I have read many articles, interviews and references on the Jasper County Sheriff candidates and have made my decision based on what I have learned. Two recent letters published in the same edition of the Newton News, both from Grinnell residents, suggested that Tracy Cross was the right candidate for the job based on her political stance. The letter writers both insinuated that because Cross is supported by “strong conservative leaders in Jasper County,” she should put partisan politics above her law enforcement duties and instead be a puppet following the dictates of Governor Reynolds and the Attorney General and their conservative policies in the state. This is a flawed mindset that doesn’t help anyone. We don’t need a partisan puppet for our county sheriff. I have no interest in choosing a sheriff just because he is affiliated with the ruling party in the county. What we need is a sheriff who will put aside his political beliefs and work for all the residents of Jasper County. The people who support Mr. Cross love to talk about the Constitution and seem to believe that only their own party will follow the law. In my opinion, that is very insulting to the other candidates.
When asked who is best qualified to be the next sheriff, why would we choose a candidate with little experience and only a few recommendations from a few acquaintances, but none from people actually in law enforcement? Only one candidate has the full support of many current and former law enforcement officers, not just in Jasper County but across the state. And contrary to what the letter writer may think, coming from a family with a long history of law enforcement does not make a candidate “stuck in the past.” It just adds credibility and respect to a candidate’s record. This candidate’s work history, accomplishments, and glowing recommendations from all of his colleagues demonstrate that Brad Schatz is the only candidate who will not put politics above his responsibility to all the residents of Jasper County and will apply the law fairly and across the board. There is no place for politics in our law enforcement, and politics should not be a consideration when selecting a candidate.
“Everyone who has worked with Brad and knows his reputation seems to have his full support. Those in the know say Brad has the track record and the attitude necessary to do this difficult job. And if everyone who knows him or has worked with him in law enforcement believes he is the best person for the job, that’s good enough for me.”
John Moore
Newton
