Editor, Times-Union: I would like to commend Tim Sammons of the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department for the outstanding job he has done the past several years as the DARE officer. As a DARE officer, it is important for students to be well educated about the dangers of smoking, drugs and violence. The DARE officer has to be able to gain the trust of the students, and Officer Sammons has been able to gain their trust with ease.
The DARE officer has to be reliable because students need to know that he will always be there to help them even after they have graduated from the DARE program. Officer Sammons has shown this reliability by making himself available whenever a student needed to talk with someone about drug or family issues.
As the DARE officer for Burket School, Officer Sammons has been very reliable in his commitment to be at the school every week for the program. He has had to be positive with students and show them how to conduct themselves in a positive manner even when the natural response to some situations would be to respond with criticism or hostility. I would like for our community to know that Officer Sammons is to be commended for the leadership he has shown through the DARE program. The DARE program is very worthwhile, and while we cannot measure results, we know that with people such as Officer Sammons and our Sheriff's Department personnel, this program has to be making more students aware of the dangers facing them as they grow up. For that reason, we are thankful for the fine job Officer Sammons continues to do.
Jack R. Fisher Fifth-grade teacher Burket Elementary School via e-mail
Re-Elect Renier
Editor, Times-Union: We are writing to you today to let the public know about the current Kosciusko County Assessor. Her name is Laurie Renier. She is the incumbent. She has worked in the Assessor's office for 16 years, beginning with reassessment under Avis Gunter.
In 1999 she became Chief Deputy for Sharon Thompson. Sharon became ill during her term and through the months of her illness Laurie carried on the duties of Sharon because of her commitment to the county and to Sharon. This was a difficult time for her; everyone wanted answers to their questions, including the township assessors and the public. Laurie did her absolute best, keeping in mind that she was not only to hold up the integrity of Sharon but her own integrity as well. We will always have grieving times for Sharon, we miss her greatly.
Laurie believes that we (all county offices) are here for the taxpayer, and she reminds us of that weekly. She was taught by the "old school" as we call it, that every taxpayer deserves the respect, courtesy and fairness over all. She will defend this to the very end. Don't hesitate to ask about your assessment, Laurie and her staff want it to be correct. No wheeling and dealing. She expects this from her employees as well. There are five Real Estate Deputies and one Commercial/Industrial Appraiser and one C/I Assistant and currently one part-time person, all under the County Assessor payroll.
When considering your vote on May 7 for Kosciusko County Assessor, consider honesty, integrity, responsibility and the willingness to serve this county. Vote Laurie A. Renier for Kosciusko County Assessor.
We know, we work with Laurie every day.
Her office staff and friends
Kathy Sponseller Rebecca Richard Ella Mae Ransbottom Nancy Heid
They'll Vote For Sammons
Editor, Times-Union: The following are reasons why we would vote for Officer Sammons for Sheriff. He is our DARE officer. He teaches with real-life stories and has experiments. We can tell him anything and he listens. He is trustworthy and respectful.
Officer Sammons is immensely active in our community. He is an Upwards coach and participates in many school activities.
He truly cares about us. He not only supports us, but also our parents and families. If we could vote, we would vote for Officer Sammons for Sheriff.
Mrs. Wuthrich's fifth-grade class
Pierceton Elementary via e-mail
Defending Rooney
Editor, Times-Union: Master Sergeant Donald Guard of Leesburg is upset that Andy Rooney dared criticize our military leaders while he, Rooney himself, "probably sat on his fat rear end at a desk, like he does now, and whined and complained, like he does now."
Nonsense Sarge! This from the dust jacket of his latest book, "My War": "(he) flew bomber missions, arrived in France during the D-Day invasion and crossed the Rhine with the Allied forces, traveled to Paris for the Liberation, and, as one of the first reporters into Buchenwald, witnessed the discovery of Hitler's concentration camps ... "
I know, from 23 years experience, that bellyaching is a tradition in the military, but you ought to check your facts. When you shoot yourself in the foot like that you make the marksmanship of the Marines look bad.
Keith Taylor (retired lieutenant USN) San Diego via e-mail
