Letter: Time for change at Sheriff's Department

To the editor: In a story in The Shawano Leader on July 26, Randy Wright engages in County Board bashing, stating a handful of members make up a “faction” to “block borrowing.” I serve as a member of the Shawano County Board and hope I am being included in that conservative group. Wise use and the protection of the taxpayer’s dollar is our job. We must spend on needs, not just wants. Wright also blames the board for things being “stalled” and implies there is a need to “get things moving.” Wright seems to be under the misguided perception that he is running against the County Board in the Aug. 12 election. No County Board members are on that ballot. The next sheriff will have to work with the County Board, like it or not. We are supposed to all be on the same team, working for the people of Shawano County. Wright’s circle the wagons, it’s us against them mentality accomplishes nothing other than wasting time and money and has prevented progress. The mishandling of the evidence storage solution is only one of many problems with the department’s administration. The failure to require accountability for missing money and the unwillingness or inability to work with the board are others. I have chosen to endorse Adam Bieber in the race for sheriff. Wright and Bieber are opposites when it comes to people skills. I have found Bieber to be fiscally conservative, innovative and open-minded enough to consider alternatives, but at the same time having enough backbone to stand up for himself and not be intimidated by those wishing to bait a fight. Our youth should be our future, not our future inmates, and Bieber displays a genuine desire to work with the youth of the community through positive activities involving teamwork and building self-esteem. A positive influence and work ethic that began long before contemplating any elected office. Will I always agree with Bieber’s proposals and requests as sheriff? No, probably not. Some ideas may not be cost effective. He will however, have my respect. You get what you give. I believe Officer Bieber has the intellect and leadership ability to manage the department and compromise in a manner that the taxpayers can afford while still providing the services we expect, in a nonadversarial, nonpersonal, competent and intelligent manner. That would be a refreshing change. Please vote on Aug. 12. Deb Noffke, Shawano