We welcome letters to the Editor, a chance for members of the community to comment on issues of concern to them. All letters must be original, not duplications of letters addressed to public officials or written by others. The views and opinions expressed are those of the letter writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of this publication, its publishers, Editor, or staff.

To the Editor:
During elections, candidates often utilize buzzwords designed to incite strong emotions in voters. One phrase I’ve heard lately is “good ol’ boys.” Candidates promise to rid us of the “good ol’ boys” (in this case, our incumbent Sheriff) and thus save the citizens from old-fashioned thinking. And after 32 years with the Department, I guess you could say Sheriff Ken Schneider is a little old-fashioned.
Take his morals, for example. Ken grew up on a farm right here in Lincoln County, and he still believes in digging his hands into the soil and being satisfied by a hard day’s work. He believes that a leader guides by example, by knowing every aspect of his job at every level, and that people should be judged on their actions rather than hearsay. He knows how to work without waste, how to use the tools at his disposal to create innovative solutions built on decades of experience. He respects the value of community and has stayed here rather than going elsewhere, where his talents and expertise could earn him more pay (go ahead and add loyalty to his list of “old-fashioned” faults). He is invested in helping our County grow, in keeping us safe, in planning ahead.
So yeah, maybe Ken can be old-fashioned.
Maybe that’s exactly what we need.
Please join me in voting for Ken Schneider for Lincoln County Sheriff on November 8. Old-fashioned values and experience are the roots this community needs.

– Rachael Waldburger
Merrill, Wis.

To the Editor:
Your current Sheriff has been called incompetent by his opponent. Think about this a moment. Ken Schneider has been with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for 32 years, the last 4 as your Sheriff. That’s 32 years beginning in corrections at the Jail and then working years as a night shift Deputy. His leadership ability was recognized, and over the next years he was an Active Shooter Instructor, Firearms Instructor, the Dispatch Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, Patrol Lieutenant, SWAT Team Member, Team Leader, and then SWAT Commander, and is now serving as your Sheriff. You don’t last 32 years in the same law enforcement agency, especially in the County that you were born in and grew up in, if you’re incompetent. But that is what his opponent, the man who is trying to take Ken’s job, is claiming. A wise man once told me, if you hear someone talking down about someone else, consider the source. Ken is by far the most experienced and best choice to continue serving and protecting you.
Please join me in voting for Ken Schneider for your Sheriff.

– Donna Plautz
Merrill, Wis.

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