Letter to the Editor: False information spread about Jeff Angell

Dear Editor,

OK, enough is enough! I have been biting my tongue and trying to keep it civil. I am hoping people in Big Horn County use logic and common sense when it comes to the sheriff’s election. Hopefully people will use their brains and think for themselves and not believe all the garbage being spouted and maybe ask themselves some questions. Here are some I’d be asking myself.

Why are the only negative slamming posts being done about Angell? None slamming Beal, Davis or Shidler, just Angell.

Why do all these posts appear to be coming from Shidler supporters? Why targeting just Jeff? Is there something deeper going on? Is there a personal grudge? 

Where is the evidence supporting all the stuff they are saying? I am all about evidence, otherwise it is hearsay, rumors or gossip.

Why were people not talking about any of these things before the campaigning began? Why not when Angell became a sergeant or the lead investigator? Both very important positions, which obviously should not have been given to someone if all the sudden information being put out there was true. Correct? It seems people back then would have been saying he wasn’t fit for the job.

Why do the negative posts seem to be getting worse the closer the election gets? Stories and tales becoming more discrediting and sometimes unbelievable.

Why do people feel the need to post negative things instead of posting the positives? For God’s sake, we are looking at an election for sheriff. What is the department going to be like after the election? If this person wins, half the sheriff’s deputies quitting, if the other wins then life being made hard for deputies because of who they supported. Are these really probabilities? Maybe, maybe not, but this should not have to even be a concern? Bullying, manipulation or something else? This is ridiculous. How is this helping the community? Is there really any caring for the community, or is it a power and control thing going on? Who is running for the right reasons because they honestly want to help the community and protect and serve?

Wouldn’t it be more beneficial if people just posted the positive aspects of their candidate and not posts slamming another? This did not have to be a negative campaign. This could have been a way to learn all the positive things about those who protect our community.

This election is bringing out the worst in our communities. Neighbors, families, friends conflicting all over an election. It would be nice to see positive things about candidates from the candidates or supporters focusing on positive aspects or positive stories. Wouldn’t that be refreshing? Use your posts and have your conversations be about your candidates’ positives, and stop all the negative about others.

I encourage everyone to get out and vote; it is very important. Vote for whoever you think has the qualities needed to be a good sheriff. But ask yourself some questions, use your common sense, look at the positives and vote on what you yourself knows or has experienced and not on all the negative things being spread. Remember it is the protection of you, your kiddos, your relatives, your neighbors … your community.

You can read the original letter unedited on my FB profile.

Cheri Abraham