Guilford County Sheriff Danny Rogers, who surprised a great many people by winning that seat four years ago in a race against long-time former Sheriff BJ Barnes, won a majority of the vote this time around to hold that office another four years.
In the Tuesday. Nov. 8 election, Rogers, a Democrat, pulled in 56 percent of the vote, more than enough to defeat Republican Phil Byrd – who had the endorsement of Barnes and of a lot of other Republicans who wanted to see Rogers ousted as the county’s sheriff.
Rogers once again will hold the extremely important job as the top law enforcement official in the county. The Guilford County Sheriff’s Department has over 600 employees and a budget of over $65 million. It oversees the jail system and plays a central role in protecting county residents, property, schools and the court system.
Rogers’ bio on the Guilford County website expresses his stated priorities and gives the reasons residents should want him to keep the job: “Sheriff Rogers has instituted proactive tactics to fighting crime, challenging injustice, and works alongside his officers to get the job done. He is committed to reducing crime, providing safe schools, streets and neighborhoods, eliminating drug and gang activity through youth program initiatives, combating sex trafficking, reducing recidivism, addressing mental health concerns inside and outside the jails, preventing domestic violence, and requiring community policing. He understands that the new Guilford County jail opened its doors the same day one of the oldest mental health hospitals in North Carolina closed its doors and now incarceration has become a storage facility for people in crisis. As a result, he is committed to reentry initiatives that will reduce crime, expand services for mental illness, and bring positive transformations to families.”
Byrd and others, however, have been critical of the way Rogers has run the department over the last four years. They point out that his first move as sheriff was to fire nearly 30 officers without cause, and then, over the following four years, complain frequently about the large number of vacancies in the department.
Rogers has also come under criticism for his showmanship – which includes flashy clothes, a love of cowboy hats, a Tik Tok video and a funky-chicken-esque dance exhibition during the North Carolina A&T State University homecoming parade last month.
Rogers’ backers argue that he has done a great deal to reduce racism in the department and has been forward-thinking and wholistic in his approach to reducing crime and ending the revolving door problem in the jails.
Rogers even went through the jail and hugged inmates early in his term, which caused Barnes to dub the practice “Hug-A-Thug.”
Rogers’ affinity for cowboy hats even generated a rumor that Rogers had the department spend thousands of taxpayer dollars on cowboy hats for officers. However, in response to a public records request on the matter from the Rhino Times, the county stated, “The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office did not purchase cowboy hats for any officers.”
This happens because Democrats vote for their party and not for the good of the county (or the country). I have a friend who votes a straight party ticket (Democratic) every election. When I ask him who he voted for and if he knows anything about the people he chose, he says “no”. He just votes for Democrats, no matter what. Hitler could be on the ballot and he’d vote for him if there was a “D” beside his name. But years of media propaganda have convinced him (and many others) that Republicans are evil and want to kill grandma in polluted water. And conservatives aren’t doing enough to counter the propaganda.
Which democrats did you vote for?
Which democrat did you vote for?
I know way too many Republicans that vote straight ticket. Rogers won because Byrd wouldn’t play hard ball and point out the major failures in his department that everyone only mumbles about in comment sections. I live in Randolph, did my research, and refused to vote for one specific “Democrat” that was just a wackadoo sovereign citizen.
So true! Also, the world often stereotype one another opposed to educating each other. I was blessed to connect with a republican who opened my eyes on a lot of things. Therefore, if the shoe doesn’t fit I don’t put it on. Meaning I’m only voting for a person who is the best fit ! No more straight tickets!
What a clown he is even Barney Fife would be a better Sheriff.
SICKENING………Democrats and especially Rogers and Manning; pukes
What a disappointment for “an extremely important job”. Low expectations will continue to be the norm.
stop complaining, and run against him
God help all law abiding citizens in Guilford County.
No words!
The next time Rhino endorses someone to run for sheriff I hope you choose someone with like ability! You have to have experience and personality. Mr Byrd is stoic and is only warm with people he’s comfortable with. Going forward you all need to look at the big picture especially for a predominantly blue county. Nonetheless, brace yourself for what you have! Keep leadership and the communities lifted up in prayer. Good luck folks!
Amen. The Republicans in this county need to stop running old white guys that worked at the jail for BJ. Think outside the box a little. Or keep having the same results.
What do you have against old WHITE guys
Because in Guilford County “old white guys” are barely, if ever getting elected. The Republicans in this area need to learn how to play ball. Playing ball here does not include running the same type of people. I am also against the geriatric old ass white women on City Council and the County Commissioners.
Republicans in this area need to research and follow the model the Republicans used in Miami-Dade County Florida. Historic flip.
What about the geriatric old black women on the council or the old black man who’s the chairman of the county commissioners. Term limits would solve the problem
I disagree with Jax. I find Mr Byrd friendly, polite, and willing to listen. Sheriffs are not known for personality. They are here to do a job, and a crappy job on top of that. We dont need sheriffs elected by popularity contests.
Here-here
Gary, by no means am I looking for a golden personality. I am stating that, I’d like a lawman and a human. Stoic doesn’t work for me. Byrd may be friendly, blah blah blah to you but it doesn’t mean he is/ was to other locals. But make no mistake I want a strong leader but with like ability. We all have our opinions though! I don’t like Rogers either! He’s crazy!
Take care
Rogers is a racist pos
Race has not part in this. He is just a plain POS.
Hard to believe the dancing clown gets another four years. May God have mercy on the people of Guilford County.
This guy is a clown and its unfortunate he got reelected. I don’t think the public is informed about this guy. He is kind of low profile until he shows up in his latest clown suit.
I don’t recall Phil Byrd campaigning that hard after the primary. I did not receive one call and his literature was minimum. Maybe he ran out of money. I live in the city limits and saw few signs about his campaign.
The numbers could make one think there was hanky-panky in the vote process but after further thought I reminded myself how a large bulk of voters live IN Greensboro proper. There is no question that there were busloads of people being brought to the polls, which is not illegal but my question is how many of those were from the large numbers of universities in town.
I bring that up because that is a serious number of people who have no real skin in the game of politics in Greensboro and Guilford County. And keep in mind that is not only a problem here but anywhere there are large schools or a large number of schools. Basically you have a group that doesn’t care about what happens to the community in the future because they will not be here to deal with the results, and this includes the financial impact on our communities.
I’m expecting people to accuse of me of racism, which really doesn’t bother me because I simply tell them what I use to tell my new incoming soldiers…I am the least prejudicial person you’ll ever meet. I hate everyone equally regardless of race, sex, religion, background or sexual orientation.
Shurf Rogers looks cool with his get-up. All he needs now is a brace of pearl-handled six-shooters.
Shaft, he ain’t. Cannya digit?
Everyone should blame the re-election of Danny Rogers on Mr.John Hammer, Editor and Chief of the Rhino Times. He endorsed Phil Byrd without conducting any interviews or background evaluations on any of the other 5 candidates. (I’ve spoke with all Candidates for Sheriff) Actually, Byrd was the weaker of at least 2 other candidates.
There were a couple of Candidates who’s resume included a lot more than just “working for the Sheriffs Office.” One candidate was actually sabotaged by the Rhino Times because the Rhino Times refused to remove the erroneous ‘Democrat’ title from his name on their publication.
The Rhino Times is a very influential publication for the Republican Party and it’s readers trust that any endorsements from the Rhino times is solid. The readers feels that Hammer has actually vetted the other candidates and reached it conclusion via process of elimination. That did not and does not happen. Mr. Hammer simply selects the candidate that he likes or was persuaded to endorse, period! This is wrong, and not only does his actions do a dis-service to the other (sometimes stronger) candidates, but it does a dis-service to its readers, the party, and the community.
In closing Mr. Hammer, it would be best if you allow all candidates to duke it out in the primaries and allow the voters to make the decisions – not you. I can assure you we will most likely end up with a better Candidate.
*Rhino Times refused to remove the erroneous ‘Democrat’ title from his name on their publication.*
Mr. Melvin (as I’m sure this is you) your statement above is completely untrue. The Democrat won, so why would an association as a Democrat true or false by a news source make any difference at all…?
Simply put, it wouldn’t. You lost because you’re not qualified and have no experience running a huge endeavor and Department with a 7+ million dollar budget as this one is. Not to mention your a quitter….!!! Stop whining and accept your humiliation and DEFEAT.
Agree with everything Will says and a few more things; (having been involved in the recent campaign I learned quite a bit about the different candidates) I can tell you with authority as bad as you think Rodgers is, this guy has “little mans syndrome” 5×5 rolly polly which in essence can create an over inflated ego, and hatch a full blown narcissist (which he is). This guy likes to beat people down, name call and ridicule, and create chaos. He’s also a HUGE grudge holder and not someone that should be involved in politics at all. He would have weaponized his position to attack his enemies and also feather his nest financially (like the Democrats do). It’s obvious he’s also a huge infant man whiner and refuses to accept his defeat, “because my God why wouldn’t anyone vote for me” totally unqualified and has trouble like Joe Biden stringing words together but at least Biden has an excuse he’s demented, but they also have something else in common both Democrats only one tries to hide it.
The inmates are running the asylum. Blue City Blues.
We have had the clown for the past 4 years and will have to put up with him for the next 4 years. Maby he can go to school and learn how to act and dress in public. The things he is seen in are for Halloween that you can wear to go trick or treat on the 31 of October. Glad we have the Greensboro PD at lease they know what they are doing and how to wear the uniform with dignity.