My name is David Kost, and I’m running for Ingham County sheriff. I recently received a registered letter from Sheriff Gene Wriggelsworth stating that I was given a 60-day involuntary unpaid leave of absence. This letter went on to say “you will continue to adhere to the rules and regulations of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Department” and “nor are you to use any departmental equipment or property in the pursuit of your candidacy for the office of sheriff.”

I can’t even show the public the photograph of Wriggelsworth congratulating me for receiving the police officer of the year award. This is coming from a guy that dressed his administration up in inmate uniforms for a campaign commercial, the same guy who had two command officers - on county time - making campaign commercials. The same guy that sent the officers in uniform over to state Sen. Dianne Byrum’s campaign to appear in her commercials?

Wriggelsworth, your message has come through loud and clear. If you want to lose your income for 60 days, your health insurance for 60 days and your retirement for 60 days, just exercise your constitutional right to seek public office.

Unfortunately, you might be able to use this type of fear and intimidation on some people, but not with me. You haven’t cornered the market on constitutional rights. My father, my uncles, my brothers, my niece and I all fought for those rights, and will continue to fight for them. Not just for you, but for all people. This is still the United States of America, and there are still people out there who are willing to put everything on the line to make a difference.

David Kost
Republican candidate for sheriff of Ingham County