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	The Ypsilanti Courier A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

Letters To The Editor

PUBLISHED: July 3, 2008

Column was ill-informed, misleading

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To the Editor:

In reference to a column written by Kathleen Conat that appeared in the June 26 edition of The Courier:

By what authority do you speak for the men and women of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office?

I vehemently dispute your commentary in the June 26 edition of The Ypsilanti Courier. You stated, "It's sad that the public has lost faith in the (Washtenaw County Sheriff's) department as a whole because of the actions of a few."

Speaking as an employee of more than 20 years, I can unequivocally state that the majority of our citizens have great faith in this department. As a reporter, you should be ashamed of your rush to judgment.

Sheriff Minzey continually receives messages of support, thanks and encouragement from citizens as well as our own employees. Words of commendation far outnumber the voice of complaint.

I further take issue with your reference to the political "minefields" our Deputies must navigate. Ms. Conat, please familiarize yourself with the facts of the lawsuits you cite.

Sheriff Minzey filed suit to protect the jobs of his deputies, as lay-offs were imminent. However, more importantly, he filed suit to ensure continuation of County-wide road patrol and protect the public.

Your reference to "the lawsuit brought by a handful of townships" is just that.

These townships brought suit against Washtenaw County, NOT Sheriff Minzey. Please note that this "handful of townships" comprise the majority of The Ypsilanti Courier's area of circulation.

Perhaps you could take a poll of your readership-at-large and come to some conclusion as to where their priorities may lie. It is my belief that your readership (the residents of this "handful of townships") place a great value on their police services.

Road patrol funding is a County function and the sheriff was not a party in this lawsuit. It took a great leap of imagination for you to take that so-called fact and spin it back to blast the sheriff and his deputies.Even more offensive was your assertion that our officers "put their heads down and do their jobs."

You are not familiar enough with the men and women of this agency to assess our collective thinking.

My co-workers and I have never met you. Therefore, how can you speak for us or know how we think? Our officers carry out their duties with great pride.

You clearly have not done your homework and have insufficient information to pass judgment. Your lone voice does not fairly represent public sentiment and your statements are irresponsible.

Your opinion certainly sounds politically motivated.

Patty Willibey

Ypsilanti