Editor, Times-Union: We read so many letters to the editor with one person saying this, another saying that and going so far as to use the word extremist. I wish to share my observations and experiences. I am an American patriot that proudly served my country in uniform 30 years, on active duty and reserve, in Vietnam and Desert Storm. I also proudly served the communities I lived in 23 years, serving as a law enforcement officer. During this time I was also a campaign chair for a Democrat who was running for judge in Kosciusko County. I also worked hard on the campaign for Republican David Kolbe when he first ran for prosecutor in Kosciusko County. I was present with him, sitting in Erick Coburn’s living room, awaiting the announcement that a lot of us in the law enforcement community wanted to hear, that he had been elected our new county prosecutor. We were elated at the outcome. It was my hope that he would elevate the standard of law and criminal prosecution enforcement to a higher standard than the previous prosecutor. Shortly after taking office I understand that he brought on staff, someone from the Indiana Civil Liberties Union which is now the ACLU. Its founders belonged to the American Workers’ Party or previously the American Communist Party. There became such a split between the prosecutor’s office and some of the local law enforcement agencies, due to Mr. Kolbe’s decision to file some cases, the way they were filed, and not others. He selected some officers out, good officers, that served their communities honorably for years and made a target of them in the media. He also attempted to get local law enforcement agencies to bend to his will. One big difference, this is still, and will always be, the USA. (Times-Union letter to the editor 8/29/97) In the Times-Union dated 3/28/96, the article appeared “Foster Parent Faces Molesting Charges.” Kolbe had previously filed the case as a “battery, Class B misdemeanor.” He felt that the little 7 year old girl was “very sexually provocative.” Interpret that one for yourself! Seven years old and provocative? And that’s an excuse to file it as a misdemeanor? The person doing the battery was a foster parent. He later stated that after reviewing the case he dismissed the battery and filed it as “molesting, Class C felony.” He stated that pressure from the media and law enforcement had nothing to do with his decision. Yeah right! Thank you, media! Things like this caused a split between the law enforcement community and the prosecutor’s office. There are many dedicated officers serving our local communities in District 22 and citizens that deserve the absolute very best that a public servant can offer. Can or will David Kolbe deliver the absolute very best? Ron Moser Leesburg via e-mail
