CHAT: Transcript of Sheriff Candidate Greg Ahlemann's Chat With Readers

By LoudounExtra.com staff

Originally published at 7:39 p.m., October 22, 2007
Updated at 12:26 p.m., October 25, 2007

Sheriff candidate Greg Ahlemann was online Thursday morning to answer questions from readers of LoudounExtra.com about his run for office.

The hour-long chat with Ahlemann began at 11 a.m. The transcript of the chat is below.

Ahlemann is the third and final candidate for sheriff to participate in chats this week on LoudounExtra.com. Mike George's transcript is available here and Steve Simpson's transcript is here.

____________________

Greg Ahlemann: Good morning. My name is Greg Ahlemann. I am the Republican nominee for sheriff of Loudoun County. I would like to thank the Washington Post for allowing me to answer questions from the community.

_______________________

Sterling, Va.: After researching all three of you running for sheriff, I noticed that you are the only candidate without a backup plan. I mean, I am sure our current sheriff isn't too far off from retirement and your other opponent is already collecting retirement from one jurisdiction and (himself admittedly at the Ida Lee debate) making a handsome salary from a private industry job. So, with the party-politics and issues already laid out for Nov. 6, why are you running?

Greg Ahlemann: The initial reason I chose to resign and run for this office was to provide a better department for our deputies. Much like 4 years ago, when three of our officers resigned to challenge the incumbent, I saw the need for change. I want to improve the relationships and work environment for our deputies so they can provide a better service to the community.

Greg Ahlemann

_______________________

Leesburg, Va.: Sorry if this question is a little long, but I just read the following bit of info on this very Loudoun Extra Web site: "After years of simmering in the background, illegal immigration has quickly emerged as one of the key issues in Virginia’s Nov. 6 election, particularly in Northern Virginia, where voters say they are seeking candidates who will address it, according to a new Washington Post poll. Three-quarters of likely voters in Virginia said immigration is important to their votes in the election for state and local offices." What are your thoughts on a day-laborer site in Loudoun?

Greg Ahlemann: The subject of a county-funded day labor site was a question asked to all three sheriff candidates at the League of Women Voters debate. As I said then, I am strongly opposed to any county-funded day-labor site in Loudoun County. My two opponents are in direct disagreement on this issue. The Democrat criticized Herndon for shutting their site down even though they were using taxpayer dollars to provide services for illegal aliens. The independent candidate never answered the question. Rather, he talked about "what the parameters would be, what if scenarios." I believe the top law enforcement officer in Loudoun cannot be indecisive on this issue as he will be a voice to the Board of Supervisors on this. Any candidate who supports a day-labor site, like the one in Herndon, is clearly out of touch with the problem and ramifications of illegal immigration.

_______________________

Round Hill, Va.: I notice that your two opponents really seem to like to state their "pedigree" of experience when campaigning. I guess the relativity of that is for me and my fellow voters to decide. However, it is a personal belief of mine that leadership experience is not synonymous with leadership ability. So if we vote for you on Nov. 6th -- and you win -- what can you tell us that you will do if/when faced with tough decisions to uphold your office?

Greg Ahlemann: As my two opponents argue about who has more qualifications and what they have done in their previous career, I'm focused on the future of Loudoun County. I bring a vision on dealing with the tough issues that many politicians are afraid to touch. I came out early on, before it was popular, to say we need to do something locally about the problem of illegal immigration. The other candidates have "waffled" on this issue depending on public opinion. More specifically, I look at the example of Ronald Reagan. In 1966, he won the California governor's race over a two-term incumbent by almost 1 million votes. He had no previous experience in government. However, what he did throughout his career was surround himself with quality men and women. It was his job, like it will be mine if elected, to set the moral and ethical tone for his administration.

_______________________

Ashburn, Va.: You said "I want to improve the relationships and work environment for our deputies so they can provide a better service to the community." Could you be more specific?

Greg Ahlemann: There are many ways to do this. One, which I have previously discussed, is to create a position, a liaison, to address issues in the personal lives of our men and women in uniform. I don't think the positive impact this will have can be underestimated. For example, my own daughter was born at 27 ½-weeks, three months premature and weighing 2 pounds. Not once did anyone from the administration ever check on me or my family. Simply having a sheriff who will come by and show concern would show the department cares about their own. Another example is the tragic death of the father of one of our young deputies in an automobile accident. This occurred in a small town in West Virginia. I would have sent some of our Motorcycle Squad to provide an escort for this funeral. While this does not ease the pain, it shows that the department cares and that deputy would never have forgotten what we did for him. This is just a small part of my vision for change.

_______________________

Leesburg, Va.: Could you please explain to us citizens, voters and readers, the oath/pledge that you and Mr. Simpson took for the Republican Party and its nomination? Because, regardless of one's party affiliation, I think the county deserves to know what its elected officials have sworn or affirmed and if they keep their promises.

Greg Ahlemann: This has been much talked about, and rightfully so. When I resigned to run for office, I knew the odds were stacked against me in challenging a three-term incumbent from within his own party. Myself and Mr. Simpson both signed a pledge, in the presence of a notary, that we would support the winner of the June 9th convention. This convention ended up being the largest GOP county convention in Virginia state history. After winning by a more than 2-to-1 margin, I graciously thanked Mr. Simpson for his 12 years of service to the county. Unfortunately, a couple hours later Mr. Simpson broke his written word and decided to run as an independent. I have heard many reasons why he chose to do this. This is my first endeavor into politics and I have been "let down" by many people in the political arena. However, I continue to honor my word. I do not believe as the chief law enforcement officer in the county, you can throw aside your oath when things don't go your way.

_______________________

Ashburn, Va.: Gang activity is on the rise in Ashburn and other parts of Loudoun. What specific ideas do you have to combat this problem?

Greg Ahlemann: I believe the gang problem is one of the most serious problems facing our county and country in the years to come. Unfortunately, right now we are playing "catch up" because we failed to address this problem in the early stages. I have committed to doubling our gang unit within my first two years in office. Along the same lines, I look to reach out to surrounding jurisdictions for their help. We will be more pro-active in our training with other jurisdictions. I think this is key to dealing with many of the challenges facing Loudoun County in the 21st Century of law enforcement.

_______________________

Sterling, VA: Considering the fact that all three candidates support starting a 287(g) program, what is it about your immigration plan that makes you unique, and do you plan to target suspected illegal immigrants who have not already been arrested?

Greg Ahlemann: Good question. It is only recently that the other two have expressed support for 287(g) training. The Democrat was quoted in The Washington Post in May, saying that more than one officer trained in ICE would be "overkill." I read recently that he now supports a "few." Did he just realize this is a big problem? The independent has fought this training since the Department of Homeland Security officially invited the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office in January 2004. He switched his stance one month before the convention because he realized he was on the wrong side of this issue, not because he wanted it. The ICE program will only be as effective as the sheriff using it. Unlike my opponents, I have the will to use it and uphold the law. The biggest impact we will see from this program will be through our jail. When we arrest someone for any offense, we will be able to determine legal status. The deterrent value of this will be incredible, but only if it is utilized by someone who believes in it. I do.

_______________________

Greg Ahlemann: I see that my time is up. I'm sorry I cannot answer all of the many questions that have been coming in. Please feel free to contact me through my Web site, www.AhlemannnForSheriff.com. I believe Loudoun County is at a crossroads for many issues facing our community. I encourage all to vote in the Nov. 6 election. Whether you agree with me or not, please have your voice heard. The direction of our law enforcement is in your hands. I am honored to represent the Republican Party but I also believe the issues I am running on cross all party lines. Thank you.

_______________________

Tagged: elections

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?