To the Editor:

I am writing this letter on behalf of Sean O’Brien, the current St. Lawrence County Undersheriff and a candidate in the Republican primary for Sheriff. Recently, I listened to Sean address the SLC Republican Party committee and was impressed by his speech to a group of well-known party leaders. He was confident, well-spoken and provided facts and details regarding the actual day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s office.

I have known Sean for 25 years and recognized long ago that he was good at what he does. However, after listening to his presentation I realized just how lucky the county is to have a talented and spirited employee who is willing to work his tail off in order to make our county’s sheriff office efficient, organized and well operated.

I have nothing derogatory to say about Sean’s opponent deputy Rick Engle. Sean himself has stated that Rick is a good guy who is likely the man you want to drive a tack at 250 yards with a rifle. Being a serious hunter and outdoorsman myself I respect that. However, he does not encompass the experience or have the knowledge necessary to run a large countywide organization with a multi-million-dollar budget.

While Rick is offering to learn and to try and do his best, Sean and Brooks Bigwarfe have not only been doing it for the past 3+ years, they have been performing it routinely with precision. In fact, there are departments within the county sheriff’s office that have become accredited for the first time ever. New positions have been created and funded through grant writing. The SLC budget committee already has a great working relationship with Sean and his team and a track record for getting things done as well as maintaining fiscal responsibility. Rick Engle keeps stating the county needs a change. Why? The department has operated like a well-oiled machine so with all the things in the world today that need fixing, why focus on the few that obviously do not.

Moreover, Mr. Engle states the county needs more choices. I agree that choices are a good thing and help keep the system honest. My concern is that Mr. Engle consistently states that he wants to get everyone’s input from the community, interest groups and discussion boards for answers to the serious and difficult questions. This philosophy might sound good on paper but almost every day the county sheriff has to step up and make important decisions.

Sean can be a good team player but also knows well the policy and procedures the sheriff and undersheriff must follow every day in order to properly run a countywide agency without the risk of litigation. When tragedy strikes or an emergency comes our way we need strong leaders with exceptional management skills to take control of the situation and make us all safe in this time of crisis. Sean is that type of born leader I am referring to. He gets things done and will always put the best interest of the citizens of the county first. I’ve seen him jump into action on many occasions over the past 20 years. Sean is accustomed with getting 40 office calls a day and knows how to handle pressure situations professionally. Quite frankly I know of no other person better suited for this position.

That is why Brooks Bigwarfe, Nancy Jarvis and Kevin Wells said it. Hank Ford said it. Bill Nelson said it. Now I’m saying it. Sean deserves to be our next SLC Sheriff and needs our votes on June 27th.

Ken Hilborne
Ogdensburg