Three candidates in the race for Sussex Sheriff
Three candidates are vying for the Sussex County sheriff's seat. Incumbent Jeff Christoper of Greenwood, who lost the Republican primary, is running as a write-in candidate. He is being challenged by Republican Robert T. Lee of Seaford and Democrat Ronald “Beau” Gooch of Milton.
Jeff Christopher
Republican
Age: 50
Residence: Greenwood
Work experience: 31 years of law enforcement experience in rank and file in patrol, K9 and investigations as well as police administration including chief of police at local, county and state levels.
Education: High school graduate with three years of college credits for police administration and human relations; attended multiple schools for training and certifications in crime prevention and policing services.
Family: Wife Lori with six adult children
“I want to improve the services of the Sussex County Sheriff's Office for the people of Sussex County and not to burden them with higher taxes. I believe in high ethics and that the staff can do so much more for the people.”
Robert Lee
Republican
Age: 61
Residence: Seaford
Work experience: Metro Transit Police, Washington, D.C.; Seaford police officer, 25 years; state detective Delaware Attorney General's Office, 10 years.
Education: American University, bachelor of science in administration of justice; Maryland State Police
“I'm running to restore integrity and professionalism to the Sheriff's Office and perform the duties as defined by the state.”
Ronald “Beau” Gooch
Democrat
Age: 59
Residence: Milton
Work experience: Retired from Lewes Police Department after 28 years, serving as police chief for 11 years; currently works at Cape Henlopen High School.
Education: 1974 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School
Family: Married to Dawn Purcell for 21 years with two daughters.
“I am running for office in order to bring consistency and leadership to the office of sheriff.”
Should the Sussex County sheriff and deputies have arrest powers?
Christopher: Absolutely. Delaware has a list of over 20,000 open warrants, and we see crime rising partly because these people are on the streets and police services are burdened. Since the sheriff is the arm of the court and serves court warrants and documents, why would anyone not want to use the experience of that trained and former police-certified staff to help in apprehension of these people? It doesn't serve the people well to ignore this office that was intended to do much more.
Lee: The sheriff's role – if executed as the Delaware Supreme Court justices have defined – does not require arrest powers. These officers already have the capacity of protecting themselves while performing their duties, which is of utmost importance. I recognize that sheriffs in other states have arrest powers, but this is not how Delaware has defined the job. Unlike the incumbent, I can accept this definition.
Gooch: Under the Delaware state constitution, the sheriff and deputies have the power to assist or provide an arrest if they view a crime. However, when state and/or local law enforcement are the primary on the scene, the sheriff takes a back seat.
What are the main duties of the Sussex County Sheriff's Office?
Christopher: We handle sheriff sales and foreclosures. This is an unfortunate and daunting duty, which is one of the reasons I suspend foreclosure sales in December. The office also handles any document that courts in Delaware may send out as well as out-of-state services for other law enforcement agencies and courts.
Lee: The sheriff serves the people of Sussex County by carrying out the orders of the judicial branch of government. Despite reports to the contrary, I have never wavered in my understanding of this role. The main function of the sheriff is one of a court officer, doing the duties of serving court documents and executing sheriff sales.
Gooch: The General Assembly assigned the duties to handle sheriff sales, assist the court as requested and serve subpoenas.
Should the Sussex Sheriff's Office be autonomous or fall under the direction of Sussex County administration and county council?
Christopher: Why would an elected office fall under an appointed administrator? What would be the purpose for the people choosing a sheriff and then he works for a bureaucrat. or even another branch of government? Suppose you elect a senator and you expect him to go to make laws to protect your rights. Would it make sense if he had to get permission from another government branch or official to serve you when you already made the choice for that person to represent you through the election process? You cannot serve two masters, and it makes no sense for you to elect someone to run the office of sheriff and he becomes beholding to someone you did not elect to run that office.
Lee: All offices have to answer to someone. I understand that this office is elected by the people, but the duties are well defined and are an integral part of the Sussex County court system. When the sheriff's job is done as it is defined, the direction of Sussex County administration and county council could be a partnership, which it has not been for the past four years.
Gooch: The sheriff's office receives a budget from the county council and directions and oversight from the General Assembly.
Why are you qualified for the office?
Christopher: This question defies logic. Since I have been elected by the people as sheriff, I have been repeatedly told that the office is not a law enforcement entity, despite the fact that all state laws pertaining to the sheriff – prior to HB 325 – indicated that the sheriff was a law enforcement entity. Some representatives in the General Assembly saw to it that all references of the sheriff were removed from Delaware titles and created a office of no effect in serving the people. It was originally intended by our founding fathers to be an office of conserving the peace as it states in our Delaware Constitution. If Delaware law defines Delaware State Police and all municipal police as conservators of the peace, I ask you why is it that our Supreme Court cannot see the intent of the early lawmakers then? Could it be politics?
Lee: Having lived in Sussex County for over 35 years, I have a vested interest in my home and all those I call family and friends in this county. The past 35 years I have served the citizens of Sussex County as a public servant, either as a Seaford police officer or as a state detective with the Attorney General's Office. During this time, I have worked with other local police agencies, the Delaware State Police and branches of the court. I have cultivated a trusted, respected and cooperative working relationship with many judges, prosecutors and defense attorneys. My 10-year state detective tenure also allowed me to build a strong working relationship with police and courts in all three counties of our state.
Gooch: After 28 years of law enforcement, 11 years as chief of police, I feel I have the knowledge and experience to work with people from diverse backgrounds. My experience has taught me to treat everyone equitably and to be consistent.
