I’m retired now, but still see Duke as the most qualified person to continue as our leader in the law-enforcement community of La Plata County. Duke has always been a person of high integrity and honesty.

Recently, I’ve heard critics state, “Yes, he has done a great job for 20 years, no major issues, but we need a change.” Folks, this doesn’t make any sense.

Duke’s philosophy has always worked. When I worked for Duke, I was his jail commander. I ran his county detention facility. Duke gave me a free reign of the facility, telling me, “Keep the facility running constitutionally and accredited and keep me away from lawsuits.” This was a goal I kept for more than eight years, with Duke’s guidance. Some of the improvements that were made to the department at that time included reducing the number of deputies leaving the department per year from 19 percent down to 8 percent. This was a result of getting increased salaries and benefits for the deputies. Improvements in the jail and jail expansion were completed also at this time. Numerous programs were developed for inmates. All these programs with Duke’s guidance.

If you know me, and a lot do in this community, you will know that my words speak for truth and honesty. It is my opinion that Duke is the best-qualified person to continue to run the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office for the next four years. He believes in the job and is still seen with plenty of energy and enthusiasm.

Lastly, Duke is a firm believer in the Constitution of the United State of America. Retain Duke. If I could work in law enforcement now, I would work for Duke.

Ray Mayer

Durango