I read with interest the letter in the July 14 edition by Arthur Hill in which he indicated confusion as to why many people call Sheriff Tim Wilz a “constitutional sheriff.”
He indicated (rightly) that many elected offices were created by the Wisconsin Constitution, such as county clerk, and register of deeds, etc. So why give that term to our sheriff?
Let me try to answer our seemingly confused voter. We do not call Sheriff Tim a “constitutional sheriff” because of the Constitution specifying the office of sheriff and the duties thereof.
We call him a “constitutional sheriff” because of our nation’s Bill of Rights specified in the U.S. Constitution. These rights guarantee to you and to me, Mr. Hill, the right to free speech, freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, freedom of the press, due process, etc.
All of our elected officials take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution of the U.S., but our sheriff is entrusted to enforce our laws. When there is an unconstitutional law passed (such as red flag), or an illegal mandate issued that infringes on your constitutional rights, who are you going to turn to: a tested sheriff, who has stood up for you and not backed down, or an untested deputy?
You vote the way you want to, but I’m with the proven fighter for our rights, all due respect to the deputy.
Chris Martinson
New London