Sheriff Jim Pendergraph
Speaks to Crime, Safety and Immigration in Mecklenburg County
By Jerri Haigler
       
Following an outstanding report by Alan Adler on the sold out Fifth Annual 2007 Scholarship Golf Classic on October 2, Todd Stevens introduced the new Paul Harris Fellowship awardees. He challenged the group to make the Rotary Foundation "our commitment and our obligation" as Rotary Club members. Among those recognized for their generous contributions were Dave Adams, Steve Montgomery, and Ed Driggs. In addition, Russell Ranson was honored for achieving Level I status. These Paul Harris Fellows were commended for their dedication and commitment.
 
Jan Thompson with the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office had the distinct pleasure of introducing her boss and keynote speaker, Sheriff Jim Pendergraph. In her introductory remarks, she commended Sheriff Pendergraph for his commitment to making this community safe for all and for the tremendous impact he's had on Mecklenburg County.
 
When Sheriff Jim Pendergraph was first elected to office in 1994, he inspired his organization to be the best in the nation, and he set a high standard of excellence for those who worked with him. Today, with nearly 1,300 employees and a budget of nearly $80 million, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office is the third largest law enforcement agency in North Carolina. Sheriff Pendergraph's professional and personal creed is to "make Mecklenburg County a safer place to live, work, and play."
 
His dedication to law enforcement began in the military serving in the U.S. Army Military Police. After serving in the Army, he then became a police officer with the Charlotte/Mecklenburg Police Department where he was employed for 23 years and attained the rank of Deputy Chief. Pendergraph says his oath to office as Sheriff included supporting the Constitution and laws of North Carolina and the United States. According to Pendergraph, "that means I have to enforce them all."
 
During his presentation, Sheriff Pendergraph spoke in detail on a topic that is surrounded by passion on both sides of the issue - immigration. Over the years, he noted that he's seen a marked increase in the number of illegal aliens being arrested in Mecklenburg County. In the summer of 2005, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office joined in a partnership with state and federal government officials to help track and identify illegal aliens. This program fingerprints all arrested illegal aliens and provides access to the information to those in the partnership.
 
Currently, the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office has 16 Deputy Sheriffs addressing the immigration issue in Mecklenburg County. As a result of the recent partnership and the continued focus and awareness, 2,489 illegal aliens who have committed crimes in Mecklenburg County have been marked for deportation. Sheriff Pendergraph noted that these illegal aliens represent more than 48 different countries.
 
In his remarks, Pendergraph stressed the growing crime rate and the need to address these issues quickly. "Our borders are not secure," Sheriff Pendergraph noted. "There's been no cooperation with officials in Mexico to address the issue, and I don't see any political will in Washington to secure our borders either. The rise in illegal aliens is certainly making a difference in our crime rate in Mecklenburg County."
   
Head Table: Robert Freeman, Trent Merchant, David Zimmerman, Jan Thompson, Mike Hawley, Ronnie Pruett;
Invocation: John Greer
Visitors & Guests: Harley Dickson; Health & Happiness: Leland Park; Song: Alan Barnhardt; Piano: Thomas Moore

• Bill Stegelmeyer and the Karat Patch are extending an offer to all Rotarians: the week prior to the tournament, 10% of any purchase made by a Rotarian will be contributed to the Rotary Scholarship Golf Classic, with a check in the purchaser's name. Bill challenges other retailers and businesses to do similar fund raising that would benefit our golf event. STILL NEEDED are auction and goody bag items.
       
• Carroll Gray has been named a life member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executive; Daniel, Ratliff & Company (Debbie Daniel) is a finalist in the 2007 Entrepreneurial Awards in the 21-100 employee category.
        
• Ed Turner, Smith Turner Group, explained why bigger is not always better in the recruiting and staffing business. See his article in the August 3rd Business Journal; Carlos Sanchez presented a $25,000 check from AT&T to benefit the newly formed Latin American Chamber of Charlotte of Charlotte Foundation.
   
• David Anderson will have a meeting at his home at 4:00 PM on Sunday, August 26, and another one on Sunday, September 9, for anyone considering going to Peru. The meeting will last about an hour and is intended to answer questions and provide info about the 2008 trip. Again, the group will leave Charlotte on February 8 and return February 17. The approximate cost is $2100 and a $100 non-refundable deposit is due by October 8.

• The Southern Women's Show will be held September 20-23. Southern Shows (David Zimmerman) is offering a reduced rate to all Charlotte Rotarians who plan to attend the event on Friday, September 21. Click here to print your ticket coupon.

• FOUNDATION/MEMBERSHIP SEMINARS will be conducted throughout the District and are open to all Rotarians. All seminars will be held at 7:00 PM.
 
August 14       Charlotte/Matthews       CPCC Levine Campus, Matthews
August 16       Gastonia                      First United Methodist Church, 190 E. Franklin Blvd
August 23       Salisbury                     The Rotary Hut, 300 W. Liberty
August 28       Statesville                    Mitchell Community College, 701 W. Front St
August 30       Wingate                       Jesse Helms Center, 3910 US Hwy 74 East

The Classification and Membership Committee recommend and the Directors approve for consideration for all members, the following NEW MEMBERS. Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, please call the Rotary Office by August 14th. You will be contacted by a member of the Board. Otherwise, no reply is necessary and election will proceed according to our bylaws.