Letter to the Editor - Leo Pulcher, Hudson

Selflessness. Integrity. Compassion. Those three words cannot even begin to describe the career and man, David Bartlett. I have watched him over the length of his career, and one thing is certain. David Bartlett is someone who always puts others first. His dedication to the public and his family has not gone unnoticed by myself and others.

I’ve watched David Bartlett reach to the devastation that the rest of the coutnry has been enduring. I have watched him support and grieve with those communities like we all have. While our county may not have had anything like a hurricane, mass shooting or similar incident we have our own devastating issues daily. For the past year, I have watched my hometown and neighborhood become inundated with a vicious and debilitating disease: opioid addiction. This is something I never saw coming, and now it’s here. While some have one way of handling it, David has put this on the top of his list to eradicate. He is tired (as we all are) of having to bury our children due to this heinous disease. He has begun a war on this drug, and not in just one way. He is combating on all fronts. Educating people of all ages of the seriousness of the opioid crisis while arresting and shutting down drug dealers who supply those people.

While our “little” community may have our problems and different ideals, we have one thing in common: a Sheriff who cares about us. A Sheriff who listens to the issues within the community as a while. A Sheriff who strives to find a solution rather than a bandaid for the problems. A Sheriff who supports his Deputies and makes sure they have continuing training.

For 33 years I watched him grow from a young deputy, to him contining to serve his community as Sheriff. He has given his heart and time to the citizens of Columbia County. Protecting them when needed, and comforting them when times were hard. In a world where addiction is rampant, hate is growing, fear is becoming a way of life, divide is constant. David Bartlett stands on a line and tries to protect and unite rather than divide us all. This and so many more reasons I urge you to vote David Bartlett for Sheriff on Nov.  7.

Leo Pulcher
Hudson