To the Voters of Brown County,

There has been much opinion offered recently regarding the upcoming primary election race for Brown County Sheriff. In any election this is to be expected and is one of the key freedoms we are privileged to enjoy as citizens of the greatest country in the world. Having been a long time Brown County resident I feel a need to exercise this freedom and weigh in on the Sheriff’s race because I feel this particular election offers us something different. What is different about this particular choice you ask? First let me answer the question of what we will choose when we go to the polls on March 15th. We will make a choice that will ultimately determine who will direct the chief law enforcement agency in the county, an agency with many current problems that need solutions. A choice that will decide who will be making policy in the Sheriff’s Office that is unbiased and only focuses on citizen support and cooperation of all law enforcement departments in the county. A choice that will pick an individual who has the skills to work cooperatively with our Commissioners, our Prosecutors, our Judges and all county agencies in solving problems before they become a major issue, a choice that will select who will be managing a budget of over three million dollars and who will be responsible to the taxpayers for ensuring maximum value for dollars spent including training and equipping all officers for maximum safety and effectiveness on the job. A choice that will decide how effective our future jail facilities will be managed and maintained. In short, a choice that will allow Brown County to be the best it can be in the Sheriff’s Office.

So what is different about this particular choice? The difference is that we have the opportunity to select Gordon Ellis as the next Brown County Sheriff. His credentials are well known, 30 years full time law enforcement experience, multiple police chief assignments, FBI Academy trained, trained jail administrator, proven record of drug enforcement, Brigadier General Ohio National Guard…and so on. Simply stated, a man with an unquestionable and impeccable record of service and the experience, training and education needed to be effective from day one.

And while this election is certainly different because we are not often afforded the chance to select someone so eminently qualified to serve but also, perhaps more importantly, it is different because Mr. Ellis clearly is not a member of what some might call the ‘good old boys club’. And because of that we are given the rare option of picking someone who has made no promises to anyone except the citizens of the county, owes no one, has no favors to repay and has promised jobs to no one.

My fellow Brown County citizens I can only ask that you make the comparisons for yourself. I am confident that if you make an informed choice, that choice will be Gordon Ellis for Brown County Sheriff.

Tim Redick