Anne K. Strasdauskas
Anne Katherine Strasdauskas is an American law enforcement official from the state of Maryland. A Democrat, she served as sheriff of Baltimore County, Maryland from 1998 until 2002.
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[edit] History
Anne Strasdauskas, of Lithuanian descent, was born as a twin sister in Baltimore, Maryland, and was raised in the Baltimore section of Highlandtown. Strasdauskas graduated from the [University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee]with a 3.8 gpa with a B.S. in Education (specializing in Physical Education and a A.A. degree in Health. Strasdauskas was a backup speedskater to the U.S. Olympic Team.She spent several winters in Holland skating with the Dutch national B Team.
Strasdauskas first worked for Baltimore County Government with the Baltimore County Jail as a Corrections Officer. She was hired by then Sheriff James E. Malone, Sr. By 1990, Strasdauskas made the move to become a Baltimore County Deputy Sheriff. She graduated from the Baltimoe County Police Academy. Strasdauskas was a Deputy Sheriff in the Field Operations Bureau until 1994.
Strasdauskas was terminated by then Sheriff Norman M. Pepersack, Jr. in February 1998. Her infraction was not getting a Non-emergency channel programmed on her radio during a vacation trip. Strasdauskas decided to run for Sheriff while filling an appeal , and filed on the deadline July 7, 1998. She ran in the Democratic primary with very little money, no name recognition, and help. Handmade signs, and close friends helped her win the primary. Now she faced her old boss in the 1998 General Election.
Strasdauskas was placed on the Democratic Unity Ballot with such names as Dutch Ruppersberger, Ben Cardin, Parris Glendening, and others. She received enough campaign contributions to have professionally made campaign signs made with her slogan, "Fair, Firm, Impartial". The 1998 General Election proved to be a landslide for the Democrats, and Strasdauskas beat Pepersack by less than 6,500 votes. She also received help from Kathleen Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, and now a close personal friend, who she has always given credit to.
[edit] The Sheriff
Under her stewardship, the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office attained a 20 year retirement plan, newer office equipment, upgrade in firearms, higher training standards, new security scanners, and after September 11, 2001, a new camera observation system was ordered, and was to be installed the following year. She also kept the budget flat lined with no increases in cost to tax payers.
[edit] Electoral defeat
Leading up to the primary election in 2002, Strasdauskas faced only a handful of opponents. Charles Cuddy, a Baltimore County Dispatcher, and R. Jay Fisher, a Lieutenant with the Baltimore Police Department. Strasdauskas lost to Fisher by approximately 12,000 votes. Fisher was close friend to Donald Schaffer (a high ranking state official)which was connected to the Baltimore Sunpapers. Sunpapers ran several articles against her in which she had no way of proving accusations but Sheriff Strasdauskas under the advice of a legal friend was told that even though articles were false to sue sunpapers would take a life time. Sheriff strasdauskas did not have financial resources to go after the Sunpapers for false statements. She lost the election because of the false allegations.
[edit] Aftermath
Strasdauskas went back to work for private security. In 2005, she became a Correctional Officer for the Cecil County Sheriff's Office.
[edit] References
[edit] Further reading
- Joe Nawrozki (2002-09-03). "Race for Balto. County sheriff turns heated ; 5 candidates for office alleged it is understaffed, poorly run by incumbent although had balanced budget for full elected tearm.". Baltimore Sun: p. 5.B.
- Joe Nawrozki (2002-08-07). "Sheriff under ethics scrutiny ; Testimony: Her testimony on behalf of a Baltimore County liquor license applicant didn't mention brother owned separate restaurant in BelAir ,Md's but brother had no connection to restaurant proposed in Hunt valley". Baltimore Sun: p. 1.A.
- Joan Jacobson (1998-12-10). "New county sheriff finds sense of justice; Strasdauskas succeeds official who fired her". Baltimore Sun: p. 9.D.
- Joan Jacobson and Howard Libit (1998-11-04). "Challenger leading in race for sheriff; Strasdauskas, a former deputy, was fired by Pepersack; ELECTION 1998". Baltimore Sun: p. 9.D.
- Joan Jacobson (1998-10-16). "Prosecutor won't investigate county sheriff; Pepersack's release of personnel files excused". Baltimore Sun: p. 3.B.
- Joan Jacobson (1998-10-02). "Sheriff's campaign becomes personal; Incumbent reveals opponent's work files in Balto. County race". Baltimore Sun: p. 1.B.
- "Baltimore County courthouse; Sun endorsements: Strasdauskas for sheriff; Connolly, Withers for register of wills; Mensh for clerk.". Baltimore Sun: p. 14.A. 1998-09-09.
