Ladies & Gentlemen, if you watch 47 news at 6:00 PM they will have a LIVE interview with Davis Ruark. This is NOT special treatment. Well, not the way one might think anyway. It turns out their equipment failed them today in the Press Conference at 11:30 so Mr. Ruark has agreed to go live at 6:00.
Speaking of his Press Conference, Mr. Ruark said.........
"I was wrong." It is not a good example of the chief law enforcement officer to operate a motor vehicle under the influence. "This is the saddest day of my professional career. I made an enormous mistake and I ask for your forgiveness as well as the people of Worcester County." Davis went on to explain how he will not be handling any DUI Cases, automobile cases or drug cases.
At the time of the Press Conference Davis had not yet spoken to Rick Pollitt and he will leave it up to his Staff to decide just what support and or lack thereof they present him with. Mr. Ruark has had only 1 speeding ticket in the past 30 years, so his record is clean. This DUI would be a first offense and would be treated as such.
"IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN," he said. He spoke with his Mother earlier this morning and stated, "It takes a lot out of you." He stated it was way too early to hold any discussion about resignation. I know some people are angry and I'm sorry. "If I do not have the support of my Staff and Law Enforcement, I will resign."
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
35 comments:
I have the upmost respect for Davis Ruark. He is a human being and we all make mistakes. I forgive you and so should the citzens forgive him. He is a worthy man who has given so much to law enforcement. I feel Davis Ruark should remain as Wicomico County States Attorney. I am a retired police officer alot of good people make alot or bad mistakes. I got your Back Davis.
Joe:
This does not make the man another Teddy Kennedy. It happens to the best now and then.
And recall that Bubba Comegys' nonsupport situation never even made the news let along the front page. A far worse "error" as far as I'm concerned.
It was his first offense because it was the FIRST time he got caught. Do you honestly think this was an isolated case. These people kill me. The drink and drive and when they get caught, suddenly they made a huge mistake. Yea, it was huge mistake becuase you got caught.
"IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN," he said.
If Davis said this, I take his word. You have to remember a man is only as good as his word. Davis has proven to be nothing less than a good man.
You got my support.
Drinking and driving is NOT a mistake, it is a choice. He very well could have murdered somebody that night by his choice.
From the daily times web blog comments section...
"FAIR WARNING TO STORY CHAT USERS.
Comments regarding this story earlier today strayed beyond acceptable lines.
In fairness, it is inappropriate to make comments about parties beyond the scope of this news story. Mr. Ruark is fair game for your commentary; others are not.
Be reminded too that Mr. Ruark stands accused, but has not been convicted in a court of law.
The StoryChat Administrator will immediately remove any potentially libelous or defammatory comments. StoryChat members who violate the terms of service will be disabled from participation."
Is this same courtesy extended to all news blogs? I don't think so. "The StoryChat Administrator will immediately remove any potentially libelous or defamatory comments." Then I expect the daily times who is filtering comments on this blog to extend the same to all people in their news stories and comments to those.
The fact is that this is being filtered by the daily times because of who the accused is and what connections he has. The States Attorney for the county has been arrested for DUI. For him to stay in office is a farce on our criminal justice system. He should resign now or be impeached.
Although it does not supprise me that he wants to stay in office and "get this behind him". His ego does not allow him to resign.
..this guy can not remain the county states attorney. Its totally crazy for him to remain in office. OKAY, so he can make a DUI mistake but the ocean city rookie police officer that got arrested for DUI is fired the next day and everyone is glad? Nope. He needs to resign or be impeached. He wants to "get it behind him"? Nope.
I just watched the interview with Davis Ruark on WMDT. It takes a big man to go on live TV and talk about something like this. I for one think this man is already taking this situation head on and he will do what's best for our county and his office. Please lets not jump at requesting this man to resign. Let him have his day in court and move on from there.
Stewart Wallace
I'm visiting in-laws here and see that things have not changed in Wiconico County since I was last here 10 years ago. And the City of Salisbury is much worse -- it sure looks terrible.
I'd like to see that live interview, but since WMDT doesn't even mention the story on their website as of 6:20 PM, I doubt the video will be on there before Monday, if at all. (WBOC first posted the story at 3:26 AM Saturday morning.)
So how does Mr.Ruark propose to measure the support of his staff and law enforcement. Will he get them all togeather and call for a vote, maybe a show of hands.
Just today in the Daily Times Mr Ruark is quoted in the case of the SU student charged with child sexual abuse "She was in a position of authority and a position to supervise kids". Why was she not allowed to apoligize,beg for forgivness while she measured the support of her peers?
Mr. Ruark your hypocrisy knows no bounds!!
Just leave.
I work for a LE agency and know Davis on a professional level. Davis if you're reading this...Keep your head up. I support you. Please stay.
Being elected to public office, especially that of the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of a County is a high honor and carries significant responsiblility.
Elected officials are required to swear to and oath which requires a high degree of respect for the law and the responsibilities of the office.
Correspondingly, violation of that oath is paticullary aggresious in the case of a law enforcement officer. It appears Mr. Ruark is being a bit to casual and smog with his plea for forgiveness.
No Mr. Ruark this is far to sever and demonstrates a significant lack of judgement on your part. Honor is the corner stone of law enforcment, please due the right thing and step aside, you have dishonered yourself and the profession.
I cannot believe he said he is going to ask for a trial to be set in quickly. He should have to sit and wait a few months just like everyone else.
It takes a real man to go on live TV to admit his mistake? Please. He's a friggin politician for christ sakes. He's trying to save his political hide. Do you dumbasses think this is the first time he's ever driven undert the influence? You people really are stupid if you belive that one.
This was a "DUI" folks not DWI. Davis was couragous by the fact he has been on TV to acknowledge his mistake. Look at what our Presidents of the United States has done for many years while in office and continued in office. Folks, we need good people. Davis Ruark is a good person, regardless. Give him a chance. Don't judge him so harshly.
Wonder what the rest of the state will think of this county now? If you allow him to continue to work for any county or state position then you'll have to let any law breaker that holds a county or state position keep their job too {when their caught the first time}.
If this person has a problem with alcohol addiction, what make you think he can keep the promise "It will never happen again" Their already not following "Due process" by rushing the hearing through, so it can be forgotten asap. To ask for a vote from his co-workers{includes the officers of this county} is a slap in the face to everyone in this county.
ACCOUNTABILITY! Especially for those in high places!
Didn't he just lose that case involving Dr. Shirazi for sexual assault?
Here is the connection: Ruark loses a high profile case, then goes out and gets drunk.
What does that say about his character?
Mr. Ruark maybe a fine man, but he made a GROSS mistake, especially for a man in his position.
He is NO better then anyone else arrested & charged with DUI. If he doesn't suffer the consequences of his mistakes & his actions like any other citizen, we might as well lock this county & throw away the key. This double standard needs to end.
Further more he must step down until he can get a grip, then maybe prove to the citizens he is worthy of their trust.
Absolutely Disgusted Citizen!!!!!!!
He been a frequent visitor to Market Street in recent weeks. Anon #1, would that be Wayne Lowe?
This was an error in his judgement and we are lucky that no one was hurt. I'm sure this will weigh on his conscience for the rest of his life. I hope that the majority of citizens and law enforcement stand behind him. I support him.
Well, I'll give him this...he at least offered to resign if conditions warrant, and you can say they do.
But Barrie Tilghman "takes full responsibility" for a sludge pit and a financial bungling beyond belief, meaning she takes absolutely nothing.
I am totally disgusted by what I am reading on this blog! There are people that are actually supporting this person after being caught by OCPD? Guess what folks, it could have been one of our family members killed by this jackass. What kind of message does this send when crackers like you write in to support someone breaking the law? A perfect example of why people make fun of the Eastern Shore.
And the person who admits to being in law enforcement that says he supports Ruark? You've got to be kidding me. You should be just as embarassed for making such a statement as Ruark should be about making a bad decision.
He should resign immediately. And all you crackers who support him should be evaluated for mental disability.
8:38...an error in judgement? lmao! He was BLANTLY breaking the LAW!
You really think this was the first time he's dui? this was just the first time he got caught! read the news report, he was driven like he owned that road, speeding, crossing the center line. No matter how good he was or how much you love him.....WE cannot have law breakers in these positions! Period!
Have you noticed a correlation betwen Davis' Supporters (those that know the man or have seen his competence) and those that would have him ridden out of town on a rail? Davis Ruark is a very good man as well as someone who truly cares about Wicomico County and it's citizens. There are many very high ranking officials in this country (or perhaps in the city of Salisbury) that do the same thing every single day while they are raping us financially and morally.
Get with the program. While a certain Mayor and her puppet the Police Chief were openly and vehemently denying there was a gang problem in Salisbury, Davis Ruark (and others)gathered all their resources together and gave a wonderful talk on gangs and how to spot signs of gang activity. It was the first time I had seen him and I was impressed. The man actually cares. Rare in this day and age, isn't it?
He made an error in judgement. We have all made an error in our actions at some point or another. We all carry the scars (literal or figurative) and they remind us of what NOT to do. There is not one of us that has not broken some law at some point in our lives, either purposefully or inadvertently. I am going to shock those that know me and quote the bible: "let him who is without sin cast the first stone". Also please ponder on this one: Matt. 7:1 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged."
Davis, I am behind you 100%
Jenanne Falcon
You know I don't believe that Davis should resign from office.. I too made that same mistake on Jan 18 of this year in Salisbury and they didn't ask me to resign from the position that I currently hold with a beer distributor that I work for...I will say though, its been an eye opening experience for me...I to could have killed someone..but make no mistake its NOT the first time I've driven under the influence its just the first time I got caught..so I don't believe this is the first time for Davis...after I received my DWI I immediately enrolled into alcohol counseling and I do hope Davis does the same...it helps alot..makes you think about the consequences involved in Drinking and Driving...
LOL @ my first comment not being posted more than likely because I had details that would support that this is not Davis' first time driving intoxicated. It is certainly his first time being caught but not his first time driving under the influence. I and many others who will never come forward because of their line of work, have WITNESSED Davis leaving a gathering and getting into his sports car and DRIVING after consuming a substantial amount of alcohoL. If you were privy to what I was privy to, you'd stop all this poor Davis' crap. The report of this DUI didn't surprise me at all. What's even more true, is that the report didn't remotely surprise his staff. I'm just glad no one was injured. The poster who commented on his disgruntled staff was right on target. This should be the beginning of Davis' downward spiral; but more than likely you "guys" will come to the rescue for him (as usual) and sweep it under the rug. Everyone is sorry when they're caught! They're sorry they were caught. He isn't sorry about the deed itself because it is common practice for him. He did what any smart politician does and he immediately got in front of the camera so all you dopes would think he's a "stand up guy". What the heck else was he suppose to say "Yeah, I got a DUI, sue me."
Honor is the corner stone of law enforcment, please due the right thing and step aside, you have dishonered yourself and the profession.
-
I agree with this statement to a point. I also see a load of hypocracy in these words.
Was the same demanded of a certain local police chief that was drunk in OC and wrecked a police vehicle? Nooooo it was not. Was it publicized? Not like this has been. If we're going to demand resignation from everyone in government that gets drunk and drives lets start right at the top of the city of Salisbury.
Barrie Tilghman - RESIGN
Chief Webster - RESIGN
Anonymous said...
"..I and many others who will never come forward because of their line of work, have WITNESSED Davis leaving a gathering and getting into his sports car and DRIVING after consuming a substantial amount of alcohoL. If you were privy to what I was privy to, you'd stop all this poor Davis' crap."
10:19 PM
O I C 10:19, you can only support him to his "face" and kick his ass when he is down behind his back? Is that how your meaning of friendship works? Geeze, I'm glad I'm not your friend.
Interesting how you state publicly that you have distrust for him now. Also interesting how you claim to have seen him leave several gatherings whereby Davis was plowed. I'm curious about something. If you "witnessed" this as you claim.... why did you let him leave in this condition?
You're just as much to blame for problems as he is. That's sad... real sad.
Just for the record. I do NOT support what Mr. Ruark did.
You GO, 10:50 anonymous!
"Due process" by rushing the hearing through,..."
All are entitled to a speedy trial.
most would rather it not be right away to give attorneys time to prepare the case.
Would Davis have been Sorry if he did not get caught? He should be thanking the law enforcement officer that chose to not let him get off. He did not kill someone this time but there could have been a next time. I also know Davis and feel that this was due. His position requires that he uphold a standard beyond these actions. I also applaud him for owning up to his mistake.
Riverrat
Anonymous said:
"O I C 10:19, you can only support him to his "face" and kick his ass when he is down behind his back? Is that how your meaning of friendship works? Geeze, I'm glad I'm not your friend.
Interesting how you state publicly that you have distrust for him now. Also interesting how you claim to have seen him leave several gatherings whereby Davis was plowed. I'm curious about something. If you "witnessed" this as you claim.... why did you let him leave in this condition?"
You have no idea what you're talking about. I'm sure for you that's common place. Davis was asked not to leave and he chose to leave anyway. His STAFF was asked to "talk some sense into him" and they refused stating "Davis does what he wants". I have never stated anywhere in writing or by mouth that I support Davis Ruark because I don't. However, you better believe the myself and others made attempts to have Davis get out of his vehicle. I don't have to support him to want to see him safe. If his staff didn't care enough to ask him not to drive, what do you think that says? If you support the man, support him, don't comment on facts you have to guess about.
12:11 PM... taking a cheap shot at me while not comprehending what I typed is ashame. It's not about you. It's not about me. Please reread what I typed and THEN make a comment. You're confused.
You're "attempts to get Davis" out of his vehicle are appauling. Attempts? Are you in law enforcement? If so, you're a sorry law enforcement official.
Get over yourself. Learn how to read. Learn what others are saying BEFORE you comment.
Lastly... if you see someone so drunk that they should not be driving (as you claim to have in the past) I only hope you can do a "better job" of stopping this person. They may just destroy a loved one in your life next time.
....flame away.
I CAN'T WAIT TO HEAR FROM MR POLLITT ON HOW HE MANAGED A BUDGET TO GET MORE MONIES FOR THE LANDFILL.I REALLY DON'T THINK ANYBODY HAS HIS HEAD ON STRAIGHT THAT HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH RECORD KEEPING OR THEY WOULD HAVE SEEN ALL THE ITEMS MISSING.DO THEY REALLY KNOW WHAT DAILY RECORD KEEPING IS?
THANK YOU ,I HOPE THIS GETS POSTED
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