This is a critical hour in the history of our nation, where integrity is essential to the fiber of our law enforcement. Truthfulness in a law enforcement officer is an essential quality. Yet when Sheriff Vernon Castle recently appeared before the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, he stated under oath that he was a good friend of mine and that we often had meals together. I was shocked to hear him say this, because Vernon Castle is not a friend of mine, nor has he had meals with me in my home or in a restaurant.

This pattern of untruthfulness should have come as no surprise to me, because four years ago when Vernon Castle was running for reelection, he claimed that I was one of his staunchest supporters. This was not the case. I had not given him permission, either explicitly or implicitly, to use my name as one of his endorsers.

So there is no confusion about whom I am supporting in this year’s race for sheriff of Athens County; I endorse Patrick Kelly. In fact, I had a campaign sign supporting Pat Kelly for sheriff in my yard, until it mysteriously disappeared. I support Pat Kelly because he has extensive law enforcement experience and the ability to work well with other law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Furthermore, Pat Kelly was selected by the federal government to provide law enforcement training for the Iraqi police, which he willingly did. Thus, it is clear that he has vast law enforcement connections at the local, state, federal and international levels that would stand Athens County in good stead.

No doubt Vernon Castle will say that I have written this letter because Sergeant Jimmy Childs of the Athens County Sheriff’s Department is my son. Be assured that I am writing this letter because I am a concerned citizen who has lived in Athens for 34 years and loves this city and its people. Please join me in supporting Pat Kelly for sheriff.

Francine C. Childs is professor emerita of African American studies at Ohio University and a resident of Athens.