Egg Harbor Township – Sheriff Jim McGettigan released the following letter sent to Mayor Ralph Peterson today regarding an investigation into Captain Frank Balles’ use of taxpayer funded personnel and equipment during a political press conference.

September 24, 2008

Mayor Ralph Peterson

City of Pleasantville

18 N. First Street

Pleasantville, NJ 08232

Mayor Peterson:

It has come to my attention that on Friday, September 19, 2008, Frank Balles held a political press conference in Mays Landing to tout an endorsement.

His actions were inappropriate and warrant an investigation.

Mr. Balles was conducting a political press conference and was not on official Pleasantville police business.  However, he still commissioned a taxpayer funded Pleasantville police vehicle for his event, which took place at the Atlantic County Court House.

As the Sheriff of Atlantic County, I take my position very seriously and expect fellow law enforcement officers to set an example in upholding the law.  To order a police unit, essentially to serve as a prop, out of the city with an accompanying officer for his own political gain is an affront to the men and women whose safety and well being is invested in Mr. Balles.

I respectfully request that you investigate this matter to determine answers to the following questions:

·         How much did this cost the taxpayers of Pleasantville?

·         Do these actions warrant a suspension?

·         Are Balles’ use of taxpayer funded equipment and his badge for political gain a violation of the Hatch Act?

·         If Balles wants to be the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of Atlantic County shouldn’t he fundamentally understand the laws governing his own conduct?

The taxpayers of Pleasantville deserve a full explanation as to the legality of these actions and the City should be paid back for any misappropriated expenditures.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.  As public officials, we must hold ourselves to a high standard in these times of ever increasing public skepticism.  Our residents and taxpayers demand and deserve the highest integrity from their public officials and we must ensure that’s exactly what they receive.

Respectfully,

Jim McGettigan