Harford County Sheriff R. Thomas Golding dropped his bid for re-election Thursday amid allegations first reported by The Examiner that members of his command staff are soliciting deputies in the workplace to support his campaign, an action that has been deemed possible criminal misconduct.
A source close to the sheriff said Golding made the announcement in a private meeting with his command staff at 11 a.m. Thursday.
A prepared statement announcing Golding?s decision was released to the public at noon, after he left Harford County to attend the Law Enforcement Executive Development School in Ocean City.
Golding said in his statement, “It has become increasingly obvious that the tenor of the campaign process will become nasty,” and “while one does understand that rhetoric is part of that process, the ?win at all costs? attitude is one that is not in my blood or part of my style. ? As such, after much consideration and personal reflection, I have decided that the responsible thing is to no longer seek election as sheriff of Harford County.”
Golding?s decision to back out comes in the wake of allegations by other candidates for sheriff accusing him of allowing members of his command staff to approach deputies while on duty and ask whether Golding could count on the deputies? financial support or if signs could be posted in the deputies? lawns.
A source close to Golding said Thursday that “probationary deputies,” who are new to the agency, were targets of this alleged soliciting.
The controversy intensified after an anonymous letter was sent to the Harford County Board of Elections and the State Prosecutor?s Office, alleging that a specific member of Golding?s command staff is well-known around the agency for approaching deputies for campaign contributions.
As for the sheriff?s future plans, “he?ll obviously serve out the remainder of his term, and after the new sheriff is sworn in, he will move on,” Edward Hopkins, Golding?s campaign spokesman, said Thursday.
When Golding was became sheriff in 2003, he resigned his commission with the agency and took on the mantle of a public official; thus he would not be eligible to continue with the agency once the new sheriff is elected.
Who?s left
R. Thomas Golding?s decision to bow out of the election of County Sheriff leaves three candidates in the running for the position.
» Jesse Bane, 57, a Democrat from Fallston
» Terry Serago, 41, a Democrat from Belcamp
» David E. Tritt, 32, a Republican from Forest Hill
