Dear Editor,

My name is Vera Paxton, I am the 80-year-old mother of Kim Fulton and grandmother of Daniel who were brutally murdered in 1995. With the arrest of a co-conspirator in custody, I am confident Mark Warden will continue to push their case forward. While under unfortunate circumstances, I met Mark Warden at the time of their homicides. Mr. Warden has been a constant in the case since that time in a variety of roles. Regardless of his position from dispatcher to detective and now Chief, he has served our family with compassion and the utmost respect. I am sure dealing with the grieving parents who lost their 28-year-old daughter, and 17-month-old grandson is not for everyone. Mr. Warden was always one of the first to offer kind words and any resources he could bring to bear.

I have personally witnessed his leadership in a multitude of ways. From holding himself and subordinates accountable to advocating with outside agencies in some cases at the state level to pursue additional avenues in the quest for justice for Kim and Daniel. He is transparent and shares when there are limitations out of his control. I must remind myself he is not yet the Sheriff and in his current role as Chief his job is to carry out the wishes of Sheriff Minks not necessarily his own.

I am just an ordinary citizen who does not get involved in politics. In my experience, Mr. Warden is not a politician. He is a cop who has been a committed public servant for his entire career. He leads with compassion for the community and dedicates each day to making our county safer. For nearly 29 years while seeking justice for my daughter and grandson I have witnessed this firsthand. I will be supporting Mark for Sheriff in the upcoming Primary election. A vote for Mark Warden for Sheriff is a vote for the continued quest for justice not only for Kim and Daniel, but other victims of crime. I ask you to consider joining me by voting for Mark Warden for Sheriff.