This year, Androscoggin County has three candidates running for the office of sheriff.

Recently, I retired from the Sheriff’s Office after 37 years of service. During that time, I had the privilege of working side-by-side with all three candidates. All three candidates possess varied strengths and weaknesses and would serve the office well. However, voters can choose only one.

Therefore, given the unique challenges that the office of sheriff will face during the next term, (i.e., funding, jail overcrowding, new county charter and structure, collective bargaining, the state Board of Corrections, etc.), I believe that there is one candidate who has the respect within the community to bring people together cooperatively to get the job done. He is Capt. Raymond Lafrance, a 36-year veteran of the department.

Therefore, on Nov. 4, I shall be voting for Ray Lafrance for sheriff.

John Lebel, Poland