Sheriff is wrong

In response to the recent Reader’s View from Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo:

In my past writings to the sheriff directly, I gave him too much credit for looking into the actual 287(g) policy to be able to produce actual statistics and support for 287(g). No wonder he does not want a public forum!

Let me be more precise: 1) “We will not be training our highway patrol deputies to become ICE agents to conduct immigration sweeps, nor does our agreement allow us to do so.”

Where exactly did you get the idea the public thought the highway patrol deputies were becoming ICE agents? In not one communication did the public convey this, and if I am incorrect show this in print. This comment is derogatory to the county residents.

2) “…….thereby releasing illegal immigrants with criminal records back into the community. This WILL NOT happen in Rensselaer County. I will not release any illegal alien with a criminal record who has the potential to commit additional crimes back into the community.”

Of course you won’t and you haven’t. Quit stirring up fear of immigrants that have NO criminal record. It sounds as if you are petrified of any immigrant. That is not a comforting feeling for any county resident.

3) “Because a program is too controversial is never a good reason to oppose it.”

But it certainly is a good reason to question it, and put it up for public forum.

4) “My decisions will be based on what I believe will enhance the safety and security of the residents of Rensselaer County and how they will improve the quality of life in our communities.”

I felt much safer before I read this letter. You clearly do not have my interest in me as a taxpayer and resident at heart. And you certainly do not have my back.

4) “I am sure if I thought that it would change the mind of anyone that is opposed to any type of immigration enforcement, I could fill the paper with photos of illegal criminals who have robbed, raped and murdered citizens of communities all across this country or photos of victims who have been killed in auto accidents by individuals who have been deported on more than one occasion.”

I have previously asked you for this information for our county — since you have it, I guess you better produce it.

5) “I have never and will never make decisions based upon how the issue will affect my political standing,”

Well how sad is this, which is just what you are doing. And that is indeed sad for all residents of Rensselaer County. But that is why we vote.

There is one thing we agree on:

“..if you are here illegally with a criminal background and are planning to commit additional crimes, Rensselaer County is not a good place to hang your hat.”

Except you forgot to mention: if you are a citizen with a criminal background don’t bother setting up shop next to me either.

Carol Bell Schodack