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Opinion
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- Written by: Phil Scully
I have known Sheriff Rod Mitchell for several years and recognize him as a dedicated public servant. In spite of continuous budget cuts he has led a competent and determined department that has kept our county safe and orderly.
Recently Sheriff Mitchell has been the subject of questionable and unfounded accusations concerning budget and personnel issues. Unfortunately, while anyone can make accusations, a county department head may not discuss personnel issues, even to defend his own integrity.
The campaign against Sheriff Mitchell seems to have slipped to a very low level. Two “Mitchell for Sheriff” signs on our property have repeatedly been torn down, and now have disappeared entirely. I have noticed that other Mitchell signs around the county also have disappeared.
In casting my vote I plan to follow the recommendation of the Lake County Deputy Sheriffs Association, whose members should know the candidates best and have endorsed Rod Mitchell.
Let’s not experiment with the safety of our county.
Phil Scully lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Kirk Macdonald
This Memorial Day three-day weekend – before you realize it is Tuesday morning and you have to go back to work – set aside a little time to visit your local cemetery and pay your respects to the men and women who have helped you enjoy this holiday.
Sometime between the parades, the barbecue and the boating, take a little time with your family to say thanks to those who have gone before you.
When you pull into the cemetery at Hartley, Lower Lake, Middletown, Upper Lake or Kelseyville and see all the flags flying, remember that this holiday weekend is because of someone’s sacrifice.
That sacrifice wasn’t just for a three-day weekend but for endless days of freedom.
They have done their job and yours is just to say thanks.
Kirk Macdonald lives in Lakeport.
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- Written by: Rick Thomsen
My name is Rick Thomsen and I am Lynn Thornton's brother.
Four years ago Lynn died due to Chief Deputy Russell Perdock's irresponsibility and gross negligence. Speeding along Clear Lake on a pitch dark night in April 2006, he slammed into the sailboat Lynn was on and hit it with such force that his speedboat became airborne, flew over the sailboat and landed on the other side, killing Lynn in the process.
Russell Perdock was never charged for my sister's death. Instead, District Attorney Jon Hopkins and Sheriff Rodney Mitchell made Bismarck Dinius, who was at the tiller of the sailboat, their scapegoat, charging him with Lynn's death.
Bismarck endured three years of hell and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars defending himself against this outrageous charge.
Thankfully, when the case finally went to trial, three years after the incident, and in time for the statues of limitations to run out for Russell Perdock, Dinius was rightly found innocent.
I have been quiet over the last four years, not often voicing my opinion publicly, but with the elections of sheriff and district attorney coming up I feel that I must do so now.
Since I live in Texas and not in the Lake County community I do not feel entitled to endorse one candidate or the other.
I do, however, ask that when you cast your vote on June 8 that you remember the events that surrounded Lynn's death; remember the manipulation, coverup, and lies that came from those we entrust with upholding the law.
Most of all I ask that you remember Lynn and send a message that says you will not tolerate anything less than honesty and integrity in our law enforcement community.
Lynn dedicated her entire career to law enforcement and our family has a history of involvement in law enforcement. One of my sons is a police officer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and was inspired by his Aunt Lynn's dedication to protecting the community.
On a personal note, my sister Lynn was a wonderful person and dearly loved by everyone who knew her. She was kind, caring, warm, generous and always strived to do the right thing.
On June 8 I urge you to do the right thing; cast your vote for the candidates that are the most qualified, have the community's best interest at heart, have solid endorsements, and are dedicated to restoring honesty and integrity to the positions of sheriff and district attorney of Lake County.
Let's not let Lynn's death be in vain.
Rick Thomsen lives in Keller, Texas.
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- Written by: Mary Becker