Charles County, Maryland – On October 30, Sheriff Troy D. Berry participated in a community meeting in Bryans Road to discuss pressing local issues, particularly the Charter Form of Government Proposal, which is currently on the Maryland ballot. During the meeting, Sheriff Berry expressed his concerns about the potential implications of this proposal, which has generated strong emotions on both sides.
Concerns About Voting Power and Accountability
Sheriff Berry highlighted several key issues he perceives with the Charter Form of Government, including:
- A reduction in voting power for citizens
- Diminished accountability for the Sheriff’s Office
- Increased local government spending
He warned that if the referendum fails, there may be attempts by other elected officials to propose legislation in the Maryland General Assembly that could adversely impact the Office of the Sheriff in Charles County. Despite these concerns, Sheriff Berry reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with all elected officials and community leaders, stating that differing opinions should not be viewed as adversarial.
Controversy Arises Over Allegations of Threats
Following the meeting, the situation escalated when an elected official from the Charles County Delegation issued a press release demanding a retraction from Sheriff Berry regarding his comments that suggested he had received “threats” from the Delegation. In response, Sheriff Berry stood by his remarks, asserting, “It has never been my style to mischaracterize anyone or any group.” He emphasized that his comments were made in his capacity as a citizen and elected official.
Sheriff Berry stated, “Disagreement on an issue does not make us enemies; it simply reflects a difference of opinion.” He expressed concern over communications from individuals unhappy with his attendance and stance at the meeting.
Delegation Demands Clarification
In a formal statement, Delegate Debra Davis, chair of the Charles County Delegation, reiterated the need for clarity, saying, “We are requesting a complete retraction of the inaccurate remarks made by Sheriff Troy Berry regarding the mention of ‘threats.’ This does not reflect our position or actions and could mislead our constituents.”
The Delegation remains committed to transparency and accountability in their work, emphasizing the importance of upholding the integrity of their elected positions. They are expecting a prompt response from Sheriff Berry to clarify the situation.
In the spirit of transparency, Sheriff Berry’s office has provided a link to the video of the meeting for community members to review the discussion directly.
