Treatment shows high contempt for state’s attorney’s office

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

With such a statement, snide as it was in Mr. Jarboe’s usual character, I would like it to be known by Mr. Jarboe that I would have liked very much to have been present to ask him why it is that in the nine years I have been state’s attorney, he has not appeared one time in my office to familiarize himself with the operations of the office of state’s attorney or to inquire as to the welfare of my 35 employees.

As it was Mr. Jarboe, I think you should know that during your meeting, I was meeting with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations discussing the robbery and death of Billy Gene Gurley, aged 75, who died of a heart attack immediately after being robbed. It is my opinion, and I believe the opinion of the public at large, that they would rather have me performing my constitutionally designated duties than meeting with you.

As to Commissioner Daniel H. Raley’s comments, I must admit that I have no idea what he is even referring to when he makes some statement concerning ‘‘sins of the past” and throwing money at it. However, when you consider that each merit system county employee gets a 2.8 percent merit raise per year and that my attorneys have not had a board raise since 2003, it is difficult to consider how they would be obtaining special treatment in the face of other county employees.

Think of it Mr. Raley, county employees since 2003, have received an approximate 16.8 percent (2.8 x 6) raise in the past six years, plus a 1 percent market adjustment last year that my assistants were denied. Do you think I have a right to, as you say, be nasty? I can only be thankful that Commissioners Jack Francis Russell, Kenny Dement and Thomas A. Mattingly could do the math, and saw the injustice of allowing such inequity to continue. Having only asked for $26,000 dollars to divide among seven attorneys who have not had a raise since 2003, when my total requested budget was one of the lowest in percentage increases in entire county government, is indicative that this office does not in any manner ask for any advantage over any other employee or agency. I can only resent Commissioner Raley’s unfair and false insinuation, while playing for the press.

One further point for Mr. Jarboe. My deputy state’s attorney in charge of administration and operations was present at your meeting, and the last time he appeared before the board, he was kept waiting five hours while you discussed such items as asphalt overlay and other administrative items that were not requiring testimony from live witnesses. Such treatment by you shows a high degree of contempt for this office; anytime you desire to discuss anything with me in public, I would be more than happy to oblige, just let me know when and where.

Richard D. Fritz, Leonardtown

The writer is state’s attorney for St. Mary’s County.