MEET THE CANDIDATES: Ball, Hood vie for Madison County Sheriff job

By Jason Emerson

Editor

The resignation of former Sheriff Al Riley earlier this year has left an open race for the position of Madison County Sheriff on the November ballot. Former Undersheriff and current Acting Sheriff John Ball is seeking to be elected in his own right to the job he temporarily holds, while challenger Todd Hood, a 26-year law enforcement veteran with agencies and positions throughout Central New York, is seeking to replace him.

The Republican has sent identical questionnaires to both candidates in an effort to help our readers learn more about each, to make informed decisions at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Below are each candidate’s responses, listed in alphabetical order.

John Ball

Educational background

West Genesee Senior High School – class of 1982 (GED issued by US Navy, 1983). I have two courses left to complete for Associates Degree – ongoing.
U.S. Navy Basic Training – Recruit Training Command, Orlando, FL (1982); numerous schools and classes during active duty.
Courses in emergency management, leadership, archival management, disaster preparedness and more taken from U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Onondaga Community College Public Safety Institute, FEMA Emergency Management Institute, New York State Archives and National Institute of Corrections.

Professional History

Acting Madison County sheriff, June 2017 to present, and Madison County undersheriff, 2010-17.
Administrative/executive assistant to the Commissioner of Correction for Onondaga County, 1998-2010.
Assistant to the director of operations, Onondaga County Medical Examiner’s Office, 1996-98.
Business office staff and assistant to the director of administrative services, Onondaga County Public Library System, 1992-96.
Office manager and bookkeeper, regional promotional product company based in Syracuse, 1991-92.
Sales/leasing consultant for new and used vehicles at GM dealership July 1990 – March 1991.
Field Manager for private contract Security group in Syracuse, 1989-90.
Active Duty, United States Navy, 1982-89.

Community Service, political office, and previous law enforcement history

Current member of New York State Sheriffs Association, American Legion Post 0140 Charles Miller of Canastota and Veterans of Foreign Wars (At Large).
Former member Onondaga County District Attorney’s Advisory Council, Madison County Community Action Partnership Board of Directors, Madison County Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse — BRiDGES Board of Directors.
T-ball and Little League Coach – West End PBA.
Onondaga County Disaster Preparedness Planning Group (2007-10).
Syracuse/Central New York Urban Area Work Group Executive Committee (UASI), prior Chair of Regional Critical Infrastructure Task Force (2008-10).
Member – City of Syracuse Citizen’s Review Board (2009-10), appointed by City of Syracuse Common Council.

Why are you running for election/re-election as county sheriff?

I am the Acting Sheriff since the resignation of former Sheriff Riley in June 2017. Madison County is my home, and the community I love. I wake up each day eager to come to work. I care about this community and the Sheriff’s office and wish to see the success that we have created continue. We must take care of each other without regard for any other reason other than we are all human beings.

Our employees have had good labor contracts enacted over the past few years, in some cases ending over seven years without having one in place. I have worked for four months with the County Court Judge to streamline the pistol permit process, with recent success and implementation. We are close to having our road patrol deputies accredited for the first time. There is much to do, so let’s keep what’s working.

What do you see as the most important issues facing Madison County Sheriff’s office during the next four years and how will you address them?

There are several, but of main concern is the drug epidemic. Enforcement is a part of the overall picture. For two decades, we have cut and slashed program after program; substance abuse counseling, education, treatment space, elementary and high school educational programs, mental health bed space. The solution won’t come overnight, but we continue to realize success.

This will be an “all-hands” effort. We are strong, and when we work together, as a community – without bias or regard for our political affiliation, our skin color, our national origin, our sexual preference or what church we do or don’t go to – when we work together as one, we can and will overcome any hurdle and maintain the things we love about our Madison County.

I am deeply concerned with each and every incident taking place in our nation – mass shootings, civil unrest, chaos erupting at demonstrations … what is our new norm? How do I ensure the safety of our community in things we should not have to worry about? At football games, tree lighting ceremonies? These things that keep me awake at night – every night. This will be an ongoing top priority, and one I take personally and to heart.

The Village and Town of Cazenovia are considering consolidation. If this occurs, there’s a possibility that the village police department will be disbanded and the sheriff’s office and state police will be responsible for policing Cazenovia. If this happens:

Do you feel Sheriff’s office is staffed enough to handle the increased call volume in a timely manner that will come from the village and town of Cazenovia, which includes incidents from Cazenovia college such as drug possession, assault, and rape; as well as the summer-long boat patrol on the lake.? Why or why not?

I will not address questions on consolidation. As the acting Sheriff, it is unethical and improper for me to propose or discuss any service offerings to the citizens of your community through the media. Those talks should be with the Mayor and Board. If they approach me, I will provide them the information they request and will work collaboratively when it is known what the expectations and service levels they seek are. The person(s) that have a voice and whose opinion matters most are the residents of the Village. It is up to them. In speaking with numerous village residents, it is clear that they are satisfied with the services of their police department, and were complimentary to the support provided by this Sheriff’s Office and State Police. Cazenovia PD is a fine group of law enforcement professionals, who have dedicated themselves to your village, its residents, businesses, and tourists.

Would the Sheriff’s office be able to staff Cazenovia events such as the Christmas walk, Memorial Day Parade, July 4 parade, July 4 Fireworks, Halloween night, the Chilly Chili and other multiple 5 and 10 K races we have every year (which village police now staff)?

See response to a. above.

Can you guarantee a quick response time to Cazenovia related calls, or would incidents have to wait in a line of all the other calls for service the Sheriff’s office receives?

All response calls in Madison County are dispatched by the Madison County 911 Center. A long-standing protocol, the “Closest Car Concept,” is an agreement between the Sheriff, NYSP Major, and 911 Center Director to effectively dispatch the closest police agency to a call for service, regardless of location.

A special circumstance to this is that if a jurisdiction, such as the Village of Cazenovia, has its own police department. In these cases, and again, based on who is the closest car, either a Deputy Sheriff or State Trooper is dispatched as a back-up unit on those calls requiring or potentially needed two cars to respond. Calls are prioritized by type, and whether they are in progress or not. Without question, the most prompt response will take place – regardless of where you live. Law enforcement in Madison County is a shared responsibility between the Sheriff’s office, state and local agencies, and the citizens.

If it was up to you, would you like to see the sheriff’s office takeover control responsibility for Cazenovia why or why not?

See response to a. above

Why should people vote for you? What distinguishes you as a candidate?

I care deeply about the people and this community. I am the best qualified and experienced person to continue directing and managing the responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office.

This position requires management and public safety experience, the ability to run a major organization, and its complex budget. I am proud of what we have accomplished and wish to see the progress continue.

I have extensive administrative experience, police experience, and am a military veteran. My opponent has no management, budget or administrative experience.

The Sheriff’s Office has come far. I’m doing the job successfully, so keep what’s working.

Todd Hood

Educational background and professional history

I have been married for 24 years and have three children: Matthew, 21 years old, Air Force, Vermont State Police; Joshua, 19 years old, Utica College Pioneer Football Player, Sophomore; Anna, 16 years old, Oneida High School Senior. I live in Oneida and attend Oneida Baptist Church. My hobbies include running, swimming, skiing, target shooting (I am an NRA member) and motorcycle riding.

Community service, political office, and previous law enforcement history

Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office Investigator, June 2015 to Present.
Syracuse Police Department, 1993 – 2015:

–Detective – Gang Task Force – Prosecuted cases with the US Attorney’s Office for RICO statute crimes

–S.W.A.T Supervisor/Team Leader – 22 years, high risk search warrant planning and execution, hostage rescue and barricaded gunman response, Sniper/Observer.

–Fire Arms Instructor – qualified 500 police officers yearly.

–Deputized US Marshall NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force.

–Patrolman.

Town of Kirkland Police Patrolman, Dec, 1991-93.
Village of Clinton Patrolman, Dec. 1992-93.
NYS Park Police Officer, Clark Reservation Jamesville, May 1992-93.
Madison County Public Safety Building, Corrections Officer, 1991.
Mohawk Valley Police Academy, Utica, 1991.

Why are you running for election/re-election as county sheriff?

I am running for sheriff of Madison County to serve the residents of Madison County with my experience of law enforcement. It would be an honor for me to come home and serve as the chief law enforcement office in the county I grew up in and raised my family.

What do you see as the most important issues facing the Madison County Sheriff’s Office during the next four years and how will you address them?

Opiod Epidemic — I will implement new tools and methods to fight heroin, including more coordinated investigations with the state police, local police departments and district attorney’s office. I will promote more use of Narcan, a lifesaving medicine that can save lives in overdose situations.

The village and town of Cazenovia are considering consolidation. If this occurs, there is a possibility that the village police department will be disbanded and the sheriff’s office and state police will be responsible for policing Cazenovia. If this happens:

Do you feel the sheriff’s office is staffed enough to handle the increased call volume in a timely manner that will come from the village and town of Cazenovia, which includes incidents from Cazenovia college such as drug possession, assault, and rape; as well as the summer-long boat patrol on the lake? Why or why not?

There is no replacement for your own police force. If the citizens of Cazenovia are willing to pay for their own police department, from my experience, it would be beneficial to them. Why? Because what is better than calling the local officer that you know and that knows your community and trust they will address the problem?

Would the sheriff’s office be able to staff Cazenovia events such as the Christmas walk, Memorial Day Parade, July 4 parade, July 4 Fireworks, Halloween night, the Chilly Chili and other multiple 5 and 10K races we have every year (which village police now staff)?

Hard for me to address this until I hold the position, but my initial thoughts are: If the Village of Cazenovia would be willing to pay for the police services for those special events, then yes, we would provide services.

Can you guarantee a quick response time to Cazenovia-related calls, or would incidents have to wait in a line of all the other calls for service the sheriff’s office receives?

Your best response to calls will always be with your local police department.

If it was up to you, would you like to see the sheriff’s office take over patrol responsibility for Cazenovia? Why or why not?

It is not up to me, it is up to the voters of Cazenovia whether they want to merge with Madison County or keep their own police force as is. I will enforce the laws of the State of New York and the laws of the Constitution of the United States and whatever the decision is.

Why should people vote for you? What distinguishes you as a candidate?

People should vote for me because I have far more experience than my opponent. I have served in almost every capacity as a law enforcement officer. I have also managed tactical teams, supervised hundreds of officers in firearms qualifications and been involved in hundreds of critical incidents.