By KRISTEN GUST | Sparta
On Aug. 14, we, the citizens of Monroe County, will have the opportunity to select which sheriff candidate will move forward to the general election. With four candidates on the primary ballot I’ve heard a lot of people asking the simple question of, “Who should I vote for?”, however, what we should really be asking is “What qualities are important for my next sheriff?” In this election, like every election, looking beyond the ballot and thinking about the future of our community is crucial.
As a young professional, small-business owner, active community partner and board member on various nonprofit organizations in Sparta, I’m confident that I have a pretty good pulse of the community. We are amid changing times, and the demographic tide is turning. We are seeing tremendous growth in the area, with new businesses opening, new homes being built and a younger, more vibrant crowd rolling in. This new demographic (myself included) has a new set of expectations of qualities for our community leaders. We expect:
• Determination, dedication and the time and energy to get the job done no matter what
• The ability to bring new and innovative ideas to the table
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Openness and willingness to adapt to change
• Eagerness to continually learn
• Honesty, ethical practices and the possession of high integrity
The only sheriff’s candidate that fully encompasses these qualities is Jeremy Likely.
Jeremy is one of the hardest-working individuals I have ever met and has the determination, dedication and the energy to work this position the way it should be worked. Jeremy Likely is the only candidate who has the time to dedicate to this position and is committed to serving multiple terms to provide stabilization and consistency to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department.
Although he is the youngest candidate, Jeremy Likely comes armed with many years of experience through various public service roles. He is the current police chief and ambulance director for Wilton, works part time as a police officer in Black River Falls and Hillsboro and is a DNR forestry technician rider as well as a volunteer firefighter at the Tomah Fire Department. Through all of this experience, Jeremy has forged strong relationship with law-enforcement officers throughout the county.
Even with all of the experiences, both personally and professionally, Jeremy Likely is still passionate about continually learning new information and has the inquisitiveness to explore new ideas and look at things with a new perspective.
Beyond his work ethic and his professional accomplishments, Jeremy Likely also has the demeanor and the interpersonal aptitude needed to be our next sheriff. Jeremy is honest, ethical, patient, empathetic, thoughtful, genuine and is not only an exceptional law enforcement officer, but also an exceptional person.
Join me on Aug. 14 and vote for Jeremy Likely for Sheriff, and let’s keep moving Monroe County forward.
