From Jeffrey R. Gahler:
Dear Harford County Residents:
One of the most frequent questions I have been asked during my campaign for Sheriff has been, “What is your stance on the Second Amendment?” The short answer is that I am the only candidate for Sheriff in Harford County who supports your Second Amendment Rights.
I am fully in support of every citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. Any time I have answered this question; my answer has been strong and consistent. I have stayed the course and remained committed to my position on the 2nd Amendment. Unfortunately, the incumbent has stated his support of the 2nd Amendment, but his actions have been inconsistent and in fact contradict his publically stated views.
The State and Federal responses to the high profile incidents (fueled more by the media than needed) are threatening this right and in direct conflict with your Second Amendment Rights. The entire purpose of the Second Amendment is to prevent the Federal Government from infringing upon your rights. Nowhere is this effort more visible and troubling than here in our state.
The State of Maryland has historically sought to address violent crime by passing increasingly restrictive handgun laws. The reality is that a criminal commits the violent act knowing that the State of Maryland fails to hold the actor fully responsible. Truth in sentencing is absent with small portions of sentences being served upon conviction; sentences for violent criminals who commit crimes with a firearm are insufficient to act as a deterrent and after repeated attempts to hold violent criminal accountable through legislation, effective punishment proves elusive year after year.
Reducing crimes of violence is of paramount importance and eliminating those crimes committed by criminals with firearms is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our friends and communities. Target hardening of our schools, mandatory sentences for criminals using a firearm in the commission of a criminal act, and expanded (shall issue) concealed carry permits are parts of the road to improvement.
• I am a proponent of changing Maryland’s current handgun permit process to a “shall issue” state, meaning that if there is not a clear cause for rejection (past criminal acts or mental illness), then citizens should be afforded the right to got to a gun store, buy a handgun and carry it for their protection and for the protection of others.
• I have very publicly asserted my commitment to work with other Harford County elected officials to both defend the rights of law abiding citizens and modify existing laws and regulations so as to truly enhance public safety once elected.
• I firmly believe that the challenge for law enforcement today is to make the same commitment to defend our Constitutional Rights, particularly the Second Amendment, and make our communities safer.
Again, the incumbent Sheriff has said he also supports the Second Amendment and will tell you a great story in an effort to drive this claim home. In truth, as the Sheriff, in command of the largest Sheriff’s Office in the state, he did not go to Annapolis to aide in the effort to defeat (or to even speak against) fellow Democrat Governor O’Malley’s Gun Grab Bill of 2013. As telling as his allegiance to Governor O’Malley is, what is even more telling of the incumbent’s beliefs is that Sheriff Bane has publically committed that he will enforce any gun law, regardless of its constitutional footing.
For a first hand example of Sheriff Bane’s true beliefs, you do not have to go any further than a previous member of Sheriff Bane’s command staff. Major Michael Capasso, previous commander at the Harford County Detention Center, served the citizens of this County loyally for 25 years. As part of his duties and while in an official capacity, Major Capasso carried a firearm in uniform outside the facility during all of these 25 years. In March of 2012, Sheriff Bane decided to disarm Major Capasso, without cause, removing his ability to protect himself and others. If you care to know Sheriff Bane’s true beliefs related to the 2nd Amendment, ask Michael Capasso.
In comparison, as your Sheriff:
• I will work with our legislators and be an active partner in Annapolis to not only repeal HB287, but to prevent further intrusions against your Second Amendment Rights,
• I will pursue gaining handgun permits for any Correctional Deputy within the Harford County Sheriff’s Office and permit these officers to be suitably armed coming and going from their duty assignment,
• I will not enforce any unconstitutional law that infringes on the Second Amendment Rights of Harford County Citizens and will use the power of the Office to fight the legal battles needed to have such laws repealed or thrown out!
Sincerely,
Jeffrey R. Gahler
2014 Republican Candidate for Harford County Sheriff
Just another reason Mr. Gahler has my vote!
Why would Sheriff Bane want to disarm his personnel? Disappointing if accurate.
Absolutely it is accurate, and yes, very disappointing.
It is not the Sheriffs job to interpret the Constitution and anyone who thinks it is clearly doesn’t understand it and isn’t fit to hold a public office.
@JackRabbit,
Might just be the dumbest statement I have ever read on here. You must have missed the news from across this county where elected Sheriff’s are holding the line protecting our freedoms from people like you who are happy to roll with whatever infringements your democrat party forces in place. Just because it becomes a law does not make it right. If you don’t believe me, ask some of Hitler’s citizens. Oh, that’s right, you can’t because they were put to death under the law of the land. To follow blindly is the act of a fool and you…obviously choose to follow blindly.
across the Country that is
If you don’t like a law change it, but you do not have the ability in this great country to decide which laws you will and will not obey.
It’s a shame some one running for Sheriff does not know this.
That is why a Florida Sheriff who was persecuted and prosecuted for standing up for an individual’s 2nd Amendment Rights and not enforcing an unconstitutional law WON his lawsuit. He was reinstated by the same governor who tried to have him thrown out.
Do you really think the discussion here is the Gahler will not arrest people who conceal carry a loaded pistol in harford county with out a permit?
You are clueless and should perhaps bone up on the discussion before making a further fool of yourself.
Where does he say that? I don’t think most people would have a problem with that nor think it is unconstitutional. If you want to know for sure, email him and ask him instead of just throwing out such dumb statements.
Sweet jesus you cite a sheriff in Florida as precedent and you don’t even know what the case was about? Are you stupid?
How about the Colorado sheriff case that was thrown out…. bet your dumb ass doesn’t know what that was about either……
You are a fine example of why some people should never be allowed to own a gun…. keep up the good work numb nut bet you could shoot yourself in the foot with out looking…
Not sure what you are ranting about, but here is a link to the initial story. Guess what? He won!
http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews/constitution/item/15651-florida-gov-arrests-replaces-sheriff-for-upholding-second-amendment
Oh good god you link to it and don’t even know what it was about.
Perhaps you should read it again, move your lips if it helps and clean that booger off your reading finger I believe it may be impeding your comprehension.
Come on man, prove Ron White wrong and that you can fix stupid.
@jack rabbit,
You should share your wisdom with our President and members of his current administration. He, along with his Attorney General, seem to disagree with you, on an almost daily basis.
If it’s not to difficult could you try to stay with the topic being discussed?
Oh, we’re on target. Enforcing or not enforcing unconstitutional law. There is absolutely no requirement to enforce an unconstitutional law.
Any law that violates the U.S. Constitution or the Bill of Rights is null and void, as if it had never been passed. Why don’t you take your own advice and attempt to amend the Constitution by rescinding the Second Amendment if you do not like it? If you are successful, you will still have a problem though. Our right to self-protection is a God-given and unalienable right and it exists with or without the protection of the Second Amendment. It is not a privilege that can be granted or withheld at the discretion of the state.
That is RIGHT
So, using your logic (right to self-protection is god-given…and is a privilege that can not be granted or withheld at the discretion of the State), ALL persons are entitled to possess firearms? ALL? Adults, children, teens, criminals, sex offenders, mentally ill people, developmentally disabled (people with, say, Autism, Aspergers, Down Syndrome), people with cognitive disabilities….
Are there any limits?
Sounds a little extreme to me…
Obammy doesn’t seem to have a problem doing just that. Gahler gets my vote!
Mr. Gahler,
It’s not the Gun Grab Bill of 2013; the name of the legislation is the Firearm Safety Act of 2013.
Really? You want to be the chief law enforcement officer in the county when you can’t even get the names of the bills/laws correct?
Do us all a favor, Mr. Gahler, leave Harford County and leave Maryland. Go live with your dad in West Virginia. Harford and Maryland will be better off with you gone.
LHD
Sorry Loyal Lib, but the oath of Office to swear to uphold the constitution, not a unconstitutional law that offers no hope of adding to the safety of anyone but the criminals. And yes, we all know that Obama Care is not the real name of that liberal farce either.
“Firearm Safety Act of 2013” That is a joke, the only thing this law does is keep honest citizens from obtaining firearms. Criminals don’t obey laws, especially laws about guns.
Then change the law.
EZPZ
No so EZPZ when liberal fools are at the helm. Of course you already are that, I mean knew that.
Sorry you don’t like how a Republic works. I hear Somalia is accepting new citizens.
Good to know where the Sheriff candidates stand on gun laws. Harford County has its share of crime and its absolutely necessary that our Sheriff supports the ability of every citizen to protect themselves and their family. We are long overdue for a new Sheriff in this county!
Sheriff Bane doesn’t even carry his gun all the times when in uniform. At least Barney Fife had one bullet, Bane has none. Great example for his people.
Mr. Gahler,
I appreciate your stances on important issues. I agree and am encouraged that there are law-enforcement officials willing to take a stand for citizens 2nd Amendment rights.
With that said, i have one lingering question of great importance and is relevant to current events. Since the War on Drugs began and more so since the incidents of 9/11, our local and state police departments have been training and equipping for events which have failed to transpire (large-scale foreign terrorist attacks and large-scale domestic gang violence). Now, our police forces are heavily militarized. It is unfortunate that in human nature and throughout history, police forces that become militarized often start to view their own citizens as the enemy. What is your stance on a militarized police force?
Mr. Loyal Harford Dem,
Your attacks are out of line. If you have a problem with Mr. Gahler, please share so the rest of us can decide for ourselves if the information you have is relevant. Additionally, your attacks reveal nothing of courtesy or wisdom. If you should choose to further the debate with reasonable folks for a productive exchange, i suggest you consider a change in your approach.
This is just another reason to vote for Mr. Gahler. He is not afraid to take a stance and state his opinion. Mr. Gahler’s views on our 2nd Amendment rights are right on point. He is the constitutional candidate.
Well, he’s certainly the most constitutional candidate we have. And he’s a sensible man, that helps too.
Gahler said, he would not support laws that are unconstitutional ? ok, neither would Sheriff Bane! But if Gahler did not uphold the constitution he would be held criminally liable. I want a sheriff that stands for law period, Bane has served well for over forty years. Democrat or Republican does not matter in this Race! A better Sheriff for Harford County? Bane is Golden, look at his record “Case Closed”!
I’ve been a Harford Co. citizen for 50 years and never had a strong opinion for any candidate for Sheriff , until now. Where can I get a yard sign for Gahler ?
Pretty sure you can contact Mr.Gahler through his web-site and get a sign from him.
He has my vote. Yes, where can we get the yard signs?
Ladies and Gents ,
I have seen Bane on several occasions both in uniform and in civilian attire .
On both occasions he was NOT ARMED !!!!!
Talk about scary , so how can you expect a Sheriff who doesn’t even protect himself to protect YOU !!!!!
It time for Jessie to go !
We need a Leader here in Harford County that acts like a cop .
That means carrying your gun 24 7.
We need Gahler as the next Sheriff !!!!!
Why would someone carry a gun if they didn’t think they would need it?
Do you put a condom on every morning before getting dressed?
Wow, I just said I read the dumbest statement I have ever seen on these threads above and it has already been topped! I hope that Bane is the one cop standing between you and a gun man one day and then we would see how funny your condom joke is.
Guns don’t kill people , people kill people.
I don’t need no stinkin gun nancy boy.
🙂
And again, topped you previous dumb statement. Face it. You are either lying or just a complete fool. If a gunman was forcing his way into your house, would you allow your family to be put at risk or wish you had a gun to protect them. Most liberals say something really dumb like I would call the police. Maybe you are one of the libs who would bring a knife to a gun fight or a bigger lib who would just talk to the criminal?
If a gunman was forcing his way into my home why would it matter if Jesse Bane did or did not wear his side arm every day?
Did you suffer a head injury recently?
You win. You are too dumb to have a logical conversation with. Have a good time with your fellow Dems destroying our nation.
I’m more than happy to have a logical conversation. You say you hope an un armed Jesse is all that is between me and an armed home invader.
I’m just curious what Jesse is doing in my house when it is being invaded? Is he really that good? Geez I’m not sure Batman is that good.
Mr RR I’m not sure you could have a logical conversation with your cat without him realizing you’re not the sharpest pencil in the drawer.
Billie,
If you need one and don’t have one, you will never need one again.
Why wouldn’t I have one? The statement was I need Jesse to have one.
Is someone going to take mine?
Though I do not believe I will ever need it, and the reason I purchased it was not with the intent of killing someone but to shoot at my leisure in the yard on beautiful days like today.
Where do all you paranoid nut jobs live Edgewood? Id suggest owning all the guns in the county will not save you, perhaps you should consider moving to a safer hood.
Bill shite,
“I don’t need no stinkin gun nancy boy.” – get your story straight ass wipe. So, now you say you shoot in your backyard. I gather you just shoot whatever flows out of your asshole through your pie-hole.
Heheheh…. I own a gun for fun not because I’m scared of my shadow assaulting me.
Booo!!! now back in the closet you homo.
@BillH,
I do have to acknowledge your statement. It is accurate insofar as it alludes to not carrying a gun if you know you are never going to need it.
In reference to Sheriff Bane, your statement is very accurate. There is nothing that Sheriff Bane does, or plans to do that would ever require him to have or use a gun. It’s sad, but it’s true. Thanks for pointing it out!
Ok so give me some statistics on any elected harford county sheriff every in known history ever using their side arm in the line of duty.
I’ll wait.
It’s a matter of leadership. Harford County Deputies are suppose to be armed so they are prepared to protect those they serve if needed. Sheriff Bane should lead by example. If he is not following the rules of the Sheriff’s Office, then why would any of his deputies follow any rules?
If you knew what you were talking about you would know most deputies with a few years of service no longer carry their weapons at all times.
Lets face it, they are not as paranoid as you are.
BillH,
We’re not talking about how many times they have used their gun. We are talking about the fact that Sheriff Bane would never intend to be in a position to require the use of his service weapon, to protect himself or to protect the public. Other Sheriff’s were at least prepared to help protect the public.
By the way, there are Deputies who have been on the job for over 20 years who have never had an occasion to use their service weapon. But they were prepared to do so….. it’s the job they were “sworn” to do. Same for Bane.
Thanks for confirming the fact that having a gun on your hip makes no difference,
Next time I’d suggest you think about your post just a few seconds longer before hitting reply….
It makes no difference until it’s needed. Then it makes a big difference.
Just like a condom.
Which, of course, is why you should have one on your person. Just in case you need it.
did you ever here of an off duty gun small hidden? did you frisk the man
Cause when you need it my friend , and it’s not in your possession ……it too late !!!!!!
Police carry guns !!!! Therefore the Chief Law Enforecement Officer in the county MUST carry his , AT ALL TIMES !
Doesn’t that condom itch after a while?
Not when the Sheriff removes it and uses his little pistol.
Barbara: I’m not sure he would know how to use it……..his little pistol, that is. When he seldom does carries a firearm, it is probably a snub-nose, probably a .38 cal.. If he ever did happen on to a situation where a Deputy or citizen was facing serious injury, or death, I seriously doubt he would be able to actually shoot anybody to save the life of an innocent person. Just sayin’………
ok, so he is not Clint Eastwood? Wyatt Earp? please get a retort that makes sense
As a last ditch effort to win the election Bane and his minions have finally figured out how to give thumbs down to post by the Gahler supporters. Great game plan, you can’t win with an open debate with facts so just try to hide the comments. Because we all know that no one clicks on the comment to read it. Where does Bane stand on this issue? I sit back now and await the thumbs down.
Marc,
Who the hell is BS BillH? “…the fact that having a gun on your hip makes no difference.” This is Bane’s attitude for law enforcement? Sure, a service firearm is a little bulky for concealed carry, but is it a could idea to advertise that most off duty officers are unarmed. That just telegraphs to the armed thugs that fewer potential victims are armed. In a state where most everyone is an easy victim due to state policy, should we advertise this?
There is a run on armed assaults of unarmed deputies…..
Could you at least try not to sound like my little sister when she sees a spider?
Billie,
Are you the current Bane department mouth muscle? You know… first you don’t need a gun like a Nancy boy… then you have one. There is probably one up your butt crack now.
Yep! Loud and proud that’s you. Dog talk the facts and act like you aren’t hiding behind your firearm. Bet your a lousy shot to boot.
Nancy boy you should re evaluate why it is you think you need a gun. Personally it’s not because I’m sure my shadow is gonna come to life and rob me. Like I said I can understand you being scared to death but maybe you should consider moving out of edgewood if you can afford it.
Hey why have a Fire Extinguisher if you don’t anticipate a Fire? Why have a Gun if You don’t expect to Use It? Why wear a Seat Belt if You don’t expect a Crash? Why Look Before You Leap? I learned something important at the age of 11: Be Prepared! or You Could Call 911 if something Happens, just let it Happen until Help Arrives!
So you were the guy I saw yesterday at harford mall wearing the life preserver.
Billie,
You own a firearm. You are just a pathetic liar as to why you have it. You attack people who own them for the same reason you own yours. Your arguments are thin and stupid, and you are a poor liar.
Sure… you only own a firearm to shoot in your backyard. You are so full of shit.
Bill H… You really need to get a life. I hope you’re not Harford County Deputy or in anyway associated with the Sheriff’s Office. This is my first post and needed to respond because I have never seen so much immature and insignificant words being written. If you are associated with the Sheriff’s office, I would ask you to resign immediately. An individual like yourself, should not have arrest powers, be entrusted with upholding and defending our Constitution, protecting life, given the power to take a life, and in the very least, carry a loaded pistol. You are a disgrace to the fine men and women of the Sheriff’s Office. You need a job were your immaturity will be appreciated. This goes for anyone else employed in the Sheriff’s Office who posts ridiculous and immature statements. You should be professional enough to have open and professional debates about the real issues facing Harford County.
Where did I ever suggest I was a sheriff? Do you frequently hear voices in your head?
You may want to see someone about that.
well said ! please keep posting! Finally an educated person!
Now Billie,
Calling people a “Nancy Boy” – and now “back in the closet you homo.” – As a public forum poster championing Bane…. is this his position regarding such negative references to gays? Or, are these the typical departmental references to all things negative about the actions of others. Does Bane reference bad or stupid behavior as being homo?
See now this is where you really go full moron mode. Where did I ever champion Bane? Just because Gahler says stupid stuff and I point it out doesn’t make Bane my one and only.
Never in my life have I voted for a democrat and I’m sure not going to start with Bane. You people and your cheerleader mentality spurred on on by fox news better wake up cause the way you are going you’ll never win another election.
Peepin’ and hiden’ Billie,
Your team needs to send in a better liar along with someone who can keep his homophobia in check.
“Never in my life have I voted for a democrat”
“You people and your cheerleader mentality spurred on on by fox news better wake up cause the way you are going you’ll never win another election.” -Do you see the similar pathology here. First ole Billie thinks ‘Nancy’ boys have guns but he owns one…. Now! he says he never votes democrat but he hates Fox news!!!
What a really transparent piss poor liar.
To be fair I never saw Joe Meadows carry a gun. He may have but I never saw it.
I just wonder…….if Bane is a shoe in the election why are you Baners and FOJ’s trying so hard to hide all the comments of the Gahler supporters?
There is the possibility that the comments are so dumb and out of touch Gahler supporters are trying to distance themselfs the only way possible and that’s to hide them.
Already voting for Gahler, but just in case anyone want to know why to not trust Bane or BillH, watch this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LglGIpDHatk
the more Gahler speaks, the more votes go to Bane. The Gahler supporters comment the more votes go to Bane! So you make little sense
You have my vote!!!!!
bane will not get my vote ever he is a puppet, simple as that
we need a new sheriff who will think for himself not do what OWEMALLEY tells them or tow the dem party line BS
I sure hope brown loses the governers race this state cant take any more of the OWEMALLEY nonsense
maryland should have CCW for the people who choose to do so if they want, if you dont like it just move on with your life and dont cry about it
the great gun debacle of 2013 WILL do nothing to protect anyone but a criminal all the law did was ban certain types of weapons ONLY law abiding citizens could buy IT WAS A FEEL GOOD JOKE OF A LAW
passed by a bunch of people who know nothing about guns other then they hate them because they say a gun is scary
the states that border maryland such as, PA DE VA WV ALL have concealed carry and none have reported blood in the streets like maryland claims we will have if they pass CCW here
Such maturity on this site. I’m glad we’re all adults here.
perfectly stated, like children bickering
Welcome to the party! This story is over a month old! Did you just wake up from your nap Jesse?
Gahler is not only the enforcer, he is also the law maker and the judge!
Isn’t that the job description of Sheriff?
Everyone has seemed to get a bit off topic…
I was prepared to vote for Gahler in the upcoming election. To be honest, though, this press release has me scared. It reads as a bunch of sound bites strung together (to get people’s support) without giving much substance. Which current statutes does he plan to ignore? What is his legal training (specifically as it pertains to Constitutional Law)? How can he say he won’t uphold a law because he thinks it is unconstitutional? What happens if/when the courts decide that it is??? (And there’s the rub – he enforces laws, courts interpret them.) It seems to me that many law enforcement officers think that they know the law. The problem is that there are so many exceptions and intricacies woven into our laws (and our Constitution). How can he possibly presume to think that he is that well-versed in the 2nd Amendment? The beauty of our Constitution is that it adapts and changes as people and time change. Interpretations change and exceptions arise.
He had my vote before I read this. Now I am not sure…
His supporters don’t get it and that’s what is really disturbing.
Billie the gay basher,
Gee… you still here
R U looking for a date?
Billie,
Well, I knew you were trolling. So, you got tired of jackin’ off to the basement scene in Pulp Fiction eh? You just love the guy in blue down there until things go bad right?
All the Nancy boy stuff you post and homo suggestions – capped with your pretend hatred of guns.
You bad. Oh, in your case – you baddie.
I did not read anything in Mr. Gahler’s statement that said he wouldn’t enforce any current laws. He did say that there are current laws that he doesn’t agree with that he work work to change or repeal. The 2nd Amendment says we as U.S. Citizens have the right to bear arms; however, the “right to bear arms” can and has been interpreted to mean different things. That said, if a law was passed that resulted in the government seizing guns from law abiding citizens, I am not sure you could say it wouldn’t be in violation of the Constitution. That is the type of law that I think Mr. Gahler was referring to as a law he couldn’t enforce, and let’s face it, if that law gets passed, no police department could enforce it.
Please do not play cute with the plain meaning of the word “bear.” No interpretation is necessary (or lawful if the interpretation would violate it’s meaning or original intent).
Nosy,
BS, you were never going to vote for Gahler.
“The beauty of our Constitution is that it adapts and changes as people and time change. Interpretations change and exceptions arises.” – No it doesn’t change. The beauty of the Constitution is that the basic God given rights are endearing. Your interpretation means you are a leftest who was always a fan of Bane. You will always have Presidents who attempt to pack the court, but we have lasted as a nation because things manage to right themselves.
How can anyone possibly presume to know what our laws entail at this point? However, the Bill of Rights are pretty clear for everyone. I would expect that a person who was a degree in Criminal Justice knows more than the common person, myself included.With that said, Nosy Neighbor, that is only one example of the case you present against Gahler using your circular logic. I may not be a criminal justice major, but simple discourse requires sensible arguments.
The Bill of Rights are far from clear. As interpreted, they don’t always mean what they say. Freedom of Speech? Yes, sometimes. BUT some speech is not protected. That isn’t in the Bill of Rights. It has evolved over time. A person with a criminal justice degree may know more than the average person without one. A person with a criminal justice degree probably does not know more than the average person with a JD who regularly analyzes constitutional matters.
I don’t see how my statement is circular? I simply stated that I am now second-guessing my original intent to vote for a candidate (whose job it is to enforce the law) who has stated that he will not enforce an unconstitutional law. My questions were regarding his legal training in constitutional law – a topic that people study for years and will still interpret differently.
The Constitution is called a living document for a reason. As I said before, exceptions arise, society changes. At the time the Constitution was written, take a look as who could vote, who could own property, what was property…. Things and times change. The Constitution is a brilliant document that only an imbecile would think is easy to interpret.
In this situation, I don’t consider myself “left” or “right.” I consider myself a fan of the Constitution. I want to know who I am supporting.
PS – To Nosy not so, why would I lie on an anonymous website? There are some on here that like to push buttons, be contrary, and stir the pot, that is not me. Believe me or don’t, that is on you. My question was legitimate as was my statement that I was going to vote for him. I may still. This issue may not be enough for me to cast my vote elsewhere. I’d just like more information about this topic. He put the press release out there, I think he should be more specific. We shall see…
@Nosy Neighbor:
I wrote to him directly and received a very nice reply. His clarification of his position eased my concerns greatly. If you write to him, he may do the same and ease your mind as well.
@Trolls: No, I’m not going to post it as it isn’t an official campaign document.
Thanks! I will do that!!
Keith,
Thanks for your follow-up.
I have folks who want to ask us questions regarding Gahler’s position on an issue. In each instance, I tell them to just ask Gahler and he will be happy to explain his position.
He has written several letters to the Aegis and Dagger Press explaining his positions on a myriad of issues and could not be more clear and up front about what he will do as Sheriff. This man will be a breath of fresh air and I hope he gets elected.
It’s odd he wouldn’t come here and clear up the concerns of every one after letting the Dagger post his letter that was unclear at best.
Yes, it is odd that Mr. Gahler won’t come on here and go back and forth with you while you make fun of gays and others anonymously. I would just have to take a guess and say he has just a bit more class for you or your comments.
From what I have seen I can understand why he would be afraid.
“I will not enforce any unconstitutional law that infringes on the Second Amendment Rights of Harford County Citizens and will use the power of the Office to fight the legal battles needed to have such laws repealed or thrown out!”
I’m not sure what to make of this, since an co law has to first be implemented before a court can determine whether or not it is constitutional. It makes more sense if you eliminate “Unconstitutional” and replace it with “unpopular”.
This stance has put my support for Gahler in serious doubt.
Are you still in doubt?
Now that he clarified what he meant by “unconstitutional laws” and how he would react to them, yes, I can tell you that he has my support.
My concern was that he was attempting to take on a judicial role, such as interpreting law and then using his own whim to determine which laws he would enforce or not under the guise of constitutionalism. His clarification to me was much more nuanced than a campaign trail typically allows and spoke to my concerns. I understand that I was not his target audience for this press release. (My words, not his.) He was speaking to concerns that are / were beyond my imagination, but are strongly held by others. (My words, not his.) As such, I now understand that he must address those concerns in a way that would be understood by those individuals. I credit him (or his office) for writing a personal response to me and doing so in a well-thought out manner.
I will go off topic here too. I just watched Bane decide to retake the ALS Ice Bucket challenge over again since he was a goof with a cup of water the first time. Many people let him have it on the HCSO page and now, with everything going on in the county, this guy is doing damage control on a ice bucket challenge. Sheriff, you continue to do really dumb a_ _ stuff. You need to fire whoever is talking you into this stuff unless it is just you, then you just need to go. Sad little man.
when should a sheriff carry a weapon
when on duty
when wearing a unifrom regardless of why
when in his patrol car on duty or not
when working the hours of the schedule of the job
or even just getting lunch or shopping when the shift is over
you know what police dont carry guns ? the clowns in england, get my message now?
Nosy Neighbor,
To clarify, i was referring to your argument as circular in general. At one point you say the LE official should enforce only the law, yet somehow the person enforcing the law doesn’t understand law. By that logic, then they should enforce nothing.
I disagree with your assessment of the Constitution’s clarity. It was intended to be straightforward by the authors. It is our over-zealous (and corrupted ones) that have made the Constitution and its amendments into a blazing hot mess of legal red tape that runs miles upon miles. Not to mention Federal bureaucratic red-tape, with its 73K pages of tax code. Who could possibly navigate that? However the original document and the first ten amendments are pretty clear to any American that can read and write, as it was intended. The document was specifically designed by the authors to NOT require a JD (Juris Doctorate) to understand.
However, i do empathize with your opening statement. I have acquired a strong distrust of politicians, lawyers and police. Gahler’s points should be scrutinized more closely, as should any other elected official’s claims.
Wayne,
I’ll try to clarify my unclear statements. Law enforcement officers enforce the law as written. For example, does that person have a handgun in his/her vehicle? Yes? Is there a law against it? Yes? Arrested. — Easy enough. Law enforcement officers should not be in the business of deciding whether or not it is constitutional to prohibit a person from carrying a handgun in his/her vehicle. (Just the first example that comes to mind – not saying should or shouldn’t be). Officer apply facts to law. Deciding if something is constitutional is applying cast amounts of caselaw and precedent to a law. That is not for a police officer to do. That is for judges.
Is that any clearer??? It is tough to explain it without an intelligent back and forth…
Thank you for your respectful response in general and about the Constitution. We will just have to agree to disagree about the clarity of the Constitution…
vast not cast
Here is my point. Civilians AND LE officials should have a clear understanding of basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. It is EVERYONE’s duty to pay close attention to Constitutional infringements. So, for example, if I feel my Constitutional rights are being infringed, then it is not a stretch to imagine that a person with any legal training whatsoever cannot decide the same.
Also, thank you sir, for your reasonable discourse on the discussion at hand.
Additionally, i believe that is a great mistake for legislators to claim or impose a monopoly on basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution. This is a huge problem in our legal justice system that has allowed legislators to gain advantage for themselves at the cost of the common citizen. It is on this principle that i disagree with you.
I think that you misunderstand the role of the Sherriff. As the highest ranking, elected law enforcement officers in the nation, they are accountable to the citizens who elected them to protect their lives, their liberty, and their property. Unlike state or municipal police departments, they do NOT work for the Governor or legislators, for that matter, but are only accountable to the people they serve. They swear an oath to defend the Constitution and it is their duty to protect the people from unjust laws that violate the Constitution.
Your understanding is quite limited. As a state office holder, the Sheriff’s job is to protect and serve the public and arrest powers over criminal cases or when directed to do so by a judicial warrant or the prosecutor in authority over the jurisdiction. It is not the job of the Sheriff to enforce anything more or less than that. While the Sheriff may be elected official, his/her job is to uphold the laws of the State of Maryland and in some limited cases as directed by powers above the office to enforce the Constitution. Your constitutional rights are not under the purview of the Sheriff, nor have they ever been something that is under his direct jurisdictional authority. All office holders promise to defend the Constitution, but it is not up to them to decide what is or isn’t covered under the Constitution. Criminal matters, protection of safety and enforce those laws that affect it. The teaching never ends!
Sorry professor, but our Sheriff is not a state office holder. He is employed by Harford County, his department is funded through Harford County appropriations, and he is elected by the Citizens of Harford County. He is the peoples’ last line of defense against government overreach and tyranny and he has tremendous discretion within the confines of the Constitution to exercise his duties. BTW, our Constitutional rights are not subject to interpretation by any individual or branch of government. Our rights are God-given and absolute.
Todd,
Interesting thoughts. However, you are wrong regarding the Sheriff. The “Office” of Sheriff for each county is indeed a constitutional office founded in the Constitution of the State of Maryland. As such, each County Sheriff is a state office holder, duly elected by the citizens of their respective Counties. The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is just that, an elected Office, not a Department under the supervision and control of County government.
While the Sheriff’s Office is funded by the resources of their respective counties, the Sheriff does not work for the County Executive or any other entity of County government.
Mike Welsh- That is exactly the point I have been trying to make throughout my posts here. The county sheriff works only for the citizens of the county which elected him, to protect them. The employee relationship with the county government exists only to pay his salary and those of his deputies.
My uneducated friend,
The Sheriff while elected in Harford County (a jurisdiction in the State of Maryland) is a state official and himself (Bane) paid by the state of Maryland. Once the funded by HCG, he can spend his funds as he deems necessary and can direct his staff to focus on his specific priorities. It is not the Sheriff’s job to prosecute cases of a constitutional nature nor is his job to enforce any laws he deems more constitutional than others. His primary Constitution to follow is the Maryland Constitutional and within the penal code whatever his office duties entail. It is not a civil law department where most of the constitutional laws fall under. The office is a state office just like the prosecutor’s office and the BOE, Health Department or Social Services. All these offices are state mandated offices even if some or part of their funding is from local government. Keep educating the masses.
“Our rights are God-given and absolute.”
The Bill of Rights was in the Bible?
Actually, Article II of the Maryland Constitution plainly states, “The Constitution of the United States, and the Laws made, or which shall be made, in pursuance thereof, and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the authority of the United States, are, and shall be the Supreme Law of the State; and the Judges of this State, and all the People of this State, are, and shall be bound thereby; anything in the Constitution or Law of this State to the contrary notwithstanding”. My interpretation of this is that the US Constitution is the Supreme Law of the Land unless their is a State Law to the contrary……..Basically, the Sheriff is supposed to Enforce all Rights Guaranteed Under the Constitution. If he feels that a Court or a Judge is violating any Rights under either the US or Maryland Constitution, he does not have to carry out that command……..
“The Constitution is called a living document for a reason.” – Only interpreted so by those judges who want to govern. Historically, judges (specifically the Supreme Court) would attempt to distinguish the original intent – which is pretty easy given that the ‘Rights’ we have are individual ‘Rights’ and are written so plainly. The aspects which may surround the exercising of those ‘Rights’ surely have evolved with technical advancement, but it up to the Supreme Court to determine if any new law, or government breech of a law, impinges our our individual ‘Rights’. That is why historical precedent is noted in all court decisions.
The Constitution is not whimsy. Nor is the Constitution a lesser document because it was written by lesser men, as some suggest. When we look at the turmoil in our Midwest we do not discount the travail of all the residents because some may act with lesser values. We try to ascertain what is right… as our ‘Bill of Rights’ guarantees us from God.
The Constitution should evolve less and be followed directly as written, intentions are nice but hard to enforce. If you want an amendment to the Constitution, there is a process to it and if you just want a law to regulate or dictate something there is a legislative body with the power to do the same. Decisions like Citizens United that basically give individual rights to Corporations are an overreach of the judicial authority and never spelled out originally as corporations having freedom of speech to buy out political influence and power by the mere fact of exercising their freedom of speech rights. It has also evolved the other way when deciding that that Obama Care is a tax taw even though it wasn’t created as a tax law and give it legitimacy in a round about way. I think sometimes judges do a fair amount of personal judgment and very little of actually reading the Constitution.
It would be your job to enforce any law on the books not just those you deem to be unconstitutional. It would be the job of the Judiciary to balance the legislative body and the executive body to determine what is or isn’t unconstitutional. Pander to you base, that’s all this is.
Professor, as I read your posts, I am not certain that they are all written by the same individual. While I agree with much of what you say, you seem to contradict your principles throughout your writings. I cannot decide where you fall with respect to governance or liberty. On this post, to which I am replying, I disagree with you. Would you have held this position if you were living in Nazi Germany during the 1930s and 40s? Would you really try to argue that it is “law enforcement’s job to enforce any law on the books not just those you deem to be unconstitutional?” Are you kidding me?
I meant to say that the elected official can’t choose with laws are deemed more enforceable than others and within the context in this discussion, it is not the job of the Sheriff to defend the right to bear arms any more than imminent domain. The first is a Constitutional Right and the 2nd is a power granted to the government under some specific circumstances such as public good or benefit. There are civil remedies for some but the Sheriff deals with criminal code enforcement not civil Constitutional Rights.
P,
Just as it is not the responsibility of any law enforcement officer to guarantee safety for any specific individual – but only society at large… so too, there is great discretion in any law enforcement decision. If the law said you could only possess a 10 round magazine and the sheriff saw you with a 15 round magazine… his decision not to arrest you would be his discretion – based on his interpretation that a 10 round magazine was arbitrary and prevented you from exercising your full right to self defense.
I do not know Gahler’s position on this, but this could be a possible example. Currently you cannot buy a 15 round magazine, but you can possess it.
We basically agree, just splitting hairs two different ways. There are too many laws governing everything. Less govt and more individual freedom is something that most people agree on except when that basic freedom contradicts most people’s moral beliefs and then they want the government to be bigger and regulating things as long as the moral majority agrees. Example, you right to your medical choices should be yours and your doctor except when it involves the life of the unborn, then some would want the govt to regulate it more and others less. Same thing with having more govt to protect us from others as long as we aren’t the ones being inconvenienced. Example, keep terrorists out of airports but don’t check me because I am not likely to be a terrorist. There is a balance that only the Constitution can provide with universal rights for all, to me that includes same sex marriage with the same civil rights as heterosexual marriage.
“If the law said you could only possess a 10 round magazine and the sheriff saw you with a 15 round magazine… his decision not to arrest you would be his discretion – based on his interpretation that a 10 round magazine was arbitrary and prevented you from exercising your full right to self defense.”
I thought law enforcement’s job was to enforce laws, not interpret them. Interpretation is the court’s role.
Proffy,
“It would be your job to enforce any law on the books not just those you deem to be unconstitutional.” – You would be a hit in 1950 when the sheriffs were enforcing the white only drinking fountains.
So, now the Sheriff of Harford County is going to decide which laws are constitutional? Are you kidding? Gahler sounds like Obama.
Also, I missed something here and I am hoping someone can fill me in. Gahler says, “One of the most frequent questions I have been asked during my campaign for Sheriff has been, “What is your stance on the Second Amendment?” The short answer is that I am the only candidate for Sheriff in Harford County who supports your Second Amendment Rights.
I am fully in support of every citizen’s right to keep and bear arms. Any time I have answered this question; my answer has been strong and consistent. I have stayed the course and remained committed to my position on the 2nd Amendment. Unfortunately, the incumbent has stated his support of the 2nd Amendment, but his actions have been inconsistent and in fact contradict his publically stated views.”
Now as I read that, either I am losing my mind or Gahler totally contradicts himself. In the first paragraph he says he is the only candidate that supports “your” Second Amendment Rights. But, in the very next paragraph he says that Sheriff Bane has stated that he DOES support the Second Amendment. Which is it? Also, I would hope that one could spell publicly correctly if they wanted to be the Sheriff of Harford County. Just sayin…
Keep throwing, you might get lucky and get something to stick lol!! Obviously Bane is lying again when he says he is a second amendment supporter. The man doesn’t even carry a gun himself all the time when working. A true lib POS.
Gahler is saying that Bane says one thing (that is, that he supports the 2A) and does another (for example, he failed to speak out with other Sheriffs in opposition to SB 281). Bane’s actions have not matched his rhetoric when it comes to the 2A.
bane is a puppet who dances to what gov OWEMALLEY tells him to
for sh!ts sake bane doesnt carry a gun himself, that alone speaks volumes about his support or lack of support for our second amendment
one day MD will wkae up and get with the times but by then it will be to late
I cannot care less whether Bane chooses to carry a firearm or not. He has a right to choose how to protect himself, just as all Americans have a right to choose how they will defend themselves, and to carry if they wish. I only care when others’ preferences, beliefs, and whims begin to infringe on my God-given rights.
Todd,
Do you believe that the same rights given to Sheriff Bane should also extend to all of his Deputies, with regard to how they choose to defend themselves? If it is Sheriff Bane’s belief that his Deputies carry a Glock 9mm, but they choose to carry something different, should they be able to do that? You would not want Sheriff Bane to infringe on any Deputies right to choose their method of protection would you?
I expect that the caliber and make/model of allowable/required firearms is specified for logistical/supply and safety reasons for deputies’ official duty weapons. My comments directed at Sheriff Bane applied to his choice to not carry while off-duty (it would be debatable whether a sheriff could ever be considered to be off-duty). I would love it if our elected politicians and off-duty LEOs were subjected to the same personal vulnerabilities that the people suffer when they are denied their right to legally bear arms. I bet that then they would feel differently about the 2A.
Todd,
But what about those God-given rights? Do the rights given by God end somewhere?
These rights are not limited if we truly have God-given rights to life, liberty, and the possession of property. Absolute liberty is, of course, constrained by prohibitions against infringing on others’ rights. It might also be punitively limited by our system of jurisprudence following a criminal conviction. Think about it… do you really have a right to life if another person desires and has the means to take it from you and you are prohibited from defending it?
Here is an NBC link to a very relevant story regarding sheriffs who are refusing to enforce federal and state gun laws: http://news.ca.msn.com/top-stories/rural-sheriffs-refuse-to-enforce-federal-gun-laws.
Todd,
“It bans 45 types of firearms, limits magazines to 10 round” – It bans firearms that are in common use by the general public which the Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional. And that is the problem. Cities and states continuously pass laws that take years to get through the court system to be proven unconstitutional. Incidentally, Frosh lied in his comment: those folks testifying clearly stated that the law would not prevent crime and that the ban was restricting common firearms in use. The magazine limit was also arbitrary. Again and again, those voting for the gun ban admitted it would have no impact on crime… but they had to do something. Where have we heard that.
Incidentally, all half dozen people watching NBC are impressed with the coverage.
…which is precisely the reason why we need Constitutional Sheriffs such as Richard Mack. While Mr. Gahler is not running as a Constitutional Sheriff (I know because I asked him), he is the closest thing to one running in this election.
I don’t normally use Yahoo news, but this article brings up some good reasons why it’s important for us to know what our Sheriff’s views are concerning issues about Constitutional rights.
http://news.yahoo.com/enforcement-gun-laws-hinges-local-090000476.html
The sworn DUTY of the sheriff is to serve and protect and he doesn’t even carry a side arm half the time What kind of fantasy world does this so called educated leader live in ? DOes he plan on talking the criminals out of commiting crimes and how does he plan to protect any of us with nothing but his agency pen in his hand !
constitution….whatda hell is that?…if the sanctimonious hypocrites who run “ruin” our country get their way there wont be so much as a pee shooter left in american hands. yea, wont the government love that when they’re the only sob’s with guns. politicians are no better then drug dealers. your not sure which one to trust but you know they will all screw you sooner or later because that’s what they do. i used to think the enemy was across the ocean in some foreign land, now i only have to look to washington dc or right down the street to the local police station. Americans, you better wise up before its too late. your leaders have destroyed freedom and the very fabric of the american way of life. the super rich are spitting in your face and selling your country right out from under you. dont trust your government and keep your guns loaded, if you know what i mean!…when gahler passes out lolli pops he should put a 22 caliber bullet in each one for effect…lol………i joke because i think our entire political process has been turned into a laughing crying shame, mostly laughable…. impeach? hell the last couple of presidents we had should have been hung n left out for bird food, but that would be cruelty to animals, feeding them that filth…i bet bane would make good bird food, course it would be slim pickins
I disagree, Why would the Sheriff need to carry a gun when he himself does not respond to crime? I mean, in the current situation of Bane’s job, he himself does not go to individual crime scenes nor does he himself respond to calls from citizens in real time. He is basically an administrator of his office relying on his Deputies to carry out the response to direct situations. He has to trust that his Deputies are well trained, use honesty and integrity, are knowing of the laws and will use their best judgment in carrying out their duties as their actions reflect upon his office. There really is no reason for him to carry a gun all the time…….. This does not make him a liberal POS as another poster recently submitted. It simply means he is using his discretion as to when, where and why he should carry a gun. The problem with Harford County is the deputies are out of control and instead of disciplining the deputies they just cover up the issue. The State’s Attorney Office and the Judges all seem to be aboard on covering up these same issues. That’s the real problem…….
Why should he carry a weapon. He drives a car and lets say a deputy calls a signal 13 and he is close. What good is he if he is unarmed?
No body is covering up anything. They just convicted a deputy of a crime and he lost his job. If they were going to cover something up this would have been the crime to do so. I am sure there is more to your story then you let on.
I do disagree with his taking the right to carry from the Correctional Officers.
Well, I got news for you Marc, The Harford County Sheriff’s Office is, has, was and always will be covering up many mistakes made by incompetent deputies in his command. They do this to get convictions. Marc, you know this for a fact as you were a deputy many moons ago. Now, I must admit, I have no idea what a signal 13 is, but why would Jesse be out and about patrolling? He has many deputies with many guns at his disposal. He is an administrator of a Law Enforcement Agency, that just happens to a duly elected position in Hateford County. That police officer you are referring to and all that get convicted, just happen to do their idiocy with witnesses who aren’t cops around. When this happens, even Harford County cops have to do the right thing and arrest their brother, regardless of the thin blue line and do the job they should’ve done to begin with. As for my story, well, its another matter. Lets just say I died in 2010 and now all that is left is the SoulCrusher! Just for the record, Correctional Officers in Harford County don’t need guns, they got all those deputies with guns, just like you used to be. So, Marc, don’t get me started, I’m trying to make my fingers behave themselves today…….
Signal 13 = Officer in need of assistance (usually an emergency – someone trying to disarm an officer in a struggle, officer shot….)
Is the Sheriff a sworn officer of the law or just an elected official? If an officer, he is sworn to protect the public. All I know is if I’m out somewhere with my family and, Heaven forbid, crime commences, I hope if there’s a sheriff’s department officer nearby, it’s a real deputy and not Andy Griffith. Good for the Sheriff is he’s clairvoyant enough to know he’ll never be in a situation where crime might take place and the need to do his job might rear it’s ugly head.
Does a dispatch officer at a precinct need to carry a firearm while on duty? How about an administrator that doesn’t leave the office? My guess is that Bane carries a firearm when he is off duty more than when he’s on. He simply doesn’t need to carry while performing his duties in the office, especially when there is more than enough deputies around carrying firearms for him……..
“Is the Sheriff a sworn officer of the law or just an elected official?” He is both. The Sheriff is elected and prior to taking office he takes an oath prescribed by the State to uphold the laws for which he was elected.
Andy was a fine Sheriff for his day. I can’t believe you didn’t like Andy Griffith! By the way, Andy was never a Deputy. I think you’re referring to “Barney Fife” and his one bullet in his shirt pocket.