To the editor:

My name is Rich Benjamin and my wife Lori and I have been involved in local politics for many years. I recently retired after 23 years as Town of  Thompson Superintendent of Highways. Lori recently retired as Republican  Election Commissioner. 

Sullivan County has always been fortunate to have a well run Sheriff’s Department. Joe Wasser and then Dan Hogue were fair minded  law enforcement professionals that kept the residents of Sullivan County safe for decades. 

When Dan retired our current Sheriff Mike Schiff was elected. Mike brought his experience as a NYS Trooper home to his community. I remember seeing him at many political functions and supporting local non profits at breakfasts and chicken bbq’s with his then young family. 

After many years as a top law enforcement leader Mike is just as accessible today as he was then. He is a solid Republican that has supported the party and all its candidates for many years. 

Above all an elected leader needs to exhibit good judgement and a solid temperament. The opponent in this Primary Election has not shown these qualities, resorting to mudslinging and personal attacks. I am a Republican and at different times in my six elections I was endorsed by the Republican, Democratic, Conservative and Independence parties. Asking for other parties’ endorsements in local political campaigns is common and smart politics. 

That the Sullivan County Democratic Party has no candidate running for Sheriff is an endorsement of Sheriff Schiff in itself.

Our current Sheriff has devoted his entire adult life to law enforcement and our community. Over the last decades our Sheriff’s Department, under his leadership, has excelled in solving horrible crimes and keeping us safe. The Sheriff also administers a huge budget and is responsible for the well-being of inmates held in County Jail. Mike has more than earned our votes and I urge  all Republican voters to support him on Primary Election Day, June 24th.

Rich Benjamin

Monticello