Letter to the editor: Sheriff’s annual report expensive and inappropriate

Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.

I got an “annual report” mailing from the Portage County Sheriff today. It was beyond the pale for several reasons.

(1) I live in the City of Kent and our police protection is provided by the City. Why did we even get his report?

(2.) There is no mention in the report that the Portage County sheriff is being sued by cities within the county for funds and equipment that he kept after abruptly leaving the Drug Task Force. Portage County is on the hook for lots of money if the justice system finds for the cities.

(3) Who paid for this 14 page, multi-color, printed, stapled and mail report? I’d guess it was not cheap!

(4) What other department does this kind of stuff?

(5) I understand that the sheriff’s office is way over budget. I’d invite more knowledgeable people to weigh in on this issue as it’s important but I lack all the facts.

(6) I wish the county sheriff was a nonpartisan position as it should have nothing to do with politics. The fact is that the sheriff has weighed in on two commissioners races and a state representative, in all cases against Republican incumbents who thought his budget requests were beyond Portage County’s means.

What the heck is going on here in Portage County that the sheriff is national news coast to coast because he is so partisan?

Honestly, I wish the sheriff race was not one we had to pick by party but in full disclosure, Jon Barber will get my vote. I hope Mr. Barber will be a person we can respect and get behind.

Thomas Lynch, Kent

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