Greg Ahlemann's Fixed Tickets

In the discussion of whether some candidates for office in Loudoun County respect the laws they purport to uphold, enter candidate Greg Ahlemann, Republican for Sheriff.

Ahlemann, a pastor's son and former Loudoun deputy who promises to "restore integrity" to the sheriff's office, said he also asked fellow deputies to tear up traffic tickets issued to his friends, but never for offenses more serious than speeding. - The Washington Post

Candidate Ahlemann, who thinks more law enforcement resources and taxpayer money should go towards finding and persecuting the 3-5% of Loudoun Residents who are here but undocumented, sees no problem selectively enforcing traffic laws (misdemeanors) for the benefit of his friends and family. This is the classic manifestation of the "it's not illegal if I do it" mentality, and the polar opposite of the respect for the rule of law required from a Sheriff.

Contrast that with a man who has spent his life enforcing laws and improving law enforcement:

Michael E. George, 54, the Democratic candidate and a former narcotics and gang-unit supervisor in the Fairfax County Police Department, said he never fixed a ticket during 22 years in law enforcement. "It's done, but it's not a sound practice," he said. - The Washington Post

Selective enforcement of the law is at the root of many problems with law enforcement in large cities and beyond. Loudoun County does not need a Sheriff whose own actions contribute to wider national problems. We do not need the debate over racial profiling to come home because our Sheriff fixed tickets for his friends.

Vote Mike George for Sheriff on November 6th.