On Tuesday 2/20 three-term mayor Joe Habel resigned. Former Northampton County Supervisor Larry Lemond will be appointed interim mayor during a special Town Council meeting on Monday 2/26. The meeting begins at 6:30 pm. A regularly scheduled Cheriton Town Council meeting will be held Wednesday 2/28 at 7 pm.
Mayor Habel issued this statement: Due to circumstances beyond my control on February 12th, 2018, I felt it was necessary to resign my position as Mayor of Cheriton. Last night On February 20th, 2018 , the Town Council voted to accepted my resignation. I want to thank all of my family, friends, Cheriton Residents and beyond for all the support and encouragement offered to me during my 3 terms as Mayor and 1 term as councilman. It has been an honor to serve our Town. Sincerely Joe Habel.
A Cheriton citizen who wished to remain anonymous told the Mirror, “I attended most of the public part of the meeting on Feb. 7. The issue that seems to be causing the controversy is the budget amendment and funding of the new police department. Some of the council members indicated that they were given incorrect information regarding the budget and police department. It sounded like they were making excuses and effectively requesting a do-over, when as council members they could easily access town financial information was well as other publicly available information.
During the 9/11/2017 Special Meeting of the Cheriton Town Council three motions were passed to create the Cheriton Police Department and get it up and running. Some of the council members who voted aye are now trying to back out of their decision.
As a Cheriton citizen, I am appalled by some of our elected representatives’ lack of leadership. Former mayor Habel exhibited integrity and responsibility, unlike some council members. I hope that the council will start to work together and in the best interest of the town and perform their duties.”
About the Author
Could it be the new revenue enhancement program(PD) for the town is not producing enough? Or perhaps some on the council have been called upon (ticketed) to contribute and now have second thoughts on support of this program. Could this mean one less Speed Trap on the Shore?
Why do people only care about speed traps when this police department is brought up? You could maybe just not speed, first of all, and second of all, the police dept provides more than just ticket writing. I, for one, an glad for the extra police presence in Cheriton, especially with all the car break-ins reported. It brings revenue for the town and provides security for the citizens. What’s not to like? You won’t have a problem with the chief if you do what you’re supposed to behind the wheel.
Maybe the Mirror will start posting Cheriton’s Police reports to see what is ticketed besides speeding.Yes there is speeding on 13 and there always was.The is just a way to make money on it for the town.Can you tell me how the town came up with the rank of Chief(definition of Chief:the head or leader of an organized body of people) for the only officer they have?
I think the idea was that traffic violation tickets help fund the police department itself. The town has other revenue sources, although they’re pretty modest.
One-man departments can have “chiefs.” I’ve known a few instances in SW VA.
I live in Cheriton. The police chief does more than ticket speeders. He worked hard during and after the blizzard helping citizens, and has been investigating car and home break-ins. Although I do not know this for a fact, I believe that service calls are public record. You can probably request a copy.
Being concerned only with the fact that YOU might get a ticket is selfish. It’s not about YOU, it’s about the safety and security of the community. Plus, the town has almost no other revenue source. So you’d better hope the chief brings in enough money from tickets to keep the lights on in town.
Your northern slip is showing,believe it or not WE the people of the Eastern Shore (Cheriton,Cape Charles and Our other little towns)made it before that northern mentality came to save us from ourselves.And We will make it when the Nortenos leave.Safety and Security of a town shouldn’t have to be about how much revenue it brings in.Believe it when I say the lights in Cheriton and the Shore will always shine bright .
Born and raised, Rick. I support Chief Marshall even though you hate the police and want to endanger everyone on the highway.
And while you are hating on people from the North, I’d be careful what you say next cause some of us of color won’t put up with a lot from the likes of you.
Rick, sweetheart, I’m from much farther south than you are. Sorry you’re a cop hater. Chief marshall would gladly take a bullet even for people like you.
What is an antwann?
Jackie, I presume that Antwann is the poster’s first or last a name.
The designation is in the town code.
Perhaps you heard about the dangerous high speed chase that occurred recently originating in Northampton County and terminating inside the HRBT? That began when Cheriton Chief Marshall attempted to initiate a stop for excessive speed; 87 mph. Citations issued just by Cheriton include reckless operation , Northampton has their own list as does Virginia Beach. The driver has a felony record for robbery.
Traffic stops frequently open a door to other types of enforcement for public safety.
When I first heard about the controversy with the department’s inception, I began attending meetings to see for myself what the issues were. Though some council members seemed especially driven by revenue generation I was very pleased to hear our chief say, several times, that a police department should not and can not be solely for revenue, that having a public presence is important for community safety and to deter other criminal acts.
Other funding sources can be found and leveraged for the continuation of this important service, which also provides a means to expand town borders. More residents have been attending meetings and making excellent suggestions, which I’m hoping can be discussed by council and the residents to create more stable revenue opportunities that can fund not just the police department but other programs as well.
If you or anyone else has any suggestions on this, your participation would be most welcome. I’m currently looking into public safety grants and intend to introduce more events to our small town as a means of boosting revenue.
It should be noted that the budget was always heavily dependent on revenue generated from the sheriff’s department enforcement within town borders, a service the town also paid for. We must seek other responsible funding sources if Cheriton is going to thrive.
And yes…I’m running for council. Maybe I can do more to lend a hand.
Okay let me spell this out for you . This is not about Mr. Marshall personally, a dislike for law enforcement or a fear of getting a ticket.The point is you should not establish a Police department who’s continued existence is based on revenue from tickets. Police work should not be about how many tickets you write that will return revenue to the department .Police work is about helping the public and keeping them safe as well as their property safe.When Officers have pressure to write tickets that bring in revenue( all tickets do not) or possibly face having their positions eliminated lines can get blurred. This is something that is happening all over,just a few months ago a local State Police Officer felt that pressure and made some bad choices from it.
The police force is usually a public sector service, meaning they are paid through taxes not ticket revenue.I hope you will show this same support when the question is does the town raise taxes to keep this program. I feel if the town can not totally support a full time Police department from town taxes maybe now is not the time for one.Mr. Marshall with his qualifications would not have a problem finding work in this field, if the town finds they do not have the funds to finance this program.
Oh yea, Mr.Antwann I too am of color ,so that card game won’t work in this situation.
Did the mayor conduct an honest and proper search for the most qualified person for “ police chief” ? We’re any civil service laws broken ? And why is it that the new police chief’s car is parked for several hours at town hall each day ?