Former employee of Sheriff's office outlines her choice

I am a recently retired 25-year veteran of the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office. I would like to offer my informed opinion on the upcoming election to my fellow residents. I have watched and listened to the candidates. Dan Storey is a veteran of the department with an exemplary record. Dan is honest, hardworking and dedicated to this county and the safety of his fellow citizens. Please beware! Candidate Wayne Yahm made a “human mistake” — a DWI which he failed to disclose to his family and his department. This is an issue of honesty by an individual who is supposed to set the standard for lawfulness. Is this a man you trust to uphold the office of Sheriff? To serve as a role model for the good officers of the department and this county? How about our youth? We are trying very hard to educate our young people about being responsible and making thoughtful choices. Mr. Yahm has shown an inability to set the example himself, and this concerns me. Candidate Michael Strada has offered up a plan for the department and county that I believe would open the county to countless lawsuits. He has campaigned on a platform of violating people’s civil rights and overturning judicial sentences. His plan for taking released inmates by Sheriff’s vehicle to the Netcong train station and sending them on their way is a violation. Beware! A train runs both ways! He also wants to “bracelet” individuals for release that a judge has sentenced to the county jail. Mr. Strada will also impact local tax bases because he plans on eliminating services to municipalities that the sheriff presently provides. This would require again duplications of each town’s service. He plans on making changes in the department that are not practical and would be detrimental. This department is well organized, well run and functions on a slim budget. I wish people would stop making promises for change that is not needed. Please remember to vote and remember Officer Dan Storey for Sussex County. Terry Kelemen Hamburg