Letter To The Editor: There Comes A Time In A Campaign

Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.

There comes a time in a campaign where the only thing left to do is turn it over to the voters. As a resident of Mahaska County you have a civic duty to go to the polls on June 7th to vote for the next Sheriff. You may know one, or all, of the candidates as a friend, relative or neighbor, but the ONLY allegiance you have at the polls is to the candidate that in your heart, and mind, will serve all of the residents of Mahaska County in the best possible way; one who has dedicated his entire career to law enforcement and has a proven leadership record; one that will lead the Sheriff’s office with a firm guiding hand, not with self-serving power; one who can express compassion yet deliver level-headed authority appropriate to the situation; one who will listen and remain fair; one who views the role of Sheriff as an opportunity for career advancement AND a means of continuing to serve in an active patrol capacity; one who has vested interest in the place he’s chosen to raise his family and call “home”; and one who has no other agenda than to continue in a rewarding, yet sometimes thankless, profession that he remains passionate about.

I do know all four candidates, and although I have reason to be biased, I truly believe that Russ VanRenterghem is the candidate that is ALL of the above and the one you should place your trust in as the next Sheriff of Mahaska County.

All Democrats and Independents who want to have a voice in who is on the general election ballot in November must change their party affiliation for the primary election only. This can be done at your polling place on June 7th.

-Beth VanRenterghem