Is Todd Rivard on the Right Side of the Bars?
Questionable Relationship with Commissioner Robinson, Missing Records, Damage Sheriff’s Credibility
Opinion and Political Commentary by Jonathan P. Glassel
Questionable Relationship with Commissioner Robinson, Missing Records, Damage Sheriff’s Credibility
Opinion and Political Commentary by Jonathan P. Glassel
Generally speaking, many folks refer to our elected officials as “the crooks in Washington” or the “crooks at the Legislature” right down to the “crooks on the Board or the Village Council.”
What is it about power that turns so many good people bad?
Certainly power corrupts, but imagine, if you will, that it is your job to sit in a room full of cabinets. These cabinets surround you. They are everywhere. You cannot turn a corner without being confronted by a cabinet filled with drawers and each of these drawers is filled with cold, hard cash.
Imagine yourself as a young soldier during the Iraqi Invasion and stepping into one of Saddam’s hidden stores of cash. Millions of US Dollars just sitting there and no one watching.
Could you withstand that temptation? Totally unsupervised in a room full of cash?
That is the life of a Public Official. Never ending, unsupervised temptation.
This knowledge was not lost to our forefathers. Yet Washington, Jefferson and Franklin understood the futility of watch dogging an army of government employees, all with the potential to be tempted.
Instead, our founding fathers freed the press, the media to be our country’s first line of defense against the temptation of Public Officials.
An independent press is the best friend of any honest politician. An open and forthcoming relationship with an investigative news organization reduces the risk of temptation.
Chisago County has not had an investigative news organization, until now.
The Epitaph has developed a solid and open working relationship with The Chisago County Board members, Ben Montzka, Rick Green, George McMahon and Lora Walker.
It can be naturally, assumed, therefore, that those public officials unwilling to work with an inquisitive media may be hiding something.
A conspiracy is defined as “a secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act. An agreement to perform together an illegal, wrongful, or subversive act. An agreement between two or more persons to commit a crime or accomplish a legal purpose through illegal action.”
Consequently, a Conspiracy Theory can easily be advanced by linking known facts with a common denominator. Should the common denominators seek to suppress and harass the investigative reporter, while refusing interviews, more credence is given to the Conspiracy Theory.
In July, 2006 Chisago County Commissioner Michael Dean Robinson, Date of Birth 11/17/54 inexplicably stopped driving his car to events to which he normally drives. This odd behavior lasted for a period of 2-3 weeks. Just as inexplicably, Robinson started driving again.
According to the Forest Lake Police, Chisago County Commissioner Mike Robinson accosted former (at that time) County Commissioner Lora Walker at Cub Foods in Forest Lake.
Forest Lake Police report dated November 20, 2007 indicates Commissioner Robinson threatened to physically harm Walker and her family. Bare in mind that Walker lives near Stacy and stopped at Cub to shop for Thanksgiving Dinner on her way home from work in Minneapolis.
Robinson lives in Rush City and was not likely looking to buy a turkey in Forest Lake.
According to sources close to the Walker Family, Robinson then followed Walker home, a distance of some 15 miles or so and parked at the end of her driveway for quite some time. Over the next several weeks Robinson was observed by neighbors stalking Walker’s residence. Chisago County 911 was called, Sheriff Rivard was summoned, to no avail. According to Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard, no records or transcripts of the Lora Walker 911 call exist, nor do any routine Sheriff’s Department records of the disturbance.
The above events lead to the following questions and subsequent speculation about Conspiracy Theories.
A usually reliable source indicates that Curt Flug, Lindstrom Council Member and former Chisago County District Three Commissioner Candidate, had a conversation with Robinson concerning Robinson’ apparent inability to drive.
Reportedly, Robinson told Flug, in effect, that he would rather not discuss the matter, but that he (Robinson) had quit drinking.
When asked about Robinson’s actions and a possible drunken driving infraction by Robinson, an admitted alcoholic, Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard replied after 30 seconds or so of hesitation, “No, no, I would have heard something.”
The Epitaph has asked Commissioner Robinson about the DUI question. Only to be met with threats of lawsuits and further harassment by the Sheriff’s Department.
Speculation has long centered around a potential cover up, therefore conspiracy by a Judge, an arresting officer, Sheriff Todd Rivard and County Commissioner Mike Robinson. It is possible, however, assuming a DUI infraction does exit, that Robinson and Rivard are the only co-conspirators.
It was assumed that only a Judge could prevent Robinson from driving. However, Rivard has been around Chisago County for a long time and probably remembers the old days when Cops were allowed to be judge, jury and executioner. A cop would often hold a kid’s license for a couple of weeks and hold the infraction over his head if the kid promised to be good.
Why would Rivard do this for Chisago County Commissioner Mike Robinson?
Rivard has long wanted a new jail. Having a Commissioner by the testicles couldn’t hurt, could it? Perhaps, Murphy’s Law applies to Law enforcement, as well. If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. Robinson has many enemies. Enemies who noted that Robinson was not driving for 2-3 weeks in the summer of 2006 and subsequently raised the issue to the news media.
The Walker Harassment by Robinson is more troubling as it indicates an escalation of violence on Robinson’s part. A year and several months after the non-driving incident, Robinson knows he now has Rivard by the testicles and knows Rivard will cover up his illegal activities.
For unknown reasons, the stakes seem to be higher for Rivard as he pushes for a new jail. Lora Walker could logically be expected to run against Robinson’s crony, Chisago County Commissioner Lynn Schultz as Schultz’s margin of victory against Walker was a mere 132 votes in 2004.
Robinson’s harassment of Walker was, presumably, to dispense with Chisago County Commissioner Lynn Schultz’s 2008 election year competition.
One can then surmise the stakes become exponentially higher for Rivard as well. If elected, Walker would be the “swing vote” on the new jail. Rivard’s dismissal and subsequent cover up of the harassment incident has not likely endeared Rivard to Walker. A Walker victory in the 2008 election would kill Rivard’s new jail.
Robinson’s “Nazi like” tactics did not work as Walker regained her seat on the County Board by about 500 votes.
It is statistically improbable that Robinson, from Rush City and Walker from Stacy would randomly meet in a Cub Foods store in Forest Lake. So how would Robinson have known Walker would be there at a given time?
Is it possible that Rivard, now in the affair so deep, could monitor Walker’s cell phone conversation, learn of Walker’s stop at Cub and dispatch Robinson on his Satanic mission?
Monitoring cell phone conversations is not illegal. Using information gained from the intercepted call to intimidate an opponent is blatantly Un American and violates all that we stand for in this Country.
It is time for Rivard to meet the press. It is time for Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard to open his Police State to an independent special prosecutor for the sole purpose of uncovering the truth in these matters.
The women of Chisago County would like to know if Todd Rivard will offer protection to them from stalkers or if he only refuses to protect female political enemies.
Inside sources reveal, Rivard will provide a uniformed officer, ostensibly to protect members of the board from Commissioner Robinson at each County Board Meeting.
Perhaps, the real question is this: Have these officers sworn allegiance to uphold the law or have they sworn loyalty to Todd Rivard and Mike Robinson?
Sig Heil! Sheriff Rivard.
We would like Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard to provide the following information:
Names of all Officers patrolling the Chisago County Area upon dates upon which Commissioner Robinson could have been ticketed from June 1, 2006 until July 30, 2006 and make these officers availble to provide sworn statements to the Epitaph.
Names of all female employees working the “911” call center on November 20th and 21st of 2007 and making said employees available to provide sworn statements to the Epitaph.
Open and honest responses from the Sheriff’s Department could save Todd Rivard’s career.
We hope that those who work for Chisago County and have knowledge or information regarding these matters will come forward in the name of justice.
According to sources close to the Walker Family, Robinson then followed Walker home, a distance of some 15 miles or so and parked at the end of her driveway for quite some time. Over the next several weeks Robinson was observed by neighbors stalking Walker’s residence. Chisago County 911 was called, Sheriff Rivard was summoned, to no avail. According to Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard, no records or transcripts of the Lora Walker 911 call exist, nor do any routine Sheriff’s Department records of the disturbance.
The above events lead to the following questions and subsequent speculation about Conspiracy Theories.
A usually reliable source indicates that Curt Flug, Lindstrom Council Member and former Chisago County District Three Commissioner Candidate, had a conversation with Robinson concerning Robinson’ apparent inability to drive.
Reportedly, Robinson told Flug, in effect, that he would rather not discuss the matter, but that he (Robinson) had quit drinking.
When asked about Robinson’s actions and a possible drunken driving infraction by Robinson, an admitted alcoholic, Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard replied after 30 seconds or so of hesitation, “No, no, I would have heard something.”
The Epitaph has asked Commissioner Robinson about the DUI question. Only to be met with threats of lawsuits and further harassment by the Sheriff’s Department.
Speculation has long centered around a potential cover up, therefore conspiracy by a Judge, an arresting officer, Sheriff Todd Rivard and County Commissioner Mike Robinson. It is possible, however, assuming a DUI infraction does exit, that Robinson and Rivard are the only co-conspirators.
It was assumed that only a Judge could prevent Robinson from driving. However, Rivard has been around Chisago County for a long time and probably remembers the old days when Cops were allowed to be judge, jury and executioner. A cop would often hold a kid’s license for a couple of weeks and hold the infraction over his head if the kid promised to be good.
Why would Rivard do this for Chisago County Commissioner Mike Robinson?
Rivard has long wanted a new jail. Having a Commissioner by the testicles couldn’t hurt, could it? Perhaps, Murphy’s Law applies to Law enforcement, as well. If it can go wrong, it will go wrong. Robinson has many enemies. Enemies who noted that Robinson was not driving for 2-3 weeks in the summer of 2006 and subsequently raised the issue to the news media.
The Walker Harassment by Robinson is more troubling as it indicates an escalation of violence on Robinson’s part. A year and several months after the non-driving incident, Robinson knows he now has Rivard by the testicles and knows Rivard will cover up his illegal activities.
For unknown reasons, the stakes seem to be higher for Rivard as he pushes for a new jail. Lora Walker could logically be expected to run against Robinson’s crony, Chisago County Commissioner Lynn Schultz as Schultz’s margin of victory against Walker was a mere 132 votes in 2004.
Robinson’s harassment of Walker was, presumably, to dispense with Chisago County Commissioner Lynn Schultz’s 2008 election year competition.
One can then surmise the stakes become exponentially higher for Rivard as well. If elected, Walker would be the “swing vote” on the new jail. Rivard’s dismissal and subsequent cover up of the harassment incident has not likely endeared Rivard to Walker. A Walker victory in the 2008 election would kill Rivard’s new jail.
Robinson’s “Nazi like” tactics did not work as Walker regained her seat on the County Board by about 500 votes.
It is statistically improbable that Robinson, from Rush City and Walker from Stacy would randomly meet in a Cub Foods store in Forest Lake. So how would Robinson have known Walker would be there at a given time?
Is it possible that Rivard, now in the affair so deep, could monitor Walker’s cell phone conversation, learn of Walker’s stop at Cub and dispatch Robinson on his Satanic mission?
Monitoring cell phone conversations is not illegal. Using information gained from the intercepted call to intimidate an opponent is blatantly Un American and violates all that we stand for in this Country.
It is time for Rivard to meet the press. It is time for Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard to open his Police State to an independent special prosecutor for the sole purpose of uncovering the truth in these matters.
The women of Chisago County would like to know if Todd Rivard will offer protection to them from stalkers or if he only refuses to protect female political enemies.
Inside sources reveal, Rivard will provide a uniformed officer, ostensibly to protect members of the board from Commissioner Robinson at each County Board Meeting.
Perhaps, the real question is this: Have these officers sworn allegiance to uphold the law or have they sworn loyalty to Todd Rivard and Mike Robinson?
Sig Heil! Sheriff Rivard.
We would like Chisago County Sheriff Todd Rivard to provide the following information:
Names of all Officers patrolling the Chisago County Area upon dates upon which Commissioner Robinson could have been ticketed from June 1, 2006 until July 30, 2006 and make these officers availble to provide sworn statements to the Epitaph.
Names of all female employees working the “911” call center on November 20th and 21st of 2007 and making said employees available to provide sworn statements to the Epitaph.
Open and honest responses from the Sheriff’s Department could save Todd Rivard’s career.
We hope that those who work for Chisago County and have knowledge or information regarding these matters will come forward in the name of justice.
As Rivard may monitor my cell phone, it is best to contact me by email. jglassel@yahoo.com
