Edmunds County Tribune -

To the Editor:

I am Jonathan Waldner. I would appreciate your vote for Edmunds County Sheriff.

I was born and raised in rural Stratford, on a Hutterite Colony where I attended school. Soon after, I moved to Aberdeen, and began working construction. Years later, I transitioned my career to the oil fields in North Dakota.

In 2007, I began working at the Brown County Jail as a correction officer. This is when I found my calling in law enforcement. In 2008, I became a deputy sheriff for Spink County and graduated from the South Dakota Law Enforcement Training Academy. Three years later, I returned to Brown County as a corrections officer. In 2015, I started working as an Edmunds County Deputy Sheriff. I also have policed the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since 2015 and worked full and part time for Wheat Growers/Agtegra Cooperative since 2014. Currently, I live in Ipswich with my fiancé Deidre. I enjoy time with friends and family. When I’m not working, I keep myself occupied with a variety of home projects.

I am running for Sheriff because I have enjoyed working for the people of Edmunds County for the past seven years. My plan, if elected, is to have an open-door policy for the citizens of Edmunds County. I will take your comments and concerns seriously so that together, we can address and fix the issues affecting our county. I plan to lead the Sheriff’s department with a position of integrity, accountability, and with the heart of a servant. Accountability starts with the Sheriff, but also is expected of our deputies and dispatch staff as well. If elected I will hold myself and staff to this same standard. My mission is to serve the People of Edmunds County.

I am a conservative minded individual who believes that the role of government is defined in the constitution and laws of South Dakota. I believe in common sense when enforcing the laws. The rights of the citizens are to be protected and preserved and no one is above or below the law. Equal application of the law is necessary for a just society. My duty, if elected Sheriff, would be to uphold the law and protect the citizens and their property.

I will be out meeting with the people of Edmunds County. Please do not hesitate to call or come up and talk to me about any issue. I would appreciate your vote. It would be a privilege and honor to serve as your Edmunds County Sheriff.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Waldner