Letter to the Editor: Deputy Sheriff Responds to Ethics Claims

I would like to personally respond to r in which he addressed the Kendall County Board’s approval of a resolution prohibiting the use of public funds to purchase alcoholic beverages.  Mr. Milliron’s correspondence seemed to imply that the County Board took this action in response to recent (or ongoing) conduct within the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office and, therefore, the Sheriff’s Office is currently deficient in their accounting for (and reporting of) expenditures.  It is important that the citizens of Kendall County, who showed their trust in Sheriff Richard Randall by re-electing him by an overwhelming margin, know that this is not the case.

As of December 1, 2010, it has been my duty as Chief Deputy to ensure ethical and transparent business practices and responsible expenditure of public funds by the Sheriff’s Office.  Subsequent to my appointment, I am proud to have led Sheriff’s Office staff in creating an environment of financial accountability and ethical conduct that can serve as a model to all County departments and offices.  I personally attend each Finance Committee meeting prepared to answer any and all questions regarding Sheriff’s Office expenditures.  Furthermore, I am available to any citizen who has a question or concern about any aspect of the Sheriff’s Office.  Given the openness and cooperation the Sheriff’s Office provides in all matters, I am confident that every member of the County Board respects the commitment that Sheriff Randall, I and all of our staff have made to fiscal responsibility and ethical conduct.

I support the spirit of the County Board’s resolution and its commitment to proper use of public dollars.  Regardless of the depth of the Sheriff’s Office commitment to upholding taxpayer trust, it is important that outside oversight always be present.  I also share Mr. Milliron’s passion for responsible government, and support him, and all other likeminded citizens, in their efforts to hold government officials accountable for their actions. 

I would, however, ask that Mr. Milliron be as careful with his implications as he asks government to be with the public’s trust.  I would also hope that, rather than simply regurgitate issues from the past, Mr. Milliron will acknowledge real progress by the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office in their efforts to meet that trust.

Chief Deputy Scott Koster, Kendall County Sheriff’s Office