Your opinion: April 18, 2018

Published 2:19 pm Thursday, April 19, 2018

Why I support Casey Cagle for Governor
I have devoted my entire career to protecting and serving our community, and I believe that our county is a special place to call home. We all want Sumter County to prosper, and that requires strong, visionary leaders who understand the needs of communities like ours across the state.
From my perspective as sheriff, I want a leader who has been committed to protecting the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our communities. We need a leader who has fought time and time again for the best interests of our law enforcement community.
That’s why I’m extremely proud to announce that I — along with 100-plus other Sheriffs across the state — are supporting Casey Cagle in his bid for Governor.
Casey has proven he can lead on behalf of our law enforcement community. Casey has been publicly committed to finding a solution for raising local law enforcement salaries. He led the Compensation of Police and Sheriffs (COPS) Task Force this year, and has worked hand-in-hand with local leaders to propose solutions to this pressing issue. Last year, Casey passed the Back the Badge legislative package to increase the funds that families of fallen police officers receive and to toughen penalties against criminals who assault our men and women of uniform.
As Lt. Governor, Casey has led as a true conservative on issues important to Georgia’s families. Georgia has grown to become the No. 1 state to do business in the nation, and Casey’s work in education and workforce development has received national attention. He has earned an A+ rating from the NRA every single year he has served in office, won recognition as the Georgia Life Alliance’s Champion for Life, and outlawed and defunded sanctuary cities to protect our families.
Casey can empathize with the struggles that many in our community face daily. He grew up with a single mother in a singlewide trailer in rural Hall County, and through hard work, perseverance and a love for God he grew into the man that now leads our state. He has not forgotten his humble upbringing and he is committed to raising economic prosperity for every single person in our state!
Due to his leadership as a committed conservative as well as his tireless effort on behalf of the law enforcement officers in our state, I am proud to support Casey Cagle in his bid for governor.
Pete Smith
Sumter County Sheriff
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