Letter: Wiza announces endorsement for Lukas
To the Editor-
There is an important primary on Tuesday, August 9. A vote that will have a lasting effect on the future of our community.
There is a referendum question in the City of Stevens Point, and partisan run-offs for several federal, state, and even a local seat. Our own Sheriff Mike Lukas is in one of those contested races.
Sheriff Lukas has served our community for over 28 years and as sheriff for the past eight. In those eight years, he has taken his office in a direction that will benefit Portage County for generations.
He has brought more citizen engagement to county law enforcement than I have ever seen. Having a personal connection to the people we serve is critical to tearing down stereotypes and stigmas that have been flooding our country. Crime Stoppers, Coffee with a Cop, Guns and Hoses, Cops and Bobbers, and just being out in the community, and talking to people are just some of the ways he has become an engaged leader, unlike any we’ve seen before.
He has streamlined emergency management, creating efficiencies in the five divisions under his guidance. He has explored and secured millions in grants to add and enhance services like our 911 system which now includes text capability. He led the effort to upgrade and standardize our county-wide radio system to address dead spots in the county and helped get all county emergency agencies on a newer, standard reporting software.
Mike has gone to bat for our community when violent sex offenders we set to be placed in Portage County, working with our representatives all the way up the ladder to ensure our children would remain safe. He is committed to keeping violent offenders off our streets and making sure those who need help receive it by advocating for more resources to assist in mental health challenges.
I’m proud to work with Sheriff Lukas as a peer and a friend. That’s why I hope you’ll take the time on Tuesday, August 9 to cast your vote and help keep our county safe, engaged, and moving forward.
Mike Wiza
Stevens Point Mayor