Vote Lakin for Sheriff

To the Editor

Bob Hertz, the Madison County Sheriff, has been named as the defendant in two separate lawsuits filed in federal court in East St. Louis. Details about the lawsuits have appeared in the St. Louis Post Dispatch, The Telegraph, Belleville News Democrat, Edwardsville Intelligencer and even on local television.

Sheriff Hertz has attempted to dodge these stories, but we the readers and viewers have learned this much:

A former female administrative assistant was quietly transferred to a created position in the probation department after filing EEOC complaint of sexual harassment against Hertz.

This former assistant has also filed a federal lawsuit alleging questionable and abusive workplace behavior by Hertz.

A high-ranking commander in the Sheriff’s Office filed a second federal lawsuit directly connected to the situation with Hertz’s former assistant.

Combined, lawsuits naming Hertz and Madison County are seeking over $4.1 million in damages. If upheld in federal court, it could leave Madison County taxpayers holding the bag.

Forty-plus years of Bob Hertz in the Sheriff’s Office is enough. Lawsuits, questionable behavior, salacious headlines – enough!

On March 18, 2014, voters can let their voices be heard loud and clear by giving their vote to John Lakin, Chief of the Glen Carbon Police Department and a 23 -year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.

I was fortunate to work along side John early in his career, as Madison County probation officer. During that time I saw, first hand, that John’s leadership skills, character and integrity are second to none. He is very well respected in the law enforcement community throughout our region. John is an honest, dedicated and straightforward law enforcement professional whom I am proud to call a friend.

Madison County voters finally have a real choice for Sheriff – John Lakin.

Mike Maguire

Edwardsville