Letter to the Editor: Get to know Lt. Shutts

I am writing this brief but important message to the voters of Jasper County. While I do not know your internal politics, nor do I understand the intricate issues that face your jurisdiction in the coming general election, I am very familiar with someone who does… Lieutenant Brad Shutts, candidate for Sheriff of Jasper County. I have known Brad for many years now. I have gotten to know his wife and family as well.

Your Brad has committed to serving the citizens of Jasper County on a statewide level in several facets, serving on interoperable boards for radio communications, serving on our own Iowa State Sheriffs’ and Deputies’ Association Executive Board, maintaining a local voice on several key and critical issues around the state, and ensuring that you as citizens are very well represented and that your interests are protected. Now, he has chosen to replace a good friend and long-time sheriff in John Halferty, who… like me, have had enough politics and are ready for that next stage in life. I can think of no one better suited to replace a great sheriff than your next great one, Brad Shutts.

Though I am a Democrat and he has chosen to run as a Republican, those titles mean very little to us as law enforcement administrators. More than any label, Brad exudes confidence with his intelligence, his backbone, and his standing amongst his peers. He understands that no sheriff makes a decision each day because there is a (D) or an (R) found behind our name. He recognizes that we make the best, most informed decisions we can for the betterment and furtherance of our agency and our office, regardless of politics. In fact, often it is the politics that drives us away from the profession.

Now, you as constituents have the dubious honor of selecting an outstanding sheriff’s replacement. You have the very clear opportunity to choose someone with backbone, with integrity, with intelligence, with extreme knowledge of the job and the external influences, and someone who stands against those influence and chooses to walk against the flow (how admirable). You know that Brad Shutts is a family man, a man of faith, a centered and a focused selfless servant, and a man who has given to every citizen for years, ready to step into the arena as your next champion. I can do no more than give my strongest endorsement, but also my most sincere encouragement to each of you to seriously look at and consider this man who is so willing to stand up, stand out, and work for you. I guarantee you, just as I have personally witnessed with his performance over the years… you will not be disappointed in your selection of Brad Shutts as the next Sheriff of Jasper County.

Sheriff Tony Thompson

Waterloo