Sheriff’s candidate hopes to ‘move agency into tomorrow’
Election, News January 8, 2020
HIAWASSEE, Ga. – FYN sat down with Linda J. Curtis, candidate for Towns County sheriff, Jan. 7, to disseminate the retired law enforcement officer’s plans if elected to office in November. Curtis served a total of 17 years as a police officer in Florida prior to relocating to Towns County. Curtis intends to run on the Republican Party ticket, stating that she has been a Republican for the past 35 years.
“The first thing that I want to do is move this agency into tomorrow,” Curtis said. “You know that old cliche, ‘if you keep on doing what you’ve always done, you’ll keep on keeping what you’ve always gotten?’ It seems like every candidate that runs, runs on the same thing. Drugs are important here. They’re a problem in this county, but they’re a problem in every county…But there’s a lot of other problems here than just focusing on drugs. We need to give drugs 100-percent attention, no doubt, but we also have about 15 other problems that need attention also. Every candidate seems to be saying the same thing. Drugs are a problem here. They are, but what about all of the other problems that we have?” Curtis continued, explaining that an “administrative foundation” is needed within the sheriff’s office. “And we need to start caring about each other as a community.”
When asked what is working well within the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, and what could benefit from improvement, Curtis said that deputies are “on top” of the drug problem. “I think they’re taking the trash out. I think they are maintaining. I think the deputies are probably doing the best they can with the tools that they’re given right now,” the sheriff’s candidate explained. “When (retiring Sheriff) Chris (Clinton) came in, he started the CLEA. He kind of got community policing going. He went after the drugs. But we never really moved forward from that. If we keep electing the same mentality we’ll be right back here in four years because we have to work on everything. We have to work on community policing. We have to work on investigations.”
Curtis stated that if elected, she plans to build upon the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) program, additionally implementing a student police academy for 5th and 6th-grade students if the funding is available. More so, the sheriff’s contender listed better communication between the sheriff’s office and Towns County 911 dispatch as an area in need of improvement, as well as advanced training for emergency dispatchers.
FYN asked Curtis, who ran as an Independent sheriff’s candidate due to her residency status in 2016, her current thoughts on accepting a controversial endorsement from the Victory Fund four years prior. The Victory Fund strives to elect openly lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender candidates to political offices throughout America. Curtis called the endorsement the nail in her 2016 campaign coffin, adding that she is not a gay activist as accused by the then-GOP county chairman. “I would definitely want to move the agency into tomorrow,” Curtis said, however. “I don’t know if I would quite use the word progressive, but we have to move it forward.” In a region that undeniably leans toward conservatism, the sheriff’s contestant claimed that she faced harassment during the 2016 election cycle due to her orientation.
Presumingly referencing fellow candidate Daren Osborn, who has publicly vowed to serve as a “working sheriff” if elected, Curtis stated that the community deserves more.
“It’s not throwing on a gold badge and riding around in a patrol car. That’s not what being sheriff means to me. And I know this is probably going to upset people, but any monkey can be a working sheriff. Any monkey can jump off the road and say we’re going to work on drugs. But we’ve got so many other problems there,” Curtis said. “A working sheriff is great, but we need better than a working sheriff. We need an everything sheriff. We need to be good at admin, community policing, investigations, and we need to get out from behind the desk. We need to be in good physical condition. If my deputies are going to get out there and run a mile, by God, I need to run a mile too.”
Curtis said that her 11 years serving with Altamonte Police Department provided her with the training and experience to take office as Towns County’s next sheriff, describing the Florida agency as “very busy with high crime and high pressure.”
“As far as being a candidate for sheriff, does it make me a better cop? Not necessarily,” Curtis said. “Does it make me better able to handle a crisis? Absolutely because I’ve been in it.”
The sheriff’s candidate listed volunteer work with the local Lions Club, VFW, and the Lake Chatuge clean-up project as community service endeavors, encouraging other candidates to likewise “show what they’ve done to make the county better.”
Curtis resides in Hiawassee with partner, Debbie. The recently-wedded couple relocated to the area in 2010, becoming full-time residents in 2014.
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Clinton receives unfavorable response to campaign announcement
Opinion September 22, 2019
EDITORIAL – Mountain Movers and Shakers announced Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton will be their featured speaker at the group’s weekly meeting, Sept. 27. The agenda follows the sheriff’s proclamation before the Towns County Republican Party last week, stating intent to seek re-election in 2020.
If the public’s initial response to the elected official’s announcement is any indication of an approval rating, Clinton’s campaign could prove to be a challenge.
“Perhaps (Sheriff Clinton) will fill us in on the events and expected traffic for the next few months,” Mark Wolchko, a spokesman for Mountain Movers and Shakers, predicted in a press release. “Maybe he will enlighten us about the latest CLEA class. Possibly he will let us know about equipment upgrades in the sheriff’s department. Or maybe he will give us the lowdown on the next appearance of The Chris Clinton Band.”
CLEA, an acronym for the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy, consists primarily of “move-in” retirees whom Sheriff Clinton has referred to as personal “lobbyists” in the past. The group additionally serves as charity fund raisers and security staff at local events, such as concerts at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds.
The majority of Mountain Movers and Shakers’ active participants are CLEA alumni.
Sheriff Clinton shined a spotlight on CLEA during his GOP campaign announcement Thursday evening at the Towns County Civic Center.
“How many folks here have been through CLEA? Do you mind raising your hands? Every group I go to in the county, everywhere we go, I got people sitting in the group that’s been through the citizen law enforcement academy,” Clinton said. “These volunteers, by the end of the year, we hit about 2,000 hours, or about what would amount to me having to ask our commissioner for the $51,000, if we were going to do it ourselves, is being done by volunteers because we have men and women who believe in what we’re doing at the sheriff’s office.”
Should Clinton choose to promote his band at Friday’s meeting, however, citizen feedback could prove less than favorable.
Sheriff Clinton performing on town square in July 2018.
Widespread disapproval of The Chris Clinton Band’s schedule was brought to FetchYourNews’ attention in relation to the 2017 “Great American Eclipse,” an event that was anticipated by Clinton to draw thousands of solar enthusiasts to the Towns County area. Sheriff Clinton, who performs with his wife in the now two-man band, opted to host a concert at a local establishment during the highly publicized event. Members of the Towns County Homeowners’ Association – since renamed the Towns County Civic Association – along with numerous first responders, voiced stern criticism toward Clinton’s priorities.
Promotion for the Chris Clinton Band’s 2017 eclipse event.
Scrutiny later emerged in July 2018, following a band performance that corresponded with a deputy missing in action, along with a county inmate, during a wilderness search for alleged human remains near Brasstown Bald.
Public comments concerning the Clintons’ “small business” and the sheriff’s elected performance continue to appear on social media in response to the official’s recent bid for re-election.
Click to read comments and view reactions on original post.
While no contenders for the Office of the Sheriff have entered the race at this time, challengers are expected to announce candidacy in coming weeks.
Sheriff Clinton is scheduled to address Mountain Movers and Shakers this Friday at 8 a.m. at Sundance Grill in Hiawassee.
Meetings are open to the public.
Feature Image: Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton draws tickets for door prizes at Thursday’s GOP meeting.
GBI Bomb Disposal Unit Visits Hiawassee
News September 6, 2017Hiawassee, GA – Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) alumni and current participants in the 8-week CLEA VII course gathered at Towns County Beach on Tuesday afternoon, September 5, for a special presentation featuring Bomb Disposal Unit #601, courtesy of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
After enjoying conversation and a cookout under the park’s pavilion, Sheriff Chris Clinton introduced GBI Special Agent Ryan Hilton to the sizable turnout of attendees.
GBI Special Agent Ryan Hilton
Special Agent Hilton, from the Region 8 field office in Cleveland, began by explaining the purpose of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. “We’re what’s called a requester agency,” the Special Agent told the group, “We can be requested by the Governor, Judges, District Attorney, Sheriff, or Chief of Police to assist in criminal investigations.”
Special Agent Hilton went on to explain the GBI often investigates homicides, public corruption, crimes against the elderly, allegations of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and other incidents throughout the state.
Special Agent Hilton led the group to the Bomb Disposal truck, one of eleven within the state of Georgia, and described the bomb suit used by bomb technicians while engaging an explosive device. Weighing 84 pounds and similar to those worn by firefighters, the suit provides substantial thermal and overpressure protection. It also lessens the impact of injury in the event an explosive device detonates.
The agent described the functions and capabilities of the small, but mighty 426 pound robot used to disarm explosives. Valued at a quarter of a million dollars, it is equipped with cameras, a speaker, an electronic grip, and dual barrels that are similar in strength to a 12 gauge shotgun and proficient enough to shoot the battery from a device without disturbing the attached explosive.
GBI Bomb Disposal Unit
“The most common call the Bomb Unit receives is suspicious packages and found ordnance,” Special Agent Hilton said. Found ordnance consist of commercial explosives and war remnants, a familiar find in areas such as Savannah where battles once took place.
The agent demonstrated the operation of the robot for the CLEA class before taking several questions from the interested audience.
CLEA VII commencement is scheduled for September 26 at the Towns County Courthouse.
Love for the Lord and the Law of the Land
Business October 5, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Which words come to mind when asked to describe law enforcement? Narration of the enforcement of law? The preservation of peace? A balance of both?
In this day and age, the odds are stacked against “God” and “Love” making it to the top of the majority’s vocabulary list, yet that was the message bestowed upon graduates of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA), a 20-hour course sponsored by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.
Pastor Steve Taylor of McConnell Baptist Church was the keynote speaker at the ceremony for the seventh edition class which took place on October 3, 2017, in the sanctuary of the majestic church on Main Street.
CLEA VII with Sheriff Chris Clinton and Pastor Steve Taylor
Dozens of graduates and guests gathered in the pews, seated in solemn silence, as Pastor Steve made mention of the Las Vegas tragedy that occurred mere days before, and his gratitude toward those willing to serve in support of peace officers.
The Pastor said he “understands why a program like [CLEA] is necessary. Law enforcement cannot do it alone.” Pastor Steve iterated the shared sentiments of Sheriff Chris Clinton, who listened among his supporters and staff, nodding in agreement throughout the lesson.
The solution to the strife returns to a wise Scripture, according to the Pastor’s teaching: Luke 10:27, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And love your neighbor as yourself.”
“Love God. All we do flows from there. And love people,” Pastor Steve Taylor emoted, “We see, but don’t say. We say, but don’t do…There’s confusion in society about what love is. We have to choose to love. Love is conduct, action. Not to get, but to give.”
Pastor Steve imparted his closing thoughts for the Sheriff, his staff, CLEA alumni, and graduates to ponder, “Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly.”
The keynotes were followed by a digital presentation of the 10-week journey the graduates traveled in order to arrive with certificates in hand, followed by kind words of appreciation from Sheriff Clinton.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton presents certificates to CLEA graduates. Pictured: Colonel Terry Conner and Pastor Steve Taylor
When asked, CLEA alumni David Marrella shared his thoughts on his dedicated public service. He answered with earnest, “It’s a way to give back. The Sheriff’s Office has always taken care of us. I want to give back to them.”
CLEA VII graduate, Richard Parkman, agreed with Mr. Marrella’s response. “I see it as an opportunity to become involved. I support [Sheriff] Chris [Clinton] and law enforcement. This is a people-oriented community.”
It was an event those in attendance are unlikely to forget.
Featured Image: (L-R)
CLEA alumni David Marrella, Pastor Steve Taylor, Sheriff Chris Clinton
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Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit Lands in Hiawassee
News September 20, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – Soon-to-be graduates of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA) were given a firsthand look at a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) helicopter on Tuesday, September 19, at McConnell Baptist Church on Main Street.
Georgia State Patrol helicopter, once owned by best-selling author Patricia Cornwell
The second-to-last session in the 10-week series began with classroom instruction from GSP Corporal Paul Wofford on the history and operations of the state police aviation unit.
Georgia State Patrol Aviation Troopers, TFC Jamon Jones and Corporal Paul Wofford
Developed in 1974, the flight unit currently consists of 13 pilots and 12 aircraft. Each helicopter costs approximately $3.5 million dollars and each pilot flies an average of 250-300 hours per year.
There are six field hangars within the state of Georgia, located in Kennesaw, Albany, Gainesville, Perry, Reidsville, and Augusta.
The Georgia State Patrol aviation unit is dispatched to locate missing persons, aid in manhunts, assist with rescue missions, provide fire suppression, and capture aerial surveillance.
Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, Chief Deputy Colonel Terry Conner, and Sole Commissioner Cliff Bradshaw were in attendance.
The final class in the CLEA program will be held at the Towns County Courthouse next week, followed by a tour of the Towns County 911 Dispatch center.
CLEA VII graduation is scheduled to take place at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2017, at McConnell Baptist Church in Hiawassee.
Alumni are invited to attend.
For information on participating in a future Citizen Law Enforcement Academy course, contact the Towns County Sheriff’s Office at 706.896.4444
Fetch Your News is a hyper local news outlet that attracts more than 300,000 page views and 3.5 million impressions per month in Dawson, Lumpkin, White, Fannin, Gilmer, Pickens, Union, Towns and Murray counties as well as Cherokee County in N.C. FYNTV attracts approximately 15,000 viewers per week and reaches between 15,000 to 60,000 per week on our Facebook page. For the most effective, least expensive local advertising, call 706-276-6397 or email us at [email protected]
TCSO Citizen Law Enforcement Academy VII begins
News July 27, 2017
Hiawassee, GA – The seventh session of the Citizen Law Enforcement Academy (CLEA), sponsored by the Towns County Sheriff’s Office, began on Tuesday, July 25, at McConnell Baptist Church on Main Street in Hiawassee. CLEA is a ten week course designed to familiarize the community with the operations of the Sheriff’s Office.
The meeting began with opening remarks by the Lead Pastor of McConnell Baptist, Steven Taylor, who asked to address the group. “We’re grateful for the Sheriff’s Office and all they do. We wanted to be a part of it. We look forward to serving again in the future.”
The initial class focused on Sheriff Chris Clinton’s presentation on the history of the Office of the Sheriff. “It’s the oldest elected office of any kind.”, the Sheriff told the participants. Clinton covered the full scope of the position’s antiquity which included knowledge of 1215 AD, the year the people rose against the dictatorial King John of England. He explained how the Sheriff stood up for the citizens.
“I answer to the people.”, the Sheriff expressed. “I work for you.”
Sheriff Clinton went on to provide insight on the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. He cited issues that led to their establishment and how they still apply today. “The Founders knew it was the people themselves who mattered…We, the people, are the kings in America.”
Colonel Terry Conner, Captain Jim Coach, and Lieutenant Aaron Deyton of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office attended Tuesday’s meeting. David Marrella, a CLEA graduate, was on hand to assist the new students.
CLEA meets weekly until graduation commences on September 26. Classes require admission through the Towns County Sheriff’s Office. Alumni are permitted to volunteer their time for suitable tasks such as administrative duties upon completion of the 20 hour course. This in turn lowers the cost of operation for county’s taxpayers.
The next session is expected to begin in late fall. Applications are available by contacting the Towns County Sheriff’s Office at 706.896.4444
Follow Fetch Your News for future updates on this community program.
Sheriff Chris Clinton, Towns County Sheriff’s Office