OP-Ed by Elizabeth Rickard Precinct 58 came out and showed up for Sheriff Rand Henderson. The choice was clear for us but apparently not for others in Montgomery County. So what happened? We believe there were many factors that worked against Sheriff Henderson in the Primary Runoff Race for Sheriff of Montgomery County. First, many people were preparing for graduations and end of school events. To top that off, election day was the day after Memorial Day which is a typical time for residents to leave and begin their summer vacations. Second, many voters thought that Rand had already won so when they kept receiving texts about getting out and voting, their response was either "I already voted," or "I thought he already won?" Third, there was so much mud slinging and misinformation going around that most voters didn't know where to turn to find accurate information. There were half-truths being spread regarding crime stats and not enough time to educate the public on what the whole truth was. Lies about 911 calls went from 3,000 unanswered calls to a suspicious PAC sending out mailers claiming 115,000 unanswered calls. What is a voter supposed to believe? As invested voters who stayed on top of the information, we were hoping to keep a Sheriff who used innovative ideas and supported law enforcement with the equipment/tools necessary to do their jobs. It was a tough loss knowing 3,049 voters in the March Primary chose Henderson over Doolittle. We pray that the new Sheriff in town can live up to the legacy that Sheriff Rand Henderson leaves behind and will surround himself with the right people to help him learn the ropes and become the Sheriff Montgomery County needs for the times that lie ahead. He has big shoes to fill and a big hat won't cut it. We are looking forward to seeing what he can do with this opportunity and pray that he's not all talk but more walk. Good luck, Captain Doolittle. To Sheriff Rand Henderson, on behalf of Precinct 58, thank you for your service. We may have not always agreed on what was best for our county but you kept us safe. On a personal note, I never once felt unsafe in my neighborhood or shopping in our special district of The Woodlands. Law enforcement was quick to respond to emergency calls made, knowledgeable redirection of non-emergency calls, and community visibility. Schools were safer because of your employee's quick response time and training of employees at state of the art training facilities that were funded and realized through your forward thinking and budgeting abilities. You may not have been the outspoken, glad-handing, atta-boy boss people "needed" but you got the job done and we are extrememly grateful for your years of service. We all have something to learn from life and those we serve and you were truly exemplary. Thank you and may God bless you with success, peace, and acceptance wherever you land. -Elizabeth Rickard Precinct 58 Chair - Elect