To the editor:

Early voting begins Saturday, June 14 and Primary Day 2025 is Tuesday, June 24. Sullivan County Republicans have been bombarded with social media and printed media information about the two candidates. I have heard both candidates state their case for candidacy. On Primary Day, I will be casting my vote for Sheriff Mike Schiff, the endorsed candidate of the Sullivan County Republican Committee. A few points to ponder, as you get ready to vote:

1. In the case of Sheriff Schiff being the Sullivan County Republican Committee endorsed candidate: a secret, weighted ballot (by town and voting district) was cast by Sullivan County Republican Committee members at the February 2025 convention. It was not a decision by hand-raise or a few people in a smokey back room. It was a legitimate vote, (with notarized proxy votes, for committee members not in attendance) done under the review of both candidates’ campaigns.

2. Crime and safety issues are normally on the top of voter’s reasons for voting for a sheriff. Certain issues are outside the control of the Sheriff’s office. The 2020 bail reform and discovery law changes make it significantly more difficult to detain criminals. The open border with unknown individuals entering the country doesn’t help crime prevention efforts. The fentanyl crisis is a nation-wide crisis, not just a Sullivan County issue. The Villages of Monticello and Liberty police departments have the primary responsibility for fighting crime in their respective villages. I believe that Sheriff Schiff keeps us safe.

3. Most readers of this letter know someone who was a Correctional Officer. I know two such individuals. For the past few years, I heard how dangerous it was to work as a Correctional Officer (CO). Earlier this year local COs went on strike for their personal safety and the Governor fired numerous COs. Sheriff Schiff has reached out to the County Legislators and got the extra funding to hire fired COs in the Sheriff’s office. Nine have already been hired and another seven to eight are in the pipeline. Kudos to Sheriff Schiff for all your efforts regarding the hiring of our local, former COs.

4. I am a fan of the television show Andy Griffith, Mayberry RFD. I sometimes tell people that I live in Mayberry. Fans of the show of course know that Andy Taylor was the Sheriff. Always accessible, all knowing, well respected. If there were pancake breakfasts or chicken barbecues in Mayberry, I am sure that Sheriff Andy would attend them all. I have read criticism of Sheriff Schiff’s attendance at the numerous pancake breakfasts, chicken barbecues and coffee with the Sheriff events. Say What? I think our Sheriff’s community presence is to be applauded. He is a man of the people, just like Andy Taylor/Andy Griffith. Folks can reach out to Sheriff Schiff at these events, let him know what is percolating in their neighborhood. Sullivan County residents are very fortunate to have a Sheriff who is visible and accessible as Sheriff Mike Schiff.

So, in conclusion, it is imperative that every registered Republican must get out and vote in this upcoming June Primary. Primaries normally have low voter turnout. Indeed, your vote counts. Either vote early or vote on Primary day. If you are not sure who to vote for, please vote for Sheriff Mike Schiff, the Sullivan County Republican Committee’s endorsed candidate. He has earned your vote and needs your vote. Experience counts and Sheriff Schiff has the experience to keep us safe.

Susan Otto 

Kenoza Lake