The Herald says the sheriff’s office is currently running well under Sheriff Duke Schirard’s leadership and that he has been a “good sheriff” – but for some unknown reason thinks it is time to make a change. The Herald says that Smith got his experience working for the feds in Oklahoma. Working for the federal government sounds impressive, right? What that really means is that you have unlimited budgets. It also means that you do not have to answer to the citizens – that is, too many layers to hide behind. It is almost impossible to fire a federal employee. We need only look at Ebola and the border crisis to know how well the feds are working.

Is that the experience the Herald is touting? Sean Smith worked for the feds for about two years. Meanwhile, Sheriff Schirard has been our sheriff for 20 years and has been accountable to us. Even the Herald has pointed out that the Sheriff’s Office is running well under Sheriff Schirard’s leadership. Why risk that for someone who thinks that hybrid vehicles are important for enforcing the law? Has anybody completed a pursuit in a hybrid vehicle? You might be able to catch an out-of-control bicyclist, but not much else. Why would you consider making Smith the top law enforcement officer when even he admits he would happily enforce any new draconian gun laws enacted at the state or federal level?

Smith’s views frighten me, his lack of experience and training concern me and his spreading of rumors as fact disqualifies him for the office.

Patricia Roberts

Bayfield