To the Editor-

I have been following the various political races that affect our community and state and of course, reading with great interest, the open letters. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the back and forth candidate supporters and learning why people support the various candidates.

Kent Hall’s letter regarding Kevin Sorenson’s residency in Marathon County got me thinking. So I did a little research. You’d be amazed at how much information is on the web with just a few key strokes. I looked at the candidates websites, local news paper articles and blogs and public records and formed some opinions

Kevin Sorenson worked for Clark County, Greenwood Police Dept, Marshfield Police Dept, and Mosinee Police Dept before joining the Portage County Sheriff’s Dept. I assume these moves were in the interest of career advancement and there’s nothing wrong with that. However…Kevin has been with Portage County since 2000 according to his bio. I read a blog about him that said he continued to live in Marathon County so his children could stay in their schools but but that is no longer the case so that argument doesn’t stand up. In addition, He seemed willing to move to accommodate his past career choices so what’s wrong with living in Portage County? Renting a trailer just over the county line just before or after announcing his candidacy for sheriff does not show the commitment to our community that he claims to have.

Jim Grubba is a lifelong resident of Portage County, was educated here and spent his entire career as a police officer here and has been involved in community activities here in Portage County.

Mike Lukas is from Antigo attended college in Eau Claire and started his law enforcement career in Langlade County.

Robert Golla is from Milwaukee County. He’s been a corrections officer his entire career and does not actually have law enforcement experience. Jail administration is only a portion of a sheriff’s responsibilities. In my mind, he’s out.

Other open letters addressed the issues of building a new jail and gun control. Based on what I’ve learned, the decision to build a jail will reside largely with the county board and county executive with input from the Sheriff. It’s not the Sheriff’s decision to make. They have in the past put such issues to public referendum so, in part, you have a say in the process as well.

On gun control; The Sheriff cannot make any law, regulation or rules on the issue of guns. He cannot selectively enforce the law either. His sole responsibility is to enforce all of the current laws as they are written. His opinion or bias doesn’t matter and his feelings on the issue count no less and no more than yours or mine. Relating to the Sheriff’s Dept, it’s a non-issue. To try to make it an issue suggests a lack of knowledge as to responsibilities of the Sheriff.

So, where am I going with all this?  Looking at the career experience of each man, their qualifications based on training and positions held and considering their true commitment to Portage County as demonstrated by their actions, I’ve decided to vote for Jim Grubba to be my Sheriff. I hope you do to.

Ken Carpenter

Plover