Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Sheriff politicizes office - again

Four years ago I complained about this, and I suspect I complained about it four years before that.

Sheriff Nygren sent out his form letter, asking Committeemen and Committeewomen to gather signatures for him so that he can run again for Sheriff of McHenry County. What's wrong with this?

He displays the badge of office on the letterhead and refers to himself as "Sheriff Keith Nygren." At the end of the letter, he signs his name above "Keith Nygren, Sheriff."

I objected to this four years ago, and I wasn't even running against him then. It is wrong - dead wrong - to use the emblem of your office in a political campaign. Apparently, I am the only one around here who sees a problem with this.

After all, is there a Republican in McHenry County who doesn't know he is sheriff (but only until December 1, 2010)?

There is a principle involved here, but it doesn't make it to his campaign.

I believe the Office of Sheriff belongs to the People. It doesn't not belong to Keith Nygren. When I'm Sheriff, his name will come off all vehicles, and my name will not go on any vehicle. They are your vehicles, not mine, and they will not be used for politicking!

Same with all the hand-outs. Brochures will be from the Office of the Sheriff, not from me. There won't be any candy or flags with my name on them.

Deputies of the Sheriff's Department will be highlighted in promotional materials and publicity. And you will never see me mix politics and law enforcement services as Keith does in the last sentence in his letter, when he invites political supporters to call on him if he can be of assistance to them or to the people they protect in their districts.

50 comments:

Unknown said...

"When I'm Sheriff..."

They have medicine that can help you with your delusions.

QuitWhiningAlready said...

I'm pretty sure you should refer to "Keith" as "Sheriff Nygren". I don't believe the two of you are friends and whether or not you respect him, he's the elected official who holds the title of Sheriff and you should respect the position.

Unknown said...

Gus, no matter how many times you click your heels together a say "I wish I were Sheriff, I wish I were Sheriff.." the dream will not come true.

You have so far based your whole "campaign" on the bashing of the current administration. What you have NOT done is campaigned on what qualities and QUALIFICATIONS you have that would lead people to believe you are anything but the town goof with delusions of grandeur.

When it is all said and done, you will still be a lonely old man that drives around looking for trouble to get into because sitting home all day in your little apartment drives you nuts. You will not be Sheriff. One thing you will accomplish, though. Not only in Woodstock will you be known as Goofy Gus...Nope...they will know you as Goofy Gus all over the County.

Zane said...

Word is Gus, that MCSD may have you under surveillance. I heard the big "Cis" has put the word out. Make sure you photo any suspicious looking vehicles around your building. Especially white Denali's, Dodge Intrepids. I also hear that one of your neighbors is a MCSD employee, little "Cis". Eyes and ears open, your bounty is going up! SHERIFF PHILPOTT 2010!!!!!!

QuitWhiningAlready said...

He's got a point, Gus. You've been great about pointing out what you perceive as "wrong" with law enforcement and specifically about the SO, however, despite repeated requests for you to enlighten us all on why you are qualified to do a better job, we've seen nothing. I've read that you have chosen a push broom for your campaign logo, which is all well and good. But theoretically speaking, what happens when you "clean up"? Then what?

Gus said...

QWA, first things, first.

Gus said...

MattMa2Sex, I heard about this last night. Why, lucky shades of J. Edgar Hoover, right here in little ol' Woodstock. I already have the camera out and ready.

My suggestion is that whoever is hanging around my place had better be sure he gets his orders to do so in writing. That way, he won't get hung out to dry all by himself.

And, if anyone is ordered to do so and actually does it, then he hasn't got the guts to stand up to his bosses and refuse.

So far, about the only things I might be guilty of are causing increased blood pressure, ulcers, hemorrhoids, red faces, and palpitations.

And we're only getting started.

Gus said...

MattMa2Sex, tell us more about the Bounty. I heard about a $100 bounty on me 2 1/2 years ago, and I was told who offered it. No one ever collected on it.

Is it still offered? Still only $100.00?

Richard W Gorski, M.D. said...

I've always been told that competition is good for the community and the consumer...how come all these folks are so aggitated by you giving then a CHOICE?

Unknown said...

First things first, huh Gus? Like what?

First you have to bash all the local police departments? Then you have to bash the sheriff department? Then you have to make believe you are so important that they have a bounty out on you? Then you have to go help whackos in court, believing every word they tell you? After all of this one sided reporting and bashing is done, then you will have time to let people know your qualifications, or lack of?

Funny how you keep bypassing the very simple questions about yourself so you can comment on what everyone else is doing wrong. You spend hours and hours typing what your opponent does that you do not like, but have not spent 5 minutes answering questions about your qualifications.

Almost as if you are hiding something? Are you? Are you hiding your lack of qualifications Gus? Or are you afraid if you list your qualifications, people might actually check them out and find out some dirt on the great G.Gus? Maybe they find out that you fabricated some of you qualifications?

Inquiring minds want to know Gus!

sunny in ??? said...

Hmm, is this the same Gus that "Allegedly" had a convicted sex offender living with him and his young child? If you are going to run, lots of questions will be asked and your leadership skills will be put under a microscope and if the above mentioned is in fact true, not very good leadership skills (putting a child in harm’s way)....And please note I did put ALLEGED, as I have only heard this from others and not from you.

Zane said...

Your picture is posted up in patrol.

Gus said...

GIGGLES wrote at 2:38PM, "Hmm, is this the same Gus that "Allegedly" had a convicted sex offender living with him and his young child? If you are going to run, lots of questions will be asked and your leadership skills will be put under a microscope and if the above mentioned is in fact true, not very good leadership skills (putting a child in harm’s way)....And please note I did put ALLEGED, as I have only heard this from others and not from you."

There are times when using "allegedly" doesn't offer any legal protection at all. And this is one of them. Since I happen to know who "GIGGLES" is, I am copying her Comment into a message that she cannot delete.

She may just find herself on the short end of a libel action.

Gus said...

See if you can get a picture of my picture posted in patrol and email it to me.

Watch out for the closed circuit TV and any cameras hidden in the patrol room. There shouldn't be any there without warnings posted.

I didn't know that political signs, messages, photos were allowed in County government buildings.

What's that old saying? "He who laughs last, laughs best." Haven't thought of that one for years; not sure it's quite right.

That's okay. I'm prepared for rugby. I never thought the game would be badminton. I'm still having fun.

QuitWhiningAlready said...

Gus, if Giggles has heard it, it's safe to assume that more people have heard it and you will likely have to answer to it at some point. Dr. Gorski, I would tend to agree with you about competition being a good thing, but I'm afraid that this is starting to look more and more like a joke. I'm not sure what Gus means by first things first, but not even mentioning any sort of qualification, even a basic rundown, looks an awful lot like evasion whether that's his intention or not. His last comment sounds borderline lunacy. And he's still having fun!! Maybe HE thinks this is a joke.
Let me offer a tidbit of advice. It would seem that via this blog, you've dug yourself a bit of a hole and what's the first thing one should do when they've come to that realization? Stop digging. Your comments reinforce that you are entirely too personally involved in this. It's not all about what's good for the county or even what's good for the SO. It's about laughing last and laughing best. And some sort of personal satisfaction.

Gus said...

QWA, I do not intend to respond to untruths, nibbling or accusations. Any person with half a brain knows I have nothing to hide.

I wish I could remember the exact words of my 3rd grade teacher. Her words were something like, "Personal questions will be answered after class, and sometimes not even then."

QuitWhiningAlready said...

I will agree that some questions of a personal nature should not even be asked much less addressed. I have a whole brain and I have no idea what you do or do not have to hide, and I suspect that most people in McHenry County who do not know you or of you will be in the same boat. You'll be asked questions and be expected to answer. And in this case, if that means that you did not have a registered sex offender living with you and your young child, then what is the harm in saying, "That is completely and wholly untrue" and moving on?

Gus said...

OK, fair enough. That is completely and wholly untrue. (and I am not quoting you.)

When someone wants to stand in front of me and introduce himself or herself by name, I will speak about any significant question that has any bearing on my campaign.

No purpose is served by responding to anonymous libel or slander.

GeneL said...

QWA, the Walrus doesn't deserve any respect. If you want to kiss his ass (which is what you do at the SO), go right ahead. Having two choices for sheriff is better than one. If Gus is such an idiot, then why do you and DA (pronounced "duh") read and comment on this site. I don't care if Gus worked for 30 years as a Walmart greeter, I'd still vote for him over Nygren. Gus can hire 10 law enforcement expert undersheriffs to help him. That would cost less than all the lawsuits. Gus's #1 qualification: he's not Nygren. Go Gus!

Unknown said...

Don't lie Gus, or I'll put you under libel action. I happen to know more then what you claim to know.

Gus said...

Thanks, GeneL. Now I'll get a good night's sleep!!!

QuitWhiningAlready said...

GeneL, please. It's not about who is in the position. Addressing someone by title is the proper thing to do, regardless of whether you agree with them on any issue or not. Just like officer, or deputy, or Mrs. or Mr., and even when I'm in full on disagreement with any of my commanders, I refer to them as Sir or Ma'am.

Vote as you wish, GeneL. Just be prepared to get comfortable in the bed you've made should Gus be elected.

sunny in ??? said...

Libel action, I hope you have time to do that with lots of citizens of McHenry County. As there will be lots of questions, founded or unfounded, it goes with campaigning. Under a microscope. If you are going to take legal action every time someone asks you questions during your campaigning, well then, “if you cannot take the heat do not go into the kitchen”. And I do not work for the Sheriff’s department (as you know) I just don’t see the fit.

Unknown said...

GeneL said...
QWA, the Walrus doesn't deserve any respect. If you want to kiss his ass (which is what you do at the SO), go right ahead. Having two choices for sheriff is better than one. If Gus is such an idiot, then why do you and DA (pronounced "duh") read and comment on this site. I don't care if Gus worked for 30 years as a Walmart greeter, I'd still vote for him over Nygren. Gus can hire 10 law enforcement expert undersheriffs to help him. That would cost less than all the lawsuits. Gus's #1 qualification: he's not Nygren. Go Gus!

********************



So, extending your logic, as long as it is not Nygren, you would vote for him? I think Charles Manson is not doing anything right now, maybe he will run?

As for the 30 years as a greeter at Walmart, Gus WISHES he had that good a resume! The fact that he will not even state on his own site what his qualifications are to run for Sheriff tells people that he does not think he has the proper qualifications to do the job.

Unknown said...

GeneL said...
Gus can hire 10 law enforcement expert undersheriffs to help him.

***************

Then why not cut out the middle man and just elect one of those 10 undersheriffs as sheriff?

Gus said...

Questions, founded or unfounded, are okay. Untrue accusations are not.

Unknown said...

OK Gus. Questions are OK? Then why will you not answer questions put to you? Here is one poster that asked on July 30th:

" Joe Ptak said...
Dear Gus,

I read the following:

"As chief law enforcement officer of the County, the Sheriff directs the McHenry County Sheriff's Office whose fundamental function is the protection of lives and property of County residents. The Sheriff manages an annual budget of approximately 23 million dollars, a staff of approximately 400 employees and a fleet of approximately 240 marked and unmarked vehicles. The Sheriff formulates plans and policies, provides managerial coordination of departmental operations, develops and implements service programs, and supervises staff members to accomplish the goals and objectives of the department."

I also looked at the current Mc Henry County "Sheriff's Office Organizational Chart".

Outside of the salary...why in the world would you consider running for such a position?

You don't appear to have any law enforcement or a comparable administrative background that would warrant confidence in your ability to be an effective County Sheriff, for a county of approximately 325,000 residents."


How about answering these questions besides saying "In due time" or "First things first"

Those are not answers, those are just stalling tactics.

QuitWhiningAlready said...

I can't believe you just wrote that, Gus. So, all of the accusations you make via this blog, which may prove to be quite untrue, taken from one side of any given situation, are fine? I don't agree with mudslinging from either side, but..

Dear Pot,
Hello! This is the kettle. You're black.
V/R,
The Kettle

GeneL said...

DA, electing one of the "undersheriffs" would be a good idea if anyone was actually going to run for sheriff besides Gus and the Walrus.Anyone else have the guts to get on the ballot?

Unknown said...

yeah, OK. Sure! So far he done nothing but SAY he is running. Takes more than just saying you are going to do something to get it done.

Well, I take that back, he has also accused people of many things without proof, questioned the integrity of many police personnel without anything but hearsay as far as proof and whined about the current Sheriff calling himself the Sheriff.

What he has not done would take a lot longer to write, as there is so much more that he has not done.

Provide his documented work history. Not sure why he keeps dodging that one, after all his talk of his "working the streets" as a beat cop and how it used to be done and what other cops are doing wrong.

Provide any endorsements by anybody that is not currently being investigated or already fired from a law enforcement agency.

Provide any endorsements by any organization that might give credence to his candidacy, such as newspapers, political parties (did the green party actually endorse Gus? Don't see that anywhere) or any other organization.

Provide any endorsements by any police unions of any type.

Has he received any endorsements of any type? Besides his own, that is?

GeneL said...

I forgot about the documented work history and endorsement from the local hack newspaper requirements. That could be a problem for Gus since Nygren has that endorsement wrapped up already.Maybe you guys in the PB&J drinking club will endorse Gus. As far as doing anything yet, there is 6 months to go just for the primary and so far there is no primary opponent for Gus, what's the rush. As far as the stories about the SO that Gus writes, nobody ever disputes the facts of the stories. There is just you and a few others from the SO that try and turn the story into an attack on Gus.

Gus said...

GeneL, no problem about newspaper endorsements or endorsements from the unions of police officers around the County. I've probably managed to rub a bunch of the departments the wrong way by my repeated requests that they just do their jobs.

I used to fax traffic complaints to the Kane County S.O. when I was commuting to Hoffman Estates. One KCSO deputy called and left a message for me to stop faxing in so many complaints; he said I was wasting their toner and paper!

Another way of handling that might have been to explain just what they were doing to control speeders on Randall Road or red-light-runners at IL 72 and Randall Road (which was, nothing).

The "endorsements" that will count will be on November 2, 2010.

Unknown said...

As Spock would say, you are being illogical.

You make comments about not documenting his work history. How else would you qualify his ability to perform the JOB he is applying for, SHERIFF, without looking at his previous work experience? How many jobs have you applied for and told them "We will discuss my previous experience after you give me a conditional offer of employment (primary). It does not work that way.

Next you say "What's the rush." Well, if there is no rush, then why did Gus announce his candidacy? If he was not prepared to answer the obvious questions that were bound to be asked, then why announce?

"As far as the stories about the SO that Gus writes, nobody ever disputes the facts of the stories."

That is the biggest load of manure you have stated today! LMAO! 90% of what is disputed on this blog is Gus's distortion or outright misrepresentation of the facts, as well as his lack of knowledge of what he speaks. Gus calling himself an ex law enforcement officer would make Robert Peel roll over in his grave. Any idea who he is, Gus? No cheating and looking him up with Google!

Unknown said...

"GeneL, no problem about newspaper endorsements or endorsements from the unions of police officers around the County. I've probably managed to rub a bunch of the departments the wrong way by my repeated requests that they just do their jobs."

Actually spit out my morning coffee reading that one! repeated requests that they do their job? No. Repeated rants on how you could do the job better even though you are clueless when it comes to any actual law enforcement training and tactics. You shoot from the hip like it is the wild West talking about the good old days when you used to drive your bike around and make an @ss of yourself pretending to be a cop.

Want a perfect example? Look no further than your own blog in the last week! You APPLAUD the actions of a bank teller who chases down a bank robber. You bash the bank for firing him. You call the guy a hero and say if you had an account at the bank, you would close it immediately. You just proved without a doubt that you are not suitable to be sheriff.

Anybody with the least bit of law enforcement training would know what that teller did was wrong on many levels and he deserved to be fired.

His banks policy stated that he should be a good witness and not try to be a hero,right? He went totally against his general orders in his actions, leaving his company wide open for lawsuits if it had gone badly. As sheriff, what would you do if a deputy went totally against his general orders and left the County open to a lawsuit? Would you call him a hero? Would you fire him?

What if the guy would have had a gun and when the teller responded by attacking him instead of following the company's general orders by complying, the robber started shooting innocent people instead? Would the teller still be a hero? What if he ran after the robber and the robber had people waiting outside and THEY started shooting? Money can be replaced, but lives can not. If a family member of yours was standing in line at that bank, would you rather have the teller hand over the money in his drawer or attack and risk having the robber shoot your family member?

Your lack of training/knowledge does not prevent you from making many idiotic comments. This is just one of many comments you have made that shows you have not thought it through, not looking at the total situation, before you make the pronouncement that some department/company did the wrong thing and you would know how to do it better.

GeneL said...

DA, this is not a job you apply for ,if Obama can get elected with zero-nada-zip experience than so can Gus. As far as the stories from the SO, Gus receives frequent letters from deputies who know the facts of the events and may have even been involved themselves. You just don't like the fact that the dept. has leaks and the truth gets out to the public. You would rather things get swept under the rug. I hope Gus wins and sweeps you right out the door. Again I ask ,why do you and QWA read this blog. I don't read liberal blogs.As Spock would say it's illogical.

QuitWhiningAlready said...

GeneL, wow, dude. So, basically you don't believe that Gus (or anyone else) should have any sort of qualifications in order to be Sheriff? I'm wondering what exactly you think makes a good Sheriff? Why don't YOU run?

Gus receives letters that contain half truths and rumor. None of it is substantiated any further than, "Oh, I heard that, too!". And we all know that if more than one person "heard" something at the SO it must be fact!

I read this blog and interject my personal comments because I think that someone needs to. I hope that when I write a good, well structured, NON emotional comment that maybe it serves to give Gus pause and see that maybe what he writes is indeed one-sided and partial. Also, I think it's necessary for other people, especially people who are easily led and might look into Gus for Sheriff to see that there are two sides to the majority of his postings and the words of Gus are not necessarily "gospel".

Zane said...

I'm new to this blog but I must say this stuff is very entertaining!

Gus said...

Thanks, Harry B. Welcome aboard. How'd you happen to find this blog?

GeneL said...

QWA, like I stated before ,many of these stories come right from deputies who were there . The SO patrol division is not that big, word spreads fast. When an incident occurs there are multiple dispatchers, deputies, supervisors,jailers, etc. all working who see and hear the facts and pass them along to Gus. Is there a particular story or fact you don't believe. I'm sure someone out there could provide some proof. Again I say that you just don't like the fact that the truth is getting out to the public and making the SO look bad. You say you don't work there, then why do you care.

As far as Gus's experience, I'm sure he'll address that down the line, we have 15 months left. Education and experience are good things , but common sense can be all it takes to keep a cop out of civil court or jail.

Zane said...

Friend of a friend is a cop, they talk about this site all the time. They say it is like crack cocaine and they are hooked.

Looks like some people don't like what you're putting out. That must mean it's getting under their skin.

I just have one question and it's kind of rhetorical. If these are half truths, isn't it still wrong? When I smoke half a joint or drive half in the bag, it's still wrong? Right? I don't think I want someone to beat me half to death and it be okay. See what I mean?

Unknown said...

Gus, i've heard the word on the streets, its not good. you are only going to pull in a very tiny percentage of votes. and i mean tiny.

Gus said...

ace, then things are working as planned. That's exactly what you are supposed to hear.

GeneL said...

Harry B - great analogy.

Unknown said...

So people knowing that you are an incompetent psychopath is all part of your plan? Then I should say its working very well.

GeneL said...

At least the voters will have a choice, Ace. I don't think Gus will be the only one to go up against your boss before this is over. The walrus is going to have to work for it this time. He may win, but it's gonna get ugly this time. Don't be scared to vote against the walrus , he won't be able to see your vote.

Unknown said...

GeneL said...
DA, this is not a job you apply for ,if Obama can get elected with zero-nada-zip experience than so can Gus. As far as the stories from the SO, Gus receives frequent letters from deputies who know the facts of the events and may have even been involved themselves. You just don't like the fact that the dept. has leaks and the truth gets out to the public. You would rather things get swept under the rug. I hope Gus wins and sweeps you right out the door. Again I ask ,why do you and QWA read this blog. I don't read liberal blogs.As Spock would say it's illogical.
*************

GeneL,

Are you serious? You have to be joking, right? What do you think an election IS?? You are APPLYING for a job and the voters are the ones that HIRE you! Is that too high a concept for you to understand?

You keep posting untruths comparing Obama having no experience before being elected President. "if Obama can get elected with zero-nada-zip experience than so can Gus." Nice how you do not consider his 8 years as IL Senator and 2 years US Senator.

"As far as the stories from the SO, Gus receives frequent letters from deputies who know the facts of the events and may have even been involved themselves."

Uhhh....no.... Gus receives letters with opinions and stories and then presents them as facts. BIG DIFFERENCE!

As for why we bother commenting on the half truths and misinformation posted by you and Gus? Because there are people that may make the mistake of reading the slanted blog and take it at face value, and that would be a mistake.



Ace said...
Gus, I've heard the word on the streets, its not good. you are only going to pull in a very tiny percentage of votes. and i mean tiny.
"Gus said...
ace, then things are working as planned. That's exactly what you are supposed to hear."

LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that is really funny!

When Gus fails miserably, I am sure he will post that it was due to some great conspiracy by the government to keep him suppressed. LMAO!!!

Unknown said...

Harry B. said...


I just have one question and it's kind of rhetorical. If these are half truths, isn't it still wrong? When I smoke half a joint or drive half in the bag, it's still wrong? Right? I don't think I want someone to beat me half to death and it be okay. See what I mean?

*************

No, I see you trying to spin the meaning of "half truth"

Let me give you an example...

"Gus was driving his car at exactly 45 MPH in a 45 MPH zone when someone tried to pass him. Gus called the local police department and when they refused to do anything Gus used his car to run the guy off the road and then got out and beat the lady that was driving to a bloody pulp."

See there! That is a half truth! Everybody knows the lady driving would kick his old @ss!

You were right about one thing. Telling half truths is wrong, especially when Gus tells those half truths and treats it like it was the complete truth.

Unknown said...

GeneL, do you really believe I am in any way associated with law enforcement just because I happen to not like his hysterical candidacy? You are just like Gus, but in this case it isnt a half truth, its not truth at all. Making anything up and passing it along as fact. You two might be related.

Zane said...

Holy Sh!t, is DA a cop? That dude is losing his mind. He is taking this blog thing way too serious. You would think Gus was taking his job, damn! Then he's lashing out at me? I just want to know if it's okay to do half the stuff I read on this blog. I hope the cops aren't doing any of it. But the thing is I live in the real world and the cops are doing way worse. Keep giving us half the truth Gus it's better than nothing. I heard this site was like crack but someone needs to drop DA off at rehab. DA is gonna OD and go straight Columbine on some poor fool.

GeneL said...

DA, how do you know if any of the stories about the SO are untrue? Do you work there? Pyle? Regna? As long as Nygren keeps feeding you and QWA the promotions, overtime,etc. you'll keep kissing his a$$. Grow a set.