It has been my honor and pleasure to serve the citizens and visitors of Worcester County as a prosecutor since July 1, 1985. Justice, and only justice, has been my pursuit throughout that time. I have done the very best that I know how to do. I thank the Honorable B. Randall Coates who first hired me as Deputy Stat’s Attorney and I thank the voters of Worcester County who elected me to this position four consecutive times.
I thank the many deputy and assistant state’s attorneys who have worked with me over the years as well as the very fine defense attorney’s of the lower Eastern Shore. I would be remiss if I failed to thank my wonderful support staff over the years. My executive secretary Barbara Young, who came with the office and has been there since the Honorable John L. Sanford, Jr. was the State’s Attorney has been indispensible to me and to the office. I wish her and all of the support staff the very best. I truly love each and every one of them as a sister.
To the very fine law enforcement officers who I have worked with, I wish then God’s protection and blessings. There are too many too mention all of them, but some clearly stand out: Cpl. Bruce Hornung, Det. Brett Case, Cpl Scott Bernal, Capt. Martin Koerner, Capt. Robert Bokinsky, Chief David Massey, Lt. Douglas Dods and of course Sheriff Charles Martin; it has been a pleasure and a joy working with them and all of those with their standard of honor and integrity.
The role of State’s Attorney is at times difficult and demanding with a need, sometimes, to balance what is popular against what is ethical and what is just. During my time in office I have learned that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular.
The voters have now chosen a new State’s Attorney. I intend to make the way as smooth for him as I can. I pledge to the voters that during the remaining time in my term of office I will do everything I can to prepare him for the cases and issues awaiting him on the first Monday of January, 2011.
To my supporters I ask that you put aside partisan differences and your personal support for me and work together for the common pursuit of justice.
To those who did not support me I regret that I did not satisfy your view of an effective prosecutor, but I make no apologies for the decisions I made as State’s Attorney. In each and every decision I sought to enforce the rights of the public, protect the innocent, and convict the guilty.
Thanks you again for the opportunity to serve you.
Joel Todd
