Jeffrey Alderton
Cumberland Times-News
— OAKLAND — If elected as sheriff, Democratic candidate Skyler Hebden, who is running unopposed in the primary election, would review “everything in the power of the sheriff’s office.”
A resident of Garrett County for the past six years, Hebden said he is about “full disclosure” and would bring positive change to the sheriff’s office that he said will not occur if he is not elected.
“Everything needs to be looked at, the total operation of the office, including the performance of each and every officer,” said Hebden, who is employed in the county as a technology consultant.
“I would also like to improve the efficiency in court service, how they service the court and bring back the community into the sheriff’s office with more disclosure to the public.
“I would also organize the department to conduct community activities to give teenagers activities to do to help them make good decisions, promote good values and help keep them out of the system. A more proactive approach is needed and there are things we can do in this regard without expense to taxpayers.
“I would also like to develop a voluntary police force to support the sheriff’s office and the officers. Qualified volunteers would assist the office in carrying out nonpolice duties, clerical help and volunteer services. This has been successful in other places. There are different models of volunteer service out there to consider to supplement the existing service that would not require a certified police officer.”
Concerning the relationship of the sheriff’s office with Maryland State Police, Hebden said, “I don’t know what issues there have been in the past but there needs to be a great relationship between the sheriff’s office and Maryland State Police — informational and physical. It needs to be a relationship that is beneficial to both sides and is maintained.”
Hebden said he has not been employed in law enforcement or the criminal justice system but has operated his own business in the past. “My not having any background in these areas is neither an asset or a detractor. It allows me a unique perspective, gives a different look at how the office is administered — no ties, an outsider perspective that allows a more analytical approach to fiscal responsibility and the physical duties. I am a basic conservative and look to limit wastes. I do believe there are excessive wastes in the department now,” said Hebden.
Hebden said he has been talking to residents throughout the county and he plans to make door-to-door contact in the coming weeks. He views posting campaign signs throughout the community as an unnecessary expenditure, a waste of resources and a source of environmental pollution. “You won’t see a lot of signs from me. I take the one-on-one approach in visiting the community,” he said.
“Garrett County is a great community. I feel the sheriff’s office should offer some alternatives to better benefit the citizens. One thing I guarantee — if I am elected, things will definitely change, and if I am not elected, things will not change. They will continue the way they are by electing people who were from the office or who are in the department with the same mind-set as the people who have served in the department.
“If you continue to elect the same type of people, you are going to get the same type of results. For anyone who wants to see a change, I’m here for anyone who wants that change.”
Hebden, 28, resides in Garrett County with his wife and one child.
