Editor, the Tribune: Ken Pearson came to Boone County almost 40 years ago to pursue a doctorate in government. However, he was drafted, and after serving in Vietnam, he returned to Boone County, where he married Dinah Drane. Dinah's ancestors, including the Dranes, the Barnes and the Sims, have been in this country since the very early 1800s. I have been a close friend of Pearson's brother- in-law, Dave Drane, since we were children. Early in our life, Dave and Dinah's uncle, Tom Drane, was elected assessor of Boone County and served in this capacity for 20 years. Tom was a well-respected public official.

I have the utmost respect for Dave's family and for Ken Pearson. Pearson genuinely wants to use his educational background and years of public service to take Boone County to a higher level. We will all benefit if he is elected. He will be our full-time commissioner.