As a concerned citizen of McLean County, I have been very interested in the race between the two Republican candidates for sheriff. Generally, those who run for office have the necessary education and qualifications, thus, the character of the individuals is what ultimately sets them apart. A sheriff should be someone who can build relationships of trust with the citizens to prevent crimes and provide a safe community. In order to build that trust, one must have integrity, strong leadership, commitment and decency.
That is why I have decided to support Lt. Mike Essig for McLean County sheriff. Mike Essig has consistently displayed his commitment to honesty and integrity not only during this campaign, but through his personal and professional relationships. Retiring Sheriff Dave Owens states in his letter of endorsement, “Mike Essig has the trust of this sheriff and the integrity to lead the office into the future. He is highly respected by his co-workers as well as by the general public.” Mike has earned that respect by the example he sets with every action he takes, on or off duty.
Lt. Essig has written that he believes a person cannot be a successful leader without the support of the people he is working with. He believes strong leaders stimulate, motivate and inspire the group to follow willingly. Lt. Essig’s leadership style of involving others in the decision making process, while maintaining the final decision making authority, shows a sign of strength that employees will respect that will result in a stronger Sheriff’s Department and a safer place for us to live.
