Letters to the Editor: Writers show support for sheriff's candidates
Fairbury
In support of Tom Vagasky
I am writing to you in support of Tom Vagasky for Sheriff of Livingston County. I have lived 60-plus years in Livingston County and I was employed in the 1970s for the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department.
In all the years of being in Livingston County I have never seen anyone with the training and extensive experience that Tom Vagasky has in law enforcement. I feel that his experience and knowledge is what we need to straighten out the past and present problems we are enduring.
Please get out and vote June 28! Make the right decision, I did. Vote for Tom Vagasky, the only man with the best background and experience for sheriff of Livingston County.
Dennis Smith
Pontiac
In support of Ryan Bohm
I am retired from 28 years with the Illinois Department of Corrections. I have known Ryan Bohm since he was a young boy. Ryan has always been polite and respectful to others. He is always willing to lend a helping hand to others.
On a personal note, my daughter is a recovering addict. Every month, Ryan has sent her a message of support. It means a lot to my family to see a law enforcement officer like Ryan who truly cares for the residents of our county.
We will be voting for Ryan Bohm for sheriff.
Gary Barnes
Pontiac
In support of Tom Vagasky
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my support for sheriff to Tom Vagasky in the upcoming primary.
I believe that with his experience, leadership and knowledge of today's law enforcement, he will provide Livingston County with the "New Eyes" needed in our community. I feel he's the person needed to fulfill this critical position and to protect our citizens present and future.
Please vote for Tom Vagasky for sheriff in Livingston County. Thank you.
Mike Heenen
Streator
In support of Ryan Bohm
I have been a law enforcement officer for almost 35 years. I retired as Streator police chief in 2021, having served as chief for nine years.
I have known Ryan Bohm since he began his career with the Livingston County Sheriff’s Department almost 20 years ago. I have worked with him on a number of cases, including several child abuse cases. Ryan always conducts himself in a professional manner. He pursued his cases with a dogged determination.
He is a dedicated law enforcement officer who is in it for the right reasons.
To me it is a no brainer — Ryan Bohm is the best candidate to be the next Livingston County sheriff.
Kurt Pastrik
Pontiac
In support of Tom Vagasky
Professionalism, accountability and transparency are what Livingston County constituents are seeking this election AND this is the breath of fresh air that Tom brings to the sheriff’s position. He has solid morals, values and experience needed in a leader to instill confidence in the residents of our county. This is the backbone of a highly qualified candidate!
During this candidacy why were there no debates? Shouldn’t there be a discussion between candidates? The opposition was asked to participate in three debates with Candidate Vagasky. Their response was they were too far ahead to need debates.
Grass root qualifications are a determining factor where Tom shines.
Who to elect? Someone with no leadership experience verses Tom, with years in public service and law enforcement.
Vote Tom Vagasky for sheriff with the assurance he will make those hard decisions to keep us safe and secure.
Al Lindsey
Pontiac
In support of Ryan Bohm
I have been a local business owner for 62 years. I have known the Bohm family that entire time. I have known Ryan Bohm since he was a little boy when his dad would bring him into my business.
I have found Ryan to always be courteous. He has a good heart and treats people well. I highly recommend him as our next sheriff.
Bruce Lee
Forrest
In support of Tom Vagasky
Why should anyone care about voting in the Republican primary sheriff's election? This election will determine our next Livingston County sheriff.
My name is Richard A. Sanders and I am endorsing Tom Vagasky for sheriff of Livingston County. I was mayor of Forrest for 22½ years and know first-hand the importance of having an accountable sheriff.
I have attended meetings (where) Tom (spoke). His extensive law enforcement career includes police budgets, federal grant programs and police administration — all qualities a sheriff should possess.
I want a full-time sheriff to lead the department back in the right direction. I'm not convinced a band leader can matchup to Tom's qualifications. There is no question who is most qualified to fill this position.
I appreciate Tom's strong morals, integrity, law enforcement experiences and his pledge to being transparent and accountable to the citizens, something Livingston County desperately needs.
Richard Sanders
Forrest
In support of Ryan Bohm
I have known Ryan Bohm for 15 years. During that period of time I have found him to always be honest, dependable and professional. He is the definition of a true friend who will do anything to help someone else out.
Those are the qualities that I believe he will bring to the Office of Sheriff of Livingston County. Please vote Bohm for sheriff.
Kevin Edelman
Pontiac
In support of Tom Vagasky
I would like to endorse Tom Vagasky for Livingston County Sheriff in the June 28 primary.
Six months ago, I knew very little about either candidate. In that time Tom Vagasky has demonstrated he has the experience, communication skills, leadership skills and team building skills that I seek in a sheriff. His opponent, by most accounts, is a nice gentleman and a good deputy, but that is not enough for a time such as this.
The county needs an experienced leader. This time around, it is clear to me that Tom Vagasky is the candidate that can hit the ground running and be the leader we need.
We haven’t any time to waste learning, we need impact immediately. Tom Vagasky has a plan and a team in place to execute the plan on day one. Vote Vagasky.
Dave Rice
Odell
In support of Ryan Bohm
I previously owned and operated Pour Richard’s in Odell for many years. I met Ryan Bohm approximately 15 years ago when he was assigned as the Odell town deputy. Ryan executed his duties in a fair manner. He was always friendly but enforced the law when needed.
I have found him to be honest, hard working and professional. Those are the qualities we need in a sheriff. Please join me in voting for Ryan Bohm.
Richard Thorne
Fairbury
In support of Tom Vagasky
Who are you voting for in the Livingston County sheriff's primary election? Only one candidate will be chosen for the Republican ballot in November.
I have listed Tom Vagasky's training and experiences, which his opponent does not share.
• Illinois State Police lieutenant
• Pontiac Correctional Center
• Certified instructor for criminal law, laws of admissions, rules of evidence
• Large police fiscal budgets
• Federal grant programs/contracts
• Narcotics investigations
• Worked homicides
• Undercover drug agent
• Leadership
• Investigated sexual assault cases, public corruption, internet crimes (including against children)
• Multi-jurisdictional Task Force commander
• Believer in the 2nd Amendment
Livingston County has an opportunity to finally elect a qualified sheriff's candidate with strong morals and integrity. Let's stop the coverups and elect a qualified sheriff. Vote your conscience!
Voting ends June, 28.
Kathy Davis Smith
This article originally appeared on Pontiac Daily Leader: Letters to the Editor: Writers show support for sheriff's candidates
