Much is being said in the Wilz campaign labeling him as a “constitutional sheriff.”
While this statement is true it is not in any way distinctive to Wilz. The term “constitutional sheriff” simply means an office authorized by the U.S. and Wisconsin Constitutions. Likewise we have a constitutional register of deeds, county clerk, treasurer and a constitutional district attorney.
What the term does not and should not mean is by labeling himself a “constitutional sheriff” that somehow gives him the power to determine if any given law is constitutional and therefore whether he will follow that law. As a member of the executive branch of government, it is the sheriff’s duty to follow all the laws of the state of Wisconsin.
In fact, the oath of office taken by a sheriff is “I, (official’s name), having been elected or appointed to the office of sheriff swear that I will support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Wisconsin, and will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of said office to the best of my ability.”
The citizens of Waupaca County should be profoundly concerned that Wilz has publicly stated that he will decide if he will follow a law or not. At the debate Wilz stated “I definitely will not be in favor nor will I act on anything of red flag,” Wilz said. “That’s not going to happen on my watch.”
It is a scary thought that a court could determine someone to be too dangerous to possess a firearm yet Wilz won’t enforce that order. That statement is contrary to his oath, dangerous for the citizens of Waupaca County and an absolute dereliction of his duty to preserve the peace of our citizens. A true supporter of our Second Amendment rights to bear arms should want those firearms to keep us safe not harm us.
I support Cameron Durrant for sheriff of Waupaca County. He will honor his oath of office, he will bring integrity to the duties of the Sheriff’s Office, and he will protect us from harm. That’s who I want as my sheriff.
Arthur E. Hill Jr.
Waupaca