Sheriff Lewis was slouched so low in his chair this morning at the County Council Meeting that he could see all the gum on the bottom of the chairs.
Human Resources Director Michele Ennis came forward to explain to the County Council the actual facts about disability insurance.
You see, Sheriff Lewis went public two weeks ago trying to make claim they have no disability, complete BS. Just because some people will walk into a room when the Sheriff is present and shine his boots, don't go and embarrass the County Council Members who represent ALL taxpayers by making it look like you're not well cared for.
So the Council got a ton of calls from citizens complaining after seeing the WBOC News Report and PAC 14 challenging them as to how this could be possible. The Council contacted Mrs. Ennis and immediately learned what the Sheriff was spewing and Deputy Funk was a complete load of crap and this morning she went public expressing such.
In fact. she explained how the disability insurance the Deputies have right now is actually BETTER than LEOPS! Let me remind all of you that IF the Sheriff's Department were to get LEOPS it will cost the taxpayers almost a million dollars, (if not more) just to buy into the program, for less insurance. However, if you're about to retire, well, that's a whole different story, which is what I've been trying to explain.
I have two problems with this disability insurance crap we've all been fed. One, Sheriff Lewis needs to stop grandstanding and get his facts straight before he continues to look like a fool. Secondly, the local MSM needs to stop acting like a political tool spewing whatever politicians want to say without researching those statements. As I stated yesterday, they claim to be held to a higher standard. Instead, they simply use those politicians to say things in their own words and in their eyes it becomes fact.
Well, they are all wrong and Salisbury News was the only outlet, (once again) to challenge the Sheriff. Open your eyes Folks. Did you really believe there was NO disability for the Sheriff's Deputies? Unfortunately I believe the Sheriff used Deputy Funk, (and others who didn't know better) to attempt to sell the public on why they need collective bargaining and LEOPS. Mind you, we already know the public voted on collective bargaining but if they'll lie about disability insurance, the County Executive didn't challenge it and or even know if what Mike Lewis was stating was true or not, it's time to make some changes in leadership in Wicomico County.
By the way, IF ANY Sheriff's Deputy wants to challenge me about your current disability verses LEOPS, please contact Mrs. Ennis first before you come on here with a challenging comment. I was right about this from the beginning and I'm even more right, (vindicated) today.
New Posts to fall below.
39 comments:
The fact that the county had no idea if what Lewis said was true speaks volumes to our leadership in this area. Lewis is done, you can count him out next election.
What a big let down with sheriff Lewis Looks like just another lying cop. It all starts at the top. It's a sad day for Wicomico County. So what do I tell my kids when they ask about the police? It use to be the police are the good guys the police are there to protect you. Now if I tell them the truth It's more like don't trust them. They only take care of themselvs. I can only hope things get better but I won't hold my breth.
Thank you once again Joe for making them tell the truth. I'm so relieved to find out that our Deputies do in fact have disability. As a taxpayer, I was dumb founded when these claims were made. I'm glad that the truth is finally out. I'd hate to think what they would have been getting away without your blog stating the facts and challenging them on their lies.
You got to hand it to Michele Ennis for publicly make this statement. I'll bet there are a few within Wicomico County government who are mad as hell at Mrs. Ennis at this very moment. The majority of Wicomico County department heads are very knowledgable in their chosen areas of public service. Much more knowledgable than any of those elected fools.
So in another words our Sheriff and Deputy Funk who has sworen to uphold the law just lied like hell before the Wicomico County Council and citizens of this County.
So let me ask this, Did he swear on a bible or stand before an oath holder whom asked if he were telling the truth or not?
If so, then why don't we get charges put on Mr. Lewis for lying... Show these cops who is really in charge and take back our city one person, one bad guy at a time... NO ONE IS ABOVE THE LAW... PERIOD!!! not even obama bin laden
Lying seems to be what many of the "leaders" in this county resort to these days. Makes me sick.
SHHHH -- listen and you will hear Pollitt ordering Strausburg and his PIO to sprinkle pixie dust to hush up his ignorance.
Wanna bet that it will soon be "former" Human Resources Director Michele Ennis
To 2:31 Posting
Well I wouldn't go so far as saying that they were lying - but they did enter that dark area of skading the truth to the taxpayers detriment. I have to congratulate SBYnews for the superb investigative reporting as I have not seen anything covered in any of the other MSM like the DT.
Moses and Messick were terminated after standing up to John Fredericksen.Michelle is probably next. It just gets worse.
Response to @ 3:44 (1st post)
If Funk knew what he was saying was not the full truth then yes it is lying no matter how you look at it. This just goes to show how much you can trust law enforcement anymore. If they are willing to lie and cheat to get better coverage imagine what they will do to convict "bad guys".
We all need to stand up for Michelle. She did her job and does NOT need to loose it. We need more empolyees like her.
I agree with 1:16. Michelle needs to be supported. But if the county is anything like the BOE,co workers who support her could lose their jobs.
There is absolutely no chance that Micele's job is in jeopardy.She made the presentation at my request and it was a factual presentation. It was important for everyone to understand exactly what benefits are available to our deputies.
We have now asked her to prepare a report that shows the difference between the County plan and LEOPS plans in neighboring counties as well as the costs that would be incurred if we upgraded to LEOPS.
We found a major problem , let's correct it and move on. Whatever it takes.
You are either part of the problem or part of the solution.
Obama has taught us well , lie ,steal, cheat , and racism again.
You are right , it starts at the top.
Glad to hear that Wayne.
Wayme, thank you for taking the time to comment on this matter.
However, while I do not mean to sound critical in my reply, what makes you this LEOPS is an upgrade?
I spoke directly with Michele and was assured tyhe insurance the County has now is better than LEOPS.
I'll also remind you, it will cost the taxpayers at least $800,000.00 right now to buy in to those Officers interested in LEOPS, most of which have publicly stated they will retire the minute they get LEOPS.
That being said, the newer Officers probably couldn't afford to buy into LEOPS, so it will only be worthy for a select group of people.
On a final note, what the hell makes every one think during these extremely hard times, times in which the County is forced to restructure, a time in which the County admits they have failed to fund the pension system, times in which we are forced to raise taxes to the max that ANYONE should be receiving something BETTER?????
After all, the Sheriff stated they didn't even have disability insurance, so NOW they have more than they ever realized and now you want MORE???????
Tyhe liberal way of thinking needs to be stopped, immediately.
I'll remind ALL of you. The UNITED States of America was founded on TAXES. We fought the British because of too many taxes and now look at us. WAKE UP PEOPLE, history is going to repeat itself.
You're damed right it is! The people have had enough! Tax Tax Tax. Spend spend spend! It has to stop. It is already so far out of control that fixing anything is an illusion at this point. You think this will get better? You think we can reverse this? We can't stop the bleeding at this point. All we can do is limit the number of wound through which we bleed money to those that already exist. But even that won't happen. They will keep spending in the name of "progress for the children". Someone has to hit the re-set button. Revolution may well be the only solution.
I am proud of Wayne for showing that he is not afraid to "clear the air". Why do most of you always act like there is some big conspiracy? Believe it or not, county employees are always striving to save money. They don't spend to spend. They spend when it is necessary to provide services. That is what the county is about. Providing services. Why do you people think that you pay anymore of a county employees salary than you do a phone company employee, a comcast employee, a McDonalds employee etc. You buy their products and what you spend goes towards their salary. Why do you not talk smack about everyone then? Why not get up in arms when times were good and private sector was making money hand over fist at YOUR expense?
Well being involved in law enforcement with the, WCSO, SPD, and then the State retirement the leops plan is the standard and is by far better. With, SPD,FPD, DPD,OCPD, Worcester CO Sheriff,MSP, if a law enforcment officer is injured to the point that he can not return to work in LAW ENFORCEMENT, he gets a disability retirement of 66 2/3%of his salary, tax free for life and this is specific to law enforcement. If civilian workers of these towns and other counties get injured, they get the basic disability that WIcomico County has wich is 33% of their salary, which is taxed for 5 years. How is that better then the other LAW ENFORCEMENT disabilities. Wicomico County wants to treat its law enforcement officers the same way that it does its clerks, and truck drivers. Joe I realize that you have issues with some law enforcment officers now, but just a couple of years ago you were standing the line with us, so dont let this issue effect these officers, their retirement both regular and disability is sub-standard and not fair to them. I will agree with you and others. Deputy Funk left SPD with better benefits to go to WCSO for a higher salary up front. He knew what he was getting into, so he can not complaint about benefits. Hopefully you will post this and not ignore it.
Joe : I'm not advocating I'm simply presenting facts do that those who have been elected can make decisions grounded in facts.
anonymous 6:10, that's complete horse crap. YOU need to look deeper into those LEOPS documents. That's the MAXIMUM they'll pay out and ALL personal injury relief is TAX FREE.
I have personally seen the documents and they can lower it to 50% at any time. Far too often people see and hear what they want to see and hear.
its springtime lets clean house uptown starting with the Slickster, Creamer Strausburg etc.then move onto the Shariffs Office by-by little eddie the munster and Fruity Funk and the rest of the cancers in Wicomico co.Residence in this county deserve a whole hellava better.Time for the good ol boys system to go.Out with old in with the new.thats y so many are moving to Delaware. I'm moving to Delaware the end of the month.
6:57, Hurray! Don't let the door hit you in the behind.
I could be wrong, but didn't the electorate vote to give the deputies LEOPS?
I personally know of (4) MSP that retired early receiving disabilty pay at more than 66 2/3%. All four went into law enforcement in other states and (2) have retired from there...the other (2) are still on active service. WTF? How can that be...what a damn joke!
anonymous 4:28, they voted to give Deputiec collective bargaining.
Deputies, sorry.
See Ya.
Spending is not an issue, its poor planning on the counties part and I really believe Wayne is the answer to a long line of poor fiscal planning by past administrator, however, unless he gets the support of the counsel then he is spinning his wheels. Ennis only presented fact and what Funk did was misinterpret the facts. No real misjustice, just lack of education on his part and the Sheriff needs to stay out of Politics. Wicomico County will soon be the poorest county because of poor decision making, poor fiscal planning and some employees wanting the pie in the sky. You provide LEOPS and you'll see 25 % of the deputies retire. The county is very generous to it's employees and during these lean economic times we just need to be fiscal responsible and ride out the rough time and pray for better. But if Deputies won't keep in mind there are other county employees who love to make just half of what they make. I know they put there life on the line, well so does anyone living in Salisbury these days. #$%@ happens then you die. Make the most of it and do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In the words of Red Skelton Good nite and God Bless!
Joe:
You are correct. Those who bothered to vote in Wicomico County voted a Wicomico County Charter Amendment to give the Sheriff's Deputies the right to Collective Bargining requiring Wicomico County to negotiate with representatives of the Deputies.
Interesting, while the State of Wisconsin and many Counties across the Country were terminating their Collective Bargining agreements with public employees the majority of Wicomico County voters voted to give Collective Bargining to the Deputies.
Michele Ennis is the epitome of professionalism and hard work. She started out about seven or eight years ago as a part time clerk in the payroll department. Do you know that she is raising three children on her own (yes, she WAS married) AND has completed both her bachelors and her master's degree while working fulltime ( AT least 9 or mor hours a day) and taking care of those three lovely little girls. She is a prime example of what can be done with hard work - kudos to her and the county damn well better not let her go anywhere!!
Congratulations, Michele!
We'll see how things go, usually when you make the good ole boys look bad, you are soon in need of a job search. Kudos to Mrs. Ennis, better sharpen up that resume, just in case you stepped too hard on good ole boy toes.
6:57 Can I help you move?!!! PLEASE? I'd do it free of charge. We don't want you here!
I am proud of Wayne for showing that he is not afraid to "clear the air". Why do most of you always act like there is some big conspiracy? Believe it or not, county employees are always striving to save money. They don't spend to spend. They spend when it is necessary to provide services. That is what the county is about. Providing services. Why do you people think that you pay anymore of a county employees salary than you do a phone company employee, a comcast employee, a McDonalds employee etc. You buy their products and what you spend goes towards their salary. Why do you not talk smack about everyone then? Why not get up in arms when times were good and private sector was making money hand over fist at YOUR expense?
My friend if my phone company, Comcast, or McDonalds did not provide the service I was paying for the way I see fit, then you better believe they would be hearing from me as well. Just because I HAVE to spend my dollars on the county doesn't mean you should be able to spend it as you please.
First, neither one of the HR people are very good and all three are legends in their own minds. But, in this case Michelle is correct. And, the Sheriff and deputies were very deceptive.
The county disability is non existent. Deputies would get 33 percent of their pay for 5 years and that's it. A police officer in leops gets 66 2/3 percent for life tax free. They can work other jobs but not in law enforcement. Dispite what michelle ennis may have said, it is totally incorrect. That is why no one has ever retired from the sheriffs on disaility while the city and state cops do all the time.
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