Groups demand Johnston sheriff's ouster

Smithfield, N.C. — A coalition of civil rights organizations sent a letter to Johnston County commissioners Friday demanding that they seek Sheriff Steve Bizzell's resignation for derogatory comments he made about Latinos.

The 26 groups said comments Bizzell made recently to a reporter for The News & Observer newspaper in Raleigh raise serious doubts about his department’s ability to enforce the law without discriminating against Latinos.

In a Sept. 7 article in which Bizzell talked about his frustration with the changing face of the county where he grew up, he called Mexicans "trashy" and said the growing Latino population in his county was "breeding like rabbits."

"Everywhere you look, it's like little Mexico around here," he said in the article.

Bizzell later apologized for the remarks, saying his comments were targeted at illegal immigrants and and not all Latinos.

"His demonstrated conduct is unbecoming of a public official, and it conflicts with his sworn duty to uphold justice," the groups said in the letter to Johnston County commissioners. "Blanket stereotypes made by the county’s top law enforcement official are especially alarming because these sentiments are highly likely reflected in the actions of the deputies under his supervision."

Bizzell couldn't be reached Friday for comment.

Organizations who signed on to the letter include: El Pueblo Inc., the North Carolina NAACP, the North Carolina Justice Center, Black Workers for Justice and the Latino Community Credit Union. The Que Pasa Media Network, which operates a Spanish language newspaper and radio station in North Carolina, has also asked for Bizzell's resignation.

Board of Commissioners Vice Chairman Wade Stewart said he doesn't think Bizzell should resign over the comments.

The American Civil Liberties Union already has requested records from the Johnston County Sheriff's Office to determine whether deputies have engaged in a pattern of racial profiling of Latinos.

Some county residents think it is time for a change.

“It makes us all look like we are a little backwards and behind and we are not that way at all,” resident Tabatha Koziarz said.

Others think Bizzell shouldn't be made to resign.

Clara Price said Bizzell shouldn’t be made to leave for voicing his opinion.

“The Sheriff is fine. We love the Sheriff here,” Joey Perry said.

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Latest Comments

I just want to know when freedom of speech was a reason to get rid of a politician? The only thing that Steve Bissell is guilty of is not being politically correct. 'Bout time that an appointed official that is in charge of keeping a community safe speaks his/her mind. I am tired of people dancing arround with their comments because it may offend someone. As for the ACLU and trhe NAACP they are lucky to be allowed into Johnston County. There was a time not too long ago when these groups were not tolerated within the limits of Johnston County, and certainly not in Smithfield. So protest, complain, write letters, go on TV, do what you want to stomp your feet. It is the voters of Johnston County that exercise their right to vote that will speak about Bissell and his job. Since when did an illegal alein get the right to vote? Since they do not have that right, and the people that back Bissell in his comments do have the right, it seems that Bissell will prevail and illegals need to leave.

eviltwinbob
September 26, 2008 4:57 p.m.

The Sherriff is 100% correct. All of his statements are true. I believe he should become a presidential candidate. No one else has been willing to say what the rest of us have been thinking! KUDOS to the Sherriff! AMEN! Round em up and send em back! Bring our troops home and post them on the border. Hows that for a solution??

carriekane
September 22, 2008 11:39 a.m.

Never critize a man until you walk a mile in his shoes!

wuf packer
September 19, 2008 9:47 p.m.

Amen, cw2352379! I've intentionally stayed away from this "issue" because it just makes me sick. As a journalist, I worked closely with Sheriff Bizzell for several years - I know the man behind the badge and how he fights to protect the citizens of Johnston County. Of all the law enforcement officers I've ever worked with, I have never known a single one that can compare to Steve Bizzell.

juli28428
September 19, 2008 9:38 p.m.

I know it is hard to get the NC government to support employer's legal duty to only hire Legal residents with valid social security cards. We do need to punish them and the only way is the pocket book. Fine them much more than hiring illegals saves them - make it cost more to hire illegals than to hire Americans and immigrants with the legal right to work.

By the way - here is another Sheriff held in high esteem: http://www.mcso.org/ - we need more like these fine Sheriffs who are out to protect and serve!