To the people of Murray County,
I’m Ron McKenzie, former sheriff of Murray County. I have over 35 years experience in law enforcement in the area. I have fond memories of living in Murray County, and I want the best for the people of Murray County.
I’m writing this letter because of the respect I have and always will have for the badge and the position of sheriff. There is currently an election for the sheriff of Murray County. The county commissioners also have their own elections. For various reasons, people are merging their feelings about the commissioners into the reasons to vote for sheriff. I am asking you to look a little deeper.
It is true that the commissioners made mistakes in the past when they reacted without enough information. However, this time, they took the time to get the information they needed to understand what was going on. They even went a step further by hiring an independent third party to investigate. Please look at the facts surrounding that investigation, and don’t allow emotions to rule your decisions.
Even before he became sheriff, there were concerns about Steve Telkamp abusing his power by writing a ticket to a trooper in retaliation for his own speeding ticket. His behavior has not changed. Recent investigations have proven that. Please read the transcript of his tirade at county employees. It’s on record. He discusses using commissioner influence to fire people who disagree with his policies. In addition to abuse of power, his language toward women demonstrates his disrespect and vulgarity. He uses fear to try to influence people. He has indicated that a new sheriff would fire the current staff. That’s not legally possible. However, it is an effective scare tactic.
Paul Kenny gives the people of Murray County a different choice. He has not, and will not, abuse the power of law enforcement. Paul has the respect of other local law enforcement officers. He is known for his calm, thoughtful approach to enforcing the law with fairness to all. His behavior shows respect for the badge and the position, but his true respect for people in general is a bigger point.
Please take the time to research the information available on each candidate. Look at the prior work history of each candidate. Look at the life decisions made by each candidate. Look at how the candidate treats others and handles conflict. Then, with the facts in hand, please get out and vote on November 6th for the candidate that reflects the true values of Murray County.
Ron McKenzie
