Bowe puts community first - not agendas or politics

I have worked at the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 25 years. In that time, I have worked for three different sheriffs. For most of my career, I have served you as the records clerk, and my office has been right next door to the sheriff, undersheriff, and their administrative assistant. 

We all know that election cycles are stressful and full of uncertainty, so I would like to offer some insight based on my experience.

Sheriff Roby Bowe was a new deputy when I was hired as a new dispatcher in 1990. I was as impressed then as I am now with his honesty, integrity and commitment to the citizens of Lincoln County, to his employees and to his family.

The sheriff must respond to and balance many and varied types of public and internal expectations – a very difficult role. I know from experience that Sheriff Bowe is receptive to comment, both positive and negative, and can be trusted to do everything he can to make the right decision.

There have been many changes at the sheriff’s office in the last four years and I can honestly say that most if not all of those changes were necessary and enhanced the effectiveness of this office. Above all else, Sheriff Bowe has expected and demanded honesty and integrity from his employees. It is inevitable that delicate or difficult decisions will irritate someone, and in return some disgruntled parties may do their utmost to make his life miserable and try to influence others with lies, half-truths and exaggerations. Those who couldn’t or wouldn’t meet his standards are no longer employed, and some of them continue the attacks for personal gain.

It is noteworthy that Sheriff Bowe will not resort to a smear campaign, since such filthy tactics are not only ineffective, but may also cause long-term divisiveness within the community. I would hope that the Lincoln County voters reject these tactics and focus on what’s real.

Sheriff Bowe is honest, loyal and humble, and has worked hard to instill a higher degree of integrity, pride and functionality into a department that had been struggling in the past. 

I would urge the voters of Lincoln County to re-elect Sheriff Bowe so he can continue doing the right thing, which is putting citizens and communities first – not agendas, egos and politics.

- Laura Schrader, Troy