BREAKING NEWS

Councilwoman Campbell Calls for Full Disclosure of Documents & Tapes

In support of continued transparency in government, Councilwoman Debbie Campbell has made a public request for immediate release of all documentation and surveillance tapes associated with a series of 1998 break-ins at the Salisbury Neighborhood Housing Services (SNHS) office on Baptist Street. Questions related to a copy of a tape associated with the break-ins and investigation were first raised by the former mayor Barrie Tilghman just a few days prior the April 2009 city election.

During a September 9, 2009 press conference, Campbell explained that after a series of break-ins at the SNHS office she agreed to allow the investigating officers to install surveillance equipment in an attempt to catch the intruder(s). Campbell was not aware that anyone believed that she had a copy of a tape related the investigation of the break-in until she received a call from the police chief and e-mails from the former mayor a few days before this year’s election. Campbell was also unaware of the content of memos between former Mayor Tilghman, Capt. Mark Tyler, and Chief Webster accusing her of having a copy of the tape. These memos were dated April 3, April 6 and June 30, 2009.

Campbell said, “Those who oppose my tough stance on issues like wasteful spending, crime, and neighborhood blight have often chosen attempts to discredit me rather than engaging in meaningful debate on public policy.”

“As I stated to the police chief, the former Mayor, and the press, I have never seen this tape. I was never given a tape. I never requested a tape,” Campbell said. “They were not satisfied with my answers and I can only surmise why my political opponents have tried to make so much out of nothing.”

“However, it is clear that recent newspaper articles have left the public with more questions. I have more questions, too,” Campbell said, “so I am hopeful that the Salisbury Police Department’s immediate and full disclosure of all documents and records associated with the break-ins and the subsequent police investigation will provide members of the press and the public with answers to any outstanding questions they may have.”

Campbell says that at this point she is very curious to see the records and the tapes and wonders whether the tapes exist. The Daily Times has published copies of several documents provided by “anonymous sources,” (attached to on-line Daily Times articles published on 8/27, 9/1, & 9/11 2009) including communications between former Mayor Tilghman, Chief Alan Webster and Cpt. Mark Tyler. Campbell stated that she wonders why documents full of accusations were created eleven years after a simple series of break-ins and who “fed” them to the Daily Times.

Campbell has asked that all existing records will be made publically available immediately. “Once that happens,” Campbell said, “we can return our full attention to finding solutions for the tough challenges facing the city.”

Campbell’s letter, addressed to the Mayor and copied to the Chief of Police and fellow council members is attached.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT Debbie Campbell at 410-860-0893

Debbie S. Campbell
Member, Salisbury City Council
809 Camden Ave.
Salisbury, MD 21801
9/21/09

Mayor James Ireton
Government Office Building
Salisbury, MD 21804

Mayor Ireton –

Due to the recent coverage in the paper I am requesting that you direct the Chief of Police to immediately provide all documents and tapes involving the surveillance at my SNHS office approximately 11 years ago be made public, so that everyone, including the press, can review all the facts and understand exactly WHAT their police force was doing, WHEN they were doing it, and WHY. Please also provide copies of any and all official police property logs as to who was in possession of the tapes and when.

I appreciate your cooperation in filling my request and creating the transparency that the public expects and deserves.

Sincerely,
Debbie Campbell