Like many of you, I consider it an honor to be able to say that I come from a military family, and whenever I consider how very hard the men and women of our United States Armed Forces must work each day to keep us safe, I especially appreciate my family’s contributions to military service. I believe hard work should be recognized, and I consider myself fortunate to have been recognized for much of my own—both in the ranks and awards I earned during my career in law enforcement, and in the bachelor’s and master’s degrees I earned as a student.
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I was approached recently by a retired United States Army Colonel and several other members of the local military community who expressed that they were deeply troubled by their having discovered that the incumbent Sheriff has made false claims regarding his military service and educational achievements, and that the incumbent has made these false claims in his campaign literature, on the official web site of the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and when speaking to the public.
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I have now seen official government documentation demonstrating that the incumbent has claimed to possess military experience and educational achievements beyond any he has actually earned. And I now share the concerns of these members of the local military community: I, too, am deeply troubled. Fabrication or embellishment of military or academic achievements in order to gain political office not only deprives the citizens of an honest and fair election, it is an insult to everyone who has ever performed the hard work required to earn a stripe or degree. I expect much more of an elected official, especially when that elected official is the Sheriff.
I have now seen official government documentation demonstrating that the incumbent has claimed to possess military experience and educational achievements beyond any he has actually earned. And I now share the concerns of these members of the local military community: I, too, am deeply troubled. Fabrication or embellishment of military or academic achievements in order to gain political office not only deprives the citizens of an honest and fair election, it is an insult to everyone who has ever performed the hard work required to earn a stripe or degree. I expect much more of an elected official, especially when that elected official is the Sheriff.
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The integrity of the entire judicial system in Leon County depends upon members of law enforcement being truthful and accurate. It is imperative that the Sheriff lead by example, setting the tone for honesty and integrity in Leon County.
The integrity of the entire judicial system in Leon County depends upon members of law enforcement being truthful and accurate. It is imperative that the Sheriff lead by example, setting the tone for honesty and integrity in Leon County.
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Each and every day of my 30-plus years in law enforcement I have lived by a strict personal code of ethics that demands integrity, honesty, and accountability. As your next Sheriff, I promise you that I will continue to do so, and that I will require the same level of ethical conduct from every man and woman employed by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, whether sworn officer or civilian, and irrespective of rank, grade, or position.
Each and every day of my 30-plus years in law enforcement I have lived by a strict personal code of ethics that demands integrity, honesty, and accountability. As your next Sheriff, I promise you that I will continue to do so, and that I will require the same level of ethical conduct from every man and woman employed by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, whether sworn officer or civilian, and irrespective of rank, grade, or position.
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I want you know that I take this matter seriously and have submitted an Elections complaint to the Elections Commission. It is my hope that they will be able to sort through and identify the truth in this matter.
I want you know that I take this matter seriously and have submitted an Elections complaint to the Elections Commission. It is my hope that they will be able to sort through and identify the truth in this matter.
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Your friend,
Your friend,
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Lisa Sprague
Lisa Sprague
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Paid for by Lisa Sprague, No Party Affiliation, for Leon County Sheriff.
Paid for by Lisa Sprague, No Party Affiliation, for Leon County Sheriff.
Lisa Sprague
October 15, 2012
Cop Reviews, Crimes, Government Officials, Law Enforcement