Pubdate: Mon, 21 Jul 2008 Source: Repository, The (Canton, OH) Copyright: 2008 The Repository Contact: http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?external=forms/letter_editor.php Website: http://www.cantonrep.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/954 Author: James W. Myers DORDEA'S RECORD ON DRUG PLAGUE HAS MADE HIM BETTER CANDIDATE FOR SHERIFF The Stark County drug culture has produced needless and unprecedented violent crime in our community, but it does not have to continue. To fix it, we must first understand where law enforcement went wrong. In years past, we had an active, professional and capable Stark County Metropolitan Narcotics Unit. It was Stark County's first line of defense against the drug problem and the related gang activities and violent crime. Under the leadership of Sheriff Tim Swanson, this unit has lost its effectiveness and its reputation. Every time I see an article about violent crime in Canton, I think this did not have to be. The Metro Unit was the single most effective deterrent to drug-related violent crime, and Swanson has let us down. Where there is a greater likelihood of apprehension, crime is reduced. Stark County has the tools to fix the crime problem; Swanson has just failed to adequately maintain it. All one has to do is look to Alliance to see that change can occur, that violent crime can be effectively reduced, if the proper emphasis is placed on the drug plague in Stark County. Canton is my home, and I plan to spend the rest of my days here, but I want better for all of us. Voters of Stark County need to vote for the most qualified person in the sheriff's race. Larry Dordea, the former chief of the Alliance Police Department, has answered the call, and he is the most qualified law enforcement leader. It is time for us to expect more from our politicians. That is why I support Chief Dordea in his bid for Stark County sheriff. I am respectfully asking voters to do the same. James W. Myers Retired Captain CANTON POLICE DEPARTMENT - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin