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06/13/2008
Cromer says traffic stop part of vendetta

By DAN DEARTH
dan.dearth@herald-mail.com

HAGERSTOWN — A Hagerstown councilwoman said a recent traffic stop in which she was pulled over by an officer for allegedly speeding could be construed as evidence that she is the subject of a vendetta for questioning the necessity of a long-running city program.

Councilwoman Kelly S. Cromer said she believes some city officials, including members of the police department, want to harass her because she is trying to limit the number of city-owned vehicles that municipal employees are allowed to drive home from work.

Last month, Cromer suggested to the council that the city investigate the validity of the take-home vehicle program in the wake of rising gas prices.

Police officers drive 19 of the 48 vehicles that are part of the city's take-home vehicle program, according to city records. The remaining 29 are driven by employees of the Public Works, Parks, Fire, Sewer, Water and Light departments.

Cromer, the wife of a former city police officer, said she doubted whether she was speeding when Officer Christopher Watt pulled her over May 26 for allegedly driving 43 mph in a 25 mph zone in the 100 block of South Walnut Street.

Cromer said she saw the officer while she was idling at a stop light and, as a result, wouldn't have been speeding.

She contended that Watt singled her out from among two other drivers who were traveling at about the same speed.

"(I) thought it was a little odd," she said.

Watt wrote in a supplemental report to the officer's investigative report that while Cromer searched for the registration of the SUV she was driving "She looked at me and stated 'Do you know who I am?' When she asked that question I could sense an attitude and sarcastic tone in her voice."

Cromer contended that Watt "lied" when he reported that she used those exact words and suggested her comment was taken out of context.

She couldn't initially find the registration because she was in her husband's vehicle, and her driver's license was in her luggage, Cromer said. She offered to get it, but asked Watt whether that would be necessary if he already knew who she was.

At one point, Cromer asked why she was being stopped, Watt wrote.

"Again, I could sense a sarcastic attitude from her voice and body language ...," Watt wrote. He noted in the supplemental report that it was at that point that he informed Cromer that she was going 43 mph in a 25 mph zone.

At one point, Watt wrote, "she asked 'Are you going to give me a ticket or a warning?' I then informed her that I had not made that decision yet ..."

Watt reported he called Hagerstown Police Sgt. Mark E. Renner for advice, and Renner told him to use his discretion.

Watt issued a written warning, according to the report.

Watt said he informed Cromer that he was issuing a written warning and "began to remind her that the speed limit is 25 mph because it is considered a residential neighborhood and because of the amount of foot traffic at the city park. ... She cut me off and replied in a sarcastic manner again, stating 'I know, I live a block away.'"

Cromer said her tone is usually sarcastic and at no time did she try to use her position on the council to receive preferential treatment.

Nearly two years ago, Councilwoman Alesia Parson-McBean was the subject of an ethics investigation after she was pulled over for driving with an expired registration.

In that case, Parson-McBean also was quoted as asking the officer "Do you know who I am?" after she was pulled over.

A Hagerstown police lieutenant drove Parson-McBean to the Motor Vehicle Administration so she could renew her registration and then drove her back to her vehicle.

Parson-McBean publicly apologized for the incident.

The Washington County Ethics Commission ruled that Parson-McBean violated the city's ethics code by using "the prestige of her position" to obtain benefits not afforded to the general public.

Afterward, the city council voted 3-2 to accept Parson-McBean's apology and her offer to donate $60 each to the Memorial Recreation Center and the Police Athletic League but to take no further action.

Councilman Lewis C. Metzner said he would not file an ethics complaint against Cromer, "but what will happen, I do not know."

He said he doubted whether Watt lied in the report because Cromer lately has had a habit of calling several city officials liars.

"I think it's indicative of her tone with everyone that I've seen recently," Metzner said. "I have no reason not to believe the officer."

Metzner said Cromer shouldn't have taken a sarcastic tone with Watt.

"That's no way for any citizen to act with a police officer - let alone an elected official," he said.

Metzner said that had he been pulled over, he would have insisted on receiving a ticket.

Hagerstown Police Chief Arthur Smith said officers are told to use their discretion when writing tickets.

As far as Cromer calling Watt a liar, Smith said, "My personal opinion is that Watt is absolutely trustworthy."

Councilwoman Penny M. Nigh said members of the council should be treated like any other citizen during a traffic stop. It's possible that Watt would have given any city resident a warning as well, Nigh said, so she couldn't be sure whether Cromer received preferential treatment.

Nigh questioned the reason Watt called his supervisor after stopping Cromer.

Parson-McBean didn't return an e-mail seeking comment, and Councilman Martin E. Brubaker declined to comment.

Mayor Robert E. Bruchey II said it's impossible to know what Cromer meant when she allegedly asked, "Do you know who I am?"

"I wasn't there," Bruchey said. "I don't know how to take it."

Hagerstown Police Department Supplement Report

Complainant: State of Maryland

Offense: Speeding Warning

Incident No.: 08-4106

Date of Incident: 5/26/08

Date of Report: 5/27/08

Arrested Person/Suspect: Kelly Stebbins Cromer W/F, 3/24/65

On 26 May 2008 I was monitoring traffic in the 100 block of S. Walnut Street utilizing my dash mounted radar unit. It was approximately 1758 hours that I observed a Dodge SUV displaying Maryland Reg. HOF0377 traveling Southbound at a consistent speed of 43 mph in a 25 mph zone. I then pulled out and stopped the vehicle in the 500 block of Virginia Avenue.

I made contact with the female driver who I recognized to be Kelly Cromer (Hagerstown City Council/ wife of Steve Cromer, former police officer at HPD). I informed her of who I was and that I needed to see her license and registration. Cromer began looking for the registration, but at first was unable to find it stating that it was her husbands car. While she continued to look for the registration, she looked at me and stated, "Do you know who I am?" When she asked that question I could sense an attitude and sarcastic tone in her voice.

After Cromer asked that question, I informed her that I knew who she was and that I still needed to see her license and registration. At this point, I still didn't tell her why she was being stopped as it is common practice for me to get the license and registration before I discuss the reason for being stopped. Cromer continued to look for the registration at which point she was able to locate it amongst the other paperwork in the glove box. She then asked me, "Why am I being stopped." Again, I could sense a sarcastic attitude from her voice and her body language on why she was even being stopped. I then informed Cromer that she was speeding in a 25 mph zone by going 43 mph. She then informed me that her license was in her luggage and asked if she needed to get it out. I then informed her that she didn't have to do that and proceeded to ask her full name and date of birth. After getting all of the information, I told her to sit tight and I would be right back. At that point, before I began to walk back to my car she asked, "Are you going to give me a ticket or a warning?" I then informed her that I had not made that decision yet and continued to walk back to my car.

While I was in my car, two other officers drove to my location to check on me at which point I signaled to them that I was OK and I didn't need them at the scene. I then called Sgt. Mark E. Renner on the phone and informed him of who I had stopped and why. Sgt. Renner advised me to use my discretion and that he would be fine if I wrote the ticket and that he would be fine if I wrote a warning. Again, he advised to use my discretion. I also informed Sgt. Renner of the sarcastic attitude that I was receiving from Kelly Cromer on why she was even being stopped in the first place.

At this point, I decided to write a written warning and walked back to Cromer's vehicle. I then informed Cromer that I was issuing a written warning for the speed and began to remind her that the speed limit is 25 mph becasue it is considered a residential neighborhood and because of the amount of foot traffic at the city park. While I was informing Cromer of the limit, she cut me off and then replied in a sarcastic manner again, stating, "I know, I live a block away." I then finished telling her about the limit and at that point I handed her the warning and walked back to my car and she drove off.

Reporting Officer: Christopher M. Watt 3465

Dear Mr. Watt,

Why oh why are you a f'in police officer? Why oh why are you an f'in pu**y? I sure am glad you used your discretion. The next time that I am pulled over I am going to ask the officer to please call Sgt. Renner since the officer doesn't have the balls to make a decision on his own to give a CITY RESIDENT a ticket for driving almost DOUBLE the speed limit a ticket.


"DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM???? WELL YES, YOU ARE A COUNCIL PERSON SO YOU CAN DO AS YOU PLEASE, LIKE ALESHIA, DO YOU NEED A RIDE ANYWHERE MS. CROMER???"


This is a joke,

I couldnt agree more.

It really is starting to look as though a more serious issue is involved with Cromer. I honsetly hope she seeks the help she needs.

If I got pulled over and acted like an @sshole I can guaranty you I would've gotten a TICKET, not a warning.

Cromer says "do you know who I am" and the officer is thinking yeh you're the one trying to take my vehicle away.

If she thinks this is some kind of conspiracy, how does she explain the fact that she didn't get a ticket.

Would the call from the offer to Sgt. Renner be recorded?

Excuse me, but is this about an officer issuing a warning to a politician, or is there a deeper problem here with a politician asking the question "Do you know who I am?"

Regardless if Cromer is right or wrong about take home vehicles, the real issue as I see it in this new incident concerns her initial question to the officer. That question can only be taken to mean I am important, I am somebody in this town.

Where is the personal responsibility here? She is no diffierent from me or anyone else in this community. She should have simply accepted the ticket and either pay it or fight it in the court system, but don't ask stupid questions or imply the officer is part of a conspiracy to get her.

Im a nobody but if I ever get pulled over I will use whatever means necessary to avoid paying a fine. As long as its legal of course.

"Officer those cars up ahead of me were going much faster than me." is NOT an excuse as to why YOU were speeding.

Mommy those other kids went to the pool and they didn't get in trouble so why should I?

I really don't like when people say things like that.

Just because people in front of you are going fast, doesn't mean you need to go fast too. If they jumped off a bridge I bet you wouldn't follow...

I remember some incident where Kurt Busch got pulled over and pulled the "don't you know who I am" speech. It makes people think a lot less of you.

I also notice the sarcastic tones in posts on here, if such a thing is possible, to get tones from a post I mean.

Why is this such a newsworthy article?? How long will it be till this is picked up by Washington Post and once again, Hagerstown looks foolish.

I don't think I've seen such a good investigative report in a long time (note.... the sarcasm).

Power struggles and local game playing. Can't help but wonder when this kind of nonsense will end. And I'm not talking just about KC's attitude. Putting this as front news just makes Hagerstown look stupid once again.

sigh. I need a break from here. See ya all.

I would say it's newsworthy for a couple reasons;

First, was she trying to get out of a ticket by using the "do you know who I am" line.

Secondly, is she going nuts with the vendetta crap.

I've got some advice for her OBEY the LAWS and you won't get pulled over.

Now if you're obeying the laws and you still get pulled over then you might have a complaint until then maybe you should just STFU.

I'm waiting for Tony's take on all this. Since he was such a vociferous critic of the Alesia Parsons-McBean incident.

I will keep Ms. Cromer in my thoughts and prayers, I wish her well and hope she finds peace and comfort. I feel she is experiencing a range of issues and could use some time for reflection and regrouping. It requires a lot of extra energy to maintain a sarcastic tone 24/7. I gather one of her rationals was that she is always sarcastic, that it is her normal way of communicating. Perhaps, it is time to rethink the positive gains garnered from sarcasm and abrasiveness when questioning. Using sacasm all through the day has to be draining, I hope this is not the case. As ther eis a point where one can not continue at such a rate.

It has to be personally draining. I find that sad, for her. She seems caught up in a negative communication style that has recently escalated. It must be physically and emotionally taxing for her. Sadly, it appears a lot of her positive energy has faded.

Again, no hard feelings to any council or public officials. I can see from recent council meetings that it is draining for elected & appointed officials, city workers and citizens. There is a gradual dynamic to make the meetings antagonistic, especially when using the Herald-Mail to make points one could calmly address in a more positive setting. There are indirect slams at the integrity of some that makes me uncomfortable all in the name of what some call justice.

I need duct tape, y head is exploding.

I think I will step back and see where it goes.

My intake on this whole situation stems from this comment [ QUOTE(KCromer @ Jun 10 2008, 09:39 PM)
Tony, are you for real??????????? The Mayor doesn't care one bit if we look bad, as a matter of fact he tries very hard and goes out of his way to try to make some of us look bad. He only cares about himself. He is a liar and a phony. His day is coming, I have an ace up my sleeve that will be life shattering for him.]

IMO when Kelly made the decision to put this in a public forum she had to know there would be consequences to face.

"Do you know who I am"

If we didn't know you before all of the BS, we certainly know who you are now. You Ms. Cromer, are a politician that clearly feels that you are above the law, and whose sarcastic tone is acceptable because you talk like that all the time.

can't wait

Going almost double the speed limit in a residential neighborhood and only getting a warning? What is she complaining about? She obviously get preferential treatment, not conspiracies...........................

It appears as though some as well as the paper, are jumping to conclusions based on one side of the Story.

The paper, to me, appeared biased toward the Police officer. I am not saying that is wrong since they are the Authority.

I will await patiently Ms. Cromers side of the story, whether she deliver it here or in the paper. I unfortunately don't believe the paper will give her a fair shake, I hope they do.

Cheers

Vendetta?? I don't think anyone really cares, or has the time for that nonsense. The police are spread way too thin as it is, and the officers I have met have a great deal of integrity. Someone has rage issues, the poor cop just has to stand there and take it. But I bet he is used to that, he deals with idiots all day long anyway.

Wow. I had such a positive opinion on Ms. Cromer until now. I guess I still do, but ooops it looks like she really "stepped in it" this time.

Kelly you know as well as anyone that taking an attitude with a Police Officer is just going to get you in trouble. You must have been having a really bad day. We know you're better than that.

They don't have any sort of vendetta. You're overestimating the impact of your questioning the take home vehicle thing. They're already doing a pretty good job of limiting it and your asking questions just isn't likely to get them THAT upset that they would risk compromising their professional integrity just to target you. Just relax and take your warning and be glad you didn't get a ticket. I can't say I would have expected to be able to get away with a warning if I had treated the officer with anything but the utmost respect.

One or two posts seem to be questioning the police officer. I do not know this officer personally. I was stopped by him for speeding several months ago. He was courteous as was I. Later I asked a friend who used to be involved with law enforcement about the ticket. He knew this officer and said that Officer Watt was an officer who operated strictly by the book and was straight forward. (I did get a ticket, not a warning--but I am a nobody!)

I too have been stopped by this officer and I found him to be an outstanding man of the law. If it were me going double the speed I think I'd be in jail. Wouldn't most of us? But who knows I'm sure that people in office get specail treatment. Isn't that right?????

Cromer is sinking fast in my book.

Threats to the Mayor after calling him a liar in public, but no facts to back up her allegations. I hope she gets sued for libel someday for pulling crap like that.

Now this. "Do you know who I am?". Yeah, my latest ticket. That would answer her other question -- ticket or warning.

I thought she had some scruples, some decency. Instead it looks to me more and more like she is a spoiled brat who throws a tantrum when things do not go her way. And then calls it a vendetta? WHat, to try to get blanket immunity because you're throwing a tantrum.

I'd like to see this officer's record on how often he writes warnings vs. tickets for anything near 43 in a 25 -- let alone after he gets an attitude. Next time anyone in the city gets a ticket for 43 or less in a 25, after acting decently to the officer, he/she should be in front of the council demanding to know why Cromer doesn't get tickets but they did.

We have a great record here, between Queen McBean and Cromer the Crow. I am so sick of self-important, grandstanding politicians that I could puke. For God's sake do we have anyone in office around here who can act like a decent person when they feel a little heat?

...Agree, good posts Snoop

Do you know who I am?.....Do you know who I am?........Just testing it out, I am an average citizen so it is not working. I ask and my neighbors tell me my name.

Sweet Kelly, what happened?...................I think you need a break, It is ok. It happens. Please seek help. There are no black hekicopters and we are too dumb or too busy working 2 o r 3 jobs to be brewing a consperacy or vendetta. Granted, it is hard when some are arrogant or difficult but lets not perpetuate and cultivate it as mandate for all community leaders. Step back and try a different, less toxic approach. Sure you can be aggressive or passionate, but fair and dignified is a must for all leaders in the public eye. When they are not fair, dignified, and informed, they get voted out of office.

It will come out in the wash. But lets not make it worse.

It is hard work and humbling, but we all have to be accountable for what we say and what we do. Yelling in a forum that someone is a lier, limits their ability to rebuff. Using their name, and publicly outing them in this setting is not productive, and I would think dangerous to one's career. Not to mention, harsh towards the target.

I happen to know a couple of the main targets, and they have integrity and a strong commitment to their community. I will take a break from this thread, it is sad to see someone doing this to themselves and others...........I salute those city and county workers I know, that have demonstrated a high level of integrity and dedication.
Sure there may be a bad apple or two in any company. We all know public figures we find annoying but we do not yell lier. I think other means can be used to address their flaws. Just like I would hope others would rationally address my flaws, so I could hear them. Someone yelling insults about me in a forum is not going to build bridges. How can one expect to work w/ people after one insults them in public?

I also do not think the names being hurled about deserve this public whooping.............The neg comments on the cop disturbs me, I too know of his fine reputation.

Go away for a few days and......

Ok I did get a call from Dan Dearth on Friday, so I did know about it but couldn't post in the forum from work and left after work. It was killing me wanting to say a few things so here goes.


First, I told Dan when asked if I was going to press charges against Kelly like I did Alesia:

In the case of Alesia McBean, the Council was derelict in their duty and refused to put the issue to rest, and I took action to end it. In this case if it is true I hope the Council has learned their lesson and will send the issue to the impartial Ethics Commission.


Second, I talked to the Mayor to see what was going on when I got the message from the HM. He didn't know yet as he hadn't spoken to the HM yet although hey had called. I did tell him that if true regardless of his feelings for Kelly that the Council should not seek to punish her more harshly than Alesia. The precedent was set.


Third, I did call Kelly and talked to her. She did tell me it wasn't true and that it was a vendetta. On the part of the Vendetta I don't believe she got pulled over for a vendetta however, I do think someone might have tipped the HM about it to get her (vendetta). I mean it was almost a month ago.

I offered Kelly some advice which was promptly cutoff and that was for her to ask the Ethics Commission to look at it herself. She said she did nothing wrong, so why not? If she asked them to look at it and they said she was wrong she gives her donation to charity and claims the high ground at having the guts to ask for the ruling (something the other one wouldn't do). If they say she didn't violate the ethics rules then she can tell everyone to shove it and go back to giving everyone else hell.

Now a couple people have asked me what I am going to do. I am going to wait as I did for the Alesia incident for the Mayor and Council to do the right thing meaning do their damn jobs for once. I like Kelly but I do believe the Ethics Commission should hear the issue and she can bring her witness in, that she had told me about.

Right now I am wrapped up in the Open Meeting Act stuff which is way more complicated than I thought. I have found what looks like several violations by the Mayor and Council and pointed it out to them. I again am waiting on them to step up and say something like "we may have violated the open meeting act and we will not again in the future meet with developers behind closed doors and we will immediately release the minutes of the meeting." I don't think that will happen, so I have to finish and then decide if I am turning in the complaint.


Kelly eat your damn pride and right or wrong in your mind ask for the ruling from the Ethics Board. If you don't this will detract from everything you have been working for.

Tony

Great to hear there is a move to look into the open meetings debacle. I think all elected officials may be surprised at old ways that have gone unchecked. I see many groups faced with this issue. We get comfortable. Then it explodes or eats away from the process.

Those associated with the M and C may find there is a lot to learn. They may be surprised, and then further shocked if held accountable. If there is something there it is probably longstanding so some may have assumed it was a normal blurring of the lines. Not good when that happens anywhere. If found culperable, they will not be re-elected and maybe new safeguards would come into play. I hope if there is any guilt, that some were caught up and not quite aware. At least, we will learn.
Anyway, I can not know until is looked into. It will be interesting.

Sadly, Ms. Cromer went off so loudly in a online forum, in part from frustration. Not many facts accompanied the loud statements.
Granted, many sides could do with an investigation so we sometimes have to wait on accusations. Especially when holding a public office. I know others have hurled accusations behind the scenes on various topics. Hopefully, a better balance can be found. People can look into issues, examine all sides, and then draw a balanced conclusion. Those doing good works can carry on while the more disingenerous can correct their ways, or leave.

I think pride and frustration affects many, it is hard keeping it in check. When it bites you, it is not good. You become convinced and will not budge. It then polarizes what you could accomplish. Sometimes, even if we hold office, we can not yell or whisper lier with no accompanying facts. That tact is going to bite any public official.

My my my how quickly people turn on you (funny that the HM doesn't print stories like this about me until I go out of town). Anyway, I will be submitting an entire narrative of what happened when pulled over to the HM. If they don't print it, I will put it here. Then judge for yourself. At this point I am tired of dealing with this forum and accusations and insults from strangers WHO MAKE UP THEIR MIND WITHOUT ALL THE FACTS (too easy) and believe whatever they read or people tell them.

As for ethics, I DID NOT DO ANYTHING UNETHICAL.......and WILL NOT be filing a complaint on myself. So Tony, after you read my narrative in the HM, and if you feel I violated ethics, have at it. I am not worried, because the truth is on my side!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Moreover, I NEVER SAID " DO YOU KNOW WHO I AM" And yes Tony was right, the "vendetta" was not pulling me over, it was waiting weeks and then when you got mad at the council meeting over take home cars, calling the paper to get them to do a story on a warning ticket. What a waste of ink. Oh yes, don't want to forget, I did have a valid license with me when I was pulled over.

As for my frustrated ramblings on the other thread, I apologize to those that were offended by my statements. I try to wait at least 24 hours before responding when I am frustrated and/or angry and I did not do that this time due to leaving on vacation the next morning. Although, all that I said is true, I handled it in an unprofessional manner and should not have used this forum as an outlet for my venting. Again, I apologize.

Ms. Cromer, if I were your attorney my advice would be to put a clamp on speaking about any of this. Giving you the benefit of the doubt still leaves many slippery slopes that could be messy for you. Either the HM is lying or Officer Watts is lying OR you are lying. Act like a professional, apologize to all involved and move on. I hope you can appreciate what the total package looks like to others. The vehicles, the meeting where you claimed you trust noboby, your insistence on knowing addresses, name calling on this forum and then the vendetta.It appears like the vehicle information didnt justify your position and you went on the attack, this is what kids do when they dont get their way. Be open and honest but put it behind you, trust me when I say you are losing more in this than any other person or entity.

Ndano,

1. "if I were your attorney my advice would be... Your not my attorney and I am on the side of right.
2. "apologize to all involved and move on..." I only apologize when it is warranted (see above).
3. "the meeting where you claimed you trust noboby..." I only trust myself, when I have been lied too by someone and then asked to trust them.
4. "It appears like the vehicle information didnt justify your position and you went on the attack" I went on the attack BECAUSE THEY WON'T GIVE ME THE INFORMATION and have lied to me about it and played games with me about it!!!!!!! How many times do I have to say that??????
5. "Be open and honest but put it behind you..." I have been very open and honest, that may be the problem, because no one else that I have dealt with on the take home issue has been.

Mrs. Cromer, just a comment from someone who voted for you and who has been around for a while (you may take it or leave it as you wish).

IF you said to the officer the comment attributed to you in the HM and the officers supplemental report, that was wrong. I believe Councilwoman McBean said something similar a couple of years ago, and that was also wrong. I believe you also agreed with the majority at that time that she should not have made the statement. I fail to see the difference. A comment made of that nature to a law enforcement officer by any politician is wrong--there is no reason for it. Take the citation and pay the fine (or in your case, accept the warning).

I must agree with Ndano to some extent. You have hurt yourself greatly in recent weeks with the comments made at the council meeting, this forum, and the HM. You have hurt a few people with your comments and actions, and your aren't helping yourself in any way.

Just my opinion as a voter and city resident.

So we're not to believe the HM's version and we're not to believe the officers version, but we are supposed to believe what you say.

I would like to know why if this was important front-page news it took 3 weeks finally to hear about it. Does anyone know why it took that long and who had the information and why he or she withheld it? I am also curious why the officer did not write his supplemental report until the next day. I don’t know maybe that is the procedure but I would think that something that was so dramatic and newsworthy he would have made sure that information was documented right away while it is still fresh in his mind - it seems like an afterthought to me and are those detailed supplemental reports written for all traffic stops? The main thing is that I just find it odd that someone held the story 3 weeks when every other newsworthy story is printed right away.

It could have something to do with context, the same person making an apology today is mad at people fro saying "what the heck" at her rant against the mayor. It is human nature to weigh it all together, and wonder. Making an apology and calling people out for being outraged makes you wonder. The words used towards the Mayor do cloud further statements, or past behavior. it makes you wonder. Of course, people are confused. Someone called the Mayor a lier and then is miffed people find it odd. Why wouldn't one wonder. I have always been a supporter of Ms. Cromer, occasionally she has disagreed with me and me with her. But I had respected her and appreciated her sincere efforts. It is her behavior and comemnts. If nothing was said about liers and what not, a lot of other stuff would of blown over.........................Snoops right on.

At least one of the stories I read included Kelly's explanation of what she actually says she DID say and it wasn't as bold or as bad as "don't you know who I am?" though I could see how it could have been misconstrued that way. I have no issue with that and I really don't believe she tried to use her position to get out of anything.

My problem - more of a disappointment really, is with her saying that she thinks it's all a vendetta against her. I think that's an overreaction. I don't think they're out to get her, no matter how friustrated she may be about the obstacles she is running into with her pet project about take home vehicles.

But am I the only one who read that story, or what? What I read said she clarified what it was she actually said and it was most definitely NOT the same as the infamous Ms. Parsons-Mcwhatever fiasco.

BMIC
I would have to agree with you. I believe her comment was taken out of context. The way that I interpreted the article was that her license was in her luggage in the back of her SUV, which I have done on many occasions especially when I fly somewhere and then return home, I just want to get home - so I throw everything including my purse in the back of my SUV - that is not uncommon at all. So any person for that matter who knew the officer whether it be personal or business - would have said - u know who I am do I need to get out and get the license in the back of my vehicle and that to me is not using her position to get out of something.
What I would like to know is why the Herald Mail would wait to publish this story 3 weeks after the fact? It just does not make any sense. Also how does the Herald Mail acquire these traffic citations does the police department give the Herald Mail traffic reports for all citizens or does the police department just pick and choose who’s information is given to the Herald Mail and is this a common practice?

Make no doubt someone spoon fed the story about Kelly. The HM couldn't find a naked woman in Playboy without help. Have you seen any followups on the Open Meeting? Howabout the fact that the numbers for the take home car don't add up to what the City says people could get $3 a day or .505 per mile. Have you seen them asking question about that.

I think Kelly screwed up with the vendetta thing they were just waitng for her to say something they could make a headline. I also really don't believe she tried to influence anything. However this is politics and she should know that anything she says especially when she is this out in the public eye will be misunderstood.

Her and I disagree about how she should close the issue but that is up to her. Bringing her witness she could get a ruling from the ethics board and then tell everyone to shove it.

I personnally think this was her warning shot (the story) from someone to back off that if she slings mud they can also. Hagerstown politics is dirty plain and simple.

Now I get it... everyone is out for poor Ms. Cromer. Lets make a list;

1 The mayor (Liar ?)
2 Metzner (?)
3 Zimmerman (Liar?)
4 City Staff (Liars?)
5 Police Dept (Vendetta?)
6 Officer Watts (Liar/Dupe?)
7 Herald Mail (Co- conspirator?)

I totally agree with you. If you notice you never see any follow-up with the Herald Mail in reference to anything that reflects the city in a bad light they will in fact follow-up with issues involving the city that they can twist around in attempt to make the city appear to be competent. The Herald Mail certainly caters to the city no doubt about that.

The citizens should be more concerned about why you cannot get straight answers for simple questions that involve tax dollars – it is sad, it certainly makes you wonder how the city even functions at all, and I am being serious. There should be more than one council member questioning this.

I agree that this story was an attempt to get her to back off and I cannot believe people cannot see through it. You do not wait 3 weeks to print this story and if you notice, the officer’s report was written the next day. I do not know this officer and I am sure he is a great upstanding officer many of them are, but you know as well as I do he needs to do what he is told to do whether or not he agrees with it.

The 3 week delay is evidence that somebody fed the story to the paper, and THAT may have been part of a vendetta. Not the traffic stop, but whomever chose to give this story to the news media 3 weeks after the fact to try and discredit her.

I still don't think there's much saving to be had by way of reforming the take-home vehicle policy, but perhaps there is some problem with the city's accounting procedures. Are they ever subject to independent audits? You know, if somebody is misappropriating funds and Kelly's questions are coming unconfortably close to uncovering it, that would explain it all. Of course there may also be nothing nefarious going on at all. But then why is somebody playing games with our local news media?

Kelly's shaking up the "old boy" network maybe? The 3 week delay and suddenly news? hmmmmm

Or maybe just Kelly whining when she doesn't get her way. She wants chances to explain her side of everything; she did not give that opportunity to other before she called them liars. She should be smart enough to know the facts will out, but calling people liars and other insults, and complaining about a "vendetta" for a traffic warning is dumb.

Yes you need to get your license out of the back of the car. When a police officer asks you for license and registration you get it no matter who you are. Sorry for the inconvenience maybe you shouldn't break the law if you don't feel like fetching your license.

Even if she didn't say "do you know who I am" her tone didn't seem very nice. I don't care if it took a month to get into the papers, are you saying the story isn't true? Why does it matter WHEN? All it may say is that someone gave them the story.

And what do you mean why did the police officer not write the report until the next day? I'm not a police officer, but I didn't know that they had time to write up reports right away at that very moment, or that night, or that day.

I'm wondering if they write reports for all warning tickets or just the special ones.

I thought they had to write reports on all, but it would be funnier if I said:

Just the special ones

I like that the officer even called to ask his supervisor what to do.

I agree with Ith, who cares about when it happened or how the HM found out about it. IT HAPPENED!!!!!! I feel bad for the officer that is caught up in this madness!

Why is it most definitely not the same?

Both situations were ethically wrong, were they not?

My guess is it was a cya report. Either on his own or on his supervisor's direction, it was probably decided, that since this was a "notable" incident that may come back and bite someone on the azz, that a thorough documentation of what happened should be set in writing.

And gee whiz... look what happened. Except it didn't have any teeth, because a report had already been written.

I agree that both statements would be ethically wrong however they were said because on the one hand she would have been using her position to question the officer. On the other hand, EVERYONE must produce a license when stopped as you noted. I agree with an earlier poster that Kelly may be in for a libel suit for what she said in this forum. It never pays to spout off when angry.

June 17, 2008

I wish someone had a vendetta against me

By TIM ROWLAND (timr@herald-mail.com)

So, when you're stopped by the cops, these six words might actually work: "Do You Know Who I Am?"


I never knew that before. I thought they were just something to be drunkenly hollered by a congressman as they pull his car full of strippers out of the Tidal Basin. Or the last words of the aging, kooky-krazy tycoon before they take him away in a wire bus.


But it appears they worked for Hagerstown City Council member Kelly Cromer, who got away with only a warning for speeding, after one count of 43 in a 25 and one count of being a total snot with the patrol officer.


Afterward, she said her light treatment was due to the fact that the Hagerstown police have a vendetta against her.


They hate her? And instead of a ticket they gave her a warning? My goodness. What would they have done if they liked her, bought her a new Corvette?



According to the police supplementary report, Cromer adopted an "attitude and sarcastic tone" while dropping the "Do You Know Who I Am?" bomb.


I like it. A true woman of the people. Matter of fact, I'm thinking she might want to use it on her next round of campaign yard signs: "Kelly Cromer: Do You Know Who I Am?"


She says the vendetta stems from the fact that she is currently on a mission to reduce the number of city vehicles that city employees can drive home at night.


Maybe. But a warning seems like a pretty weak vendetta to me. It would be like the Hatfields giving the McCoys the finger and calling it a day.


I do love a good conspiracy, though. Cue the black helicopters. She's probably just lucky that she didn't call for members of the Trilateral Commission to stop taking their cars home.


Personally, I think this whole thing was a smart move by Cromer. Really, what officer in his or her right mind is going to pull her over now? For anything? She could drive 100 mph through a school zone with a trunk full of crack and no one's going to want to touch her for fear she'll go full Lady Macbeth on 'em.


You have to feel for officer Christopher Watt, who made the stop. He knows he's got a live one, so he radios back to his supervisor for guidance and his supervisor basically says, "Son, you're on your own." Smart supervisor. No way he's getting his fingerprints on that train wreck. I admire Watt for even giving her a warning. Me, I'd have just said, "You have a nice day ma'am," and gone off to check the railyard for hobos.


Even Mayor Bob Bruchey begged off, saying it was impossible to know what Cromer meant when she allegedly asked "Do you know who I am?"


Yeah, that's a real brain teaser all right. Whatever could it mean? Better get Columbo on line two. Here's a clue - do the words "above the law" ring a bell?


Cromer, for the record, says the officer was lying about the DYKWIA part. Councilman Lew Metzner shrugged that off, noting that Cromer has been calling a lot of city officials liars of late. So everyone in the world is a liar, but her. Seems the one honest person has finally been found.


I don't hold it against Cromer for trying, though. I used that line once - turned out the officer didn't know who I was. But once he found out, he doubled the fine.




Tim Rowland is a Herald-Mail columnist. He can be reached at 301-733-5131, ext. 2324, or via e-mail at timr@herald-mail.com.

One honest person has been found? Should we let Diogenes know?

You will never find an honest politician. If you find one I guarentee you he or she is lying. LOL