Candidate clears the air

There’s been a lot of talk about my personal affairs recently, some of which has made it into the newspaper, so I would like to take this opportunity to address it, and explain to the voters of Sussex County. In May of 2005, while on a golfing vacation with friends in North Carolina, I was stopped for speeding and DWI. As a result I attended my court date one month later paid a fine and my driving privileges in North Carolina were suspended for six months. My driving privileges in New Jersey were not suspended, nor did this unfortunate event affect my ability to do my job. I apologized to my family and we moved forward. I am retiring as of May 1, 2010, a planned family decision, and am currently taking unused vacation time until my retirement takes effect. This is also commonly referred to as terminal leave time. This was a life lesson and learning experience for me. I am not nor have I ever claimed to be perfect. I am human and made a mistake, which I have learned from. As a candidate for Sheriff, I apologize to the people of Sussex County, and am both humbled and appreciative for the outpouring of support that has been shown not only to me, but most importantly to my wife and children. Wayne D. Yahm Franklin