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Doug Bennett running this year after all - for sheriff

Doug Bennett, who has made two unsuccessful tries for a seat on the City Council, today announced he's setting his sights a bit wider - on Suffolk County Sheriff, a job that involves running the two jails that serve Boston, Chelsea, Revere and Winthrop.

Bennett, a Dorchester resident, is running as a Democrat this year for the six-year term to replace Andrea Cabral, now state secretary of public safety. Steven Tompkins, a former Cabral aide, is current acting sheriff.

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Comments

I feel like I was watching a commercial on my family's old Motorola with the rabbit ears!

Glad to see he hasn't changed his grammatically challenged bio either. Doug, what's next if you lose this one? Governor?

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Thank you for your cynicism "dvdoff." Next comment please. Thx.

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Now tell me why I should vote for you? What is your previous law enforcement experience? Do you have a carry permit? What's your correctional experience? I don't see any listed on your bio. I'm sorry, but IMHO you don;t get to be Sheriff because you pushed papers at the Courthouse.

If you're going to take the time to reply to every post you feel is insulting to you, please reply to one asking you serious questions about you and your candidacy.

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Don't worry "dvdoff," I don't get insulted at at all. I have thick skin. I'm very visible in the community so people have the right to say whatever they want to me. It's all about sense of humor and being able to laugh at your ownself and I do.

Here's some answers to your questions. I have some military experience having served in the mid-90s as an Army Reservist. I attended Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. I received additional training at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and I graduated as the Honor Graduate at the United States Military Air-Assault School in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. At Air-Assault School, I trained with Navy Seals and U.S. Special Forces.

Regarding my education, I graduated as Valedictorian at Valley Forge Military College in 1997. In 2001, I graduated with two Bachelors of Arts Degrees from Penn State University: one in History and a second in Labor Studies Industrial Relations. Currently, I am half-way through getting my Masters of Public Affairs from UMASS Boston.

Regarding my elected experience, I helped balance an $80 million budget for both the County and Municipal Governments of Nantucket from 2004-07. Additionally, regarding law enforcement experience, by sitting on the Board of Selectmen, we also were the Police Commissioners and in this role, we helped put together the funding to purchase the land and eventually construction of a brand new Police Station.

Regarding my experience in the Suffolk County Criminal Court, I had to interact every day with individuals who were either being detained in Nashua Street Jail or inmates from South Bay House of Corrections. One of my duties was processing and returning bail money which meant that I had to constantly go back and forth from the holding cells at Pemberton Square and the Criminal Division. Yes there was a lot of paperwork that needed to be taken care of and court cases to be set up for the Judges and the Clerks. But it was a good experience.

Have I ever carried a gun permit? No, but I took and passed the course previously to be able to carry a gun. I just never needed to carry a weapon as of yet. However, I have plenty of experience firing weapons when I was a Army Reservist with both an M-16 and M-60.

Regarding my experience, it is equatable with Andrea Cabral who was only a Lawyer and the current Acting Sheriff whose only experience was that of Cabral's Press Secretary.

In Massachusetts, the Sheriff has limited duties because most County Government was abolished in the 1990s. As stated previously, the Sheriff oversees a $122 million budget, the South Bay House of Corrections and Nashua Street Jail, and Civil Service duties here in the county.

Now, what I would like to do as Sheriff is the following. I believe that as Sheriff we can lower crime and violence through the creation of Crime Deterrence Posses. Here's the plan:

As Sheriff, I will pursue cost effective ways through peaceful methods to lower crime in our communities. The approach that I will develop is called the Crime Deterrence Posse. This concept to fighting crime is based off of Counterinsurgency Tactics that are today used by the military in conducting police activities overseas specifically in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The reason why crime occurs is because criminals prey off the fact that people are afraid to call the police and law enforcement authorities to report crimes because of fear of retribution. The only crime where witnesses do receive protection is murder. For other violent crimes, there is no witness protection. Therefore, criminals live off passive support from the local community because people are afraid to speak out. Crime Deterrence Posses will solve this and bring forward a greater sense of trust so people will speak out.

This program that I am proposing for implementation here in Suffolk County is similar to what is being used in Springfield, Massachusetts. State Trooper Mike Cutone developed the blueprint for such a plan.

The concept of organizing what I call Crime Deterrence Posses across Suffolk County is based on aggressive door knocking and personal face to face interaction and organizing leaders within their specific neighborhood into what I call Crime Deterrence Posses. These Posses will meet in their respective neighborhood on a monthly basis. The meetings will serve as a local peace council where issues such as local crime and violence are discussed.

After each meeting, these groups of community leaders or Posses will then go door to door in their neighborhoods, talk with their neighbors, hear their concerns, and then distribute important information such as emergency contacts and phone numbers.

This type of personal interaction has proven that communities can lower crime and violence on the grassroots local level as evidenced by Trooper Cutone’s efforts in Western Massachusetts specifically in the North End neighborhood of Springfield which is known for major heroin trafficking operations. I believe that by adopting Trooper Cutone’s plan, we in Suffolk County can lower crime and violence in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.

I will create twenty eight Posses across Suffolk County: twenty two Posses in Boston (one per Ward), two Posses in Chelsea, three Posses in Revere, and one Posse in Winthrop.

These local crime deterrence posses will both enable and build a greater sense of trust between the residents of Suffolk County and local government and law enforcement. Many people witness crime everyday but are afraid to come forward out of fear of retribution. Yet, if we are able to increase trust within our communities, more people will feel comfortable to come forward to authorities when necessary. Most importantly, a program like this will cost tax payers no money.

These are some of the reasons why I ask for your vote "dvdoff."

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I didn't ask about your military record. I didn't ask you about your education.I asked you if you have a carry permit. A simple no would have sufficed,not you listing your limited experience with firearms. I also got your entire campaign platform as an answer.

So let me get this straight: you have never been a law enforcement officer. You have never been on active combat duty soldier. You also have never even made an arrest, yet you think being a court clerk and having an idea for community based policing that you saw on "60 Minutes" qualifies you to be Sheriff? Ans please, spare me the argument about the current and previous people that have held that office. At the very least Cabral was an officer of the Court.

Good luck, though, you're going to need it.

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Thanks "Dvdoff." I'm sure I'll be coming to your house. I look forward to putting a face with a name.

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For proving my point. You are a politician, not a LEO. Why, I can almost see you running from me and my questions regarding your "experience" at a campaign rally towards your rented van.

When you feel like addressing the concerns of a voter without the smarmy bullshit, then maybe I might take you seriously. Until then, you're just another hack who wants a do nothing job that my taxes help pay for and who can't even answer MY concerns about your lack of law enforcement experience. Imagine what an opponent is going to do to you.

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Look "dvdoff." I've answered all your questions. Instead you ridicule my experience, yet you justify Andrea Cabral being qualified because she's an "officer of the court."

Wow- so you're saying to be sheriff you have to be a lawyer? Well I've known many lawyers and most are a dime a dozen.

I'll be straight with you. I don't believe Andrea Cabral was a good Sheriff. She didn't care about the safety of the correction officers and jail guards.

Everything was about PR w/Cabral and looking good in front of the TV Cameras. In fact there has been trenendous violence from the time Cabral became Sheriff to present day within both the Nashua Street Jail and the South Bay House of Corrections.

Although all of these violent acts are recorded by video cameras, the violence and assaults are not legally prosecuted and reported because the Sheriff's administration does not want the bad media.

What I'm saying is true and the Suffolk County Correctional Officers and Jail Guards will agree with me on this fact: that officer safety was not a concern of Andrea Cabral or her administration.

So if you want to believe that being a lawyer or "officer of the court" qualified Cabral to be Sheriff, that's your opinion. But in the eyes of the Correctional Officers and the jail guards who put their lives on the line every day to protect us, Cabral made them feel like she was unconcerned about their physical security and safety.

As Sheriff, I will ensure that all correctional officers and jail guards are protected and safe.

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(And I still want to know about the fan)

Good luck Doug, but I won't be voting for you, because I don't live in Suffolk County.

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All I said was at least she has a working knowledge of the law, you know, because she's a lawyer! I offered no defense of her tenure. Where is your law degree from? How do you expect to be in the law enforcement business and run a staff of law enforcement officers when you don't know the penal code? You have two degrees, neither of which is in penology or law, yet you want to run on a platform of stopping CO's from inmate violence? Where is your experience in stopping shanking from occurring in our jails? How many times have you thrown yourself in front of a shank to save a fellow CO?

Secondly, how do you propose to cut down the violence in our jails? How? I'll bet you can't even tell me how a shank is made? Or how 90% of the drugs get into our jails? You're a hack, Doug, sorry to say it, but you are. You're looking for any entrance into our political system and you can spare me the campaign bullshit about your concern for the well being of our CO's. Then again, I'm sure you were real effective battling the gang problem in Nantucket.

And while we're at it. let's look at the man who holds the title of Sheriff right now, shall we? I think you called him:

the current Acting Sheriff whose only experience was that of Cabral's Press Secretary.

From the WBUR website:

As chief of external affairs, Tompkins worked to create partnerships with municipal agencies, neighborhood organizations, civic associations, local businesses and crime watch groups to strengthen re-entry programs and try to deter youth crime.

He created the Common Ground Institute, a vocational training program to prepare inmates for post-release employment, and helped create the Choice Program and the Jail Brake programs, which respectively send officers in Boston middle schools to talk with children about making good life choices and target at-risk youth to help stay out of the criminal justice system.

Tompkins also serves as vice-chair of the Roxbury Community College Board of Trustees, and sits on the Foundation Board and Community Service Board of the Dimock Community Health Center in Roxbury.

Tomkins has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Boston College and master’s degree in public policy from the University of Massachusetts Boston. He lives in Hyde Park with his wife and two children.

Let's see here, who is more qualified to be Sheriff, the guy whose qualifications I just listed or the guy who just wants to run for something, ANYTHING and can't even answer a voter's questions regarding his qualifications on a website forum?

Finally, I would ridicule your experience if it didn't already ridicule itself.

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Congratulations. You are successfully browbeating a minor candidate for the sheriff's office under an assumed name on a blog.

Go get him!

May you collect many upvotes for your efforts.

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Sorry, when we live in a state where poor people are being vilified for needing help from the government, you bet I'm going to ask questions of any candidate that's seeking an elected office they are obviously not qualified for. Especially one that pays that much money.

I mean, think about it, how qualified do you have to be to get a job that pays 120K nowadays and this mutt thinks he can just waltz into it for no other reason except that he thinks he can trick the voters into giving it to him? Don't we have enough do nothing hacks in this state?

Call me crazy.

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... minor candidate, but the next Sheriff. I am going to fight very hard and continue to introduce myself to the people. "dvdoff" whether he wants to admit it to you or not, has personally met me or received my information. He's worried because he probably lives down the street from me and is afraid to say hello.

"dvdoff" is just worried because that if we the people are to elect someone who will do all he can as the Chief Executive of our County, that this person is the best person for the job.

I am the best person for the job and I will always do the will of the people. I have no axes to grind. I just believe I can do a better job. I ask for your vote.

What "dvdoff" should do is go to my website and join my Posse and help lower crime and violence in his neighborhood.

Let's be friends and let me help you.

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I just find you to be delusional. You've never met me and it's more than likely you never will. The only worry I have concerning you is that some poor sucker might actually vote for you.

You are far from the best person for this job, if anything your continued quest to suck on the public teat while having nothing in the way of real qualifications is quite frankly disgusting.

Here's the facts:You have no law enforcement credentials. You have no education in either the law or law enforcement. If you think a cheaply made video and a bullshit website is going to get you elected, keep dreaming. You have a long way to go before you get that 120K a year do nothing ceremonial job of your dreams.

Now cut the crap and get out and find a real job like the rest of us.

And I'm still waiting for your answer as to how you plan on stopping the drugs from flowing into our jails, same with how you plan on stopping the violence against CO's. You see, you play the game, but you can't back it up with facts or ideas, just catchphrases and empty promises. You're an empty suit, Dougie, time to put the kids to bed.

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Thanks for your support "dvdoff." Next please.

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I don't think it's crazy but it's pretty lame.

You keep hammering away at him for being completely unqualified for the office and you mock him for his previous unsuccessful political campaigns in the city.

What exactly has you so animated and shaking your proverbial fist at the monitor? That he's going to get elected? Based on your posts, you don't seem to think this is going to happen.

Are you just personally offended that he is running for political office with what you believe are unsatisfactory qualifications?

I mean, go ahead and keep beating up on Doug Bennett if it works for you because he's put himself out there for it, but it's not like this is Meet the Press and you're Tim Russert "asking the tough questions."

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"dvdoff" is acting this way because my candidacy threatens the current status quo and knows I'm going be elected because I well known in the community and well-liked.

In fact, "dvdoff" was so alarmed that yesterday at 6:30P, I received a phone call from my opponent's campaign manager Frank Perullo of Sage Systems saying that this blogger "dvdoff" called him to complain about my candidacy. So by the way "dvdoff," I know who you are. Frank told me. (I've known Frank through political circles for several years and he ran Cabral's campaign).

I kid you not. This is a fact. "Dvdoff" called my opponent's campaign manager complaining. This is the God's honest truth. This individual "dvdoff" does not want honest government and public servants who will do the will of the people. Instead, he wants to complain and not do anything to fix our broken system.

I've answered all questions he has given me with detail and specifics, but this individual does NOT care because he does not want others to have a shot at helping society and the people.

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Doug, at 6:00PM last night I was just finishing off a lovely turkey dinner and I then took my dog to the dog park, where I remained until dark.

I challenge both you and Mr. Perullo to list my real name, phone number, and address and publish them here. If they are correct I will say that they are. The webmaster can verify who I am.

I would not take the time to call anyone regarding you and now that you've made this ridiculous and baseless accusation, I can see why you are of the mental state that can announce a candidacy for US Senate as a Republican in February and now you want to run for Sheriff as a Democrat in May. You're a joke, Doug, and not a very good one at this point when you have to resort to such ridiculous statements and then drag another person into it with false claims about my pestering them about your joke of a (yet another) candidacy.

Get a job like everyone else and stop trying to enter a game that even a layman can see you're mentally unqualified for.

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Say, Sock Puppet, is it easy to log out of your account (say, at 10:38), post an anonymous comment, and then log back in 77 minutes later and respond to yourself, as if it were an entirely different person asking the question?

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Why yes, anon who is totally not me. It is possible to respond to your own anonymous comments in as little as 48 minutes.

And if I were a complete hack running for political office without a clue to his name, that's exactly what I'd do. Mind if I uprate you while I'm at it?

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... April 1st 2013 (Only two months ago)... If you don't believe me about Tompkins becoming a Democrat until only a few weeks ago then call the Boston City Elections Department at 617-635-3767. They will tell you he registered as a Democrat on April 1, 2013. It's public record.

The biggest thing is this... Elizabeth Warren is a former Republican and was a Republican while Bill Clinton was President... Hilary Clinton is a former Republican... and Andrea Cabral was a Republican when she became Sheriff and it was okay that she become a Democrat right?

Being Sheriff is about protecting the people, our children, and our elders. Being Sheriff, although you have to run in a primary and for me it's as a Democrat, is non-partisan. I never heard that murder and violence is Democrat or Republican. Have you? No.

Most Democrats are former Republicans. We live in Massachusetts. Here in Boston, everyone is a Democrat. The Republicans are wrong on every issue specifically with regards to Ending the Wars which is my most important issue. Our Military Infrastructure and Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are bankrupting our nation and if we don't do something about it we will collapse like the Soviet Union.

This is why I am a Democrat because I am a pacifist and we need to end the wars. "Dvdoff," you are becoming emotional and your argument against me keeps collapsing because you are losing control of yourself and what your saying. You need to breathe and if you want to discuss issues, then lets discuss issues. You're wasting too much time fighting the fact that I am running for Sheriff. While you type against me, I'm already out there campaigning. I was on live radio all morning.

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I kid you not. This is a fact. "Dvdoff" called my opponent's campaign manager complaining. This is the God's honest truth. This individual "dvdoff" does not want honest government and public servants who will do the will of the people. Instead, he wants to complain and not do anything to fix our broken system.

Still waiting for your evidence that I called Frank Perullo and spoke to him about you. You say you know who I am yet you won't print it here, despite my giving you permission to do so.

You are a delusional human being, Doug. Add to that a little taste of paranoia and a whole lot of bullshit and you have one screwed up human being. I pity your family for having their well being entrusted to such a sick person. Thankfully these exchanges are now documented and any opponents you might face in the future only has to publish your inane little screeds in just this thread alone to show the electorate that you are nothing but a delusional leech looking to get the voters to give you a job that if you had to apply for and interview for it, you be laughed right out into the street.

Get a job, Doug. Think of your wife and kids. Do you really think they want to stand on street corners in the rain and heat with you to help you achieve your pipe dreams? Just get a job like the rest of us.

Still waiting to hear those facts and the God's honest truth about that alleged phone call, Doug....

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You're coming off a bit unhinged as well.

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I'm sure if some lunatic accused you of harassing people without evidence in a public forum, you'd be a little bothered, no?

I don't know Doug Bennett, nor do I care to at this point. All I knew of him before this thread was that he was some harmless nutjob that Adam allows free reign to post his nonsense, the same way he allows me to post mine.

I asked him some questions about his candidacy and qualifications that I felt he did not answer either truthfully or sincerely. If another candidate for public office used this forum as a platform, I would ask them questions also. Apparently my line of questioning got a little too much for little Dougie, so he made up some crazy story about my calling some man I don't know, never met and who I would never in a million years presume to waste his time complaining about Doug Bennett. I asked him to back up his accusation and he won't.

I'm sorry if this bothers you or anyone else, but there are plenty of other interesting things to read on this site if my little kerfuffle offends you.

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I'm not offended by your posts. But you should be embarrassed by them.

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Yes, the Common Ground Institute program sounds great... a program that you would thinks helps prepare inmates for post-release program...

However, according to those who work for the Sheriff's Department the program is ineffective because the skills that these inmates are learning are only preparing them to take jobs such as those in the janitorial field.

I've also heard the same from an individual who served 15 years at South Bay for manslaughter. His name is Mike (I obviously won't reveal his last name for privacy issues) and he lives a block from me. He said the program does nothing because of the high recidivism rate amongst inmates who end up getting out of prison and then returning back to serve more time.

As Sheriff, I would make it mandatory that all inmates be required to get their GED before they can begin to collect what called "good time" which is 2.5 days off your sentence a week for every week that you are good. Right now, inmates can receive their "good time" for just taking the GED classes. But what's happenning is that many individuals who are taking the GED classes are not taking the test. So I would make this mandatory and I believe this would be one step in the rehabilitation process to ensure those who leave prison find employment and never return.

Regarding my opponent's education. He has a good education in public relations. And like myself and as you can see we are both a part of the same MPA program at UMASS Boston. Within the last couple years he just received his and I'm half-way.

Also, just so you know "dvdoff," the position of "Chief of External Affairs" is just another fancy way or lingo for saying "press secretary.

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For trying to refute ONE point about the current Sheriff's resume, ignoring every other question about life on and off the street and throwing a little more campaign bullshit my way. Hopefully you'll find some way to become another 120K a year hack, I just don't think Sheriff is for you.

I'm also sure taking advice on issues affecting voters from a guy who did 15 years in the can for killing someone is an effective campaign strategy somewhere.

I'd also like to see you cite your sources inside the Sheriff's Department that claim the program is "ineffective" and produce numbers backing these claims up.

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...have an opinion because this is Democracy.

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If Doug visits your house, he'll leave behind a brochure taped to your door if you aren't around to intercept him and it. Then, when you remove the brochure and tape, your paint will likely come off with it. He used to use duct tape, or similar. When you complain to Doug that he ruined the paint on your door, he'll blow you off. Rudely, as I recollect. I probably still have that email exchange.

I guess he figured I'd forget about it.

But I won't. EVER.

I couldn't vote for him no matter who was opposing him... for many reasons, but primarily because I have seen that his manners and communication skills are so poor that he could not be effective at anything he'd set out to accomplish. As you can see by reading him here, he can rub just about anyone the wrong way without really trying.

Plus he messed up our door.

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Thanks APB. Next...

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county sheriff had law enforcement experience? Mike Bellotti in Norfolk county? Joe McDonald in Plymouth county? Andrea Cabral in Suffolk county? Michael Ashe in Hampden co? Frank Cousins in Essex Co? The answer to all of these questions is NO. It's a hack job, not a LEO job.

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and is a Veteran. Doesn't matter if he saw combat, killed insurgents or cooked meals for soldiers. He served, show a little respect and leave him alone.

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because, as he seem to never get tired of telling us, he was a Navy SEAL. That, according to the genius that is Eric Fehrnstrom, is why everyone should vote for Gomez!

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Vote for Ed Markey....what are his qualifications aside from sitting in the House of Rep for 37 years? Has he ever held a real job, or has he just collected paychecks from the US government for most of his adult life?

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in the Army reserves.

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they both suck? Thankfully Warren might actually force Markey into doing something, anything when he gets elected. Gomez will not be pulling a Scott Brown here...

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Doug, what's next if you lose this one? Governor?

How about a limo driver? ;-)

FWIW, I have no idea who Doug Bennet is and am far outside the territory of any office he has run for, AFAIK.

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Here's some information "merlinmurph,"

Bennett, who is 37 years old, is a father of two young sons and resides in Saint Ann's Parish in Dorchester. A former Suffolk Criminal Trial Court Case Specialist for the Suffolk County Criminal Trial Court, Bennett at one time served as a County Commissioner and Selectman having been elected at age 28 years old. Also, Bennett is a former Air-Assault Army Reservist having served in the mid 1990s.

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Old enough to know better. Yet you don't.

This ain't Dogpatch, Abner.

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Suffolk County does not have 2 jails. Suffolk County has 2 facilities. Suffolk County Jail on Nashua Street Boston and The Suffolk County House of Correction on Bradston Street Boston. A jail is where someone is being held after being arrested and denied bail or cannot come up with the bail. The House of Correction is when somone is convicted of a crime and is sentenced to 2 1/2 years or less.

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Thanks for setting us all straight. Can you please define "prison" for us next?

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Who cares what this carpetbagger does anymore?

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Thanks Marsha! Next please....

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Talk about historical ignorance - "carpetbaggers" were from urban New England and NYC!

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I thought Doug Bennett was a Republican from Nantucket? Now he is a Dem "from" Dorchester? Sorry Doug but you are "DBC" not "OFD". But I honestly do applaud your seemingly tireless work ethic. Good luck and please don't forget to take all your stickers down.

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Thanks "abostonparent." I'll work hard for you.

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I don't understand why the comments are so hostile. Can someone enlighten me on why an educated veteran with his experience is a reason to comment on his video skills, grammar, and "carpetbagger" label?

Most of the leaders in the Commonwealth do not appear to have the credential to do the job, patronage runs rampant. Why tear down someone who wants to run for an elected position?

If he has done something worthy of the responses, I would be interested in learning what it is...

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Most of the leaders in the Commonwealth do not appear to have the credential to do the job, patronage runs rampant

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I wouldn't vote for someone who can't even be polite on a blog post that's supporting his campaign.

That lack of disrespect does not bode well for the how one would represent the public once elected. How can you fairly represent people for whom you show nothing but disdain and contempt?

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I don't know Doug Bennett from Adam, besides for the coverage on UH over the years. What was wrong with his response to "Marsha"? he said "Thanks" and "Please"! Isn't that the definition of polite? Did you think that dvdoff was sincere with his LTC question? Bennett answered the questions well enough and got the usual cynical comeback. Bennett's willingness to engage actually raised him some in my opinion

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His "lack of disrespect" does bode well for how he would represent the public once elected.

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Do you have a fan to cool your self off with during press conferences?

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No I will not need a fan. But excellent question...

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Verified Candidates for Boston Municipal Elections 2013 as of 6-7-13
http://anopenbostoncitycouncil.blogspot.com/

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Really, he thinks he can be a Sheriff? You are a political punchline!! Please do not come to my house and tape your propaganda on my door. Please do not accost me at the Stop and Shop looking for me to sign your papers. Please do not bark that you are running for another political position. I don't like you and I don't respect you. You can't even decide what political party you belong to. Do us a favor, go back to PA and terrorize the voters there.

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That's ok, it's Democracy. I'll see you @ your home "InTheKnow"

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Doug, you need a campaign advisor (or someone, maybe anyone) to explain to you just how creepy you come across, especially in this thread.

And it's getting worse with each reply you post. Please step away from the keyboard for a while, and go wear out some shoe leather already.

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Doug, I spoke to you on the street a couple of elections ago and you didn't seem like a bad guy. On the other hand, the guy passive-aggressively commenting on this post and actually threatening to dox someone seems like a dick. Don't be this guy.

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... creepy: anonymous posters who blog under pseudonyms who ridicule others out of jealousy and fear because they are full of hate because they are failures and they do not have the guts to accomplish anything in life. If you have guts and weren't a coward, then use your real name. There's no need to be a coward. I've said it before. You know who I am. I'm not going to hide. If you want to be spineless and ridicule me then that's your choice. But you know who I am and you know where I stand.

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No ridicule at all, really. And certainly no jealousy or fear. Not anything else you mention, to boot. Actually, your response seems a bit testy, no?

Regarding my comment: "Doug, you need a campaign advisor (or someone, maybe anyone) to explain to you just how creepy you come across, especially in this thread." --

This comment could easily have come from a campaign aide who is not afraid to be blunt with you about your writing here.

Maybe it was my second paragraph that set you off.

At any rate, here's hoping that you wage a fair and vigorous campaign. It would be something to see and hear a debate between you and some opponent.

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You said Frank Perullo told you who I was. Who am I if you know? You're certainly hiding from that question. Remember this?

I kid you not. This is a fact. "Dvdoff" called my opponent's campaign manager complaining. This is the God's honest truth. This individual "dvdoff" does not want honest government and public servants who will do the will of the people. Instead, he wants to complain and not do anything to fix our broken system.

Well...still waiting Doug. How's that God's honest truth? Falsely accusing someone of harassment does not bode well for a future in law enforcement.

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How many potential Candidates for Sheriff are there at this point?...

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Right now there are three possible candidates for sheriff. Steven thompkins, Hassan A. Smith and douglas Bennett!

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I have thick skin. I'm very visible in the community so people have the right to say whatever they want to me. It's all about sense of humor and being able to laugh at your ownself and I do.

Here's some answers to your questions. I have some military experience having served in the mid-90s as an Army Reservist. I attended Basic Combat Training at Ft. Jackson, South Carolina. I received additional training at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and I graduated as the Honor Graduate at the United States Military Air-Assault School in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. At Air-Assault School, I trained with Navy Seals and U.S. Special Forces.

Regarding my education, I graduated as Valedictorian at Valley Forge Military College in 1997. In 2001, I graduated with two Bachelors of Arts Degrees from Penn State University: one in History and a second in Labor Studies Industrial Relations. Currently, I am half-way through getting my Masters of Public Affairs from UMASS Boston.

Regarding my elected experience, I helped balance an $80 million budget for both the County and Municipal Governments of Nantucket from 2004-07. Additionally, regarding law enforcement experience, by sitting on the Board of Selectmen, we also were the Police Commissioners and in this role, we helped put together the funding to purchase the land and eventually construction of a brand new Police Station.

Regarding my experience in the Suffolk County Criminal Court, I had to interact every day with individuals who were either being detained in Nashua Street Jail or inmates from South Bay House of Corrections. One of my duties was processing and returning bail money which meant that I had to constantly go back and forth from the holding cells at Pemberton Square and the Criminal Division. Yes there was a lot of paperwork that needed to be taken care of and court cases to be set up for the Judges and the Clerks. But it was a good experience.

Have I ever carried a gun permit? No, but I took and passed the course previously to be able to carry a gun. I just never needed to carry a weapon as of yet. However, I have plenty of experience firing weapons when I was a Army Reservist with both an M-16 and M-60.

Regarding my experience, it is equatable with Andrea Cabral who was only a Lawyer and the current Acting Sheriff whose only experience was that of Cabral's Press Secretary.

In Massachusetts, the Sheriff has limited duties because most County Government was abolished in the 1990s. As stated previously, the Sheriff oversees a $122 million budget, the South Bay House of Corrections and Nashua Street Jail, and Civil Service duties here in the county.

Now, what I would like to do as Sheriff is the following. I believe that as Sheriff we can lower crime and violence through the creation of Crime Deterrence Posses. Here's the plan:

As Sheriff, I will pursue cost effective ways through peaceful methods to lower crime in our communities. The approach that I will develop is called the Crime Deterrence Posse. This concept to fighting crime is based off of Counterinsurgency Tactics that are today used by the military in conducting police activities overseas specifically in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The reason why crime occurs is because criminals prey off the fact that people are afraid to call the police and law enforcement authorities to report crimes because of fear of retribution. The only crime where witnesses do receive protection is murder. For other violent crimes, there is no witness protection. Therefore, criminals live off passive support from the local community because people are afraid to speak out. Crime Deterrence Posses will solve this and bring forward a greater sense of trust so people will speak out.

This program that I am proposing for implementation here in Suffolk County is similar to what is being used in Springfield, Massachusetts. State Trooper Mike Cutone developed the blueprint for such a plan.

The concept of organizing what I call Crime Deterrence Posses across Suffolk County is based on aggressive door knocking and personal face to face interaction and organizing leaders within their specific neighborhood into what I call Crime Deterrence Posses. These Posses will meet in their respective neighborhood on a monthly basis. The meetings will serve as a local peace council where issues such as local crime and violence are discussed.

After each meeting, these groups of community leaders or Posses will then go door to door in their neighborhoods, talk with their neighbors, hear their concerns, and then distribute important information such as emergency contacts and phone numbers.

This type of personal interaction has proven that communities can lower crime and violence on the grassroots local level as evidenced by Trooper Cutone’s efforts in Western Massachusetts specifically in the North End neighborhood of Springfield which is known for major heroin trafficking operations. I believe that by adopting Trooper Cutone’s plan, we in Suffolk County can lower crime and violence in Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.

I will create twenty eight Posses across Suffolk County: twenty two Posses in Boston (one per Ward), two Posses in Chelsea, three Posses in Revere, and one Posse in Winthrop.

These local crime deterrence posses will both enable and build a greater sense of trust between the residents of Suffolk County and local government and law enforcement. Many people witness crime everyday but are afraid to come forward out of fear of retribution. Yet, if we are able to increase trust within our communities, more people will feel comfortable to come forward to authorities when necessary. Most importantly, a program like this will cost tax payers no money.

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Not sure if anyone is even reading this thread any more, but I'll give it a shot. Mr Bennett, I remember you from your previous races for city councilor. I remember your campaign pamphlets touting your platform of "better schools" and "cleaner streets". Those are the two most un-inspiring and un-original platform elements ever, invoked by every single politician since time began. And you made it seem each time that being a city councilor would be your dream job. So what happened? Is being sheriff now your dream job? It seems like you are a candidate in search of an open seat. Any seat. Any job. There is ample reason for skepticism as to your motives for seeking office and I'd like to hear your response.

My other question is why do we still need a Suffolk County Sheriff? Seems like Andrea Cabral treated it like a part-time gig. And she never accounted for her vacation time, but still walked away with a fat pay out for unused vacation time. How does that happen and what would you do to change it. Why can't the county prison systems be absorbed by the state, saving the taxpayers a boat load of cash? As you know, most county government was abolished long ago. Why is a county run prison system still needed?

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"Not sure if anyone is even reading this thread any more, but I'll give it a shot."

Don't worry, Dan. We're always watching for BREAKING news.

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Adam did not mention that this election's NEXT year, so you may be right that no one's reading this.

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are concerned, be prepared to have your anonymity insulted and to be accused of being someone you're not. You see, Dougie's not too keen on intelligent people asking him questions, mainly because he's not on the same level emotionally and intellectually as 100% of the other posters on this board.

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(Yeah I spelled it wrong, just a little Doug emulation)

Doug's campaign signs are making appearances in Dorchester, and in every case I've seen, only at Vietnamese or Chinese owned businesses. My guess, just a guess, based on my own personal encounters with Doug, is that he badgers them and they let him place the sign just to placate him, or to be polite. When he badgered me, I just told him to get off my property. Of course he might just be placing the signs without permission, which is another one of his tactics.

Then there's the BIG hand scribbled sign on Neponset Ave at the flooring wholesaler. It looks like something you would see in a junior high school student council race. Weird, just weird.

Dvdoff is right. Doug is in a different cognitive place than most other people. And not surprisingly, he always loses his elections.

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Doug,

Since you've decided to run for a Law Enforcement Officer position would you care to explain a couple of things to me?

1. Wasn't one of your recent campaigns cited for campaign violations? Specifically, displaying campaign propaganda illegally or something along those lines?

2. You switched parties to Democratic for this particular race...doesn't that suggest that you'll flip-flop to whichever party gives you the best chance (in your opinion) to win election?

My concern about both these points is what they suggest about both your character and your honesty.

I look forward hearing your responses, but I have to say, at first blush, you don't even come close to passing the "fit for duty" test.

QR

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Mr. Bennett has signs all over the city that say "Vote For Sheriff Bennett". You may have noticed them some are hand painted which I have no problem if are willing to do the work, some are the traditional kind the have his picture with that million dollar smile. There's one thing YOU ARE NOT THE SHERIFF. I pointed this out to you on your twitter feed. You then preceded to send me a photo of Linda Dorcena Forry signs from earlier this year during her state senate run which while border line are not even close to the blatant way your campaign signs attempt to mislead the public. By lying about your current job title.

You then sent me a video of you talking to an barber who refused to look at your camera to make a claim that acting Sheriff Thompkins made him rip down your sign. I'm going to assume it is similar to the one at the end of the video you posted. Which once again says "Vote For Sheriff Bennett". All I see is the current acting Sheriff taking signs of person trying to impersonate him.

Finally when your final message that you sent me on twitter went as followed "@PCopc1063 I know you're a Middlesex Deputy Sheriff, but why is your twitter feed congested with pornography? & Do u beat your inmates too?"

To answer the first part of the I do work for the Middlesex Sheriff's Office. But I'm not a Deputy Sheriff. I choose not misrepresent myself. I have integrity I try like hell now to maintain it. Part two I follow adult film stars on twitter. So sue me. Sorry I fit into the target demo for the adult industry consumer single male ages 18-35. But I find most disturbing about that message was the question "DO YOU BEAT YOUR INMATES TOO?" That was very immature. The answer is no. The fact that you would make such a capricious statement shows that you are a truly irresponsible person. That you are the type of person I don't want overseeing the Care, Custody, and Control of inmates.

In closing I did extend an invitation to you to come to visit me in the Cambridge Jail where I would only be to happy to give you a tour so you can meet these inmates that you asked if I beat so they can tell you no it's never happened. I also told you my address and I hope that you knock on my door during this campaign that you are running. Thank you and have a nice day.

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Again, this is how Dougie treats anyone who asks him any type of question that Dougie doesn't feel like answering or doesn't have the brains to answer.What makes it even more offensive is that this man is one of the people Doug would be supervising if by some miracle Doug was ever elected Sheriff.

Way to engender support from the people you're claiming you're going to be looking out for, Dougie! At this rate, you should plan on being a realtor for a very long time. And you'll notice the only people on Doug's Twitter feed who escape his wrath are media people and other politicians. Trust me, Doug, they see you as a clown and not anyone to be taken seriously.

I also follow some porn stars on Twitter, Stoya for one, because she is a beautiful intelligent woman who has sex on camera, big deal. Come after me for that, Doug, I'd like to hear your opinions on that.

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Before Mr.Bennett has a chance to point out this out to you. I do not work for the Suffolk County Sheriff's I work for the Middlesex County Sheriff's Office. Under Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. Also Douglas former Sheriff Cabral wasn't just your run of the mill Lawyer. She was a Assistant District Attorney in both Suffolk and Middlesex County. Attaining the position of Chief of District Courts and Community Prosecutions in Suffolk County which was the last title she held before being appointed Sheriff. Sounds like she was highly qualified to do the job of Sheriff. Once again I say to you thank you and have a nice.

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Unless there is a third candidate I can't see voting for anyone in this race.

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There is some saying which goes like this: when you wrestle with a pig, you just piss off the pig and end up covered in mud. You are not going to come out looking good when you have a back and forth with a crazy person. Sometimes the best response is no response. Just let the crazy person ramble on.
It is a political position, which needs someone who is a manager. This is not the wild wild west. You don’t need to have a permit to carry a gun to be the sheriff. (I would have loved to have seen someone bring up that point when Ms. Cabral was the sheriff.) You don’t need to be a law enforcement officer to be the sheriff.
You have as much experience as anyone else in the race, or recently held the position. Which is too bad, as it would be nice to have choices that have had more experience. I would vote for someone who was/is a Deputy Sheriff.
I do think that having signs, on which you are calling yourself the sheriff is a misrepresentation, but that isn’t a deal breaker for me.
The thread started out well for you, but after the tit-for-tat with that crazy person, which I ended up just skipping over after a while, you come across as being immature. You can be as thick skinned as you want, but you need to learn how to deal with crazy people.
Good luck

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