Once again, Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert shows why Ham Sandwich would be superior to him.
Once again, Paul Ebert has delved into using his prosecutor’s office for political purposes and the threat of investigation and prosecution as a weapon of intimidation.
The latest brewhaha is over a mailing that PWC Chairman Corey Stewart sent out to every home in PWC announcing the vote by the BOCS this coming Tuesday on measures cracking down on illegal immigration.
Let me repeat that. This mailing went to EVERY home in PWC (not targeted to registered voters or voters who have participated in particular elections or primaries.) This mailing ANNOUNCED the scheduled vote. It did NOT advocate a position on it. Any prosecutor worth his salt who did not have a political agenda would look at those factors and know immediately that he had no case. Then again, Ebert isn’t worth his salt and DOES have a political agenda. This mailing, while politically beneficial to Corey, did not cross the lines either in terms of electioneering nor in lobbying. And I say that as an attorney more than well-versed in both areas.
This is perhaps the biggest issue to come down the pike in this county in years. Now some elected officials are complaining that – GASP – the public are actually being informed about what their government is doing. Compared to some of the wasteful things other supervisor’s discretionary funds have been spent on over the years (yes, Hilda Barg, I’m looking at you as a prime example), this may actually have been the most useful thing done with those boondoggle of funds in years. And don’t tell me that other supervisors have not received indirect political benefits from some of those expenditures, either.
While some have pointed to this being covered in the newspapers and on TV, that does not mean people are necessarily aware that the vote on this will take place this coming Tuesday. I’d guess that most people are generally aware that the county is doing something, but that a majority of people are not tuned in to the timing of this vote.
Furthermore, the local newspaper, the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger only penetrates approximately 10 percent of the county according to recent circulation figures. Not exactly the authoritative voice of the county.
Finally, there is the question of Paul Ebert’s contributions to Sharon Pandak, Corey’s opponent on Election Day. This is a huge conflict of interest and not the first time that Ebert has given such an appearance of impropriety (Steve Chapman anyone?) Corey is right to say that there are questions here for the U.S. Justice Dept. — and they should be asked of Ebert.
So, on Election Day, be sure to reelect Corey Stewart and, while you’re at it, WRITE IN HAM SANDWICH FOR PWC COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY. He can do the job just as well as the current one, but without the political agenda.
Filed under: 2007 Elections, Ham Sandwich, Prince William County Politics
[...] Riley points out today that Ham Sandwich would be a far preferable alternative as Commonwealth’s Attorney than Paul Ebert, who decided to again abuse his official powers yesterday, this time by appointing a special investigator to investigate a matter where no specific violation of the law has been alleged. Once again, Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert shows why Ham Sandwich would be superior to him. [...]
[...] from his good friends at the Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus ($50,000), Tim Kaine ($30,000), and Paul Ebert ($5,000). The pro-illegal alien crowd didn’t forget about ol’ Jeanette though as Mark [...]