"Few Appointments as Important As This One"
Oh what a difference three years makes...
In an interview Tuesday, Prince George's County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) was insistent that we in the media have overstated Cpl. Keith A. Washington's role in county government. Washington, had been charged with murder and attempted murder in connection with the shooting of two unarmed Marlo Furniture deliverymen at the police officer's home in January.
Washington supported Johnson for county executive in 2002, while many of his police colleagues opposed the former state's attorney, who had pursued several police brutality cases. In 2004, Johnson appointed Washington to a newly created county position: deputy homeland security director.
In the recent interview, Johnson played down the importance of that job, calling it "only a liasion" position between the police department and the homeland security department.
"I've said it over and over, you folks are the ones who elevate the position," Johnson said Tuesday. "Those are the liaison positions to that office. That's all it is. You guys take titles and make it huge."
He also said: "I never promoted him. He was never promoted as a police officer. You all call it a top job."
But that's not exactly what Johnson said in 2004, when he named Washington to the job, citing his "extensive military background."
"There are few appointments as important as this one," Johnson said in the press release.
"With his extensive experience and his local ties, Keith Washington will lead this county in the right direction insuring that the office of Homeland Security provides the protection and required services that the county needs and desires," he continued.
By Rosalind Helderman |
September 27, 2007; 11:26 AM ET
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Rosalind Helderman
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Posted by: BG from PG | September 27, 2007 10:20 PM
Thank god for term limits in PG.
Posted by: Anonymous | September 28, 2007 8:26 AM
Another demonstration of Jack Johnson's lack of judgement, leadership and wisdom.
It's more important to be a Friend of Jack (or a fraternity brother) than it is to be qualified or motivated.
Yes, thank goodness for Term Limits.
Posted by: PG'er | September 28, 2007 3:46 PM
Can we make it through the next three years with Jack Johnson? Just how strong IS Prince George's County? Unfortunately, we are about to find out.
Posted by: Angry taxpayer | September 28, 2007 6:52 PM
Only the blind, the stupid, and the Left didn't see this coming.
Posted by: Rufus | October 3, 2007 10:57 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Reactionary politicians have come out of the woodwork to call for the average citizen to undergo a mental background evaluation to purchase a gun. But, when a law enforcement official who is one of their own has a screw loose and blows away a couple of innocent delivery men, they turn the other way. Typical.
And these gun laws are protecting who?