Letters to the Editor 04-23-1998
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Question Of Experience - Whitaker Responds - Not A Liar - Defends Whitaker - Prefers Rovenstine - Supports Kolbe - Tired Of Politics - Questions Murder Charge
Question Of Experience
Editor, Times-Union:A couple of the letters that appeared on April 17 promoting Aaron Rovenstine for sheriff prompts me to respond.
Re: Letter from Randy Reneker
You stated Aaron has obtained valuable information and experiences growing up in the family "business." With all this knowledge that he has gained, I question why he still holds the rank of patrolman and what he has accomplished in his career thus far. I have not heard anything regarding his plans for the improvement of the sheriff's department, therefore, I surmise that Aaron Rovenstine believes there is no need for improvement except for the expansion of the jail. Ironically, that decision is for the County Commissioners and Council to make.
On the other hand, Sam Whitaker was the first of all candidates to present a detailed plan as to what he would do in order to build an efficient and first-rate department to serve the community. His accomplishments, training, vision and dedication clearly make him the best candidate for this office.
Re: Letter from Bill Kelly
Your statement that you and your fellow officers will be voting for Aaron Rovenstine in the upcoming election amuses me. I assume that you and these other officers are ones that have been hired by Al Rovenstine these past few years as the department has increased in staff.
If as Mike Hobbs says, there has been hiring of personnel on the "buddy system" and qualified applicants have been passed over because of that, then I can see why you would be voting for Rovenstine.
We are fortunate to have a man running for this office who has put so much thought and concern in devising a plan to enhance and restructure the sheriff's department. His winning will have an effect on our county because we will have a department that will be more effective in fighting crime and he will give us the protection that we are paying for and deserve. Vote Whitaker!
Claudia Keirn
Claypool
Whitaker Responds
Editor, Times-Union:In reference to Jennifer Brumfield:
This underage drinking that involved school athletes happened two years ago. You can certainly tell it is an election year... We came across information in an investigation that there were teenagers buying liquor at a carryout store. Because of my gut feeling that this may turn into a controversial case, I went to obtain advice from the prosecutor as to how I should handle information that had been discovered. I knew that there was a possibility that by taking the information to the school, it could be misconstrued. However, vengeance was not the reason the information was turned over.
Regardless how people think or what they have heard, I was told by the prosecutor that I had to take the information to the proper people at the school, and my conscience agreed wholeheartedly. Besides, it goes without saying, that as an officer I am sworn to uphold the law. Every time this comes up, I ask myself if there was another way to try to help the underage teens. And my answer every time is that if I helped one of the teens in any way, then it was worth it. I can't apologize for something that I know was right. However, to the citizens of the county, I apologize to you for having to hear this over and over again. This whole "school incident" reminds me of the game we played as children ..."telephone." You start by telling someone at the first of the line and see if the story is the same in the end; which it never is.
A perfect example is the FOP deciding to endorse Aaron. There were 13 people present, seven voted to endorse Aaron, four said that they were undecided and two were against. Plus there are 50 members in the FOP ... you figure it out!
I have been very honest with the public about the underage drinking/basketball players, and will continue to be. I did nothing wrong, and Jennifer, at the time, you felt the same way. I never lied to you. I never falsified Drug Task Force documents and I did not deceive you. Officer Moser was present during our meeting, and he can verify this.
I have worked for the sheriff's department for 18 years. I do not, have not or will not play favorites to people who commit crimes. The stores selling the beer to the teenagers were wrong and these teenagers were wrong to buy and drink it. Why are you not more concerned that there were young people obtaining alcohol illegally? They could have possibly been killed or killed somebody else in an accident.
Citizens, the primary election on May 5 is very important. I am asking for your support. Once again I apologize to you for having to witness the infamous "mudslinging tactics" in any election. Just remember why others do it though. I will not use mudslinging to win this campaign for sheriff. I will win based on my qualifications, accomplishments and goals that I have set out for you.
Sam Whitaker
Republican Candidate for Sheriff
Warsaw
Not A Liar
Editor, Times-Union:Mr. Kolbe would have the world perceive me to be a liar. I'm not. He can rant and rave all he wants to, the truth cannot be changed. I was brought up to believe deeply in the truth. Our Constitution guarantees the right of free speech and the written word is considered speech. So it was a long time ago. Integrity is forever and you can only judge the future by the past. In regards to my attitude towards lawyers in general, I think a poll would show that 90 percent of the general public considers them to be a necessary evil, so to speak. Unfortunately I've had several times in my life to hire lawyers and I always won. I can tell you that they can be very hard to deal with! Ha!
Dixie Norman
Warsaw
Defends Whitaker
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to respond to the vicious and inaccurate letter written by Jennifer Brumfield which appeared on April 17.
Mrs. Brumfield:
For over two years I have talked with Detective Sgt. Sam Whitaker regarding the high school/drinking/athletic situation to which you refer. I believe that the vast majority of the community recognizes that your letter is merely a political maneuver. Otherwise, why would you wait until two weeks before the primary election to make these accusations?
I am concerned that you, someone who is in the position of a role model and administering the education of our youth, are making such accusations, particularly at this time. You make accusations, but ignore the facts.
Do you know what the paperwork process was in that department? Are the basketball and athletic programs so sacred here in Warsaw that one cannot perform his duty without retaliation if it steps on "certain toes?" It is very obvious to me that when a lawsuit was threatened by one of the athlete's parents, the school and law enforcement authorities found a sacrificial lamb ... Sam Whitaker. You state that the efforts to stop abuse in our county and throughout the state were affected. Perhaps it was because the sheriff's department could not continue the high caliber of work and administration of the Drug Task Force after Whitaker was suspended for one week with pay and removed from the Drug Task Force team because he performed his duty as he was told. Quite frankly, I believe this subject has been beat to death, the public is tired of hearing of it and there is no basis for your remarks. Were the athletes drinking or not drinking? Period!
I urge the community to vote for Sam Whitaker for Sheriff of Kosciusko County in the upcoming primary. I believe we are fortunate to have a man running for this office who doesn't have to advertise his integrity ... he lives by it.
Margo Ames
Warsaw
Prefers Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:Soon, the election will be coming up, and, of course, as regards a favorite candidate, everyone has a special preference, and my preference is Mr. Aaron Rovenstine. Mr. Rovenstine originates from what I consider to be a family of great prestige. I am not too well acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Al Rovenstine, but on occasion, I run into them at Dig's Diner where we often speak, and whenever I greet them, I find that there is a particular warmth, sincerity and kindness in their response that leads me to believe that they possess the qualities it takes to have been the good, loyal parents to their children, Aaron, Nannette and Nickie that Aaron claims them to be, a fact which is full proof that candidate Aaron Rovenstine comes from a very good background. Furthermore, I am sure that Mr. Rovenstine has done well as regards holding various offices in the past, and, if elected sheriff, I am certain that Aaron Rovenstine will serve the community in the same fine style that his father, Al, has accomplished in years gone by.
I take note that one contributor to the letter department has intimated that the Rovenstines are dealing in "nepotism," (showing favoritism toward a family member). Well, I for one don't believe any such thing, for I feel that Aaron Rovenstine (who, although he has received much valuable experience through having been raised in the sheriff's department) has worked hard toward the position that he now holds and hasn't had it handed to him. Furthermore, I believe that Aaron Rovenstine, if elected sheriff, will serve Warsaw and its surroundings with a great deal of loyalty and devotion, and that he is capable of "bridging the gap between the philosophy of our younger officers and the proud tradition of the past."
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Supports Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union:I think I'm missing something. I seem to have missed the reasons why the local Republican Party called in a ringer to run for prosecuting attorney. I just don't understand why a man who has lived and worked in Allen County and who only retains a Kosciusko County address should be allowed to run for office in this county.
His nice new home is in Allen County. He doesn't pay property taxes on his home (where he lives with his wife) in Kosciusko County. His wife works in Allen County. They always told me that if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, it just possibly might be a duck. If this ringer doesn't sleep here with his wife, if he doesn't pay taxes on his home here, could it be that he should not be on the ticket? Just where does Hampton sleep at night? In Kosciusko County or Allen County? I'm just wondering what is going on here?
I think it is just a bit too coincidental that just a couple of weeks before the election that the headlines of the paper should read "Hootman claims wrongful prosecution." My my what a coincidence. I wonder who put Hootman up to it? Couldn't be the opposition to our incumbent prosecutor could it? Naw ... They wouldn't stoop that low to trump up such an obviously phony scheme, now could they?
Just wondering what kind of goofy follow up the opposition will have after this. I want a good Christian man who works here, whose children go to school here, who pays taxes here and who is not corruptible in the office of prosecutor. That pretty well describes David Kolbe.
James L. Townsend
Warsaw
Tired Of Politics
Editor, Times-Union:Over the years I have grown tired of politics, not because politics are unnecessary, life depends on politics to govern, but because of the way our political system has become. Campaigners have grown increasingly negative to the point of character assassination. Is this the kind of character I want in those governing my world? No, and this year's local campaigners have been no different. Grown men and women ought to be embarrassed for tearing other human beings to shreds publicly. Why? It exposes their character and heart more than it does the person they are criticizing.
Politicians who must tear another person down to win a political race are a little like a comedian who has to use profanity to make people laugh. If your life and qualifications aren't good enough to get you elected, you shouldn't be running. Chuck Waggoner asked me to serve on his campaign team for the prosecutor's race and I agreed on the condition that he would win or lose on his own merit and character by running a clean campaign. That was last October and in the months since, I haven't seen or heard one negative thing about another candidate come out of Chuck's mouth. I have known Chuck for nine years and I guess that would be consistent with everything I have ever seen in Chuck. On May 5th, I will make a statement when I vote, that I am tired of negative politics and that I am ready for a positive change. What will your vote say?
Denny Wilson
Warsaw
Questions Murder Charge
Editor, Times-Union:Where is the evidence? What prompted the grand jury indictment? Could it be that Kolbe misled the grand jury with an expert that was not qualified? Is this prosecution politically motivated?
Sherri Cusick was charged with murder in the death of her stepson Anthony Cusick. The charges Prosecutor Kolbe filed are based on circumstantial evidence. The facts of the case are that Anthony died in a closet fire while in the care of Sherri. It is reported that the manner of death is consistent with accidental, negative for obvious signs of child abuse or foul play and the toxicology screening for drugs was negative. Anthony had burns on his hands that would suggest he started and tried to put the fire out. The door to the closet in which he was found was not capable of being locked and could be opened easily. Renowned forensic pathologists indicate that a fire in the closet would generate a sufficient amount of carbon monoxide and exhaust oxygen in the air to cause unconsciousness in a couple minutes and death in less than 10 minutes. Also it is suggested that some of the expert testimony presented to grand jury was not from a qualified source and should only be given by a physician.
Is this not the prosecutor's job to make sure he has qualified witnesses? Is this not Kolbe's job as prosecutor to make sure he has more than circumstantial evidence?
After spending 58 days in jail, for a crime that she did not commit, Sherri Cusick was released on bail. This is the first time in over 75 years that someone charged with murder was released on bail in Kosciusko County. It is becoming more apparent that Sherri Cusick is the victim of a modern day witch hunt with Prosecutor Kolbe at the helm.
How can Kolbe sleep at night knowing that he jailed someone for his own political aspiration? In recent articles Kolbe denied this prosecution was politically motivated. However, he was quoted saying his office is interested in doing the "necessarily popular thing to do." It sounds as if all his actions are politically motivated. This is not a popularity contest! The office of prosecutor should not be held by someone that is morally repugnant.
How would all of us feel if we had to go through what Cusick family has had to endure? That could happen as long as Kolbe is in office. We can prevent it from happening by voting Kolbe out of office!
The Believers in Sherri Cusick's Innocence - Syracuse
Rich and Nancy Stage
Kim Conrad
Sue Ganshorn
Scott Seniff
Karen Harper
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- Question Of Experience - Whitaker Responds - Not A Liar - Defends Whitaker - Prefers Rovenstine - Supports Kolbe - Tired Of Politics - Questions Murder Charge
Question Of Experience
Editor, Times-Union:A couple of the letters that appeared on April 17 promoting Aaron Rovenstine for sheriff prompts me to respond.
Re: Letter from Randy Reneker
You stated Aaron has obtained valuable information and experiences growing up in the family "business." With all this knowledge that he has gained, I question why he still holds the rank of patrolman and what he has accomplished in his career thus far. I have not heard anything regarding his plans for the improvement of the sheriff's department, therefore, I surmise that Aaron Rovenstine believes there is no need for improvement except for the expansion of the jail. Ironically, that decision is for the County Commissioners and Council to make.
On the other hand, Sam Whitaker was the first of all candidates to present a detailed plan as to what he would do in order to build an efficient and first-rate department to serve the community. His accomplishments, training, vision and dedication clearly make him the best candidate for this office.
Re: Letter from Bill Kelly
Your statement that you and your fellow officers will be voting for Aaron Rovenstine in the upcoming election amuses me. I assume that you and these other officers are ones that have been hired by Al Rovenstine these past few years as the department has increased in staff.
If as Mike Hobbs says, there has been hiring of personnel on the "buddy system" and qualified applicants have been passed over because of that, then I can see why you would be voting for Rovenstine.
We are fortunate to have a man running for this office who has put so much thought and concern in devising a plan to enhance and restructure the sheriff's department. His winning will have an effect on our county because we will have a department that will be more effective in fighting crime and he will give us the protection that we are paying for and deserve. Vote Whitaker!
Claudia Keirn
Claypool
Whitaker Responds
Editor, Times-Union:In reference to Jennifer Brumfield:
This underage drinking that involved school athletes happened two years ago. You can certainly tell it is an election year... We came across information in an investigation that there were teenagers buying liquor at a carryout store. Because of my gut feeling that this may turn into a controversial case, I went to obtain advice from the prosecutor as to how I should handle information that had been discovered. I knew that there was a possibility that by taking the information to the school, it could be misconstrued. However, vengeance was not the reason the information was turned over.
Regardless how people think or what they have heard, I was told by the prosecutor that I had to take the information to the proper people at the school, and my conscience agreed wholeheartedly. Besides, it goes without saying, that as an officer I am sworn to uphold the law. Every time this comes up, I ask myself if there was another way to try to help the underage teens. And my answer every time is that if I helped one of the teens in any way, then it was worth it. I can't apologize for something that I know was right. However, to the citizens of the county, I apologize to you for having to hear this over and over again. This whole "school incident" reminds me of the game we played as children ..."telephone." You start by telling someone at the first of the line and see if the story is the same in the end; which it never is.
A perfect example is the FOP deciding to endorse Aaron. There were 13 people present, seven voted to endorse Aaron, four said that they were undecided and two were against. Plus there are 50 members in the FOP ... you figure it out!
I have been very honest with the public about the underage drinking/basketball players, and will continue to be. I did nothing wrong, and Jennifer, at the time, you felt the same way. I never lied to you. I never falsified Drug Task Force documents and I did not deceive you. Officer Moser was present during our meeting, and he can verify this.
I have worked for the sheriff's department for 18 years. I do not, have not or will not play favorites to people who commit crimes. The stores selling the beer to the teenagers were wrong and these teenagers were wrong to buy and drink it. Why are you not more concerned that there were young people obtaining alcohol illegally? They could have possibly been killed or killed somebody else in an accident.
Citizens, the primary election on May 5 is very important. I am asking for your support. Once again I apologize to you for having to witness the infamous "mudslinging tactics" in any election. Just remember why others do it though. I will not use mudslinging to win this campaign for sheriff. I will win based on my qualifications, accomplishments and goals that I have set out for you.
Sam Whitaker
Republican Candidate for Sheriff
Warsaw
Not A Liar
Editor, Times-Union:Mr. Kolbe would have the world perceive me to be a liar. I'm not. He can rant and rave all he wants to, the truth cannot be changed. I was brought up to believe deeply in the truth. Our Constitution guarantees the right of free speech and the written word is considered speech. So it was a long time ago. Integrity is forever and you can only judge the future by the past. In regards to my attitude towards lawyers in general, I think a poll would show that 90 percent of the general public considers them to be a necessary evil, so to speak. Unfortunately I've had several times in my life to hire lawyers and I always won. I can tell you that they can be very hard to deal with! Ha!
Dixie Norman
Warsaw
Defends Whitaker
Editor, Times-Union:I would like to respond to the vicious and inaccurate letter written by Jennifer Brumfield which appeared on April 17.
Mrs. Brumfield:
For over two years I have talked with Detective Sgt. Sam Whitaker regarding the high school/drinking/athletic situation to which you refer. I believe that the vast majority of the community recognizes that your letter is merely a political maneuver. Otherwise, why would you wait until two weeks before the primary election to make these accusations?
I am concerned that you, someone who is in the position of a role model and administering the education of our youth, are making such accusations, particularly at this time. You make accusations, but ignore the facts.
Do you know what the paperwork process was in that department? Are the basketball and athletic programs so sacred here in Warsaw that one cannot perform his duty without retaliation if it steps on "certain toes?" It is very obvious to me that when a lawsuit was threatened by one of the athlete's parents, the school and law enforcement authorities found a sacrificial lamb ... Sam Whitaker. You state that the efforts to stop abuse in our county and throughout the state were affected. Perhaps it was because the sheriff's department could not continue the high caliber of work and administration of the Drug Task Force after Whitaker was suspended for one week with pay and removed from the Drug Task Force team because he performed his duty as he was told. Quite frankly, I believe this subject has been beat to death, the public is tired of hearing of it and there is no basis for your remarks. Were the athletes drinking or not drinking? Period!
I urge the community to vote for Sam Whitaker for Sheriff of Kosciusko County in the upcoming primary. I believe we are fortunate to have a man running for this office who doesn't have to advertise his integrity ... he lives by it.
Margo Ames
Warsaw
Prefers Rovenstine
Editor, Times-Union:Soon, the election will be coming up, and, of course, as regards a favorite candidate, everyone has a special preference, and my preference is Mr. Aaron Rovenstine. Mr. Rovenstine originates from what I consider to be a family of great prestige. I am not too well acquainted with Mr. and Mrs. Al Rovenstine, but on occasion, I run into them at Dig's Diner where we often speak, and whenever I greet them, I find that there is a particular warmth, sincerity and kindness in their response that leads me to believe that they possess the qualities it takes to have been the good, loyal parents to their children, Aaron, Nannette and Nickie that Aaron claims them to be, a fact which is full proof that candidate Aaron Rovenstine comes from a very good background. Furthermore, I am sure that Mr. Rovenstine has done well as regards holding various offices in the past, and, if elected sheriff, I am certain that Aaron Rovenstine will serve the community in the same fine style that his father, Al, has accomplished in years gone by.
I take note that one contributor to the letter department has intimated that the Rovenstines are dealing in "nepotism," (showing favoritism toward a family member). Well, I for one don't believe any such thing, for I feel that Aaron Rovenstine (who, although he has received much valuable experience through having been raised in the sheriff's department) has worked hard toward the position that he now holds and hasn't had it handed to him. Furthermore, I believe that Aaron Rovenstine, if elected sheriff, will serve Warsaw and its surroundings with a great deal of loyalty and devotion, and that he is capable of "bridging the gap between the philosophy of our younger officers and the proud tradition of the past."
Don Kaiser
Warsaw
Supports Kolbe
Editor, Times-Union:I think I'm missing something. I seem to have missed the reasons why the local Republican Party called in a ringer to run for prosecuting attorney. I just don't understand why a man who has lived and worked in Allen County and who only retains a Kosciusko County address should be allowed to run for office in this county.
His nice new home is in Allen County. He doesn't pay property taxes on his home (where he lives with his wife) in Kosciusko County. His wife works in Allen County. They always told me that if it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck and swims like a duck, it just possibly might be a duck. If this ringer doesn't sleep here with his wife, if he doesn't pay taxes on his home here, could it be that he should not be on the ticket? Just where does Hampton sleep at night? In Kosciusko County or Allen County? I'm just wondering what is going on here?
I think it is just a bit too coincidental that just a couple of weeks before the election that the headlines of the paper should read "Hootman claims wrongful prosecution." My my what a coincidence. I wonder who put Hootman up to it? Couldn't be the opposition to our incumbent prosecutor could it? Naw ... They wouldn't stoop that low to trump up such an obviously phony scheme, now could they?
Just wondering what kind of goofy follow up the opposition will have after this. I want a good Christian man who works here, whose children go to school here, who pays taxes here and who is not corruptible in the office of prosecutor. That pretty well describes David Kolbe.
James L. Townsend
Warsaw
Tired Of Politics
Editor, Times-Union:Over the years I have grown tired of politics, not because politics are unnecessary, life depends on politics to govern, but because of the way our political system has become. Campaigners have grown increasingly negative to the point of character assassination. Is this the kind of character I want in those governing my world? No, and this year's local campaigners have been no different. Grown men and women ought to be embarrassed for tearing other human beings to shreds publicly. Why? It exposes their character and heart more than it does the person they are criticizing.
Politicians who must tear another person down to win a political race are a little like a comedian who has to use profanity to make people laugh. If your life and qualifications aren't good enough to get you elected, you shouldn't be running. Chuck Waggoner asked me to serve on his campaign team for the prosecutor's race and I agreed on the condition that he would win or lose on his own merit and character by running a clean campaign. That was last October and in the months since, I haven't seen or heard one negative thing about another candidate come out of Chuck's mouth. I have known Chuck for nine years and I guess that would be consistent with everything I have ever seen in Chuck. On May 5th, I will make a statement when I vote, that I am tired of negative politics and that I am ready for a positive change. What will your vote say?
Denny Wilson
Warsaw
Questions Murder Charge
Editor, Times-Union:Where is the evidence? What prompted the grand jury indictment? Could it be that Kolbe misled the grand jury with an expert that was not qualified? Is this prosecution politically motivated?
Sherri Cusick was charged with murder in the death of her stepson Anthony Cusick. The charges Prosecutor Kolbe filed are based on circumstantial evidence. The facts of the case are that Anthony died in a closet fire while in the care of Sherri. It is reported that the manner of death is consistent with accidental, negative for obvious signs of child abuse or foul play and the toxicology screening for drugs was negative. Anthony had burns on his hands that would suggest he started and tried to put the fire out. The door to the closet in which he was found was not capable of being locked and could be opened easily. Renowned forensic pathologists indicate that a fire in the closet would generate a sufficient amount of carbon monoxide and exhaust oxygen in the air to cause unconsciousness in a couple minutes and death in less than 10 minutes. Also it is suggested that some of the expert testimony presented to grand jury was not from a qualified source and should only be given by a physician.
Is this not the prosecutor's job to make sure he has qualified witnesses? Is this not Kolbe's job as prosecutor to make sure he has more than circumstantial evidence?
After spending 58 days in jail, for a crime that she did not commit, Sherri Cusick was released on bail. This is the first time in over 75 years that someone charged with murder was released on bail in Kosciusko County. It is becoming more apparent that Sherri Cusick is the victim of a modern day witch hunt with Prosecutor Kolbe at the helm.
How can Kolbe sleep at night knowing that he jailed someone for his own political aspiration? In recent articles Kolbe denied this prosecution was politically motivated. However, he was quoted saying his office is interested in doing the "necessarily popular thing to do." It sounds as if all his actions are politically motivated. This is not a popularity contest! The office of prosecutor should not be held by someone that is morally repugnant.
How would all of us feel if we had to go through what Cusick family has had to endure? That could happen as long as Kolbe is in office. We can prevent it from happening by voting Kolbe out of office!
The Believers in Sherri Cusick's Innocence - Syracuse
Rich and Nancy Stage
Kim Conrad
Sue Ganshorn
Scott Seniff
Karen Harper
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