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Allegations Swirl in the Race for Rapides Parish Sheriff: Did Mike Slocum Graduate from High School?

Update: Mike Slocum told Michele Godard of KALB that he did, in fact, graduate from Buckeye High School. (More later…)

I bring this up with a preface: I have the utmost respect for Major Slocum, and I prefer not to be engaged in the endlessly repetitive conversation currently occuring over at The Town Talk’s website. But yesterday’s paper revealed a stunning allegation that has yet to be addressed by StoryChat participants or the Slocum campaign (bold mine):

“I’m the only candidate with a college degree, a degree in criminal justice from Louisiana College,” Wagner said, after questioning whether Slocum finished high school. “And Slocum likes to say that I left law enforcement, but I’ve put myself in a position to open doors for me. I wanted to make myself into the best law enforcement officer I could be, the best educated and trained I could be.”

A few months ago, Major Slocum claimed to be a graduate of Buckeye High School, but since then, all mention of his high school education has been removed from his campaign mailers and website.

Chuck Wagner has a good reason to be suspicious. As I mentioned to a blogger named Nora (in another thread), the Slocum supporters at The Town Talk forum seem intent on diminishing the importance of a college-educated Sheriff, but no one has yet denied this critical question, a question that, if proven to be legitimate, implies Major Slocum knowingly lied to voters about his high school education (before retracting this claim in later campaign materials).

I honestly hope Major Slocum can confirm that he did, in fact, graduate from Buckeye High School, as he had once claimed, but the attempt to skirt the issue is not reassuring.

Responses

  1. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    Lamar, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize just how biased you are. If you take away your personal interest vested in this campaign, being Jacques Roy’s assistant, you would see that Chuck Wagner is the candidate skirting the IMPORTANT issue of his lack of supervisory experience. IF he had experience managing and supervising others, he would have already put that out. Being a sales representative does not teach you leadership or supervisory skills.

    You pride yourself on being a “journalist”; CHECK YOUR FACTS BETTER. This allegation just goes to show Chuck Wagner’s inability to get CORRECT information. And he claims to have investigative experience! Yet, he will throw out a rumor (lie) without verifying the truth. I have in my hand campaign material from LAST YEAR. Mr. Slocum does not mention high school ANYWHERE on it ( I would imagine because it is IRRELEVANT when you’re 45 years old with 27 years experience); so why would you allude to Mr. Slocum hiding anything? Wagner does not mention his high school education on his mailers/ pushcards. Is he hiding something ? Also, if you want VERIFICATION of Mr. Slocum addressing these lies put out by Chuck Wagner, listen to Mike Slocum’s interview with Michele Godard…or here’s an idea…ASK him before insinuating that he is attempting to mislead the public.

    The only person misleading the public is Chuck Wagner. He has lied about his duties at the RPSO, he has MISLEAD the public regarding claims that the RPSO has misspent tax monies, and he has lied to the public by insinuating Mike Slocum didn’t graduate from high school. If you would like to see old mailers and handouts PROVING your comment accusing him of retracting his high school credential is a lie, I would be MORE than happy to. Why put out lies, when it is so easy to verify the truth?

    Reply
  2. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    Nora,

    I definitely have seen a Slocum push card that clearly states he is a graduate of Buckeye High School, and now, I feel obliged to locate this document and direct your attention to it.

    You have simply stated that his high school education is somehow “irrelevant” and that he did not retract this statement from campaign materials.

    Instead of taking the honest route and admitting that the campaign produced push cards that have since been changed, you have questioned the integrity of anyone who would dare to point out an allegation made in the Town Talk. That does not bode well.

    I watched Michele Godard’s interview with Major Slocum on KALB, and Slocum states he graduated from Buckeye High School. Unfortunately, unlike someone’s college education, there is only one person who can positively verify the record– Mike Slocum himself. Let’s put these rumors to rest by presenting to the public written verification– Slocum could also give someone like Michele Godard written permission to contact the School Board for verification.

    Incidentally, Chuck Wagner does mention his high school education as well as his college education in both campaign mailers and on his website. Look here: http://www.chuckwagnerforsheriff.com/qual.html

    I agree: Why put out lies when it is so easy to verify the truth? So, let’s verify the truth.

    Reply
  3. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    After 27 years of experience, a high school degree, as well as a college degree, IS irrelevant.

    I have spoken with Mr. Slocum’s wife, and asked about any pushcards or mailouts that might have had Mr. Slocum’s high school education listed. She specifically said that there hasn’t been any literature printed regarding his high school degree that she could recall. She also said that it IF there is something floating around with the fact that he graduated high from Buckeye High School, it was never intentionally left out from other mail outs. They think the rumors going around are ridiculous and she said they will not play into Wagner’s little games. She also said if you have any concerns regarding her husband’s credentials, and would like to talk face to face about your claims, all you have to do is contact them, and that they absolutely nothing to hide.

    I have a pushcard that was printed last year, as well as one from this year. You can tell the difference because the pictures are different. NEITHER mention high school at all. The point I am making is that you automatically insinuated that Mr. Slocum attempted to mislead the public without verifying that. That is not an unbiased way of reporting; it is just really a well-written gossip article.

    In regards to your statement saying that it is up to Mr. Slocum to provide proof of his high school degree, I completely disagree. It is up to CHUCK WAGNER to verify the truth, before insinuating a lie to the voters of this parish not once, but on two separate occasions. I also believe it is your journalistic duty to do the same.

    Reply
  4. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    Nora,

    I appreciate your comment. I have received some information from an outside and very reliable source, and unfortunately, I don’t think this issue is going away.

    What I implied is true: If, in fact, the allegations can be substantiated then any claims made to the contrary should be considered an attempt to mislead voters. This is nothing personal, and I think you may have misread the tone of my post (which is an easy thing to do on the Internet). Again, I have absolutely nothing against Major Slocum, though I do find the rhetorical strategies of some of his online supporters to be rather ridiculous.

    Regardless of how many years of experience a candidate may have, their educational qualifications are always relevant, and the attempt to minimize the importance of both a high school AND a college education is a kind of a put-off.

    We should all accept that it is important for our leaders to be educated– and if there are exceptions to the rule, it is incumbent on the candidate to explain why he or she is “exceptional”— and call on supporters to stop pretending as if education is somehow completely “irrelevant.”

    Reply
  5. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    I believe EXPERIENCE, in this election, is far more relevant than a college degree. There are some things that can only be learned through experience; leadership is one of those things. I think it is ridiculous that Wagner’s supporters downplay his lack of that. I guess we can agree to disagree.

    Reply
  6. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    It’s a good thing Bill Gates doesn’t need to apply for any jobs these days, since he’s a college drop out. There are a number of CEO’s today who haven’t finished college.

    Reply
  7. waterslide Avatar
    waterslide

    Lamar,

    There is no use convincing a rabid Slocum supporter what is true and what is not true. (and by rabid I mean that Nora probably needs all those shots).

    How the hell did she type holding all those Slocum push cards in her hands? I am willing to bet that she has them tattooed on her forearms.

    Reply
  8. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    I’m surprised anyone who blogs expects to change the mind of anyone who supports a candidate. You’re not going to change Nora’s mind and you’re just as stuck on Wagner, so you result to insults. Nice tactic.

    Reply
  9. waterslide Avatar
    waterslide

    Who said I was insulting anyone, Steve? And I really do not want to change Nora’s mind.

    Reply
  10. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    Oh, you meant this in a positive way. Ahhh, the internet can’t really decipher tone.

    “There is no use convincing a rabid Slocum supporter what is true and what is not true. (and by rabid I mean that Nora probably needs all those shots).

    How the hell did she type holding all those Slocum push cards in her hands? I am willing to bet that she has them tattooed on her forearms.”

    Reply
  11. waterslide Avatar
    waterslide

    You see. Most people don’t know that Nora was bitten by rabid squirrels while trying to put Slocum signs in their nest. Therefore she requires the injections. It was Not meant to be insulting

    As far as the push cards, I was just amazed by her dexterity. And I am sure that she wears her tats proudly.

    See.

    Reply
  12. Mason Low Avatar
    Mason Low

    What the people of Rapides Parish need to know is, Wagner left the state police because he said he will never work for a black man whom got promoted over him. He also said he don’t need the black churches or pastors to vote for him

    Reply
  13. waterslide Avatar
    waterslide

    Oh yeah, I forgot about that. I guess I need to vote for Slocum. Thanks Mason Low, we would have never known about that if it was not for you. It is a good thing that you are so well educated about the facts concerning the candidates.

    Reply
  14. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    Mason Low, your comment is not only absurd; it is also an egregious lie.

    Such smear tactics have no place in a rigorous discussion of the issues.

    Reply
  15. Sam Avatar
    Sam

    Steve, your right, Bill Gates did in fact drop out of College (Harvard), and your right , sometimes on the job training is the best training. Mike Slocum has been a Major in the field, and obviously some what a good one. But how much experience does he Mike have making budgets? accounting? negotiating contracts? etc? The Sheriff’s Dept. is a $38,000,000.00 business, so education is a valid question in my opinion.
    Mr. White is not insulting Mike Slocum’s educational back ground, there seems to be a lot of questions and rumors going around that if in fact Mike Slocum actually got a High School education from Buckeye High School. Why not end all the questions and rumors and just produce the facts, SHOW US! Why are you hidding it?

    Reply
  16. Wombat Avatar
    Wombat

    Actually…..don’t even bother with finding the push cards stating he graduated from high school. The televised KLAX forum…Slocum says, “After I graduated from High School….” It should also be noted that Robinson and Wagner said the schools they graduated from and Slocum never said which one he graduated from, only that he graduated.

    In fact, he has a G.E.D. issued from Buckeye High School. They were issued through the school back then unlike today.

    If you’re looking for lies from Slocum, then that’s an easy one. He stated in the Town Talk that he had never been investigated by anyone. He also said this as the Kees Park Forum. When asked specifically about being investigated on the KALB forum, Slocum said he had been cleared of all 9 charges. How much more blatant of a lie do you need than that?

    Reply
  17. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    I am working on producing Mr. Slocum’s high school diploma for you all; to prove the amount of lies you are willing to print with no verification. Wombat, I found out what you are referencing, and you should know that legally, Mr. Slocum was not allowed to say anything regarding ANY investigations; of which, the board determined they were politically motivated complaints with no substance. At the Kees park forum, he had not been under any investigation at that time.

    Sam, as a current supervisor with the RPSO, Mr. Slocum has experience in negotiating grants, submitting budget requests, etc. I would imagine, his scope of fiscal responsibilty is somewhat larger than Wagner’s responsibilty as a salesrep at Pfizer.

    Reply
  18. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    I have asked Mr. Slocum why he didn’t pursue a college degree. This is what he told me: “I was not fortunate to have a wealthy family. Back then, there were not alot of funding options if you didn’t get a scholarship. I got married right out of high school, and got a job to support my wife; the same as many people at that time. I have worked very hard to provide my children with the opportunities that I did not have. My oldest two daughters both have college degrees, and one is working on her Masters. I believe in the importance of college education, because someone with a college degree doesn’t have to start at the very bottom, like I did. But, I do not believe that a college degree makes someone a leader; that is afforded through experience. I have been trained for 27 years. I have supervisory, management and business experience in the private sector. These are the qualities that set me apart from my opponent.”

    Reply
  19. waterslide Avatar
    waterslide

    Sounds like Nora is still reading from those push cards. Or maybe Slocum was next to her dictating while she typed. (Making those little “quote” marks with his fingers)

    Reply
  20. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    Lamar, I have received verification that Mike Slocum DID graduate May 21,1979 from Buckeye High School. If you have a means of me sending that verification from the Louisiana Department of Education, I will more than happy to. This is just one example of the outright lies Chuck Wagner is willing to say in public regarding Mr. Slocum. The next lie I will verify is Wagner’s claim that Mr. Slocum has never been an active participant in the SWAT team.

    The reason I am going to these lengths is to expose some of the rumors being put out by Chuck Wagner. He is willing to say anything, lie even, in order to gain votes. That is not honorable.

    Lamar, I hope that you will issue an apology to Mr. Slocum for accusing him of misleading the public when, in actuality, Chuck Wagner is the candidate guilty of that.

    Reply
  21. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    Nora, in order to receive such a document from the LA Dept of Education, one needs written approval from Mr. Slocum. I do not have such approval.

    I also immediately updated this post to reflect the comments Mr. Slocum made on KALB. All I have done is recapitulate the comments made in the news media. Does Mr. Slocum feel I should apologize for calling attention to an issue that was printed in the newspaper and then directing readers to his response? Your comment about issuing an apology is somewhat puzzling.

    Reply
  22. Nora Avatar
    Nora

    To receive verification, written approval is not required. I simply emailed them, and asked verification that he did indeed graduate, and they provided me with his graduation date, and high school he graduated from. I can forward this to you, if you would like. I requested the apology; not Mr. Slocum. I feel that you eluded to Slocum skirting the issue, and attempting to mislead the public based solely on what his opponent (Chuck Wagner) lied publicly about. To me, that is in poor taste to base an opinion upon information that was never verified. Nothing personal, Lamar. This is just a subject I feel strongly about because I do know the truth, and it is not what is coming out of Chuck Wagner’s mouth.

    Reply
  23. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    Nora, please send me the relevant information at lamarw at gmail dot com. As a point of clarification, I believe that the attempts to skirt the issue by his campaign supporters on the Town Talk were not reassuring. Even though it has taken over a week for this information to be released, I am happy that it is now being officially addressed. As I mentioned in the above post, I have the utmost respect for Major Slocum and had hoped, all along, that these allegations not substantive. If the information you possess is accurate, I will be more than happy to post it on the web.

    Reply
  24. Bird Avatar
    Bird

    Sam you question the Major’s ability to produce budgets and ability to perform proper accounting of a $38B a year operation. What experience in this area does Wagner have exactly? From what I understand, he graduated from college, worked for the Sheriff’s office, left because he wanted more money and went to the State Police. Apparently left there because he didn’t like the pay and became a drug rep. Oh, I guess I should say pharmaceutical rep not to confuse his legal job with those who hock the illegal stuff on the corner. Setting up appointments and briefing physicians on the latest wonder drug does not require budgeting for several departments, does not require accounting, does not requiring managing people. It simply requires you set appointment, be able to do presentations and meet sales criteria for the month and complete monthly paperwork. It would appear to me that Major Slocum has these same abilities. The only difference is he doesn’t have a college degree.

    Slocum stayed with the Sheriff’s office, didn’t leave when others did for more money. He has seen the role of law enforcement change. He has worked with the Sheriff and small community leaders. Where has Wagner been the past two years? the past five years? the past 10 years? I won’t go any further back than that.

    Someone mentioned Gates and his being a college dropout. We’re probably seeing the last round of CEOs in America who aren’t college graduates, who came up through the ranks, learning their industry from the shop floor, the store front, or whatever the lowest point of that industry maybe. With that knowledge leaving the workforce goes years of experience that cannot be gained in the classroom. Real experience from being on the job everyday, in the field, in the midst of what is going on, whether you made the right call or made a mistake is the best kind of experience. The brightest person with the highest degree can’t make a company work if they don’t understand what that company does.

    Reply
  25. steve piercy class of 79 buckeye high school Avatar
    steve piercy class of 79 buckeye high school

    well for what it is worth ….i have my yearbook from buckeye high….(not to say anything of having been there and seen it)…..and mike graduated with me that night……wow….we are really digging for anything we can arnt we????

    Reply
  26. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    Always nice to wait two days before the election….hmmmmm….

    Reply
  27. waterslide Avatar
    waterslide

    When I think of Bill Gates I always think of Graduates of Buckeye High.

    Reply
  28. steve piercy class of 79 buckeye high school Avatar
    steve piercy class of 79 buckeye high school

    sorry had your site been more popular i might have found it sooner

    Reply
  29. Lamar White, Jr Avatar
    Lamar White, Jr

    I wish my website was as popular as Steve Piercy, Class of 1979 at Buckeye High School.

    Reply
  30. steve piercy class of 79 buckeye high school Avatar
    steve piercy class of 79 buckeye high school

    I am sure you past that point long ago….and congrats too you!!!

    Reply

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