To the editor,
Not willing to run for office myself, I appreciate those that do — and do a great job at what we elected them to do.
Unlike the wild and noisy presidential campaign this year where the candidates are all making ridiculous claims of what they can do for the country, I would like to throw my support behind two men who have genuinely proven they have the interests of Allen County at heart:
Bryan Murphy for sheriff and Tom Williams for county commissioner.
I’ve recently become aware of a smear campaign against Murphy and Williams started by a couple of locals that have a personal vendetta against the two. Unfortunately, their whining has gained some support from some that don’t understand the whole story behind their complaints.
Many swayed by this vitriol are not aware of the significant contributions that Williams — first as sheriff and then as a county commissioner — and Sheriff Murphy have made to the surrounding area. In my opinion, law enforcement in Allen County is so much better than it was back before Williams and Murphy rode into town.
If we continue to have quality people like Bryan Murphy and Tom Williams willing to serve Allen County in elected positions, Iola and the surrounding areas will continue to be a great place to live.
Please make your vote count for continued safety and growth. Vote Tuesday for Bryan Murphy for sheriff and Tom Williams for county commissioner!
Steve Strickler,
Iola, Kan.
To the editor,
Sheriff Bryan Murphy is a devoted family man with high integrity and has committed himself to building a positive, professional, public image of law enforcement in his community. Murphy has set a bar in his office expecting accountability, discipline and fairness from his officers and staff. He’s been a quality leader for Allen County. Bryan cares for and has done an outstanding job for the citizens of Allen County.
What gets lost in all of this political posturing is what matters most, providing high-quality professional public safety services to the citizens of Allen County. Sheriff Murphy has done that successfully for the last three years; I look forward to working with him for another four years.
Dan Oswalt,
Iola, Kan.
Dear Editor,
In writing, I don’t believe I have ever made a statement in this manner before. I am an average citizen of this city and county. I was born, raised and educated here, including my post secondary education. I have chosen to be married and raise my family here. I work here each day. I have grieved and buried loved ones and friends that I miss dearly. I love my city and my county. I am no one special. I am average in about every way you can think. I’m just an average person.
I am grateful for our citizens who choose to be our public servants. Whether someone serves as an officer, deputy, EMT or firefighter, they have chosen to care for and serve and protect to the best of their ability all lives they come into contact with. This is their life’s work, their passion. It takes a special breed to commit your life to serving others. It takes courage, integrity and bravery. It can put every facet of your life in the spotlight in some situations. It makes every part of your life vulnerable and open to questions and criticism. Each and every one of the men and women who have placed themselves in a capacity to serve their fellow neighbors, have a respect from me far beyond what words can ever say.
One such citizen is Sheriff Bryan Murphy. My support also is a public thank you to him and everyone who serves the citizens of this county and city. They are not thanked enough. Your service is honorable and full of sacrifice that is often unseen and unspoken.
The election has been weighing heavily on my mind, even more so with the current climate for our officers.
Our country has been plagued with news coming in at a blurring rate and near daily reports of deaths and shootings. Even our small community has not been untouched by tragedy with the recent loss of Captain Robert Melton of the KCK Police Department. Sheriff Murphy shared time with him during his service in the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department. I know this took a huge toll on him as well as every deputy in our department. I am not in law enforcement but I know they are a brotherhood. Those men and women who work together daily become family.
As John 15:13 reads “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
I can never imagine the horrific things these men and women have been witness to and have to deal with in silence.
