In the Ray Stevens-John Pollinger battle over the Republican primary for Flagler County Sheriff, nothing is sacred—not even the invocation of 9/11.
Starting Friday, the Stevens campaign began circulating word that Pollinger had been the target of a federal lawsuit over his handling of personnel matters during the 9/11 crisis—that he’d barred officers from his police department in Middletown, N.J., from helping in Lower Manhattan, even on their own time. Different Stevens campaign supporters sent the legal opinion to FlaglerLive. By Sunday evening, Stevens was himself circulating a link to the legal opinion, with the line: “Yet another reason Pollinger should not be sheriff. Click on link below, please forward.” By Monday, Stevens’s new line of attack had reached the News-Journal’s Frank Fernandez, who interviewed Stevens in turn.
The odd thing is this: the legal opinion—an appellate decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit—could have just as easily been circulated by Pollinger. It takes Pollinger’s side as categorically as it dismisses the claims of the plaintiffs. Speaking for a unanimous court, Judge Julio Fuentes not only affirmed a lower court decision ruling in Pollinger’s and Middletown’s favor, but devoted the majority of his decision to paint the officers as rogues and to “underscore our own agreement with that” lower court decision.
Additional material Stevens’s supporters sent to media underscore the legal decision and make Pollinger’s point further: that while he had, in fact pulled back his ranks from Manhattan, he had done so in obedience to statewide orders in new Jersey and New York to police and other public safety agencies to quit sending volunteers uniformed or otherwise, because the city was overrun with them, and didn’t need them. Pollinger, in order words, acted in accordance with orders.
“The issue here is not how did they do at the appellate level, but what was Pollinger thinking when he refused to allow people on their own time to go assisting,” Stevens said in an interview. “That’s the bottom line. How it shakes out at the appellate level is not what’s at issue here.”
Yet the case revolves around the claims of police officers under Pollinger’s command, in that district and appellate decision.
“For Ray Stevens to question my judgment as well as my decisions on surrounding the events of 911 is a new low point, even for him,” Pollinger wrote in an email. “Thankfully he will never experience in his lifetime, the murder of thirty-seven people in his community in one single day, in such a public way and make the decisions I had to make.”
By the court’s own account, the case was complicated. Michael Rubino, Gerald Weimer and Wayne Bradshaw were Middletown police officers. Pollinger sent them, and many others, to Manhattan on Sept. 11 to help with the rescue effort, as did many police and fire chiefs around the country. The next day, however, Pollinger pulled back the officers in accordance with demands by authorities in New York and New Jersey that volunteers reverse course. At 9:57 p.m. the evening of the attacks, New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani had issued his first public announcement that no more volunteers were needed, “not even for the evening’s rescue effort.”
The Saturday after the attacks, the New York Times reported: “There were thousands of volunteers sitting around with nothing to do but eat donated cookies. There were the crash-site crazies who pose as marines and priests and firemen. There were reporters milling around disguised as construction workers. There were men drinking in bars that had their windows blown out. There were tens of thousands photos taken. Some people stood and smiled and posed. There was too much traffic for the trucks to move in and out effectively.”
In other words, volunteers were interfering with crisis management rather than helping to ease the crisis.
For all that, Bradshaw, Rubino and Weimer sued Pollinger. Rubino claims his First Amendment rights were violated when he was forced to quit volunteering in Manhattan. The court didn’t buy it. “Rubino’s concern,” the court wrote, “took the form of challenging Pollinger’s orders persistently, flagrantly, and in front of others. We agree with the District Court that Rubino’s expression of his concern was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining obedience, order, and discipline in the police department, especially in a time of crisis that was the time period immediately following the attacks of September 11.” The court reasoned similarly against the claims of other officers, though the specifics of those claims differed from Rubino’s (who was demoted). The case also involves one officer sending horse manure to other officers’ homes, over comments those officers had made about the man’s dead son, and Pollinger suggesting they seek counseling. The court, in the end, sustained no claim against Pollinger.
Stevens said he hadn’t read the entire case. But, he said, focusing on the 9/11 matter: “The case against Pollinger here is more symbolic than anything else.” Running for sheriff is like applying for a job, Stevens said. “If he had refused to allow his people to return to Ground Zero at the request of the NYPD, I think that may be reflective of his future performance here as sheriff.”
The record stresses that there was no such request. Officers disputing Pollinger’s order said their own sources, unspecified, had requested their help, but Pollinger had official directives to pull back his troops. “These people wanted to go down, these officers wanted to go to NYC on their own time, and he refused to allow them to go, there was a shouting match,” Stevens said. Stevens was not in the Ossining Police Department at the time (he’d moved to Florida). The department, he says, sent 10 officers. Their help was needed at various places in Manhattan, he said.
Stevens boils down the issue to what he describes as “a question of ideology. Pollinger and I are 180 degrees apart, diametrically opposed on ideology.” If a police department asks for help, Stevens said, help must be provided—again repeating the notion, not supported by the record, that the NYPD was seeking help—though it was officially turning it down.
The unearthing of the lawsuit is the latest episode in a string of attacks that have characterized the Stevens-Pollinger race, which also featured incumbent Don Fleming (the third Republican in the race). Stevens’s ex-campaign manager, Anne-Marie Shaffer, sued Pollinger over his Republican registration, claiming he should not be on the ballot because while he was registered Republican in Florida, he had still been a registered Democrat in new Jersey, a state he left in 2008. Flagler County Circuit Court Judge Dennis Craig ruled against Shaffer, who has appealed the decision to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal.
The amount of publicity the case generated, however, does not appear to have helped Stevens’s case as much as it has Pollinger’s. He raised less than $1,000 in the three months ending on July 6 (not including a $1,000 contribution to himself), from just 13 contributors, compared to the $9,600 Pollinger raised (not including an additional $4,000 loan to himself, or $950 in in-kind contributions) from more than 120 contributors. Fleming raised $9,560 in the period.
Bradshaw vs. Middletown & Pollinger: The Full text
Download Bradshaw v. Middletown
Donna Heiss says
Is this what Flagler County politics have come down to? How does the RRR club feel about endorsing Mr. Stevens now? Surely they must be embarrassed.
This is the nastiest election season I have ever seen. In the past few months, we have had stolen/cut/vandalized signs to the tune of over 150 right on residents property. All Mazzie signs.
There have been numerous law suits costing taxpayer money and time from the Stevens camp. Only to keep appealing. For what?
The Wadsworth camp is going around telling people the Auditor General’s Report from the State of Florida is not true. Really? So the Auditor General of the State of Florida lied?
There are e-mails circulating where facts were not checked and should say “political advertisement”, etc.
Mr. Caroe that was not your finest hour and yes, I have the proof. Funny how it gets around.
So why in the past 6 months has the political climate here become so volatile? That is how long the RRR has been in existence in Flagler County. Ironic.
I want a a county to be proud of, not one filled with hate, deceit and lies.
Think first, act second says
May I say, Ms. Heiss, you are probably the biggest spewer of venom on this site. You attack at the drop of a hat at the RRR’s, whoever they are, and anyone else you feel is standing in the way of your husbands next effort to gain an election win. You want less nasty elections, then cut out the rhetoric. You are not adding any value to your husband’s efforts. He is the only one who will win his election, or lose number 3 in a row. Since his plans to try to circumvent the fact that he can’t really find a political party he likes, he has tried all 3 in 4 years, are not working out too well I guess your philosophy is to create a nasty environment, not working for your campaign.
Bronx Guy says
The dirty campaign being run by Stevens shows that he is unqualified to be Sheriff. Instead, he should be talking about his qualifications. Moreover, it is curious that he is very silent about the other candidate. Perhaps he is a stalking horse for some one else.
Magnolia says
Haven’t heard any hate here from Steven’s or the other candidates. I am hearing it from the Pollinger folks and from Mr. Mazzie’s spouse, campaign chairman.
The Truth says
I think it’s time Ray Stevens starts getting a life. What’s with you Ray, your acting like a little child that did not get his way. Grown up. We all know your going nowhere with this election. So go ride your Harley or go fishing.
Dave says
This is exactly what happens when you get a bunch of New York politicians trying to hold office. Listen Im southern bourne in Dade county Fl lived in Lee county Fl and now reside in Flagler county Fl. In my 40 years ive seen the good, bad and ugly. Most of the good northerners that come down here are just good people looking to get away from the crime and cold and what not of there home areas. Then you have some that want nothing more than to make this place just like it was up north. . Don Flemming is a joke.. Ive seen his cover ups for his family and friends. Then you got Stevans trying to fling poo at him.. Take note from a southern man. Stand up be a man and just do your job. We need more southern way and southern days. Stop day dreaming your not in New York any more this is Florida! Yall Spoken Here Ehh Ahhh Amen.
tulip says
I just clicked on to Fl only to find yet another Pollinger-Stevens story! !!!!!!!!
This could be a made for tv bad movie.
I agree with Ms. Heiss, this is a vile, nasty, and immature election, the likes of which I have never seen in the many years I’ve been here. We’ve only had the RR club maybe 6 months or so, according to Mr. Hamby, and in that short amount of time all these problems have started to occur and are escalating.
Sign stealing, emails circulating, innuendoes, lies, childish comments, not really knowing all the facts and closed mindedness and anger at everything is what this election has become amongst some people. I would like to think the majority of Flagler County residents are a lot smarter and classier than that and will act accordingly at the polls.
It’s a very sad day when candidates are running for office can’t just campaign and debate and duke it out themselves, voters listen intelligently, and without interference from all sides.
Everybody wants the candidates of their choice to win but unfortunately there is so much derision out there that nobody is really “listening.”
Angela says
Based on the things I’ve seen happening, Ray Stevens will NEVER get my vote.
johnny taxpayer says
The more desperate Stevens gets the better Pollinger looks. I woould not have even considered voting for Ppollinger previouslyy because I think hes another carpet bagger from up nort.h that thinks he has all the answers, but compared to all the other carpet baggers in the race he really is starting to stand out as someone willing to make unpopular, but correct decisions as evidenced in this story and the story about his retirement. Ironically enough i probably wouldnt have heard of either example if it wasnt for the Stevens campaign
Ray Thorne says
I’ve changed my mind. I am now voting to re-elect Fleming. After eight years I know what I have as a Sheriff. Nope hes not perfect but the drama unfolding here is ridiculous. I thought change may be a good thing but I don’t anymore.
MAW says
I will cast my vote for Pollinger. He is going to make a great Sheriff for Flagler County. This is so ugly. Mr. Stevens give it up. You have so much hate. It is getting scarey.
Jeannie says
If anyone had wanted to know anything about John Pollinger, all they have to do is ask. I knew all this before it came out in public because John and I have talked. This is so stupid. Stevens you shot yourself in the foot with all this negative crap you keep flinging. Minds well drop out now, you do not have a chance.
If I were not voting for Don Fleming, I would vote for John. I would never vote for Stevens no matter what he runs for ever after all this.
kbeed1938 says
I would like to challenge Mr. Stevens to spend the rest of his time between now and Aug. 14 posting as much copy about himself as he has posted about Mr. Pollinger, telling the residents of Flagler County why they should vote for him. All he has done to date is take bits and pieces of information out of context and spread them like manure. Everything that he and AMS have stated as fact about Mr. Pollinger turns out to be twisted away from the truth. Apparently Mr. Stevens doesn’t have much to say about his own qualifications. Put it out there, Ray, and let’s see what you’ve got. Up until now, you’ve done nothing more than paint yourself ugly!
Anonymous says
If this how Stevens and the RRR role, anyone that the RRR endorses, will not get my vote!
Dadgum says
This place is getting as bad as Jersey and Buchanan politics. Can’t we get a good ‘ole boy sheriff instead of these knuckleheads from up North.
Ed says
People want to put down the northern people, but I don’t see any southern people running. Its not our fault all the leaders need to come from up north. There are a lot of dead heads around here. Bring on the yankees.
Flagler Resident says
RAY STEVENS RETIRED ON:
February 25, 1995
http://data.newsday.com/long-island/database/?pid=163&brand=newsday&fieldSelect-employer=Village%2BOf%2BOssining&fieldSelect-retirement_date=&searchField=last_name&q=stevens
Biker says
Mr Stevens, I was a first responder on 9/11 and I worked the pile for weeks afterward. I can tell you first hand that the outpouring of support on 9/11 and the days immediately following was overwelming. We had hundreds of officers from outside departments staging at Stuyvesant High School on the west side, and thousands of construction workers at the Javitz center. The task of seeing to those officers and volunteers needs became a job in itself. That is why the City of New York requested that no further volunteers or mutual aid officers be sent to New York. I am truly disgusted that you would use one of the most horrific incidents in our nations history to your benefit yourself.
Martyrockman says
I am so glad that you have written your comments BIKER because this twisting of the truth is all the Stevens camp has to offer. Everything is negative against Mr Pollinger it is sickening and disgusting that he cannot run his campaign without trying to dirty and accuse someone else when in all actuality he makes himself look worse every time he opens his mouth to spew some more of his untruths and fairy tales. He cannot handle how Mr Pollinger presents himself to the voting public each and every day with the utmost class. Ray Stevens could learn quite a few things from him!!! Send Ray Stevens a great big message on Primary Day and Vote for John Polinger.
jespo says
Invoking the sentiments surrounding the events of 9/11 in NY for political gain couldn’t be any more despicable and bears witness to Steven’s propensity to be a calculating lugubrious mudslinger lacking the mettle needed to be Sheriff. Those who dedicated their time and ability to assist in NY did so without seeking acknowledgement and feel no need to put our service there on a resume….to do so tarnishes the very notion of selfless anonymous service, something Stevens apparently knows nothing about.
Robert Lewis says
This is a desperate attempt by a desperate man who is trying so hard to make himsel a credible candidate.
I firmly believe Ray Stevens would have freelanced, possibily harming his men in the process. No need to try and by a hero, follow orders and obey commands. That’s police basics 101. Ray Stevens yet again exemplifies to me why he should not be sheriff. We can not afford a freelancer who will get his men killed.
Ralph Belcher says
Again, another view from the cheap seats, but Ray Stevens’ Campaign is sure ringing like a B-Movie version of Republican Richard NIXON’S methodology for campaigns. Makes me reflect back on reading about investigations into WATERGATE, etc. OK, that is a stretch, but this did flash in my mind in reading this previous articles on the subject. It’s a shame. Otherwise he presents himself in public very professionally.
The Ronald Regan Club proudly supports this fellow? Credibility noted.
Kendall says
Really classy Mr. Stevens. Can you imagine what kind of damage this idiot with an obvious Napoleon syndrome would inflict upon the hard working men and women of the Flagler County Sheriff’s office?
We had a guy with the same personality disorder in office a few years ago- remember the stories about him standing on desks spouting off about how powerful he was? Its was a disaster and that guy thinks the residents of Flagler County are stupid enough to put him back in office.
We do not need another hothead in office. We need a pragmatic, well spoken professional that thinks before he speaks, is not compelled to act like a middle school gossip monger, and that will put the good of our community ahead of personal gain and ego.
Stevens clearly does not fit that bill. Neither does the guy that already had the job and was “fired” by the voters after one term.
Out of curiosity says
This article gives a much more complete picture than the News Journal….thank you!
Law Dawg says
I sincerely doubt Mr. Stevens has made “tough” decisions in his lifetime. This is just another example of what type of leadership he would bring to the agency he says he has the ability to run. Instead of addressing the issues this county has (and there are many), let’s attempt to vilify another candidate. Enjoy your friends at the RRR, those will probably be the only votes you get…….if even those.
Donna Heiss says
For Anonymous:
Here is the list of endorsed candidates by the RRR taken directly from their web-site.
Ray Stevens Sheriff
Gail Wadsworth Clerk of Court
Angela Shaffer State Committee Woman
Joseph Kubasky State Committee Man
Charles Erickson Jr. County Commissioner District 1
Herb Whitaker County Commissioner District 5
Sue Dickenson School Board District 5
Deborah Laury School Board District 3
kbeed1938 says
Donna Heiss, Thank you for providing this list of candidates. I will add Mr. Corbett to the list and give copies to all of my friends and family so they know who NOT to vote for. All of those that have stood by and watched the Stevens-Schafer assault on John Pollinger and the un-ending mis-use of the legal system do not deserve to serve in any position in Flagler County.
Anonymous says
After everything that has gone on with the tactics of Stevens and
the RRR, not one of these people will get my vote!
Magnolia says
Thank you for the recommendations. They’ve all got my vote.
Hiram says
I am sure Ray Stevens has lost all respect from anyone with with a brain. You are right his leadership is that of a child. John Pollinger is looking better abd better every minute.
Donna Heiss says
Addition: Not listed on the RRR web-site, but endorsed:
Trey Corbett Supervisor of Elections
Anonymous says
Thanks Donna. Trey Corbett will not get my vote!
Dudley Doright says
This has got to show a new low in the slime that the Steven’s camp is using in their desperate move to save Ray Steven’s from defeat. You know, I have watched Steven’s and his RRR cronies for sometime and I can’t believe the the evil and vile comments they spread. All of it has been proven inaccurate and untrue in their attempt to discredit John Pollinger.
Dadgum says
Stevens is desperate but more so dangerous. Do we need this type of person creating chaos for whatever he runs for, in this County. Show me your company and I’ll tell you who you are.
The Truth says
Steven’s, small town cop with a small cop mind.
palmcoaster says
@Dudley. Real past low slime was what was done in 2004 to Sheriff Jim Manfre in his first term while being the best FCSO we ever had until then. An that was not done by a bunch of political party fans NOPE, that was done at shameful official level by then BOCC and the Chief of the Police Benevolent that sat in both organizations to our fate. http://www.flaglerchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32331&page=4
Residents didn’t demand any records, the politicians in power did. Talking about “low slime” nothing new in this county. Look at what is being done also to our current good SOE Mrs. Weeks, under the lead of BOCC Barbara Revels…same thing but officially. Shameful
bq says
99% of these replies are for Pollinger, doesn’t that tell Mr. Stevens something?
James says
Chief Pollinger did his job during 9/11 by following the procedures that are implemented for times of a terrorist attack. The reason that he was the Chief of Police and not a Lieutenant was because he does follow procedures. When you have so many agency sending people and not following procedures it causes more of a problem. The NJ State Police and NYPD had their incident command systems setup and that’s is what you follow. The Chief can stand tall and proud and lay down at night with a clean conscience because he has one. You can’t keep a good man down, but you should get the facts before you throw stones.
Stephen Keller says
Of course he has to make up lies, when you cant stand on your own accomplishmens and record you have to try to attack your opponent. I served under Chief Pollinger that day and I recall a well strucured response by him and the M.T.P.D. I recall the Emergency Services Unit escorting victims back by ferry and the Marine Division guarding the ferry’s into port. It was a tough day for many but the leadership displayed by Chief Pollinger demonstrated his education, experience, and ability to make tough decisions during a crisis. Mr. Stevens should get his facts straight.
H. Jordan says
As a good friend of mine said just recently, “as in most elections, those condidates who can’t run on their record of accomplishments, or have no record, typically resort to attacks.”
But Donna Heiss,….didn’t you miss one? Who did the RRRA support in the District 2 Commission race?
Donna Heiss says
H. Jordan. Yes I did miss a few. I took it off the RRR web-site. Not all were listed. Please add to the list. I do not print anything I cannot back-up. So I stay on the side of caution.
I also did not include Travis Hutson who is also endorsed by the RRR.
Linda H. says
Isn’t this interesting….members of the REC attacking the Ronald Reagan Republicans. Travis Hutson has offered you a headquarters and this is how you repay him? Shame on you. Each and every one of you.
You sit at that volunteer desk, or at least you used to, and trash good Republicans. Shame on you Pat, Joan and Linda and the rest of you so bitter you cannot contain yourselves. None of you has walked a precinct or made a phone call to get out the vote in years and you have the gall to attack the one man who has saved your bacon by allowing you to move into his headquarters?
Shame on you Nancy Prizer, and your whole kit and kaboodle of ugly has-been bitter old Republicans.
Your husband did a good job in his debate last night, Donna. Is this how you repay Travis for his hospitality?
Donna, is this how you think Republicans win elections?
Mr. Lewis, Travis has made it very clear that all Republicans are welcome. In that regard, I think he has shown what a fine person he is. Is this how you and the others repay him?
Ellen, exactly what lies and nastiness have you heard? Seems pretty one sided to me. Now we have the old guard of the REC attacking the Ronald Reagan Republicans?
Robert Lewis says
Linda-
If Republicans are to win elections according to your standard, we force closed primary elections shutting out 40,000 voters, we file law suits against the REC, Nancy Prizer and any other person that does not give in our tactics. We form our own clubs and call it the RRR, and yet my favorite, we utilize the most devastating attack on our nation to attack candidates.
If you are writing a book on how to win an election based on the tactics exemplified by the RRR, I am confident it will not be on the New York Times Best Sellers List ever.
As far as my comment with Travis Hutson, it is not him I have my beef with, it is the very people occupying his HQ who have done these tactics above. I do not agree with you on many issues, but I will be the bigger man here and offer my apology for my remark about Travis.
Mr. Sullivan has set the record straight in a fair and accurate motion. I stand corrected on that issue.
Linda H. says
Ms. Lewis (nee Prizer), my standard? It was not the RRR who filed suit against the REC. Nor is the RRR involved in any way in the Pollinger suit.
“We form our own clubs?” That is really what this is about, isn’t it? Is Palm Coast not big enough for 3 Republican Clubs and an REC? We believe it is.
We look forward to working with you.
David Sullivan says
D Sullivan
At this point I cannot let the comment about Travis Hutson stand.
Travis is the Republican candidate for for the new State House District
24 seat. I am the Chairman of the Flagler County Republican Executive
Committee and Travis Hutson has done everything in his power to
make his election headquarters available to all elements of the
Republican Party here inFlagler County. This has been a great saving
of difficult to come by funds for the organizations involved. As an example
last evening we had all the Republican candidates running for the
County Commission and Clerk of Court at a Forum at the Travis Hutson
HQ and all were allowed to speak freely and answer questions.
There is always going to be strong differences of opinion in local party
Races but some of this has gone way over the top. As chairman of the
FCREC I do not take sides in contested Republican Party primary races.
However when the comments start to discredit one of our Republican
Party candidates who is not in the Primary and will be the Republican
Candidate for District 24 in November I must step in tell all Republicans
To cease this selfish foolishness. Travis Hutson is a good and honorable
man. Please treat him with fairness and realize that he is making
every effort to unite the Republican Party here in Flagler just as I am.
I therefore request that all Republicans think before they put something
In writing that may give them a momentary feeling of satisfaction but
will end up hurting ALL Republican candidates and issues.
Robert Lewis says
David –
Fair enough. You have made your point and articulated it in a well mannered response. I stand corrected. Thank You Sir.
Ellen Pipino says
Bunny Bee,
I have lived in PC for 17 yrs & have not seen or heard such lies & nastiness, what has happed to all these people?? I bet “Ronnie” is spinning in his grave – he was such a kind & gental president, how dare these people use his name, they are nothing like him!!! Ray Stevens you need to take a “chill pill”.
Robert Lewis says
It is too bad Travis drank the RRR poison. He gave them his Palm Coast campaign location as their HQ. when they lose in August, who will man that GOP HQ? Or are we to trust the RRR with campaigning for the very people they are out to cleanse and purify out of the party.
I hope Travis does the right thing here and offers an olive branch for the party.
Will says
Judging from the financial reports in today’s Palm Coast Observer, where Hutson’s contributions are $103,200.40 and the next closest of 3 is $4,250, it looks to me like Hutson is trying to buy the District 24 seat, lock stock and barrel.
Instead of kissing his feet as some of the R’s seem to be doing, I think we need to know what his motivation is and whose bidding will he be doing. I understand his family is in the development business and they have lots of money, but what’s the reason for throwing so much at this race so early? I’m suspicious.
Magnolia says
@Will: I saw that. Also wondered about Pollinger’s nearly $40,000.
Donna Heiss says
Linda H. You must have mis read my post. A question was asked about who was endorsed by the RRR. I posted a partial list of who was endorsed. I don’t see that as a problem, unless any of those endorsed didn’t want to be? It was just a list.. Nothing more, nothing less.
Linda, you asked if I thought this is how “republicans” win an election? Are you talking about publishing an endorsement list? Is that a bad thing? I guess you must think so. It isn’t the candidate that wins or losses. It is the public. The only thing any of us can hope for, is for people to be informed, know the issues facing us and elect qualified people to deal with what faces us on a day to day basis.
@think first, I must address your comment. 2nd post. You are running for public office. Why the screen name? If you believe what you post, own it. Otherwise, it appears deceptive and hiding in the shadows rather then being out in the sunshine.
Bob Hamby says
I want to thank Mr. Mazzie’s wife for announcing our endorsed candidates on this site to all who disagree with tour vitriol and hate. We are a grassroots organization which is all about the principles of limited Constitutional government. Our goal is to represent certain fundamental beliefs in the tradition of Ronald Reagan that cannot be compromised.
President Reagan said: “A political party cannot be all things to all people. It must represent certain fundamental beliefs, which must not be compromised to political expediency, or simply to swell numbers. I do not believe I have proposed anything that is contrary to what has been considered Republican principle. It is at the same time the very basis of conservatism. It is time to reassert that principle and raise it to full view. And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way.” This view encapsulates the values of the Ronald Reagan Republican Assembly and we invite all true Republicans to join us in this battle to follow the principles of the Republican Party.
I also want to thank Dave Sullivan and Travis Hutson for their efforts to unite Flagler County Republicans, For those “republicans” attacking Mr. Hutson for his efforts to unify the party I quote Ronald Reagan again “And if there are those who cannot subscribe to these principles, then let them go their way.”
Bob Hamby, President
Ronald Reagan Republican Assembly – Flagler
Biker says
Lets me get this straight. Although I am a life long republican I am not a true republican unless I follow your organizations ideals? Is this the same organization that wrote of “purity of the party” and “cleansing of the candidates” in an earlier blog? I am just curious but exactly how many members does this organization have in Flagler county? What criteria do you use when selecting a candidate to endorse? It doesnt appear to matter how qualified a certain candidate may be for the position he seeks,so what is the criteria? What exactly are the principles you speak of? You do realize how all this sounds Mr Hamby. Dont you?
Dadgum says
Flagler deputies union endorsing Pollinger – not Fleming
tulip says
By Ms Heiss listing all the RR endorsed candidates, I had a chance to write down the names to remind me of who NOT to vote for. I remembered some of them, but not all ot them. Thank you.
Magnolia says
I wrote em down too, I’m gonna vote for them.
PJ says
You know what!!!!!
I just received a letter from Stevens and I tossed it out after reading it. I’m not happy about the way Stevens is dividing the Republican Party with the cheap political moves. We need leadership not division.
Wake up Stevens and you should be the one to drop out or at the least fail in the primary. Leadership not cheap politics………………….
Laurie says
All I can say is wow.
As one of the Middletown residents who lost a loved one that day, I can personally vouch for everything John did for our families – and the community as a whole – during the days, months and even years after 9/11.
Mr. Stevens is obviously blissfully ignorant of what it was actually like after a tragedy such as 9-11.
gerald says
never have i ever seen so much mud slinging coming from ray stevens campaign it is nasty with no respect to your opponents because of your actions we will not vote for you this time but we will stand behind and support a man who has a clean campaign john
Lt Kevin Quinn, Ret says
I served in a Township very close to Middletown on Sept 11th. I am also very familiar with John Pollinger on a professional basis. As a senior staff officer in my department, the planning and response to the events in New York City were designed to aid the rescue efforts in Manhattan, as well as protect those high profile targets in our jurisdictions. Very quickly on the the morning of Sept 11th, it became apparent that the effort was evolving from one of rescue, to recovery.
The GSP and Turnpike was crowded with emergency vehicles and the NJ State Police set up a staging area in the Meadowlands, and begged first responders to stop their migration. Any Law Enforcement head would have been severly liable to expose their officers to such a situation. John Pollinger made the only decision posible, the right one. I know John to be an honorable and fair man and a good cop. I would serve with him any time.
Brad says
Bravo, Mr. Hamby!
Remember, last election cycle these posters on here was a group from an online forum (that barely anyone even uses anymore) that went on a slander campaign using anonymous names. One of the candidates who was vying for the RRR endorsement and can be seen around the HQ was a part of that slander campaign against Gail W. and actually worked to get Kimberle Weeks elected. I’m sure she is a part of these posts as well. That same group shows up on here quite a bit because they like to do things “anonymous” similar to the way children act. “Sore losers” I think would be a good label to choose.
Like I said in a comment to another article elsewhere, I guess it is more exciting to paint a group working so very very hard to raise voter awareness as “shrouded in conspiracy”. The truth is that with everyone complaining so much about voter awareness, why disparage a group that is working so hard to raise awareness and get people out to vote? In the heat and on their own time. I would remind Donna that her husband found it important enough to email the RRR group right before the endorsement vote trying to disparage his competitor with notions of “conspiracy”. I guess he found the group important enough up until he wasn’t endorsed by them.
The real issue with local politics is this anonymous online group who have been on slander campaigns for years now. They are a group that is mainly disgruntled current or former local government employees. They will only utilize online places where they can be “anonymous” but it’s pretty obvious who they are anymore. Shameful. They are the real problem in all honesty and it’s time to say enough is enough and let’s get serious about simply ignoring them because they have nothing that is truth to add.
Thank you also, Donna, for plugging the names of candidates . . . all of which are great candidates.
Brad