To the Editor-

I believe Mike Lukas has the best qualifications to be the next Sheriff of Portage County.  He has the experience, good judgment and management abilities to be the responsible leader our county deserves.

Mike has lived in Portage County for 20 years. He has been a county employee and homeowner while raising his family here.  He knows what our county can and should be doing and has the experience to act without making unnecessary sacrifices and expenditures. His strong involvement, commitment and dedication to our county is why I believe in his leadership. He has held a variety of positions within the county which have made him aware of issues and needs we face as a community. Plus, he has been involved with many community organizations and is still very active in coaching youth athletics.

I have observed first-hand his abilities to make things happen.  While I was Safety Cadet Advisor in the public school system, he was the Sergeant assigned to the county cadet program. Not only was he active with the program, he also developed a wonderful rapport with the cadets and staff. Additionally, he was also the instructor of the Counter ACT program for the upper elementary students. He taught them the power of making positive choices and resisting peer pressure and influences regarding alcohol and drugs. The students were actively engaged in the discussions and activities during their time with him.

Mike is committed to enforcing the law and building a better county through the use of effective and responsible budgeting.  He has the skills and experience necessary to be an outstanding Sheriff for Portage County which is why I encourage you to support and vote for Mike Lukas for Sheriff of Portage County in the primary election on August 12^th.

Kristin Marquard

Stevens Point