Andrew Overby is a candidate for the Dan River District seat of the Board of Supervisors. I have known Andrew for years. He served our country in the Army, he is a business owner here in our county, and he is a father. I have no doubt that Andrew will fill this seat with utmost integrity, valuing the concerns of all citizens equally, regardless of political affiliation or any other reason. I typically refrain from publicly supporting local candidates. I have always believed that those who have run for local public office positions in the past have done so with a servant’s heart, free of personal motivation or vendettas.

This election for the open Dan River Supervisor seat is much different, which has prompted me to become involved.

The societal unrest and subsequent anti-law enforcement/defund the police rhetoric of the past five years in this country has been devastating to the law enforcement profession. Twenty five to thirty percent vacancy rates among law enforcement agencies have been commonplace. Recruiting and retaining qualified employees has proven to be nearly impossible for most agencies. We have not been immune to this, losing nearly 50 employees over the past five and a half years. The defund the police movement is very much alive here in our county, and it is trying to infiltrate our local government.

Andrew Overby understands that the men and women of the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office need support to enable them to effectively serve and protect our citizens. He understands that our sheriff’s office has always done more with less, and he is the only candidate in this race who has vowed NOT to defund our sheriff’s office.

I humbly ask that you join me, my family, and my law enforcement family in supporting Andrew in his bid to become the next Dan River District Board of Supervisors’ member.

Sheriff Daniel M. Smith,
Patrick County, Virginia

Republished under the fair use doctrine. Originally published in the enterprise.