To the Editor:

In response to Sam Palmer’s letter to the editor in last week’s paper, I would like to share some facts and opinions.

Fact No. 1: I hate lies, half- truths and rumors.

Fact No. 2: Sam Palmer is Glenn’s brother.

Fact No. 3: Sam is not a police officer and to my knowledge never has been.

Fact No. 4: When Mike Durr was shot he was chasing a known murderer that had just fired numerous shots upon police in a residential area of Mt. Vernon, putting local citizens in danger. As a retired police officer I know that sometimes you have to put yourself in harm’s way to protect the public. That is what Mike Durr did when he was shot.

Sam, in my opinion, that is being a leader!

In serious cases such as this one the public is not informed of anything other than bare facts until the District Attorney releases information. The police officers can’t talk to the public about the case until it is adjudicated. Until then the public can think anything they like. That does not make it fact.

Fact No. 5: I was at Mike Durr’s side during a three hour negotiation with a distraught man. Yes, the individual tragically committed suicide. No, Mike did not “break down.” In fact, Mike went above and beyond what most police officers would have done. Mike, only a few months after being shot, again put himself in harm’s way. A fact left out by Mr. Palmer is that this incident began during a traffic stop in which this suicidal man shot at OSP Recruit Josh Brooks. Mike responded because someone was in need. Sam, in my opinion, that is being a leader!

Fact No. 6: Both candidates have numerous years of experience in law enforcement, and for that I thank them both.

Opinion: Everyone with a paycheck better have budget experience during these trying times. The question is whether the budget is in the red or black.

Opinion: In my opinion, the Bachtold case should not be an open case! The Vance Creek case was inherited from the former Sheriff.

Opinion: Sam, I know you are just trying to help get your brother re-elected, but you went out of bounds with some statements in your letter. You sound like the politicians on TV, throwing mud and half- truths at situations that you personally know nothing about. Mike Durr is a decorated veteran police officer and deserves better than that. Let both sides run a clean campaign.

I know for a fact that Mike Durr is a leader.

Let’s keep Grant County safe and elect the best man for the job.