Tama County Sheriff's Deputy Casey Schmidt.

What a great weekend down in Tama for the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival! The weather was beautiful and it appeared to me that everyone was having a great time. I had the pleasure of helping Tama EMS raise money to better serve their communities by getting dunked numerous times in the Dunk Tank! I also partook in the parade which had a great turnout.

Walking around the Lincoln Highway Bridge Festival was refreshing. Speaking with so many people and talking about what matters to them when it comes to their Sheriff is humbling. It just bolstered my commitment to being in the community. Having conversations about what matters is how you build trust within law enforcement. The desire to truly get to know people is part of who I am. Being visible and engaging in the communities law enforcement serves is one of the most important aspects of what we do.

Building and maintaining trust requires a Sheriff and law enforcement leaders to be transparent. There are times when information will be withheld due to active investigations, however, I believe that being a voice in this age of misinformation is critical. Law enforcement work, at times, does not look good. However, that does not mean that it is illegal or wrong. I believe in being a voice to bridge the gap that misinformation divides. Establishing trust between the community and law enforcement requires prompt and transparent communication regarding incidents that occur. I am committed to transparency, regardless of how difficult.

While walking and talking this past weekend, there is a recurring question and concern that continues to be asked regarding the 2nd Amendment and gun control legislation. I would like to point out the oath a County Sheriff makes when taking office: “I, (name of elected sheriff), do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Iowa, and that I will faithfully and impartially, to the best of my ability, discharge all the duties of the office of (Sheriff) in (specific county), as now or hereafter required by law.” I feel that it is crucial for a sheriff to adhere “faithfully and impartially” to the oath of office, which includes supporting the entirety of the United States and Iowa Constitutions. I am committed to upholding the rule of law, protecting individual rights, building trust, and ensuring fairness for all.

Strong law enforcement leadership, especially the office of the Sheriff, is in tune with the community and wholeheartedly supports the mission and vision of their staff.

If elected, I will not stop advocating and working for stronger community ties, supporting victims, and holding criminals accountable.

I can’t express how excited and ready I am to lead the Tama County Sheriff’s Office if elected. This June 4th Primary Election is a huge election for our county. Many positions within Tama County are on the ballot. Get out and vote! Encourage everyone you know to get out and vote! If you are not registered for a particular party, you can register or change parties at your local polling precinct on June 4th. You can also do so at the Tama County Auditor’s office.

With so many contested positions coming up and regardless of political affiliation, please remember that voting is your right and your opportunity to participate in the democratic process.

I would be honored to have your vote on June 4th.

Casey Schmidt

Candidate for Tama County Sheriff