ELECT Terry Martin Sheriff - Supporter Comments!

On November 8th, 2006, I called Sheriff-elect Keith Clark at 6:55 a.m., congratulating him on his win
and sincerely wished him every success in the future of the Windham County Sheriff's Department.

The Song - "You Raise Me Up" - is sung by Josh Groban
and, is Dedicated to YOU for Your support
(The latest Comments are posted first)

(12/19/2006) I want to tell you how sorry I was that you lost, made no sense to me. It's not over till it's over, try again. If it's any consolation, a "particular employee" (name removed) said s(he) (gender removed) was hoping you got elected and s(he) voted for you...that means s(he) wanted to work for you. That says something huh?

(12/16/2006) I am sorry that you did not get the Sheriff job. I would have bet the farm on it, but perhaps it is best for you. I know that I like being able to travel some and spend time with the family. Something that would not have been possible if you had gotten the job.

I will not dwell on it because I know that it must hurt with all the effort you put into the campaign. But for what it is worth I am very proud to be a friend and the way you conducted yourself during the campaign and after. (e-mail)

(12/12/2006) I was out on the net last night and trying to see how you fared in the election. I couldn't find the county results, but see that you ran a close 2nd in Brattleboro, so assume you didn't quite make it.

I had a look at your website and read some of the comments you received. Incredible to me, as an outsider who grew up in your town, and shared several of the same elementary teachers as you, that most of the conversation was about the fact that you had an (R) next to your name. You even got a note from someone who lived nowhere near Vermont.

What an amazingly curious world we live in! All you have to do to lose an election in Windham County is to put an (R) next to your name. What strange and downright silly logic!

Then I remembered what happened in Houston in 1994, when all the Democratic judges, including some very good ones, were voted out of office. And I remembered how for the first time in my life I put a poster in my front yard in Colorado in 1996, for Bob Dole, because I felt so strongly about that election for my kids' sake, mostly against the sitting President (and that was years before the outrageous personal behavior which almost got him impeached). And I remembered how astounded I was to read President Clinton's description of his "respectful relationship" with Miss Lewinsky in his auto-biography, and of Mrs. Clinton's description in her autobiography of her husband's behavior as a man who was "a force of nature."

The view from here is that you ran a very good race. I would have gladly supported you. In case nobody has told you, I want to say thank you for the way you ran, and shared yourself. I can only hope it makes a difference in the town where I grew up, and went to the same schools as you, and sat in many of the same classrooms, by the way, as Gini Milkey (who was valedictorian of our high school class) and Jody Williams (who won a Nobel Peace Prize).

Keep the faith. I know you will. Our country is a great land, and it looks greater still when you live outside for awhile, as I have been fortunate to do. (e-mail)

Happy Holidays, Sorry things didn't go the way they should of for you. I was really disappointed as I know you were also. Maybe something good will come out of all this. (e-mail)

Sorry it has taken so long to write. I wanted to tell you how disappointed Bob and I were that Clark beat you out for Sheriff. But, my minister had given a very excellent sermon about voting and I know that God didn't want you doing that for reasons only he knows, right? Hoping you are doing ok with it too. (e-mail)

Sorry that you lost the election. I think that you would have made a great person in that office. I guess there is a reason for everything and only God knows it. Take care. (e-mail)

I'm heartbroken! I was SO SURE Vermonters had more good sense than they showed on election day! That's why I'm an Independent - I vote for the most qualified person, not for the party they represent. So glad you kept your "day job" - at least I know where to find you when I "come home" in the future. The bit about God closing doors and opening windows is right on. I'm sure He has something just as good in mind for you down the road. God Bless, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and Loretta and family. (e-mail)

Terry, Just wanted to let you know that I was very disappointed to hear you lost your bid to become our new sheriff. I did make a point to go to the polls to vote for you, take care, hope to see you soon. Again thank you for being there for us. (e-mail)

I was sorry to hear about the election. I hope you are keeping your chin up. You are tops in our book. Take care, (e-mail)

Sorry it didn't work out. I think you're a really nice guy. (e-mail)

I was sorry to read that you were unsuccessful in the election, but I fully agree with you that the Republican "Badge" was your downfall. People are upset with what is happening in Washington and wanted to vote against any Republican. I am sure that all will work out well for you -- there will be another day when a better opportunity will present itself. (letter)

Letter from the Honorable Governor James H. Douglas (letter)

Terry, I am sorry to hear the news that you didn't win the election. From what I understand the Democratic coattails affect that swept this nation last night might have been the reason. There is no way I could imagine that you were not the most qualified person for the job down in that part of the state. I just want you to know that we, the CSO's in Burlington were thinking of you. (e-mail)

Terry --- I wish you the best and I'll be seeing you in the Marble Temple of Main Street!!!! (boy was I surprised!) (e-mail)

Terry. Sorry that it turned that way. It is Windham county that will be the big looser. The liberals so eager to bash Bush that they could not vote for anyone with an “R” by their name. I blame run away spending as much as the war for our losses nation wide. Thank God they didn’t get enough to make it veto proof. With the far left Pelosi group it is going to be a fight to keep the nation together. You gave it all you had so there is no fault on your part. The far left has been beating on Bush since his first election and the drum beats, with the help of the left leaning media, just keep getting louder. Again my condolences - it should not have turned out that way, but life goes on. (e-mail)

I was SHOCKED when I picked up the paper yesterday. But congratulations on a "high road" campaign and it has been interesting to hear first hand the work and connections that went into the run. So relax and be content, your friends are still your friend, you have a great big wonderful family (relatives I'm sure I haven't even heard about yet) and well respected for who you are and what you believe in. I must say I appreciate and very often encouraged by all you guys--my sincere thanks. (e-mail)

Mornin' "Big Guy"; You deserve a "well done" for the clean and honest campaign that you ran. Our prayers were, and still are, with you throughout. The Lord must have something better, something very special in mind for you. Just focus on Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 and claim his promise. Remember also the promise that Jesus made in his letter to the Church at Philadelphia, found in Revelation 3:7 & 8. When HE opens the door, no man can shut it, and when HE shuts the door, no man can open it! Love to you and Loretta. God bless. (e-mail)

Sorry to hear that. You would make a good Sheriff. I had feeling you might lose as everyone went D this time...no matter if it was for a garbage collector.. Can't say I am not happy. I'm ecstatic! (e-mail)

I am sincerely remorseful for your defeat. I contacted the Brattleboro Reformer Wednesday morning to get a breakdown of the results. After a thorough review, I do not think there was anything you could have done differently. I truly believe that your hard work got a message out to those who where going to listen. This was just a bad time to be a Republican in this country and a lot ignorant voters "couldn't see the forest for the trees!" But you my friend are man of great integrity so don't let bunch of Old Hippies keep you down. Maybe Governor Douglas could appoint you to something rewarding. Anyway, let's see how long the Kid Lasts!! Take Care, (e-mail)

I read the "supporter comments" and was impressed with the respect that has been shown you. Even Keith Clark must have been impressed, if he takes the time and still reads your Web Site. The sad part in any election process is that there has to be a winner and a loser. Your supporters are a legion of faithful people who know talent when they come in contact with it. What a first rate Sheriff you would have made, Terry. The real losers, besides the citizens of Windham County, are the young and up and coming Sheriff Deputies of the Windham County Sheriffs Department ,who would have benefited greatly, by your vast law enforcement knowledge and experience. I know you wish Keith Clark the very best in his new job, but those of us who backed you 100%, will always know that you would have brought integrity and many skills that would have made (in due time) the Windham County Sheriff's Department, one of the top law enforcement departments in the great State of Vermont. We wish you and Loretta, the very best, in the years ahead. May God bless you and yours, (e-mail)

I really am sorry you didn't get the job, but there's always next time! In the meanwhile, it's good to know you'll be right there at the Post Office, and hope you know how many folks supported you, even crossing party lines to do so. (e-mail)

I feel so bad and I know it is a loss to the county to lose your service to the Department! Thank you for trying and for caring, you certainly had my support! (e-mail)

My wife and I were very disappointed in regards to the results of the election. I can't imagine how you must feel with all of the time and effort you have put into this past year towards the election. I feel you would have been the best choice for Sheriff. I liked all of your ideas and goals that you had for the Department. Like everyone else, I believe the only reason you lost was because you did not run as a Democrat. When you really think about it, that's truly sad. Unfortunately, that sort of mentality is one of the down sides of Windham County. I will miss reading your daily e-mails that you have sent. They gave me something to look forward to everyday. I was really looking forward to possibly working full-time again for Windham County under your leadership, ideas and goals. I wish you and Loretta the best of luck in the future. Once again, we are truly sorry. Sincerely, (e-mail)

I hope you are doing well holding your head up high. Terry, I was wondering if you plan to continue a website reporting incidents good and bad involving the Sheriff's Department in the future? I know your website has been a wealth of information for myself and I know others. I realize that you have done it in the past due to the Sheriff campaign so I was not sure if you had future plans. (e-mail)

I want to congratulate you on a race well run. While I had hoped to see you as head of the Sheriff's Dept I'm comforted to know that our Lord does not ever make a mistake and that He has a better plan in place for you. I know this must be hard as you had such expectations.....but look at the bright side. Retta was right there by your side.....you got to spend extra time together doing what you love. These are great memories to hold on to. We send our love and a special "thank you" for trying very hard to get in the position of straightening out the Sheriff's Dept. (e-mail)

I’m really sorry to hear the news this afternoon. I truly believe that the best man for the job did not win in this case. I didn’t think that Windham County’s hatred for the Republican Party would spill over into this office. At least not to the degree that it did. What are you going to be up to now? (e-mail)

Thanks for running, and for answering all the questions here. You convinced me that that the R next to your name wouldn't be a problem. I think we would have been served well in either outcome, something that I can't always say about political races. Boy, it was a close one, though, eh? (e-mail)

I think it well could have been the R alone, as even Gail Cooper, a P, didn't get elected. People just looked for the D, regardless of whose name was there. (iBrattleboro.com)

Ya think?! It's ashamed that some very qualified people didn't stand a chance because of an agenda that was seething in rage. (iBrattleboro.com)

My greatest respect to you on your campaign. I am most heartfelt that you will not be the next Sheriff. I would have liked to be a Deputy under your tutelage. I hope to have many conversations and hope that somehow, I see you at training. Again, I was very upset to hear the results. Best wishes to you and your family..... (e-mail)

I still can't believe it. How are you and the wife this morning? (e-mail)

Although I am disappointed in the results of the election, I want to commend you on running a clean, fair-handed campaign for Sheriff. In this era where politics generally are dictated by who has the most money, or who has the most mud to sling, it was refreshing to see the honest approach you had in conducting your campaign. You should have your head held high today, because your supporters all know this and know what a credible job you would have done as Sheriff. (e-mail)

So…What’s the next step and do you want help with it? I bet you got something cook’n and I’d love to help out! Ps. I just wanted to also tell you that I appreciated the experience of getting caught up in the campaign and seeing how everything works. You’ve help me learn a lot about the whole process. - Thanks (e-mail)

I really thought you were the best guy for the job. You got my vote and if you run again, I'll vote for you again. Thanks for running and take care. (e-mail)

I am so sorry that you did not win this time. You ran a good hard campaign, but the rising tide of democrats just swept the whole ticket. When they declared Bernie within five minutes of the polls closing, I knew we were all in trouble. Good try, my friend, and well worth the effort. (e-mail)

I am sorry that the election turned out as it did. However, you can surely be proud that you ran a good, clean, hard run campaign. Once again, Windham County voted along partisan lines - I sometimes wonder if they even think. I sincerely hope and pray that Keith Clark can pull the department together and turn it around. Good luck in all of your future endeavors. Regards, (e-mail)

You ran a great campaign. It was spirited, issues-based, and hard fought. In any other year, you would have emerged victorious; this election was not kind to anyone with an “R” after their name. However, regardless of how the race turned out, you’re still a winner! I hope you continue to remain active in the community, and I hope that you are looking forward to the next race. All the best, (e-mail)

I was so, so disappointed to read you were not elected. My gut opinion is that, as you referred to in the newspaper, people could not think beyond their desire to oust all mention of the word Republican. May God have mercy on our town and state and country, and "direct our hearts into Christ's love and perseverance" in this age we live in! Thank you for your efforts in running and for your example to our town and to us personally of taking time to talk to people and caring for decency and order! (e-mail)

With all your effort, credentials and what's happened in Windham County YOU should have won! I wonder if he liked the 6:55 phone call ! Keep in touch........... (e-mail)

Sorry things didn't work out the way we wanted, but you should be real proud of the campaign you ran. I knew it would be an uphill battle running as a Republican in the most Democratic county in the State. Ya Done Good! (e-mail)

I was saddened this morning when I heard the news about the election, I support you 100 percent but you knew that! By the way I have your sign, do you want it back OR shall I keep it for next time? Once again, I am sorry it did not happen the way we wanted...Talk with you soon (e-mail)

You ran a clean campaign and I applaud your efforts. You are a true professional and a true gentleman. All the best to you. (e-mail)

My prayers and friendship are with you. God knows your heart and is with you in this very stressful and disappointing time. I know you are the man for the job however God has something better for you. We might need a new chief here soon. (e-mail)

I want to express to you how sorry I am that you did not win the election. I don't know of anyone who has worked harder for the citizens of Windham County, who has worked harder at running an outstanding campaign. or who deserved to be the Sheriff more than you. Your honesty, integrity, professionalism, ability, and just overall character has always been and will always be an example for me. Just visiting with you a few minutes on primary day, my children were so impressed with the type of individual that you are. My heart goes out to you. I understand a little bit of what you are going through. Keep your chin up. You are a great guy and one of the best Police Officer's that I have ever known. Know that you have a brother that is thinking and wishing the best for you and yours. If you ever need anything you can give me a call or a shout on the email anytime. (e-mail)

I can not believe the results of this election any more than the last one. I guess qualifications and dedication have no place in politics. I still think that you were the best man for the job. I am sorry for the results and hope that you will stay in touch and take some well deserved time off to spend with family. (e-mail)

Read the results of the county election and was disappointed to learn that you came in second. Not a very good year for Republican I guess. It's hoped that you will consider another run in the future. Need the right man for the right job. Regards, (e-mail)

I know I am not the first to say this, and I know I wont be the last, but Windham County has lost a real opportunity to make some positive change and progress. You ran a fantastic campaign and you should be proud of the "high road" that you conducted it on. We here in MA just lived through one of the dirtiest campaigns for governor and one for a local county race. Both divided the community and it will take some time to repair that. That could have been your tactic, and things might have turned out different, but you would have lost your credibility and the respect that the community holds for you. Unfortunately, respect does not always equal votes and sometimes a wave of animosity toward one politician knocks over all the polls that happen to have the same affiliations, and no one can overcome it. I'm proud of you, your supporters are proud of you and you should be proud of your campaign and your effort. (e-mail)

I read your concession message. Thanks for sharing it. I firmly believe that the wrong man, won the election for Sheriff of Windham County. In this day and age, we needed a Sheriff who is not only a compassionate law an order man, but a law and order man who is qualified by your many years of experience to lead the Sheriff's Department out of the quagmire it has been in, for far too long a time frame. We don't need a social worker, as Sheriff. We need a law an order man, who can make tough decisions when it comes down to crunch time. This, combined with a compassionate, intelligent, and talented individual, is the kind of man that the Windham County Sheriff's Department needs right now. You were this person, Terry. The electorate made a big mistake by not electing you as Sheriff of Windham County. Best of luck in your future endeavors, (e-mail)

I don't know what to say. It was Bush's fault. I guess I will have to work with him. At least if he does get into community affairs I may be of some use. Should I save your signs? (e-mail)

You fought the good race! - Terry I just heard on the radio about your loss, we are sorry you did, but are VERY PROUD that you ran your campaign the way you did. I know that all of your friends and family are surprised that things turned out the way that they did but not the way you stayed true to yourself and I know that God is pleased with you. Look forward to Friday nite. (e-mail)

Although I agree that we had two good choices in the Sheriff's race, I do think the "R" was a problem for many in this political climate. It was a big liability here and in most of the northeast. As Republicans have firmly established themselves as the party of unnecessary and poorly executed wars, deficit spending, arrogance, intolerance, abuse of power, favoring the rich over the poor and middle class, contempt for other ideas and viewpoints, destroying decades of progress on labor, environmental and social issues and attacking the Constitution and writ of Habeas Corpus there was going to have to be a change or a devolution into outright fascism. Both are still possible, but there is now question that the territory looks pretty different today. I actually thought Mr. Martin was going to win, but I underestimated how many, like me were voting against Republicans across the board regardless of how nice, competent or professional they may be. The country lost several moderate Republicans which is a bit of a shame, but I have no regrets that Republicans got slammed and have been humbled as they needed it. We now have a counterbalance of sorts which is important and perhaps over the coming months some of us will begin to feel that terrible things have been prevented or at least slowed down because of the change of direction. I would recommend that Mr. Martin and others like him seriously consider forming a new party that better reflects their ideals. Otherwise, the GOP needs to be out of power for a decade or more while it finds a soul and an appropriate sense of direction that better reflects the realities of the present and the demands of the future. (iBrattleboro.com)

I was very sorry to hear about the election. They obviously don't realize what they will be missing. Mom says she's sorry and to drop the "R" next time and that you would know what that means. I think she is talking about being on the republican ticket. (e-mail)