Keep Your Right to Vote for County Sheriff

One thing I want to bring to your attention is in November there will be a ballot amendment proposal for Missouri's Constitution to forever put the Office of Sheriff into the Constitution for various reasons.

Many do not realize the sheriff of each county is literally the last opportunity and voice every Missouri voter has on who is the chief law enforcement officer in that county.  People in federal law enforcement, highway patrol, and vast majority of municipal agencies are appointed by a small governing body.  Only the elected sheriff is appointed by YOU.

Without being in the Missouri Constitution this right and office can be removed or replaced.  Ask the citizens in Connecticut as around the year 2000 they lost the ability to vote for their respective sheriffs.

What many do not know is some attorneys saw an opportunity to make millions (I believe the number was 6 million in attorney fees) and sued, which basically killed the Missouri Sheriffs' Retirement System which was only fully funded off a $3 court cost fee from certain traffic and criminal cases.  The lawyers successfully argued this $3 was keeping citizens from accessing the Courts.  This made sheriffs retirement system unfunded.  Missouri legislators have removed sheriffs from LAGERS retirement.  Unfortunately I know of a few sheriffs who have resigned, retired or retiring at least partly because of the retirement system issues.

I would encourage each of you to review the language, ask questions, and give serious consideration as to how you should vote on this amendment come November.  My opinion is we the people should never relinquish our right to vote and keep a say in law enforcement.

Be safe.

Respectfully,

Steve Cox