Letters to the Editor 04-25-2006
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Local Republicans - 'Rocky': A Role Model - Wayne Trustee - Whitaker: A Good Man - Whitaker Is Best Choice - Vote On May 2 - Whitaker Qualified - Slone Wants Your Vote - Supports Slone
Local Republicans
Editor, Times-Union:Is the local GOP falling from grace as implied by one of their own? I really am curious as to what Mac might have to say about this topic.
When I read Tony's article about some of our local political VIPs, I was very surprised at the honesty of his words and the content of his letter. The one thing that does puzzle me though, is, why are you upset now? Why not in every election we have had since you became active in the GOP party? You have been on the inside track, you know how it works in this county. Is it just because they did not do their GOP duties as usual, in the dark (out of the public eye) and instead went public with their wishes? I, as is Tony, am a lifelong resident of Warsaw and am very in tune with the workings of our local GOPs system. To say that the people you named have done anything wrong is not really accurate. Politics has no standards pertaining to right or wrong, only all-out winning at any cost. They only did it publicly this time because they don't have an Alpha candidate running for sheriff this time around and that is something they are not used to dealing with. Tony, the party is getting weaker in this county because too many individuals want a piece of the pie after the elections, and we all know a pie can only be cut into so many pieces before it starts to crumble and becomes like jam.
Post Script: Voters, please do your own research, listen to the candidates. Don't listen to me or anyone else about who you should vote for, if you do, that would be like giving me, or others your vote, and that would make us the victors. Make up your own mind and then get out and vote in the primary Tuesday. Bring your photo ID with you to your voting station and vote your mind, not mine or theirs.
Jonathan R. Mauk, via e-mail
Warsaw
'Rocky': A Role Model
Editor, Times-Union:I have been lucky enough to call "Rocky" Goshert a friend for as long as I can remember. I honestly believe that he is the right person to be the sheriff of Kosciusko County. He has the integrity, honesty and high moral values this position needs. He has the experience of his 21 years as an Indiana state trooper, along with his five years working as a deputy here in Kosciusko County. His bachelor's degree in business administration is also an added plus as this will help with managing the budget of the department. Most importantly to me is the fact that he is a good role model for the young people in this county. He knows how to work with the teens in this county thanks to his experiences as Wawasee school resource officer along with the coaching experience he has. The kids can look up to "Rocky" and know that they are going to get the respect they deserve back. I am glad that he has been one of those positive role models in my son's life.
"Rocky" is someone who will work hard and give his all to make Kosciusko County a safe and wonderful county in which to live. These are the reasons I will be voting for "Rocky" Goshert for sheriff.
Suzy Higgins
Warsaw
Wayne Trustee
Editor, Times-Union:I noticed there are three candidates running for Wayne Township Trustee. I would like to encourage the voters to vote for one or two people running for the office. Dan Slone or LaShawn Brumfield. I would like to say to the people that Sheila Burner is not the person for the job. I was a client who was seeking township assistance. But by the time I got the application, she made me feel like I was nothing and was very rude me. I never even went back to the office. So I would encourage the voters to vote for one of the two candidates.
Bonnie Blair, via e-mail
Warsaw
Whitaker: A Good Man
Editor, Times-Union:A lot of citizens are being misled by the opponents of Lt. Sam Whitaker. A rumor has been started that if Whitaker is elected sheriff, the jail ministry would be discontinued. Rest assured voters - this is not the truth. He is going to continue the ministry and worship service in the jail and at the work release center.
Whitaker is the hardest working police officer I know, and I have worked with many in my more than 30 years in law enforcement. Don't just take my word for it, ask the officers who have served under him or worked beside him. He has served you for the past 26 years, solving crimes that have been committed against you, your families and friends. He didn't settle for just being a road officer, he is a criminalist who strives to make this community a safer place for all of us. There are people who don't like Whitaker, most of them are criminals he has successfully put in jail, and there are those who do like him because of the job he has done for us.
There are some things that people don't know about Sam. Did you know that Whitaker and a couple other officers started the drug task force by working without compensation and on their off-duty time because administration told them that we didn't have a drug problem in our community? Their drug task force team led the state in drug seizures for several years, and it continues to be one of the best in the state today because of the foundation that was put in place. A time came when Whitaker asked to go to out-of-state polygraph school that lasted two months. He was granted permission - providing that he pay for some of the expenses and meals out of his own pocket. Did I mention that he finished No. 1 in the class and carries around a 95 percent confession rating? No other candidate had dedicated his time and efforts or is prepared for the job of sheriff of Kosciusko County as Whitaker is. He has proven his abilities, is intelligent, has the experience and good work ethics. Sam Whitaker and I have been good friends since 1956 when we started first grade together at Silver Lake, and that friendship continues today.
Lt. Sam Whitaker has worked many years for you. Leadership is one of his many attributes and he leads by example, he works hard and expects those around him to work hard. In fact, he gives 100 percent at everything he does. Show your support by voting for Whitaker May 2.
Lyle Enyeart
Claypool
Whitaker Is Best Choice
Editor, Times-Union:I must admit that a recent letter to the editor speaking of supporters for Sam Whitaker caught me by surprise. I know Tony Silveus (he ran for Warsaw council and was not elected), and I work with his sister (the current jail matron), and recognize that sometimes alliances run deep with family members and cause emotions to soar.
As a Republican elected official and veteran, I take my role very seriously. It is my responsibility to Republican voters to help them make a good choice by voting for the best candidate for sheriff in the primary. This candidate is Sam Whitaker. Sam has good leadership traits and knows people. He looks out for their welfare. He is fair, firm and honest.
I worship with Sam Whitaker at men's Bible study at Warsaw Community Church, and because of these weekly meetings, I have the opportunity to hear his ideas concerning the direction of the jail ministry that is currently offered for inmates. Not only does he support the current program, he has expectations on how to build and grow that ministry not only in the jail, but through the work release program as well.
P.S. Don't forget to take with you a photo ID to the polls.
Bob Morrison
Warsaw
Vote On May 2
Editor, Times-Union:I write this letter to encourage everyone to vote in the primary election May 2.
There are many things that influence the way we vote and it is very important that you exercise your right to vote. It is very important that you elect the candidate that is most qualified for the duty they are seeking. Even though we are at the local government level, it is so important that all local government officials are familiar with the policies and procedures that are required to keep the county and townships running smoothly.
I have enjoyed serving the residents of North Webster and Tippecanoe Township as the trustee for the last three years. Along with the current township board we have accomplished several things over the last three years. The township purchased the Little League baseball grounds that were owned by the school. This ground was purchased to preserve the use of the grounds for the North Webster Youth League baseball program. The township continues to work with members of the North Webster Little League to improve the grounds.
I have worked very close with the North Webster fire chief. The township has purchased two new fire vehicles over the last three years, a rescue truck and a pumper truck. Both of these vehicles were acquired without debt to the township. With the purchase of these vehicles, and a request for a regrade of the fire department ISO ratings, the town/township ISO rating was reduced to a six from an eight, which should reduce the rate of your homeowners insurance if you reside five road miles from the fire department. This change will take affect as of May 1. This could not have been accomplished without the dedicated group of volunteer firefighters that serve North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department.
There are no plans to change the current paramedic EMS service. I am dedicated to keeping the local EMS system in place to provide the best service possible to you should you need an ambulance. I have been involved with the EMS service as an EMT-A for 16 years.
I have enjoyed helping people and being involved with the many things that happen in North Webster to make it the place it is. I have lived in North Webster my entire life and enjoy the small town community life.
I have the following goals if elected to serve as the trustee: Continue to provide top quality Fire and EMS service, seek additional resources to improve the town and township, be open minded and eager to help the citizens of the town and township, and strive to maintain a low tax rate for the township while continuing to provide quality services.
Please remember to vote May 2. Thank you for your support.
Alyssa J. Schmucker, via e-mail
Tippecanoe Township Trustee
North Webster
Whitaker Qualified
Editor, Times-Union:Sam Whitaker is well qualified to be elected Kosciusko County sheriff. He has had an extensive range of experience during his 26 years of law enforcement responsibilities.
He started as a reserve officer and from there rose to a road deputy, and then moving on to the narcotics division. From this experience, he moved to the investigative division, director of the work release program, and for 20 years has been the polygraph examiner. He is the only law enforcement officer currently in the sheriff's department who has had this breadth of administrative experience. Often when something needs done, Sam is called upon and readily accepts the responsibility.
Some who work with Sam characterize him as fair, firm, honest and principled. He makes it a goal to know people and is concerned for their welfare.
Veterans are grateful for the interest he has shown on behalf of those who have served in the military, by showing up at all veteran events and endeavoring to learn of their needs.
In addition to the existing programs with which he has been involved, Sam started the drug task by volunteering his time the first two years. He was instrumental in obtaining a drug grant, which the sheriff's department has had since 1989. He was a major factor in the department receiving more than $1 million to date.
I hope you will seriously consider the qualifications of this candidate and vote for him as I am going to do.
R. Wayne Snider, via e-mail
Winona Lake
Slone Wants Your Vote
Editor, Times-Union:My name is Daniel Slone, Republican for Wayne Township Trustee. It has been a great pleasure serving as your township trustee. I would like to continue serving as your trustee.
Over the last three years, I reduced the township budget by $1.3 million in 2003 to $784,000 in 2005. I started the Workfare Program for clients seeking township assistance. Clients are matched with agencies that provide them with an opportunity to work off some of the aid that they receive. Several clients have subsequently been hired by the employers that they were placed with. I ensured that clients seeking township assistance were thoroughly investigated to validate their eligibility. I am committed to making sure that public safety personnel such as fire and EMS have the funding and equipment that they need, to assisting Multi-Township EMS obtain a new facility that will incorporate the ambulance base and billing office in one location, to establishing a permanent home for the Wayne Township Trustees office so that taxpayers money is being spent to support a facility that is actually owned by the township, to continue keeping taxes as low as possible. I made home visits to homebound seniors. My office supplied free glucometers to low-income diabetic patients. Glucometers are obtained at no cost to the taxpayers of Wayne Township. I helped ensure that sentimental/historical areas such as the Groves Cemetery are kept in good repair. Dilapidated fencing was recently replaced. I treat all clients with dignity and respect.
Daniel B Slone, via e-mail
Warsaw
Supports Slone
Editor, Times-Union:I would like for Dan Slone to be re-elected for trustee. I think he is doing a good job.
Roger Miller, via e-mail
Warsaw
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- Local Republicans - 'Rocky': A Role Model - Wayne Trustee - Whitaker: A Good Man - Whitaker Is Best Choice - Vote On May 2 - Whitaker Qualified - Slone Wants Your Vote - Supports Slone
Local Republicans
Editor, Times-Union:Is the local GOP falling from grace as implied by one of their own? I really am curious as to what Mac might have to say about this topic.
When I read Tony's article about some of our local political VIPs, I was very surprised at the honesty of his words and the content of his letter. The one thing that does puzzle me though, is, why are you upset now? Why not in every election we have had since you became active in the GOP party? You have been on the inside track, you know how it works in this county. Is it just because they did not do their GOP duties as usual, in the dark (out of the public eye) and instead went public with their wishes? I, as is Tony, am a lifelong resident of Warsaw and am very in tune with the workings of our local GOPs system. To say that the people you named have done anything wrong is not really accurate. Politics has no standards pertaining to right or wrong, only all-out winning at any cost. They only did it publicly this time because they don't have an Alpha candidate running for sheriff this time around and that is something they are not used to dealing with. Tony, the party is getting weaker in this county because too many individuals want a piece of the pie after the elections, and we all know a pie can only be cut into so many pieces before it starts to crumble and becomes like jam.
Post Script: Voters, please do your own research, listen to the candidates. Don't listen to me or anyone else about who you should vote for, if you do, that would be like giving me, or others your vote, and that would make us the victors. Make up your own mind and then get out and vote in the primary Tuesday. Bring your photo ID with you to your voting station and vote your mind, not mine or theirs.
Jonathan R. Mauk, via e-mail
Warsaw
'Rocky': A Role Model
Editor, Times-Union:I have been lucky enough to call "Rocky" Goshert a friend for as long as I can remember. I honestly believe that he is the right person to be the sheriff of Kosciusko County. He has the integrity, honesty and high moral values this position needs. He has the experience of his 21 years as an Indiana state trooper, along with his five years working as a deputy here in Kosciusko County. His bachelor's degree in business administration is also an added plus as this will help with managing the budget of the department. Most importantly to me is the fact that he is a good role model for the young people in this county. He knows how to work with the teens in this county thanks to his experiences as Wawasee school resource officer along with the coaching experience he has. The kids can look up to "Rocky" and know that they are going to get the respect they deserve back. I am glad that he has been one of those positive role models in my son's life.
"Rocky" is someone who will work hard and give his all to make Kosciusko County a safe and wonderful county in which to live. These are the reasons I will be voting for "Rocky" Goshert for sheriff.
Suzy Higgins
Warsaw
Wayne Trustee
Editor, Times-Union:I noticed there are three candidates running for Wayne Township Trustee. I would like to encourage the voters to vote for one or two people running for the office. Dan Slone or LaShawn Brumfield. I would like to say to the people that Sheila Burner is not the person for the job. I was a client who was seeking township assistance. But by the time I got the application, she made me feel like I was nothing and was very rude me. I never even went back to the office. So I would encourage the voters to vote for one of the two candidates.
Bonnie Blair, via e-mail
Warsaw
Whitaker: A Good Man
Editor, Times-Union:A lot of citizens are being misled by the opponents of Lt. Sam Whitaker. A rumor has been started that if Whitaker is elected sheriff, the jail ministry would be discontinued. Rest assured voters - this is not the truth. He is going to continue the ministry and worship service in the jail and at the work release center.
Whitaker is the hardest working police officer I know, and I have worked with many in my more than 30 years in law enforcement. Don't just take my word for it, ask the officers who have served under him or worked beside him. He has served you for the past 26 years, solving crimes that have been committed against you, your families and friends. He didn't settle for just being a road officer, he is a criminalist who strives to make this community a safer place for all of us. There are people who don't like Whitaker, most of them are criminals he has successfully put in jail, and there are those who do like him because of the job he has done for us.
There are some things that people don't know about Sam. Did you know that Whitaker and a couple other officers started the drug task force by working without compensation and on their off-duty time because administration told them that we didn't have a drug problem in our community? Their drug task force team led the state in drug seizures for several years, and it continues to be one of the best in the state today because of the foundation that was put in place. A time came when Whitaker asked to go to out-of-state polygraph school that lasted two months. He was granted permission - providing that he pay for some of the expenses and meals out of his own pocket. Did I mention that he finished No. 1 in the class and carries around a 95 percent confession rating? No other candidate had dedicated his time and efforts or is prepared for the job of sheriff of Kosciusko County as Whitaker is. He has proven his abilities, is intelligent, has the experience and good work ethics. Sam Whitaker and I have been good friends since 1956 when we started first grade together at Silver Lake, and that friendship continues today.
Lt. Sam Whitaker has worked many years for you. Leadership is one of his many attributes and he leads by example, he works hard and expects those around him to work hard. In fact, he gives 100 percent at everything he does. Show your support by voting for Whitaker May 2.
Lyle Enyeart
Claypool
Whitaker Is Best Choice
Editor, Times-Union:I must admit that a recent letter to the editor speaking of supporters for Sam Whitaker caught me by surprise. I know Tony Silveus (he ran for Warsaw council and was not elected), and I work with his sister (the current jail matron), and recognize that sometimes alliances run deep with family members and cause emotions to soar.
As a Republican elected official and veteran, I take my role very seriously. It is my responsibility to Republican voters to help them make a good choice by voting for the best candidate for sheriff in the primary. This candidate is Sam Whitaker. Sam has good leadership traits and knows people. He looks out for their welfare. He is fair, firm and honest.
I worship with Sam Whitaker at men's Bible study at Warsaw Community Church, and because of these weekly meetings, I have the opportunity to hear his ideas concerning the direction of the jail ministry that is currently offered for inmates. Not only does he support the current program, he has expectations on how to build and grow that ministry not only in the jail, but through the work release program as well.
P.S. Don't forget to take with you a photo ID to the polls.
Bob Morrison
Warsaw
Vote On May 2
Editor, Times-Union:I write this letter to encourage everyone to vote in the primary election May 2.
There are many things that influence the way we vote and it is very important that you exercise your right to vote. It is very important that you elect the candidate that is most qualified for the duty they are seeking. Even though we are at the local government level, it is so important that all local government officials are familiar with the policies and procedures that are required to keep the county and townships running smoothly.
I have enjoyed serving the residents of North Webster and Tippecanoe Township as the trustee for the last three years. Along with the current township board we have accomplished several things over the last three years. The township purchased the Little League baseball grounds that were owned by the school. This ground was purchased to preserve the use of the grounds for the North Webster Youth League baseball program. The township continues to work with members of the North Webster Little League to improve the grounds.
I have worked very close with the North Webster fire chief. The township has purchased two new fire vehicles over the last three years, a rescue truck and a pumper truck. Both of these vehicles were acquired without debt to the township. With the purchase of these vehicles, and a request for a regrade of the fire department ISO ratings, the town/township ISO rating was reduced to a six from an eight, which should reduce the rate of your homeowners insurance if you reside five road miles from the fire department. This change will take affect as of May 1. This could not have been accomplished without the dedicated group of volunteer firefighters that serve North Webster/Tippecanoe Township Fire Department.
There are no plans to change the current paramedic EMS service. I am dedicated to keeping the local EMS system in place to provide the best service possible to you should you need an ambulance. I have been involved with the EMS service as an EMT-A for 16 years.
I have enjoyed helping people and being involved with the many things that happen in North Webster to make it the place it is. I have lived in North Webster my entire life and enjoy the small town community life.
I have the following goals if elected to serve as the trustee: Continue to provide top quality Fire and EMS service, seek additional resources to improve the town and township, be open minded and eager to help the citizens of the town and township, and strive to maintain a low tax rate for the township while continuing to provide quality services.
Please remember to vote May 2. Thank you for your support.
Alyssa J. Schmucker, via e-mail
Tippecanoe Township Trustee
North Webster
Whitaker Qualified
Editor, Times-Union:Sam Whitaker is well qualified to be elected Kosciusko County sheriff. He has had an extensive range of experience during his 26 years of law enforcement responsibilities.
He started as a reserve officer and from there rose to a road deputy, and then moving on to the narcotics division. From this experience, he moved to the investigative division, director of the work release program, and for 20 years has been the polygraph examiner. He is the only law enforcement officer currently in the sheriff's department who has had this breadth of administrative experience. Often when something needs done, Sam is called upon and readily accepts the responsibility.
Some who work with Sam characterize him as fair, firm, honest and principled. He makes it a goal to know people and is concerned for their welfare.
Veterans are grateful for the interest he has shown on behalf of those who have served in the military, by showing up at all veteran events and endeavoring to learn of their needs.
In addition to the existing programs with which he has been involved, Sam started the drug task by volunteering his time the first two years. He was instrumental in obtaining a drug grant, which the sheriff's department has had since 1989. He was a major factor in the department receiving more than $1 million to date.
I hope you will seriously consider the qualifications of this candidate and vote for him as I am going to do.
R. Wayne Snider, via e-mail
Winona Lake
Slone Wants Your Vote
Editor, Times-Union:My name is Daniel Slone, Republican for Wayne Township Trustee. It has been a great pleasure serving as your township trustee. I would like to continue serving as your trustee.
Over the last three years, I reduced the township budget by $1.3 million in 2003 to $784,000 in 2005. I started the Workfare Program for clients seeking township assistance. Clients are matched with agencies that provide them with an opportunity to work off some of the aid that they receive. Several clients have subsequently been hired by the employers that they were placed with. I ensured that clients seeking township assistance were thoroughly investigated to validate their eligibility. I am committed to making sure that public safety personnel such as fire and EMS have the funding and equipment that they need, to assisting Multi-Township EMS obtain a new facility that will incorporate the ambulance base and billing office in one location, to establishing a permanent home for the Wayne Township Trustees office so that taxpayers money is being spent to support a facility that is actually owned by the township, to continue keeping taxes as low as possible. I made home visits to homebound seniors. My office supplied free glucometers to low-income diabetic patients. Glucometers are obtained at no cost to the taxpayers of Wayne Township. I helped ensure that sentimental/historical areas such as the Groves Cemetery are kept in good repair. Dilapidated fencing was recently replaced. I treat all clients with dignity and respect.
Daniel B Slone, via e-mail
Warsaw
Supports Slone
Editor, Times-Union:I would like for Dan Slone to be re-elected for trustee. I think he is doing a good job.
Roger Miller, via e-mail
Warsaw
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