To the Editor:

I attended the trades union meeting in Gouverneur on May 3, 2023. I listened to the presentations of the Lewis County Sheriff candidates Mike Carpinelli and Nicole Turck and St. Lawrence County Sheriff candidates Rick Engle and Sean O’Brien. After the presentations, I had a couple questions and an observation I was not allowed to voice at the meeting as I was not a delegate. So I will ask here and make my observations.Candidates were asked about “Assault Rifles” except one. So Mr. O’Brien I will ask here. What is your stance on civilians owning so called assault rifles in this county? I would like to get an answer to put to rest the rumor I have heard about us hillbillies not needing one. I await your response.

I also heard Mr. O’Brien emphasize as well as others that the position of Sheriff is an administrative position rather than a leader position. According to Forbes an administrator focuses on the status quo by using their power to get people to comply. They are focused on short term goals.

Leaders create a vision and administrators create goals

Leaders paint a picture of what they see as possible and inspire and engage their people in turning that vision into reality. They think beyond what individuals do. They activate people to be a part of something bigger. They understand that high functioning teams can accomplish a lot more working together.

Leaders are change agents.

Leaders are unique, Administrators comply.

Leaders grow personally, Administrators rely on existing, proven skills.

Leaders build relationships, Administrators build systems and processes.

Leaders coach. Administrators direct.

Leaders create fans, administrators have employees.

So based on just these principles, I personally think the Sheriff’s office would be much better served by a leader than an administrator. In the current race one candidate is portraying the need of an administrator, which he claims to be, and the other candidate is a proven leader. So, by default, I will put my support behind the leader in this race Rick Engle as he is the obvious choice for all of us

Robert Merrifield
Heuvelton