DA says sheriff candidates worked hard, but now is time to unify behind Randy Bower

Editor:

It has been only a week and barely a political sign can be found throughout the landscape of Orleans County. The voters have spoken and so ends a spirited debate as to who is to be the next to lead our Sheriff’s Department.

The recent Sheriff’s race was the most tumultuous time in my 23 years working daily with the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department. The ripple effect of the race for Sheriff has caused tidal waves of controversy and discord amongst various levels of government, political parties and the general public.

Fortunately, one of the things I have learned during my years in office is that the sense of community of our citizens in this County is much stronger than any attack any upon it.

Never in Orleans County politics have I seen so many people so passionate about their candidate and with good cause. Sheriff Randy Bower, Chief Deputy Tom Drennan and Investigator Don Organisciak campaigned very hard as did their supporters.

I personally know each of these three individuals having worked with them for many years. They are very capable individuals with character and integrity. They deserve our collective appreciation for the tremendous efforts they made during the election process to give us a choice. So too do their families and supporters for the many sacrifices they made on their candidate’s behalf.

That having been said now is the time for all of us to set aside our differences and to support Sheriff Randy Bower and Undersheriff Chris Bourke and their new administration.

As citizens of Orleans County we must now focus on our common good and take strength from the conviction that was shown by each of the three candidates to make this a better community.

During the next few months Sheriff Randy Bower deserves our full understanding and support while he installs his new administration. I am confident that I speak on behalf of the entire law enforcement community when I say Sheriff Bower will receive our full support and cooperation as the next Sheriff of Orleans County and that he will do a great job.

The safety and security of our community is dependent on the effective operation of the Sheriff’s Department. It is imperative that we work together to afford the citizens of this County the high quality of law enforcement they pay for and deserve.

Joseph V. Cardone
Orleans County District Attorney