Editor,

With the election only a few short days away, I am writing this in the hopes that all who read this would make it a point to not only vote, but grab those who are eligible to do so and drive them to the polls as well. I make it no secret that I have aspirations of one day possibly seeking the position of Sheriff! Someone sitting in my position would normally be hoping that the worst applicant would win the 2012 election so it could be easier for me in 2016. Nothing could be further from the truth!

There are plenty out there that are running for office but how many are truly worthy to occupy those seats? Voting for someone because you consider that person a friend is not the best route! I have plenty of friends that I love like a brother or sister but I do not want those making decisions concerning the education of my child. I do not want them enacting laws that will affect the way we live, I do not want them in charge of my tax dollars etc. When voting you must remember…..It is never personal—however, it must be professional! Voting for someone because they shake hands and kiss babies is wrong. You must ask yourself “Is this the best QUALIFIED person for the position?” If the answer is “NO”, then you must look elsewhere.

I know that by electing the best candidate for sheriff will only hamper me in four years “IF” I decide to run but regardless of what my personal goals are, I feel it is all of our responsibility to vote for whom we truly believe is the best person for the job. We have heard plenty of rumors in the past of elected officials who have went years without setting foot inside of their elected offices. Whose fault is that? I have to admit that placing blame on the elected official is the easy route but it is we, who have continued to elect these individuals repeatedly.

When casting your vote, do not look at race, religion or even sex. Look past the cool nickname that some people use. I find it embarrassing when I see a candidate using a nickname to try to come off as the common person to the voters. I could care less that “Johnny Coonhound Jones” is running for office. Look into the candidate’s background and see what they bring to the table. Are they educated? Have they worked in the field? Is this nepotism? Have they publicly discussed their plans for the improvement of Logan? Do they have plans to address the serious issues facing Logan? Does those seeking sheriff have plans to target the Pimps, drugs and “JOHN’s” that fuel prostitution? What plans do they have to strengthen the Sheriff’s department in terms of training and equipment? How do those seeking a seat on the Board of Education plan to improve the education of our children? Do they have any plans on bringing back the needed discipline that we all experienced when we were kids? I do not want my children suffering because a distracter runs wild through the class.

I want a candidate that will expect high standards from their staff. I want someone who is willing to lead from the front and requires high standards when it comes to personal conduct and their staff. I want someone who can think “Outside of the Box”. At a minimum, I want someone that will work every day for the citizens of Logan. They are a public servant. Key word is Servant - to serve the public. Not vice versa!

In closing, I would like to remind everyone that many countries do not offer their citizens the ability to elect their leaders. In the United Sates this right has been secured by the blood of patriots who were willing to risk it all so that you may have the opportunity to decide who you would like to represent you. Do not take that lightly! Regardless of whom you plan to vote for, if you do not get out and vote then you might as well throw your vote to the worst-case scenario.

Sappers Clear The Way! Airborne All The Way!

MAJ Richard Ojeda

Whitman