he said, she said" negotiations with individual patrol officers.
Just my opinion, but this may actually be one of those rare elections where the voters are offered two good candidates.
Posted on October 2, 2006 5:29 AM
Ahh, one failed Sheriff's candidate supporting another (soon-to-be) failed Sheriff's candidate against the current shefiff they'd both like to beat.
Blanks couldn't even run a small squad of cops at GPD, how do you expect him to run a huge organization like the Sheriff's Dept.?
Handling one incident alone does NOT qualify one to manage hundreds of officers and millions of dollars in budget money.
Blanks needs to stay where he is and let BJ Barnes continue the good service he's given us.
Posted on October 2, 2006 9:20 AM
Did I miss something? Was the American Hebrew Academy attacked on 9/11 or thereafter?
Posted on October 2, 2006 10:24 AM
I just love the guy's name! BERKLEY BLANKS.
Such aliteration makes him sound like Batman's
nemesis. If elected, hope the name "Blanks"
does not reflect his ammo of choice!
Posted on October 2, 2006 10:32 AM
My thoughts exactly, DD. Unless BJ is found getting it on with some preteens, I don't think Blanks has a chance. I won't question his abilities. Doesn't really matter. Barnes has a good reputation and voters in this county don't get rid of incumbents.
Posted on October 2, 2006 4:07 PM
Results from the 1998 Election-
BJ Barnes 71,586 votes (64%)
Sandy Russell 40,649 votes (36%)
Enough said. Sandy would support Osama if he ran against BJ Barnes.
Sandy, please understand, we want BJ Barnes protecting us as sheriff. He's done a great job and is probably one of the best in the state.
Let it go Sandy, just let it go.
Posted on October 3, 2006 12:07 AM