Duke Schirard has provided 20-plus years of solid, strong leadership to the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office. He also served as Bayfield marshal for several years and was an officer for the Durango Police Department. He has lived in La Plata County since the very early 1970s and has served the residents of this county in law enforcement ever since.

Duke is outspoken but will never tell you one thing to your face while secretly plotting to stab you in the back! Agree with him or not, you know where he stands. If I had an employee who was undermining me and creating friction and discontent with my employees, I would fire him or her in a heartbeat! What employer would not do the same? Isn’t loyalty and trust something that is needed in any business or department? Should any employer have to tolerate insubordination?

Any person who has ever had dealings with the law, good or bad, knows it is not always black and white. If Sean Smith is going to “enforce all the laws” does this mean that even every traffic stop will result in a citation, never a warning? Everyone will be treated the same, never mind the circumstances or situation! This is not the type of person I want leading the Sheriff’s Office.

I will definitely be voting for Duke Schirard, and I urge you to do the same.

Catie Chamblee

Bayfield