Letter To The Editor: You Have A Opportunity
Editors Note: The views and opinions expressed in this editorial are not necessarily the views or opinions of Oskaloosa News.
As a County, you have a opportunity to elect a new Sheriff this Fall with a primary being held very shortly, June 7th. This is unique in that Mahaska County has not elected a new Sheriff in a while. Additionally, citizens have a wonderful choice of four individuals with a variety of experiences and a long time history in law enforcement within Mahaska County itself. But just because these candidates have time on the job please realize that doesn’t necessarily make them the best person for the job. Remember to look at the future of Mahaska County when you consider your selection.
Beyond a doubt, Russ Van Renterghem is the most qualified person to run for the position of Sheriff of Mahaska County. Russ Van Renterghem has the knowledge and the experience to lead the Sheriff’s Department with a fresh set of eyes into the future of Mahaska County. He will not go in and ‘shake’ things up. Russ Van Renterghem will watch and listen, he will research and learn, before changing anything. He has said this to you – you can take Russ Van Renterghem at his word as he exemplifies honesty, fairness, and thoughtfulness. He is also the one who follows up on what he says. He has the leadership skills from being a Lieutenant on the police department, through his contacts with citizens, patrol duties, working with officers and other agencies in a variety of situations and events. He has helped coordinate special events like RAGBRAI, various parades – including the Annual Lighted Christmas Parade and the Homecoming Parades – special functions with the area Schools and William Penn teams, and on the Square with the Chamber of Commerce. Russ Van Renterghem worked as an Investigator with the SE Iowa Drug Task force and received recognition from the U.S. Department of Justice along with numerous Oskaloosa Police Department Awards. He helped establish the police departments first Emergency Response Team, was in charge of the Investigations Unit, and is in charge of the police departments Field Training Program which I was proud to be part of and help with the training new hires. Importantly, Russ Van Renterghem is proactive – he is out patrolling, talking with the public, checking buildings and gaining insight to what is occurring within the city and also within Mahaska county. This in turn helps prevent crimes, pulls together the information, which helps prevent and solve crimes.
Even though I retired from the Oskaloosa Police Department, I continue to stay in touch and talk with co-workers and citizens in Oskaloosa and Mahaska County. I worked my entire career with Lieutenant Russ Van Renterghem I learned that I could count on and trust him. I would like you all to look at the big picture, look at not only the experience with time on the job of these candidates, but look at what they’ve done for their departments, within their community and within Mahaska county. You cannot go wrong by choosing to support Russ Van Renterghem for Mahaska County Sheriff. Mahaska County needs Russ Van Renterghem and you won’t be disappointed.
Barb Saville
