Why

Simply put, the reason I am running for the Office of Sheriff is to be where I can best serve the community I live in.  I wish to make a positive difference for the community I serve. 

I decided to get into this race after being solicited by a colleague within the law enforcement community.  His concern was for the future success of the Sheriff’s Department.  Shortly after that, several others approached me with the same concern.  They also suggested that I consider running for Sheriff. 

I too am concerned, not only for the future of the Sheriff’s Department, but for the law enforcement profession in general, and for society.  Fewer qualified people are stepping up to perform these duties and many are leaving the profession.  As a result, in many areas, standards are being lowered just to fill the ranks.    

I began to consider if the Office of Sheriff was a realistic prospect for me.  I evaluated my motives in pursing this office to assure that it would be for the right reasons.  I examined my own qualifications, years of experience, diverse law enforcement background, and record of success.  I concluded that I was fit for the job. 

I thought of several people who have exceptional qualifications far better than my own to hold the Office of Sheriff.  But none of these people wanted to pursue the position for various reasons.  I on the other hand, actually want to pursue the Office of Sheriff and for good reason.    

As the filing date came near to its deadline, I examined the field of known potential candidates planning to throw their hat in the ring.  Of the candidates that I knew of, none had the totality of qualifications which surpassed my own. 

I submitted my name and I am running on the Republican ballot.  I did so because I am the best qualified candidate running and I am doing so with true and correct motives. 

I value what the Grafton County Sheriff’s Department has to offer for law enforcement services to our community.  I want to pick up where the current Sheriff leaves off and continue to advance the professional quality of law enforcement service to the people of Grafton County.

Furthermore, the Grafton County Sheriff’s Department supports a small investigative team that focuses on the apprehension of sex offenders.  This is of special interest to me.  The cases of sexual assaults on children and human trafficking are higher than ever.  Over the last few years, the Sheriff’s Department has investigated and brought to conviction numerous cases of felony sexual assault.  Many of these convicted felons perpetrated their crimes against small and innocent children.  I fully support these investigative efforts and I want to see them continue.  As Sheriff I will make every effort to see that these investigative units get what they need to advance in their success and bring these offenders to justice.

The Sheriff’s Department also supports the Drug Task Force.  I have seen with my own eyes more drug overdoses in recent years than I have in my whole career.  The volume of illegal drugs that are being trafficked through New Hampshire and the rest of the United States, which are killing our young people, is higher than I have ever seen it.  I put very little faith in any of the statistical data that might suggest any decrease in crime in the last couple of years.  I know what I have seen, and I know what I have experienced.  It has never been this bad in my entire career.  As Sheriff I will continue the departments commitment to support the efforts of the Drug Task Force.

Finally, I have a personal connection with the Sheriff’s Department.  I worked as a Sheriff’s Deputy for several years and it is where I had some of the best professional experiences of my career.  I enjoyed working alongside so many other men and women from the various police agencies within Grafton County.  It was such a great opportunity to make connections with people not only in Grafton County, but across the State.

The reasons why I am running for Sheriff are many, but what I have told you here sums up the more prominent ones. 

Thank you for taking the time to look into my motives.  I hope that you see the sincerity behind them.

With respect I ask for you vote this November,

Todd Matthew Eck