Nepotism, social justice discussed at sheriff’s debate

June 30, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

The candidates for Hampden County Sheriff relaxed before the debate on June 28 sponsored by the Greater Springfield NAACP. Seen here are (left to right) Springfield City Councilor Thomas Ashe, Assistant Deputy Superintendent James Gill, Jack Griffin, John Comerford, Governor’s Councilor Michael Albano and Deputy Superintendent Nick Cocchi.
Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael Dobbs

SPRINGFIELD – The debate among the candidates for Hampden County Sheriff hosted by the Greater Springfield NAACP focused on issues such as social justice and eliminating nepotism at the Hampden County Jail.

The debated was conducted in the Spring of Hope Church Of God In Christ.

It was also the first debate to feature the Republican candidate for the office, John Comerford. Comerford is a veteran who is currently serving as the veterans’ agent for four communities – East Longmeadow, Monson, Hampden and Wales.  

He told the audience of about 100 people is he also a former investigator for the Attorney General’s Office and has been involved in building security.

When he spoke, he told the audience he is a Republican. “Am I allowed to say that in a house of worship?” he joked.

The Rev. Talbert Swan II, the president of the chapter, replied that Jesus “hung out with Republicans and sinners.”

Comerford was serious though when he said he would only serve one term if elected, as he believes one term is sufficient for any elected position.

Swan set the tone for the evening’s questions – some of which came from NAACP members and some from the audience – by speaking about the high rate of incarceration in the United States as well as the disproportionate number of African Americans who are behind bars.

The issue of how people are employed at the jail and whether or not the staff at the jail racially reflects the inmate population was the theme of several questions, as well as the issue of nepotism.

None of the candidates said they would tolerate nepotism. Governor’s Councilor Michael Albano noted how Sheriff Michael Ashe had hired his brother Jay to a lucrative consulting position after he had retired. Albano criticized this action and blamed the media for not exposing it.

Albano, who noted he is a lifetime member of the NAACP, described how he as a mayor of Springfield hired Eddie Corbin, the first African American purchasing director for the city of Springfield, a move that “opened City Hall for the first time for people of color to do business with the city.”

Deputy Superintendent Nick Cocchi described the current hiring process and noted the supervisor of hiring is an African American. Cocchi later listed many of the top management positions are filled by women, who are Latino or African American.

Retired correctional officer and addiction counselor Jack Griffin said, “The system is broken.” He added, “Anyone who can do the job, despite race, creed or color, will get it.”

City Councilor Thomas Ashe said that while nepotism is acceptable in a family business “it would have no place in my administration.” Ashe said his support as a city councilor for legislation encouraging the hiring of women and minorities in city contracts showed his track record on the issue.

Deputy Assistant Superintendent James Gill said his goal would be to reflect the jail’s inmate population in the staff.

As with nepotism, all of the candidates stressed the need for change in the programs at the jail. Comerford said he would look at every program and eliminate those that aren’t working. He added he wants to see Hampden County sheriff officers patrolling the streets of the county assisting local law enforcement efforts.

Gill said programs must “stop the revolving door” of repeat offenders, while Ashe said he believes the issue includes lining up jobs for inmates. He said he would work with the Regional Employment Board and FutureWorks as well as approach MGM.

Albano noted that since 2010 there have been 800 deaths from opioid in the county and charged that Ashe had only taken the step of forming a task force several weeks ago. He noted he had tried to set up a needle exchange in Springfield as mayor in order to save lives and he called for more addiction treatment services.

Cocchi noted the department is already working with the Regional Employment Board and FutureWorks. While there is room for improvement, he explained how the programs developed at the jail – programs he helped to develop – have been seen as national models for jails.

When asked what skills are needed for the job, Ashe said his dual experience as a correctional office as well as an elected official means “I can literally hit the ground running.”

Gill said the sheriff must be a person of character and integrity and must genuinely care about people. With morale low among jail employees, Gill added the sheriff must be a motivator.

Griffin said the sheriff must have passion, which he said he does. “I’m not in it for the power, prestige or money,” he added.

Comerford said the sheriff’s job is a managerial position. “I’ve never taken a job I couldn’t do,” he said.

Albano, citing his experience in government, said the sheriff must make sure the budget isn’t cut by the Legislature. “If you’re not a politician you better become one real soon,” he said.

Cocchi said, “The most important skill set is experience, not years of service.” He noted that he oversees more than 1,400 officers and has been assigned to work with unfunded mandates from the state.

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