Sheriff Christopher summoned to council chambers

There’s a new sheriff in town and he’s kicking up a ruckus.

I knew there would be some trouble coming after I heard Jeff Christopher speak during an election forum. He definitely does not have the same ideas that county officials have as to the duties of the office. His opinions are more closely aligned with another former sheriff, Bob Reed, who caused more uproar than a herd of buffalo.

It comes as no surprise that Christopher worked with Reed as a Sussex County deputy sheriff. He has a long career in law enforcement.

The “trouble” I write of is the conflict he will have with council if he pushes an agenda of major changes in the Sheriff’s Office.

I admire conservative Republican Christopher for his strong stands on family, God and the Constitution. He’s not afraid to speak out on any of the three subjects.

Apparently he’s also not afraid to speak out about county council. He made all kinds of accusations in a recent Delaware 9-12 Patriots newsletter.

That has set off a war of words, which will take on new life when Christopher appears before county council Tuesday, March 15. It should be something to see. The sheriff is attempting to rally the troops to come out and support his cause that the Sheriff’s Office should have more law enforcement responsibilities.

“They [council] are making a mockery of the patriots of this county,” the sheriff says.

Councilman Vance Phillips called his comments “reckless and unbecoming of a public servant.”

Currently, the mission of the office is pretty clear-cut as posted on the county’s website. The office serves papers for the courts and holds sheriff's sales for nonpayment of taxes, mortgage foreclosures plus all other court orders.

I don’t think the new sheriff totally agrees with that statement. Consider what he wrote in an effort to get people out to support him at the council meeting:

“You elected me because I am a constitutional and conservative sheriff who believes that the power of the office comes from you the people. Recently after taking office I was challenged by county council members as to my authority and despite my running to improve and make the office more proactive and provide more services, county council members deny that I ran on this basis and have blocked all efforts I have made to improve the office.

“They remain convinced that your elected sheriff has no constitutional authority and despite state law listing the sheriff as a law enforcement agency, we have no support from county council. You support us, the Delaware State Police support us, but the members of county council do not and in fact have recently stooped so low as to draft and attempt to introduce a bill to diminish and or abolish your sheriff and your right to vote for your sheriff. They want to make it an appointed position.”

Councilman Vance Phillips was quick to fire back denying the sheriff’s accusations. He said Christopher has not presented any new plans for expanding the office’s duties nor has council drafted a bill to make the office an appointed one.

Then Council President Mike Vincent issued the following statement:

“There has been a flurry of speculation recently about the role of the Sussex County sheriff and his relationship with the county council. As president of council, I believe it’s necessary for me to offer a response in hopes it will clear the record and lay the groundwork for an open, productive dialogue about the future of our county sheriff’s office.

“Sheriff Jeffrey Christopher is scheduled to appear before council on Tuesday, March 15, to give an update on his goals as the newly elected sheriff and his office’s recent activities. Members of council welcome Mr. Christopher, as we look forward to an informative session.

“As many of our citizens know, the sheriff in Sussex County is a constitutional row office. The sheriff is elected by the people, and has historically worked as an officer of the courts, overseeing foreclosure proceedings, conducting tax sales and serving legal documents, among other duties. The office is part of the overall county government.

“Meantime, the county council is the elected legislative body of the county and responsible for a number of responsibilities, from providing services such as land use and paramedics to sewer service and libraries. Council also levies and collects taxes, and adopts an annual budget.

“ While the sheriff and council are elected independently of each other, each must work together to put forth and approve a budget that ensures the efficient operations of the sheriff’s office.

“Many in the community are looking forward to the upcoming sheriff’s report. Some, though, are looking for much more – a conflict over constitutional powers and authority. I, for one, have no interest in seeing that happens.

“It is refreshing to have an engaged and energetic citizenry here in Sussex County. I applaud that. What I would ask is that everyone takes a step back for the moment and wait for the dialogue to begin before drawing any conclusions. County Council is eager to hear from our new sheriff and his plans for the office the people elected him to serve in.”