To the Editor:

In my past six years as a Portage County Board member, I have come to know and highly respect the character and abilities of Kevin Sorenson both professionally and personally.

You do not just wake up one day and decide that you’re going to run for sheriff. It starts when people like myself and other community leaders, as well as co-workers who know you, have the experience both in administration and law enforcement that urge you to run for the position.

This is why Kevin declared as a candidate for sheriff. We asked him to step up and run because we knew he was the right man for the job.

Kevin’s experience in the administrative side of law enforcement will be a great asset to the people of Portage County as we decide whether to build a new jail/justice center or remodel existing facilities in order to meet our needs.

You must remember, it is the people of Portage County through their respective Board members who will have the final say on whether or not to build new or remodel, not the sheriff. Either way, Kevin’s experience dealing with Sheriff’s Department budgets and jail administration will allow him to lead us into the future, no matter which option the people of Portage County decide to choose.

It is my opinion that one of the best ways to judge a person is to ask a jury of that person’s peers. A huge number of Kevin’s co-workers from the Portage County Sheriff’s Department are supporting him in his bid to become our next sheriff, from our current Sheriff John Charewicz to deputies, corrections officers and office support staff.

Please join me in supporting the best candidate with the most qualifications in both the administration and law enforcement aspects of a Sheriff’s Department, not just someone who has lived here the longest.

Vote Sorenson for sheriff Aug. 12!

Barry Jacowski,

Portage County Board District 23,

Almond