To the editor:

I am writing this endorsement to bring Steve Hoffman back to Jasper County as our sheriff. Steve grew up in Newton. He attended and graduated from Newton Community Schools. I would encourage everyone to look at his website, www.hoffmanforsheriff.com, not only for the several endorsement letters from other law enforcement individuals, including sheriffs from other counties (much needed for revenue in any jail), county attorneys and citizens, but also for an in-depth view of his accomplishments, experiences and training, including things he has done over the past several months that has been posted to his Facebook page, “Hoffman For Sheriff.”

I have worked in a local educational setting for the past 42 years, lived in Mingo for most of those, and have known Steve since he was 10 years old. He is definitely no stranger to Jasper County. He was best friends with my late nephew, Troy Deaton. Steve spent a lot of time in Mingo with Troy and several other Mingo teens. Steve’s involvement with community service organizations is as extensive as his educational background: Iowa Supreme Task Force, State Sheriff’s and Deputies Association, American Red Cross board chairman (Steve and his family were available at the Colfax-Mingo High School with the Red Cross, helping the residents of our community during the Colfax flood recovery two years ago), National MS Society, legislative committee member, and the list goes on. His educational background is just as extensive, including: defensive tactics with baton and flashlight instructor, anti-terrorism instructor, advanced crime scene investigation, advanced and basic narcotics investigation, management rights, interview and interrogation techniques, jailer certification and Iowa Valley Leadership Class of 2006-07 are just a few. Again, please visit his website for the full list of his accomplishments. There is no doubt his experience and background make him an excellent candidate for Jasper County Sheriff.