Polhemus Won't Debate With Democratic Opponent
Veteran sheriff turns down invitation from Ocean County League of Women Voters
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Eighty-four-year-old Ocean County Sheriff William L. Polhemus has turned down a request by the Ocean County League of Women Voters for a debate with his Democratic opponent, a league official said.
"It is not going to take place," said OCLWV President Sheila McVeigh.
McVeigh said she sent invitations to Polhemus and Democrat George "Bob" Armstrong for an Oct. 10 debate in Toms River Town Hall. Armstrong accepted, Polhemus did not, she said.
Former Toms River Mayor Paul C. Brush, who is Armstrong's campaign manager, said it was "unfortunate" that Polhemus will not participate.
"Bob Armstrong has accepted because he feels it is important to have an informed electorate, but the sheriff has rejected the invitation," Brush said. "This is a repeat of the campaign three years ago when Sheriff Polhemus refused to participate in any public forums with Mr. Armstrong."
Polhemus has served as Ocean County Sheriff since 1985. Prior to that, he was police chief of the Seaside Heights Police Department for 35 years.
Polhemus could not be reached for comment today. Patch was told he was "in a meeting."
Armstrong, 68, has a law enforcement career that spans more than 40 years.
Armstrong served as a special agent with the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations and later as a special agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to his website.
Armstrong then began a second career as state investigator/detective with New Jersey Department of Criminal Justice and later as a special agent/forensic accountant with the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation.
McVeigh said she e-mailed Polhemus and offered to let him submit a written statement which would be read by a moderator. She has not heard back from him, she said.
Polhemus is also being challenged by former Stafford Township Mayor John McMenamin, who is running an an independent under the slogan "Call of Duty." McMenamin now lives in Surf City.
Keeping whats mine
6:16 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Way TOO old
Da Poppa
5:10 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
@Keeping - maybe, maybe not ... But we wouldn't know unless we heard him debate the issues of the office of sheriff against his very worthy opponent ... He certainly has been at the taxpayers teet for far too long ...
So Much to Say
6:42 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Polhemus Won't Debate With Democratic Opponent
The headline should read "Polhemus CAN'T Debate With Democratic Opponent
Polhemus hasn't been able to told a full converstion with anyone for a very long time. I suspect he's no longer mentally fit. Tell the truth Paul Brush. I always found you to be an honest man. I don't feel that way anymore.
BOB ARMSTRONG FOR SHERIFF
Chief Wahoo
8:36 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
No Country for Old Men
Brian Holt
8:36 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
I agree with both statements. 84 years old and holding a public office since 1985...goodbye! Time for a change, thanks for your service, but get out!
This is an good example of what is wrong with politics nowadays; these old folks in office whose views are so skewed.
Time to start up the G.R.I.P. Campaign (Get Rid of Incumbent Politicians)!
Quaghogdigger
7:36 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
He has held a public office since 1950.....Time to go.
South OC
8:36 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The article states it a "repeat of three years ago". You can say that again. Polhhemus will beat Armstrong once again handily. With the polls showing Polhemus ahead by a massive margin , why would he debate?
Tom Cular
8:14 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
How do you think he would be as a REAL sherrif, instead of one of the Gilmore Girls?
Jerseyclone
8:19 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
The republicans of ocean county should be ashamed of themselves for wasting taxpayer dollars by allowing polhemus to run for sheriff. Many people I know who have knowledge of his abilities say he is totally incompetent.
Surf citys up
8:19 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Oh please, the article is correct. It states " this is a repeat of three years ago". How true, Polhemus will beat Armestrong again by a even wider margin this time out. Why would he debate, when the recent polls show Pohlemus ahead by a massive margin?
Sue
7:45 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Same thing that you posted under your other alias, "South OC."
What "polls" are you making up now? Voter sentiment seems to be overwhelmingly against the incompetent old geezer who can't debate, let alone serve as sheriff.
Ken
8:21 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Too Old, Diapers leak
Gary LaFetra
7:17 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Can't stay awake long enough for a debate.
Dr. Kildare
8:26 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Paul Brush , no other then the running mate of Michelle Rosen. Oh lordy you can rest assured Mr Paulehus will have a outstanding victory. Brush, Armstrong all friends and running mates of no other then , ex Freeholder candidate , ex surrogate candidate lost how many times. You cannot make this stuff up, no wonder Pauhlhemus is going to win big.
Dieter Fralich
8:33 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
hey is there anyone in any of those photos that is under 80?
shorecorruption
9:31 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Time for TERM LIMITS.
Mac
9:33 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Ocean County already has term limits and continues to be very proud of the fact that they are limited to lifetime service. Regardless, our political leadership maintains an open mind on this subject and will grant extended service exceptions if an incumbent candidate happens to die prior to the election. So Sheriff Bill, you are still a wanted man, dead or alive.
pospatch
12:55 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
We have term limits; they're called elections.
Sal Petoia
10:30 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
While it's true that elections are a form of term limit, they don't work to bring new ideas into government. Big money and entrenched politicians backed by the two major parties serve to limit
participation in elections, almost assuring that the same people continue to get elected. If an incumbent cannot make a significant accomplishment in two terms, he/she never will and will continue to hold office until retirement. Term limits assures that there will always be fresh thinking being brought into government. If term limits limited a person to two consecutive terms, it could be set up so that a person could run again after skipping an election cycle. That way a spectacular person (if there is one) would not be permanently barred from serving his/her constituents.
TRWatch
9:49 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Hey Paul Brush,
How do you feel about the Michael Ritacco situation? I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for you and Mr. Armstrong to really hammer your opposition, but I haven't heard a peep, what gives?
Donny Brasco
11:08 pm on Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Maybe cause somebody has kids that got jobs in the TR school system under the Ritacco era.
Quaghogdigger
7:40 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
He will win the election, get sworn in on Jan. 1, then quickly retire citing health issues, allowing the party to pick someone to fill the remaining term....It's as simple as that.
A Resident
8:41 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Same gameplan a Pt Beach council member played.
Dolores
7:47 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
It is still the "good old boys" network running Ocean County. I was hoping the Rittacco investigation would have gone all the way to the top, maybe it is continuing. It is a waste of my (and yours) tax dollars keeping this man in the job. I would hope the seniors of this county would realize that and vote in the independent. I am a senior and vote independent whenever I can. Very disheartening the way things are done.
Sal Petoia
10:19 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Bob Armstrong has excellent credentials! This should be an election based on the caliber of the candidates and not on party preference.
Art Sholty
3:21 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
NOW HERE'S A MAN THAT KNOWS WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT>
WAY TO GO SAL.
Pat
11:11 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
The sheriff is a good guy but I can't see electing him and having someone else getting paid to carry out the duties, making decisions and staying current or being innovative.
Da Poppa
11:16 am on Thursday, September 20, 2012
This is where alligence to a party has to be put aside. I'm a long time Republican, and I am so tired of the GOP control in this county. They have lost all conservative values and are nothing more than a bunch of RINOs ... Republican In Name Only. If you are truly Republican with true conservative values, then it is time to start putting these RINOs out to pasture.
Jim Gerhart of 101.5 has been preaching GRIP ... Get Rid of Incumbent Politicans.
IF THEY'RE IN, VOTE THEM OUT.
That goes for the state and federal level, too. Chris Smith, our "Representative" has a voting record of 47% conservative. That means he votes more for the democrat/liberal side of issues than conservative! He might as well be a Dem! We can't find better Republican candidates?
Frederick John LaVergne for Congress
11:31 am on Sunday, October 14, 2012
In District 4, Len Marshall, former chair of the Conservative Party, is running as a "Democratic-Republican". There's your answer.
"Stand for what's right, or settle for what's left" - Frederick John LaVergne, "Democratic-Republican" for Congress, NJ District Three.
In Ocean, we stand with Scott Neuman and Tracy Caprioni for Freeholder.
In Burlington, we stand with Kimberly Sue Johnson and Donald E. Letton.
For NJ SENATE - EUGENE M. LAVERGNE - author of the "Change the Rules" Pledge
Local
12:23 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
How's his health? Is he involved in important Public Safety Decisions ??? What do the Freeholders think ???
Da Poppa
5:14 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
@tonto - I don't know if your tongue is in cheek, but those are valid questions that the Patch should be asking. But they won't ...
Mike Corbally
12:35 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
I'm sure Mr. Polhemus is a wonderful man. I too, sadly believe he is being used as a political pawn for the "machine". It's unfortunately politics as usual.
Laura
11:06 pm on Thursday, September 20, 2012
Who votes for him, all the other 84 year-old Republicans?
Mac
10:38 am on Friday, September 21, 2012
Laura, are you complaining about the children again? This is Ocean County. Good Republicans never stop voting here. Some of Sheriff Bill's most ardent supporters are pushing 145. This article would have been less confusing if the term 'meeting' hadn't been substituted for 'séance.'
Mrgrumpass
10:38 am on Friday, September 21, 2012
Bob Armstrong should be elected; Polhemus thinks he’s got this job for life!
Gus Faella
6:53 pm on Friday, September 21, 2012
Sheriff Bill has dedicated his life to law enforcement. I for one and I'm sure the citizens of Ocean County appreciate his dedication, but I think its time to hang up the gun and badge.
Mr Armstrong has my vote, even if I have to change parties.
Uncle Moe
2:07 am on Saturday, September 22, 2012
This old parasite needs to be put out to pasture. He's done NOTHING, just the STATUS QUO!
Bayville for 40 years
8:45 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
I am a republican -- but I will not be voting for Polhemus. He has served his time and his time truly is over. Fresh ideas and thoughts are necessary now. 84 and in the same job for that many years -- he is stuck in the past. I am voting for Armstrong. Forget the "party" and vote for who is best!
Frederick John LaVergne for Congress
2:45 am on Friday, September 28, 2012
Wisdom.
Tom Cular
8:45 am on Sunday, September 23, 2012
I agree with most posters, the sheriff can't debate that's why he won't. Gilmore wants him in so that when Polhemus retires due to health issues they can appoint another "Good Old Boy".
Most states have sheriff departments that are actually Law Enforcement orginizations, all this guy does is collect a salary and DEPENDS...
Mac
4:02 pm on Sunday, September 23, 2012
Come on Tom, are you trying to throw a monkeywrench into Gilmore's plans to create two more unelected incumbents? When Sheriff Bill officially retires right after the election, he will be replaced by Freeholder Jack Kelly. And why not? Jack is very unique. He parlayed all his skills and experience at running a deli into inspiring Gilmore to make him the manager of Atlantic City International Airport, where Jack often showed up between freeholder duties to wave at the planes coming and going. Some were even flying. I was so impressed that I started flying out of Newark. Apparently, at least in Gilmore’s eyes, Jack has gained the necessary experience to serve as an Ocean County Republican Sheriff. But that’s not all Gilmore is going to be able to do for us lucky citizens of Ocean County. When Kelly becomes Sheriff Jack, a vacancy will need to be filled at the freeholder clubhouse. In light of the experience displayed by the Ritacco BOE, I’m sure one of those members would be a natural pick. And you get all of this without even having to vote. Ya gotta luv it when a plan comes together.
JOHNNY Done it
12:55 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The sheriff cant debate because he cannot focus on anything for more the 5 minutes ,, & thats being generous.. He comes to work once in a while when someone drives him in .
Have some Selfrespect
10:30 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Polhemus can't debate, can't interview, can't drive, can't do Sheriff stuff but what he can do is WIN yet another re-election. Why? Because the herd of sheep will pull the lever. I was once one of the sheep so I know. Not this time. I've had it! I am a Republican but I'm embarrassed for Polhemus and my party. This is arrogance at the highest level. He's going to win because the SHEEP will vote this 84 year old, incompetent, no show, no go, do nothing fixture into office. I say, "have some courage" this time. Even if you vote for the independent guy, at least have a protest vote. DON'T LET THIS MACHINE EMBARASS OCEAN COUNTY! Take a stand!!