There has been a lot of rhetoric surrounding the race for sheriff.
Many are convinced change is needed and that only someone from the outside can make those changes.
Frankly, half of that is true — changes are needed at the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. However, that second sentiment is not accurate.
The last thing I had on my summer bucket list was to wade into the Lewis County sheriff's race. However, there comes a time when someone cannot sit silently by and watch the future of the sheriff’s office be jeopardized.
The job is not about presenting one thing publicly, and something else when you think no one is watching.
As the old saying goes, the truth is the truth even when no one believes it and a lie is a lie even if everyone believes it.
Gabe Frase speaks the truth, day in and day out. Gabe speaks the truth even when it is difficult to hear and difficult to speak. Our community must expect and demand nothing less from its elected officials.
Gabe stands ready to make necessary changes and raise the sheriff’s office to new heights, regain trust that has been lost, and reestablish the long lost partnerships with other departments and offices.
I have been working in this community for 30 years. I have observed Gabe for the entirety of his career after he honorably served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Gabe’s commitment continued after his discharge and continues to this day. Gabe has grown throughout his career and has become the leader the sheriff’s office needs and the leader the citizens of Lewis County deserve.
Jonathan Meyer
Centralia
Editor’s note: Meyer is the elected prosecutor for Lewis County and on the ballot in November. The Chronicle allows political candidates to publish one letter per election cycle. To submit a letter, email letters@chronline.com.
