To the editor:

Much has been said during this election for Sheriff of Steve Hoffman being an “outsider”.  I think we need to put this in perspective.  First of all, someone who has lived more of his life in Jasper County than out, probably doesn’t qualify as an “outsider”.  Secondly, it certainly isn’t like he has been away to some far off land.  In fact, he has just been about fifteen miles away.  Roughly the same distance as it is from Baxter or Prairie City to Newton.  Steve Hoffman and his opponent are both from Newton.  Both moved away from Newton and Steve just happened to move across an imaginary line that divides two adjoining counties.

A close look at law enforcement in Jasper County will show rather easily that being an “outsider” or leaving and coming back is not all that uncommon.  Jim Greve was a very popular police chief in Newton, became the first appointed Clerk of Court and went on to be a very well-respected city councilperson.  He initially came to Newton as an “outsider” from Clinton, Iowa.  The current Newton Chief of Police is not from Newton, but has done a fine job as an “outsider”.  Many of our city leaders may not have lived here all of their life, but are well respected and vital parts of our communities.