Arrest record leads to question of 'trust'

The Michigan State Police ICHAT Internet records available to everyone show Michael Craig Cooley, DOB 8/4/1958, age 50, whom I understand is the Roscommon County Sheriff Democratic candidate, has a criminal and drunk driving record.

His rap sheet includes a 4/20/1977 Alma, Ml arrest for burglary for which he was convicted 9/1/1977 of the reduced charge of entry without permission.

He was arrested July 14, 1990 by St. Louis, MI police department followed by an 11/2/1990 conviction of Second Offense Impaired Driving in District Court 65B, meaning he must have had a prior drunk or impaired driving conviction, perhaps in another state.

He was arrested Aug. 27, 2006 by Roscommon County Sheriff Department after which he was convicted 10/16/2006 when he pled guilty to a sweetheart deal of first offense impaired driving despite having multiple prior convictions.

I don't think Cooley would qualify to be hired as a deputy sheriff with this rap sheet. Despite this he is running for sheriff to supervise deputies we trust with protecting our lives.

I don't want someone who may claim to be either a reformed criminal or reformed alcoholic as Roscommon County Sheriff responsible for enforcing the law in a fair manner. Such a person should not be trusted with that responsibility. I encourage the public to check the facts on the state police web site.

Randy Stevenson, the Republican candidate for sheriff, does not appear to have a criminal record. He has been a fine citizen for many years, including many years as a Roscommon County Sheriff's deputy. He resigned from work at the sheriff department according to published reports so he could legally run for sheriff. Mr. Stevenson has proven his value and should be elected sheriff.

I intend to split my ballot and vote for Barack Obama and some other Democrats, but I'm going to vote for Randy Stevenson the Republican for sheriff. I suggest others do likewise.

I apologize for having to ask that my name be withheld. If somehow Mr. Cooley got elected I'm afraid he would hold this letter against me. A Sheriff testifying against a private citizen usually is believed over the word of the private citizen. An unethical Sheriff can cause all kinds of problems for a citizen he dislikes.

Name withheld by request