Sheriff’s Race
Dear Editor,
A wise person once said that “a person is measured by the company that they keep.” Truer words were never spoken. I am not a Kosciusko County native; however, I have lived here since 1996. In the years since 2008, I have had numerous occasions to call the county sheriff department with criminal mischief complaints, specifically in the Rovenstine/Goshert years. The responses from the sheriff’s department during that time were mediocre to non-existent.
In comparison, Sheriff Kyle Dukes was responsive, engaging and willing to be proactive in dealing with my concerns as one of his constituents. Unfortunately, he lost in the May primary to Jim Smith.
Beginning in July, I made it a point to get to know James Marshall. Marshall has no such colorful acquaintances in his history. Marshall has consistently striven to take on additional responsibilities in the county sheriff’s office and has served in a variety of positions. Marshall is a certified firearms instructor who has a passion for teaching, both within the department and in the community. He conducts active shooter classes in schools, churches and businesses.
Dukes has done amazing things for Kosciusko County during his tenure. He has reduced the jail population from significantly over capacity to comfortably under capacity. He has instituted the JCAP program and works with the Recovery While Incarcerated program. He created the Net43 program to address the drug crimes in Kosciusko County. Net 43 furthermore coordinates with local law enforcement as well as the Indiana State Police.
In conclusion, the contrast between the two candidates is clear. Marshall, if elected, would bring broad experience and continue successful programs created by Dukes. Marshall is engaged and has plans to expand his community outreach as sheriff of Kosciusko County.
Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Truman
Warsaw