To the Editor:

Kent Patterson would make a very good Sheriff for Medina County. He has served our county for many years in law enforcement and in many ways. While serving in the Ohio Air National Guard in 1972 he joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol and retired as the Medina Post Commander in 1997. Kent has served his community very fairly as a patrolman and later as Chief of Police for Westfield Center. He has been our chief for 13 years. Kent also serves as the school commander of law enforcement programs at the Medina County Career Center. He also has been elected to his second term at the Medina County Educational Service Center (what used to be the county school board). I know that he has served for years on the Medina County Drug Abuse Commission.

I have heard and witnessed Kent's working with our young people headed in the wrong direction and trying to help them out. He keeps calm and in control of the situations he encounters professionally which is so important. While he wears a badge, he seems to resolve issues by using compassion, patience and common sense.

Kent and his wife Patty have raised a fine family and enjoy being with their two adult sons and their families. I have to say that while I support Kent and of course will vote for him, our village will be losing a very good Police Chief.

Mary A. Urian

Westfield Center