Support for Petitgout
To the Editor:
In recent weeks, we have all seen the demise, of all the Arm Chair Quarterbacks in the local McDonough County Sheriffs reelection race. The issue is, there is no filter, or truth police to correct, all of the incorrect nay saying rhetoric. So, it is time to set the record straight.
As an elected McDonough County official, that works with the Sheriff and his department on a daily basis, I can tell anyone, with full confidence, that we have an outstanding Sheriff and County Sheriff’s Department. His dedication, work ethic, and proven leadership have earned our trust and respect everyday of the year.
Nick works tirelessly to make McDonough County a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I see this first hand every day. Nick goes out of his way to help people in times of need and provide solutions to all the various issues that he deals with on a daily basis. Investigating and solving crime is just a part of his daily routine. Along with his heavy work schedule, you will also find him attending many area events outside of work, promoting a positive approachable environment with local law enforcement.
The Sheriffs’ job is not a 30 hour a week desk job, with high praises at every interaction. It is a difficult job that requires long hours and many split-second decisions, that the public wants to be correct every time. Nick meets and exceeds these challenges every day. Nick has saved this County hundreds of thousands of dollars in acquiring state grants to operate the County Sheriffs’ Department and Jail operations, as well as obtaining local financial resources.
Operating and staffing a Sheriff’s Department and County Jail within budget is not always easy, but Nick has always done this at, or under his allotted County budget, once again proving his leadership every year. As the person that works with every budget in the County, I can relay that Nick’s budget is always one of the most well thought out, and accurate budgets we work with every year. Fiscal budgetary efficiencies are always achieved and is something all tax payers should appreciate.
Nicks knowledge of operating the County Jail also saves taxpayers thousands of dollars every year. One example is that now inmate prescription needs are allocated through specific local drug plans that again save the taxpayers real dollars every day.
My advice to the good people of McDonough County is to be very cautious of the candidate with the “squeaky clean” record, as it usually means, they just sit behind a desk and never get their hands dirty. I will always vote for the candidate that is not afraid to go the extra mile, and prove his leadership, grit and effectiveness. Nick proves his commitment daily.
There is no need to even consider a lesser qualified, retired candidate.
Friends, please join me in reelecting Nick Petitgout as our Sheriff. Eric Blakeley Chairman of the McDonough County Board
