To the editor:

Every couple of weeks there appears a letter to the editor. or a statement by Sheriff Hodgson,  that defensively accuses all the people who have written or spoken critically of him of having political agendas.

Indeed so many of these critics do have an agenda: the removal and replacement  of a sheriff who has utilized his position to create a fiefdom of loyal employees, expensive and unnecessary purchases, millions of taxpayer dollars for pension padding jobs, court documented cruelty to detainees and the incarcerated, and an apparent association with white supremacist organizations and ideologies.  

It is the height of hypocrisy, and delusion, for Hodgson to define every legislator, judge, governor,  police chief, attorney general and member of the public who has ever had the temerity to call out his well publicized political stunts, paucity of rehabilitative programs, and constitutional violations, as being people who have  “political agendas.”

The internet is replete with condemnations of Hodgson commencing with the beginning of his appointment and then election as sheriff. Other than Charlie Baker, some of his well paid employees, their relatives, vendors and and assorted cronies, there are few articles or letters that contain recommendations for his re-election.

Researching has not uncovered any stories, or articles, from formerly incarcerated individuals, offering proof of their rehabilitation that could be attributed to Hodgson’s imaginary, or overly exaggerated vocational, medical and re-entry programs.

The proof of a Massachusetts sheriff’s success would be a lowered crime, recidivism and suicide rate , which would reduce taxpayer costs and minimal staff resignations.  In all respects Sheriff Hodgson has failed his voters, the community, his staff and the  people  who are left to languish during their incarceration without incentives to prevent future criminal activity.

Betty Ussach, 

Dartmouth