EARLY VOTING

I just realized that early voting is only TWO WEEKS away!!! Early voting begins April 14th and lasts until the 29th. It's hard to believe it's almost that time. The Primary is fastly approaching as well (May 4th!). Again, I encourage all who are not registered voters to get out and vote! You can download the form (see previous posts) or go to the courthouse to fill one out. YOUR VOTE COUNTS!!! To make your vote count to re-elect Sheriff Esco Jarnagin, you must vote in the REPUBLICAN PRIMARY!!

AN EGGSELLENT TIME!!

Pardon the pun! Sheriff Jarnagin had a booth set up at the Easter Egg Hunt this evening at Fred Miller Park. Whitney, her mother Judy, the Sheriff's wife Kathy and I painted faces and handed out eggs filled with candy. Sheriff Jarnagin helped us hand out stickers to the children as well. We had a great time and painted so many faces that the time flew!! This was my first time painting faces and I have to admit I enjoyed myself.

VOTE QUALIFIED

As the Primary Election nears on May 4th, candidates start circulating brochures, pamphlets and campaign cards. Many of you have read the back of Sheriff Esco Jarnagin's campaign cards. His qualifications are listed there as well as to the right on this blog. Sheriff Jarnagin has 38 years of APPLIED law enforcement. He started out on foot patrol with the Morristown Police Department working the downtown beat. Yes folks, I said foot patrol, as in, no car! Sheriff Jarnagin worked his way from the bottom up. I strongly encourage everyone to read the Sheriff's qualifications. Not only has Sheriff Jarnagin promised integrity, honesty, and professionalism in the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office, he has delivered. He has saved the taxpayers $100,000 alone just by persuading the state of TN to to increase payment for housing state prisoners. When Sheriff Jarnagin took office the Hamblen County Jail had previously lost its certification. Sheriff Jarnagin and his administration worked hard to see that the jail was re-certified, thus preventing the building of a new facility funded by the taxpayers. There are countless other things that Sheriff Jarnagin has accomplished in the past four years that I could list (and I will in future posts!). Vote for the MOST QUALIFIED candidate to continue to provide the citizens of Hamblen County with excellent public service and safety! VOTE TO RE-ELECT SHERIFF JARNAGIN!

"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

And this is what I've done all day. Let it rain. I've enjoyed some down time today with my son Hank. We've napped and recharged for the week ahead. Because I took so many, here are some more pictues from the Campaign Rally yesterday!

MORE PICS FROM THE RALLY

GREAT TIMES!

The Campaign Rally was a HUGE success. Not sure how many people came through, but it was a lot!!! Sheriff Jarnagin spoke with many Hamblen County citizens who had the chance to address any issues with the Sheriff. The support we received was overwhelming. THANK YOU SUPPORTERS!!! Thanks to all who donated their time to set up and clean up. Thanks also to everyone who worked the event and to those that donated food, drinks and time! It is our goal to make sure the most qualified candidate continues to serve as our Hamblen County Sheriff!! Let's go with Esco!!!

LINCOLN-REAGAN DAY DINNER

The Hamblen County Republican Party hosted its Lincoln-Reagan Day Dinner tonight. I attended the event with Sheriff Jarnagin and my sister-in-law Whitney. Election time is always an exiting time! The guest speaker was TN Secretary of State Tre Hargett. The local Repulican Candidates were recognized and introduced themselves. I really enjoyed listening to the Gubernatorial Candidates make their speeches. I had the pleasure of meeting Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, Don Miller, and seeing Congressman Phil Roe again. Here are some pics from tonight!

Hope to see everyone tomorrow at the "Meet and Greet" for Sheriff Jarnagin at Fred Miller Park from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00p.m. !!!!!!!!!!

$50 Bee Stings

I received the following in an email today:

"I’ve been stung a few times recently. Not literally. But stung by constructive criticism. And I don’t call it constructive “feedback.” Feedback soothes; criticism stings. Feedback nibbles; criticism bites. It’s painful. It reaches down into my comfort zone with a jumbo-sized blender and cranks that sucker up to frappe.
And I hate it. With everything in me. I crave compliments and affirmation. I run towards attaboys and people who like me and make me feel valuable. A fallen world makes me needy. Nothing makes my soul squirm like when someone calls me out and puts me in my place.
Constructive criticism hurts.
Like a bee sting.
What if, everytime you got stung by a bee, the bee gods deposited $50 into your checking account? Might that change your mind on bee stings? Probably. Would it remove the sting? Would the sting hurt any less? No. But the value would outweight the pain. And you might not mind so much. In fact, you might seek out more bees.
That’s what constructive criticism is like. Hurts like crazy; helps like crazy.
I’m convinced the very thing holding most people back is that they’ve built a fortress of insecurity around them, insulating themselves from constructive criticizers. Insulating themselves from $50 bee stings. They could be filthy rich, but years of running from bees has left them dirt poor. I’m learning that the “rich” among us–leaders, world changers, remarkable creatives–are those that run towards the hive. You’ll get stung, but that’s where all the honey is."

Sheriff Jarnagin has always had an open door policy at the Hamblen County Sheriff's Office. My guess is he's had more than his fair share of constructive critcism. I also know he receives a lot of feedback. Sheriff Jarnagin is someone who is always striving to give his best to the public he serves. Kudos to Sheriff Jarnagin for his open door policy.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Crazy day!! Thought I would share some pics of Sheriff Jarnagin and family during some down time this evening after dinner. Hope everyone had a great day!

THANKFUL

I am so thankful for the warm weather ahead! This picture was taken this winter at our farm. This is Sheriff Jarnagin and my horse Cherokee. The few flurries yesterday were a sight! Thank goodness warm weather is the forecast and no snow!! I am finishing a few things this evening for the Campaign Rally this Saturday. See the note above for details. Thanks Virginia, Tim, Matt, and everyone else who has either donated food, drinks or their time. I look forward to seeing everyone and good fellowship. Come to the Rally and bring a friend! We look forward to seeing you there!

YOUR VOTE COUNTS!

~ To make democracy work, we must be a notion of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain. ~ Louis L'Amour

I found this quote and thought it to be quite interesting and true. I encourage all who are not yet registered to vote to do so! You can download an application at www.hamblencountygovernment.us.

Remember YOUR VOTE COUNTS! Vote in the Republican Primary on May 4th to Re-elect Sheriff Jarnagin!

WHO IS SHERIFF JARNAGIN?

Sheriff Esco Jarnagin is a lifetime resident of Hamblen County. In 1966, Sheriff Jarnagin volunteered for military service following his high school graduation. Upon completion of his service in Korea, he was honorably discharged. He continued to serve his country with the local National Guard for three years.
His law enforcement career began with the Morristown Police Department in 1971. Using the GI Bill he graduated from Walters State Community College in 1975 with a degree in criminal justice. In 1977, he graduated from ETSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and a minor in psychology.
He was named Officer of the Year three times by the MPD and received many commendations and letters of appreciation. He is a graduate of the FBI National Police Academy at Quantico, VA. He also has more than 3,000 hours of specialized law enforcement training.
He has investigated more than 6,000 criminal cases, including over a dozen murder cases. Of these murder cases 100% resulted in conviction. Since beginning his term in 2006, he led three murder investigations. All resulted in timely arrests. The alleged suspects currently await trial at the Hamlben County jail for two of the murders. The third case was tried and convicted.
Sheriff Jarnagin and his wife Kathy recently celebrated their 34th anniversary. They have two sons, Brad and Jason.Jason is married to me (Megan) and we have a son Hank. Brad is married to Dr. Whitney Locke Jarnagin. Sheriff Jarnagin and Kathy are active members of Rocky Point Baptist Church. He is the son of Novella (Jarnagin) Haager and Buck Haager.
In addition to these things, Sheriff Esco Jarnagin is a proven leader in our community. He has always done what he feels is the right thing. He continues to provide the citizens of Hamblen County with accountability. Sheriff Jarnagin is the most qualified candidate for the position. Remember, your vote counts! Vote to Re-elect Sheriff Jarnagin in the Republican Primary on May 4th!

SOMEBODY'S KNOCKIN'

Today "Team Jarnagin" met and had breakfast at Volunteer Blind Industries to benefit the Lions Club before heading out. We knocked on lots of doors today asking the voters of Hamblen County to re-elect Sheriff Esco Jarnagin. We had a lot of positive feedback with several asking for signs to put in their yards. This has been a great experience getting to know the citizens of Hamblen County. It's also a lot of hard work walking these neighborhoods! We appreciate the enthusiasm of those who have helped us knock on doors and hand out cards!

THE SMALLEST OF SUPPORTERS

On this beautiful day I took some pictures outside of my son, Hank. He's wearing his button to support his Poppy. Every little bit of support that you can provide helps us get one step closer to Re-electing Sheriff Esco Jarnagin. Thanks to those who have requested the signs. Thanks to those of you who proudly wear their buttons everywhere you go. Thanks to those knocking on doors handing out campaign cards. Thanks to those who have provided words of encouragement and prayers. The Jarnagin family sincerely appreciates all of you! Again, if you don't have a sign and would like one, or if you wish to help us knock on doors email me at votejarnagin@yahoo.com.

2010 CELEBRATION OF TABLES

I attended the 2010 Celebration of Tables tonight along with my mother-in-law Kathy and father-in-law Sheriff Jarnagin. Our table featured the above plaque and was pirate-themed. The event was presented by the General Federation of Women's Clubs. This was my first time going to this event and I really enjoyed it. The food was excellent and the table decorations were amazing. The Clubs presented the library with a donation including two books. We heard guest speaker Alyce Head who is Editor of "Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade Magazine". Thanks to Mrs. York for inviting us! We had a great time!

DAWN OF A NEW DAY

I woke up this morning and felt that in light of the recent event that took place yesterday, I needed to address the issue in my blog. Headlines read: "Sheriff Fires Three Deputies Running for Office." My thoughts are not only with The Sheriff, but with the three deputies who lost their job. This was a no-win situation for all. Sheriff Jarnagin tried to do what he felt was the right thing--allow these gentlemen to take adminstrative leave without pay and hold their jobs in place. This plan was approved by the Civil Service Board and signed off on by Sheriff Jarnagin. Unfortunately, neither state nor federal law (The Hatch Act) upholds this decision. When informed by both the State Attorney General and Hamblen County Attorney Rusty Cantwell that the decision to keep the deputies on adminstrative leave was against the law, Sheriff Jarnagin was forced to terminate the three men seeking offices in Hamblen and Jefferson County. Again, the situation is most unfortunate. Is Sheriff Jarnagin a guilty party in this matter? Absolutely. He's guilty of being a nice guy trying to do what he felt was the right thing. I commend him for his efforts.

TOO CUTE!

I don't have too much time to post tonight, but found this photo too cute not to post. It appears The Sheriff's cat Danny is making sure Esco knows he has her support!

SHERIFF JARNAGIN AND FAMILY

Coming up on Saturday, March 27th the Campaign to Re-elect Sheriff Esco Jarnagin will be holding a rally and a "Meet and Greet" with your Hamblen County Sheriff. SAVE THE DATE! More to follow in future posts...

SIGNS, SIGNS, EVERYWHERE THE SIGNS...

Driving home today I couldn't help but notice all of the Re-elect Sheriff Jarnagin signs. Thanks to all those out there proudly supporting with signage at their residence or business! If you don't have a Re-elect Sheriff Jarnagin sign and would like to have one to display at your residence or business, please let us know. We will gladly bring you one! Please email votejarnagin@yahoo.com. Be sure to include your name, contact phone number, and property residence. Your support is appreciated!

THE REASON

My name is Megan Jarnagin. My father-in-law is Sherriff Esco Jarnagin. I have started this blog for supporters to follow The Sheriff in his campaign for re-election. When I was younger and dating my now husband, Esco would always say to us before we left to go anywhere, "Make yourself proud. Do the right thing." Those words have resonated with me. He has lived his life by this motto. He has also served as our Hamblen County Sheriff with this motto. Sheriff Jarnagin may not have always made the popular decision, but he has always made what he feels is the right decision. No one is perfect, but Esco is one of the fairest and most honest people that I know. I realize this is coming from a family member with a biased opionion. :) However, I am not alone in this opinion. Thus, the reason I have created this blog is for the supporters of Sheriff Esco Jarnagin. Follow us as we hit the campaign trail to see that the most qualified candidate, Sheriff Jarnagin is re-elected! Your support is sincerely appreciated!!! VOTE IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY ON MAY 4TH, 2010 TO RE-ELECT SHERIFF ESCO JARNAGIN! More to come...