I know that not many ISU students think about local elections, but they should. Here in Story County there is a hotly contested race for the Story County sheriff position. The incumbent, Paul Fitzgerald, a Democrat, has served for 12 years. His Republican opponent, Terry Stark, had been employed in the Story County sheriff’s office as a jailer for years. This race has been filled with nastiness since it started, and the only one with mud on his hands is Stark.

First, Stark accused Fitzgerald of misconduct in the sheriff’s office, which turned out to be dealt with in an efficient and orderly fashion. Second, Stark has accused Fitzgerald of creating a hostile work environment. If it’s so hostile, then why does Fitzgerald’s staff continue to campaign for him in their free time?

Lastly, Stark accused Fitzgerald that only two deputies patrol at a time. There is simply no evidence to support this claim. The sheriff’s office has never patrolled with only two deputies at a time.

So why has Stark taken such a negative, irresponsible, incendiary approach to his campaign? Maybe it is because when Fitzgerald won election for the first time 12 years ago it was against Stark’s father, and Daddy had been grooming his son to “take over the family business.”

One thing is clear — the Stark campaign is a clear example of the problem with our current political process.

On Nov. 2, do everyone a favor and vote to re-elect Paul Fitzgerald as Story County sheriff. In a position with such authority and power, it would be dangerous to have someone who is as power hungry as Terry Stark.

Rich Harman

Senior

Political Science