TO THE EDITOR:

The most basic and important function of government is to protect its citizens. A peace officer's primary goal is to endeavor to defend those who live rightly and work honestly. I took an oath at the beginning of my career to protect and serve citizens and enforce statutes and ordinances. I work long, late hours and holidays. My partners and I miss countless birthdays and anniversaries. Last year I worked Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This year is the same. Yet I wouldn't have it any other way because I love what I do.

However, not everyone has admiration for law enforcement. Commissioner Lynn Schultz appears to be on a mission to cut the budget of the Chisago County Sheriff's Department and tell the Sheriff how he should run it. She proposed substantial cuts from the department's capital and ability to purchase new equipment. These are cuts she did not propose for any other department. She has also said that she will show the Sheriff how to save money, yet she is proposing an increase in spending for the county board.

I infer from these comments that law enforcement is not a priority for her. I am very disappointed in Commissioner Schultz for how she has acted. I don't understand why someone would be so hostile towards that which protects her every night she falls asleep in her own house. No other government service risks their lives on a daily basis like we do. Every night my partners and I strap on vests, holster our guns and patrol our jurisdictions. No one else has to face the possibility of taking a life in self-defense or to protect another.

In providing this service shouldn't the deputies of Chisago County be able to have the resources and equipment needed to execute their jobs? Commissioner Schultz should not be playing politics with the most basic and vital function of government, and I hope she comes to realize that. I would be grateful to you if you would let her know.

Kyle Puelston
Minnesota Peace Officer and Chisago County resident