LETTERS ON SHERIFF'S RACE

---------------------------------------Bellingham Attorney Supports Asher
To the Editor:

Jeff Asher will make a great Sheriff. When I was the Public Defender for San Juan County, Jeff’s work as a deputy was so good, it made my job difficult. The prosecutor’s case is only as good as the investigation and report. Jeff’s investigations were thorough. His reports were extremely detailed, accurate and relevant. His testimony in Court was precise and well-delivered. His demeanor was calm and courteous. Juries loved him. It was hard to win a case if Jeff was the responding officer!

Jeff is qualified as a Field Training Officer. He is also a certified diving instructor. As leader of the Dive Team, he provides constant training to his team members. I have every confidence that, if elected, he make sure every deputy and detective receives the training they need, from field work, to accident reconstruction, to investigation, report writing, and drafting search warrants. Cases are won or lost on these details.

A vote for Jeff will help ensure that every case has the best chance of a successful prosecution, which, in turn, helps protect public safety. I whole-heartedly endorse Jeff Asher for San Juan County Sheriff.

Sincerely,

Kathleen J. Marshall
Attorney at Law
Bellingham, Washington
---------------------------------------Supports Asher
To the Editor:

I believe Jeff Asher to be the best qualified candidate for Sheriff of San Juan County, based on my 15 year career as a Los Angeles police officer and 10-year SJC residency.
.
With 25 years of service to this community, Jeff knows where the current shortfalls lie. Proper training of officers is essential, both for public safety and avoidance of lawsuits. Jeff is the only candidate with a Field Training Officer certificate. His training, schooling and experience surpass all others. Questionable actions by serving officers without FTO supervision loom as potential expensive lawsuits.

Some candidates aren’t qualified to be hired as an entry level deputy, let alone serve as sheriff. Public safety is too important for on the job training.

Jeff is ready for this position of trust. He will implement ways to make this department more monetarily self reliant. His ideas on community policing are essential for a small county. This department needs more visibility, deputies need to better know the people they serve and protect. Crime prevention cuts enforcement costs. His commitment to this department and the community are admirable.

I wish that all SJC deputies feel as Jeff does. These officers’ cohesion is vital. Being able to depend on your fellow officers no matter what is the most important part of this job. Officers creating public dissension in the ranks are unprofessional and dangerous. It would not be tolerated in a well-run organization. This department needs a profes-sional overhaul.

Jeff is ready to change this department to run more efficiently, cost effectively, and more professionally. This department needs constructive change, and that is what Jeff can bring to the table. I have the utmost confidence and respect for Jeff Asher and his ideas. He is a valuable asset to this county and his talents should be utilized to better this community.

Please be an informed voter. Check out the position and ideas of all the candidates.
It’s your county and your money, please choose wisely. This department truly needs someone with the skills and abilities that Jeff possesses

Michael J. Stelzner
San Juan
---------------------------------------Former Deputy & Dive Team Member Supports Asher
To the Editor:

I have been a Police Officer for the City of Puyallup since 2006. Prior to moving to Puyallup I was a Deputy at the San Juan County Sheriff's Office from 1998 -2006. During that time I worked with Deputy Asher both on patrol and while I was a member of the dive team.

I very much enjoyed the time I worked for the Sheriff's Office and am grateful for many of the opportunities that working and living in San Juan County provided. I still have ties to the community and it is for this reason that I felt that it was important to send the attached letter of endorsement for Deputy Asher for Sheriff of San Juan County.


Thank you,

Tad Miniken
Puyallup, Wa.
---------------------------------------Response To Steve Vierthalers Letters
To the Editor:

Steve, as your ex-partner and friend of twenty six years I have to take exception to some of the comments in your letter[10 letters below -Ed] The comment you seem to take most exception to is Jeff Asher's sentence of "we can do better. We must do better." Why is that so offensive to you? Doesn't it simply state the obvious that there is always room for improvement in any plan and indicate Jeff's dedication to doing better in the future? If your plans and leadership were actually all you could do perhaps you'd care to explain your statement that some of Jeff's supporters were also unsuccessful in their attempt to capture Harris-Moore. Since I know of no other attempts by private citizens I can only assume you are referring to the efforts me and my team of volunteers consisting of Chuck Silva, Corey Wiscomb, Vitaly Drobyshev, and techno-wizard John Gorton (Thanks Team!) The reader should be aware that the following took place before Asher even declared his candidacy and thus Vierthaler is in error when he makes an effort to somehow connect our efforts to capture CHM with Jeff's candidacy. I'd be happy to explain my involvement in volunteering to help protect my friends who were being terrified by multiple burglaries by CHM, terrified to the point that they were ready to leave the island. I found this totally unacceptable. If your plan, efforts, and leadership were everything that you could possibly do, how is it that it was left to the crime victim and myself to find the point of entry that you were unable to ascertain, despite being in the building multiple times, not only the point of entry, but the nest CHM built in the hanger, (replete with food, water, mattress, clothing, stolen property)and the vital evidence consisting of a stolen handgun and the flight manual from the last plane he stole in Anacortes and dumped on Orcas?

My team then set up a trap in the hanger and informed you of our plan. An FBI agent was also consulted and he termed our plan as "solid." When I consulted you on our trap and explained what response would be appropriate in the event CHM returned and was trapped in the hanger, you were obviously irritated and the department couldn't even cooperate with us by providing a portable radio so I could communicate with the responding deputies as the incident unfolded. Is this your idea of doing all you could do? Isn't the fact that we maintained our surveillance for thirty consecutive nights, taking shifts between watching the monitors and sleeping on the cement floor, worthy of a simple thanks for trying, instead of your snide dismissal of our efforts? We made our effort to protect our friends and community solely because we had the talent and cared enough to do so. And even we constantly updated and added to our plans as time went on. I don't agree that it is enough to say "Some guys just get away." I'd want to know how he got away, where he'd gone, and how I could find and arrest him. But that's just me. I'd also like to commend the deputies who did all they could while on duty and then came back out on their own time to try to catch CHM. Good cops never do their job solely for the paycheck. An old retired guy like myself still enjoys the hunt. But we all ultimately do it to protect our communities.

As to the nasty letter campaign and outrageous false statements against Jeff Asher's candidacy; I am in awe of his calm, rational, and even conciliatory response to the baseless and negative attacks on himself and his supporters. The letters offer not a single fact to support their nasty comments and letters. In Jeff's efforts to look to the future, when he may have the task of pulling the members back together, he has requested that his supporters, inside and outside the department, use restraint in coming to his defense. What I will say is that in my twenty five years of experience of working with Jeff he has consistently been the most professional member of the department, both in proficiency and character. He has never had a reprimand and his file is full of commendations. He doesn't rely on stars or stripes on his uniform to establish his authority. He does it by simply being a leader. I have literally trusted him with my life. You can certainly TRUST HIM WITH YOUR VOTE!

Ray Clever,
Private Citizen and Cop-for-Life


---------------------------------------I Support Fincher for Sheriff
To the Editor:

I have had the pleasure of working with Brad Fincher for over eleven years and am pleased to vote for him for sheriff.

Brad has a high standard of integrity. He treats everyone that crosses his path with dignity regardless of their walk of life. He is respected by court staff, attorneys and defendants alike. He strongly holds offenders accountable, but does so in a manner that aims to inspire them to become better citizens. He embodies honorability and is a role model for others to do so. Brad is also calm under pressure. When a tenuous situation escalates in court, he deflates the conflict with aplomb. I’ve been thankful for his authoritative presence on more than one occasion.

Brad has been in the field of criminal justice for over a decade. In 1999, he set up and ran the work crew for the sheriff’s department, not only saving the county substantial cost, but rehabilitating and holding appropriate offenders accountable to the community as an alternative to simply housing them in jail. He also wisely declined work crew for some offenders who needed additional incarceration. He then followed in Sheriff Bill’s footsteps and became a probation officer, overseeing hundreds of probationers. Through these positions, Brad has acquired first hand knowledge of budgetary oversight, the integral workings of court, constitutional procedures necessary to secure justice and the spirit and letter of the laws he will be required to enforce to keep our community safe.

Our sheriff is not simply a “top cop”. Our sheriff plays a critical role in the framework of our community and must be adept in public appearances and interactions as well as behind the scenes management and investigation. Brad is articulate and composed and is also a great listener. He is not intimidated by difficult situations. His input and opinion is often sought by the court and his position consistently represents thorough research and thought. Brad’s temperament, the fresh perspective he brings to the department, his excellent communication skills and his wide breadth of criminal justice knowledge and experience will serve us well as sheriff and as a community leader.

Join me in voting for Brad Fincher for sheriff.

Joan Pedrick
attorney at law
--------------------------------------- Support Fincher for Sheriff
To the Editor:

Brad Fincher has my vote for Sheriff. I think Brad has what it takes to become Sheriff and to guide the Sheriff’s Department into the future.

I have had the privilege of working closely with Brad during my time as San Juan County Fair Manger. I met Brad when he moved to the San Juan and began his career with San Juan County. He served as Fair Board Member and often as Fair Board Chair for over 9 years. His work and support contributed to the success of the Fair.

Brad always made time to assist with grants, proposals, or budgets that were submitted to the County or to the Department of Agriculture. As Fair Board Chair, Brad was closely involved in the purchase and development of the additional property the Fairgrounds acquired in 2005. He also provided advice and direction for the re-designation request for the Fairgrounds approved recently by the County Council.

Brad cares about the community; he has done amazing work as the Work Program Supervisor, currently as the Adult Probation Officer and volunteers for the Prevention Coalition. He has the knowledge of the legal process. He is a hard worker. He cares about people.

Brad has the qualities to direct the Sheriff’s office and to set the tone of cooperation.

He is young, energetic, has the right background and skills for Sheriff. Brad is a go to guy. He will get the job done and he will do a great job for all the citizens in the County.

My husband Alan Myers joins me in voting for Brad.

Mark your ballot for Brad Fincher.

Christine Miller
Former San Juan County Fair Manager
--------------------------------------- I knew Brad, I worked with Brad
To the Editor:

Several qualities come to mind when I think about what I want in a sheriff. I want him or her to understand community, to be strong enough to stand up to criminal behavior, and equally strong to provide trained, skilled deputies. I want someone who can manage a tight budget without sacrificing our security. I want a person with integrity, and who isn’t afraid to tackle the big problems.

Finally, I want someone who cares. I find these qualities in Brad Fincher. When I was working in the courthouse, I never doubted that I could count on Brad to do his job, and do it well.

I encouraged Brad to run for office, and ask you to vote Fincher for Sheriff.

Sincerely,

Rhea Miller
Lopez
--------------------------------------- Asher Will Hold Employees Accountable
To the Editor:

As I have met with voters during my campaign, two questions have consistently been asked that I would like to address. The first goes something like this:

If elected, how will you bring the department back together after the negative things that have been said about you by some of your colleagues?

The one word answer is: professionalism. As Sheriff, I will communicate my expectations for high standards of professional and ethical behavior to members of the department. Employees will be given the opportunity, support and guidance to meet those standards, and will also be held accountable for their behavior as we move forward under my administration.

All Sheriff’s Department employees are here for one reason and one reason only: to protect public safety. It is essential that the internal politics and disagreements generated by a few individuals be put to rest so that, together, we can focus on the critical mission with which we are entrusted. The citizens of our county expect no less of us. I have no doubt that the fine professionals within the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office will come together to meet that goal and provide the best possible service to the community.

The second question is: Why are there no deputies supporting you?

There are thirty employees in the Department, and only a few are engaged in these attacks. For the most part, they represent the current leadership- the status quo. Should I not win, I will be unable to ensure that my supporters are treated fairly and professionally. Therefore, I will not ask my supporters within the Department to publicly declare their support of my candidacy.

Further, I believe (as do the leaders of many police departments) that negative campaigning towards other officers is unethical behavior for police officers. It creates anger and mistrust within the ranks- qualities we can scarcely afford when we count on each other’s support in life or death situations.

The citizens of San Juan County deserve a referendum on the issues affecting them. I will continue to focus my candidacy on improving the safety and quality of life of our island communities.

If you wish to contact me with any questions or concerns, you may call me at 298-1932. I look forward to hearing your questions and providing the answers you deserve to hear directly from me.

Jeff Asher
San Juan Island
--------------------------------------- Dive Team Member's Additional Comments
To the Editor:

I’m writing this letter to let the citizens of San Juan County know that I support Jeff Asher for Sheriff of San Juan County. Unfortunately, due to work obligations, I have not had the opportunity to personally be present to show my support for Jeff’s campaign for Sheriff.

While serving as San Juan County Deputy Sheriff, I supported Jeff in the 2002 Sheriff’s election and know how difficult it can be to support a candidate that your direct supervisors (Undersheriff Jon Zerby, Sgt. Scott Brennan and Sgt. Steve Vierthaler) and senior deputies (Scott Johanson and Eric Gardiner) vehemently oppose.

I worked with Jeff as a fellow deputy for six and a half years, and for the past eight years served under his leadership as a member of the San Juan County Dive Rescue Team [see letter below -Ed], for which Jeff is the team Coordinator. During this time, I had the unique opportunity to see Jeff respond to many diverse situations. I witnessed Jeff’s ability, both as a deputy and dive team coordinator to lead, teach and coordinate both inter-agency and multi-agency training for rescue/recovery missions.

I believe that Jeff has the foresight to obtain the funding for desperately needed training and equipment. A plan that will bring the Sheriff’s department and its employees to the level of expertise that we as a community expect and deserve. And the leadership it will take to pull the Sheriff’s department back together so that our first responders can serve us, the community, in a safe, efficient and effective manner.

Please join me in voting for Jeff Asher for Sheriff.

Regards,
Shelly Trepl
--------------------------------------- Dive Team Supports Asher for Sheriff
To the Editor:

We the undersigned are all of the current members of the San Juan County
Sheriff’s Dive Rescue and Recovery Team. Under Jeff Asher’s leadership
this dive team has gained a reputation as a competent and respected dive
team among state and national rescue teams. Jeff has demonstrated to us
the qualities and policies that he proposes to implement as Sheriff,
including careful personnel selection with an eye towards a commitment
to excellence. He promotes skill development and retention as well as
continued procedural review and assessment. Teamwork and personal
accountability are hallmarks of Jeff’s leadership.

Jeff has also shown flexibility and resourcefulness in light of little
or no funding of the dive team. In addition, we have seen how he
stresses a civility in personal relations that we believe exemplifies
the type of interaction law enforcement should have with the public.

We support Jeff Asher for Sheriff with the firm conviction that he will
bring to that office the same positive approaches and results that we
have seen under his leadership.

Signed:

Chris Betcher �" Dive team member 10 years
Jacob Betcher �" Dive team member 10 years
Ben Booth �" Dive team member 1 year
Gary Covington �" Dive team member 5 years
Robin Dyer �" Dive team member 10 years
Dave Grove �" Dive team member 12 years
Jouquin Hubbard �" Dive team member 5 years
Seth Kinney �" Dive team member 1 year
Kurt Long �" Dive team member 2 years
Jeff Morris �" Dive team member 6 years
Kurt Schwalbe �" Dive team member 12 years
Shelly Trepl �" Dive team member 12 years
--------------------------------------- Brad Fincher for Sheriff
To the Editor:

At the League of Women Voters Forum I saw many fine candidates running for SJC sheriff in this primary. I will vote for Brad Fincher. Here's why.

Brad has lived on these islands long enough to know the issues and the problems we face. He has been fully involved in many local activities and knows the various segments of the community well. He serves all the islands in his job as probation officer, which gives him county-wide experience.

Brad has been a leader in community activities - from the county fair board to the community drum evening at the SJI elementary school. Brad has been Chair of the SJI Prevention Coalition for the past five years.

As a Coalition Board member, I have seen him in a leadership position. I have found him to be a careful listener who respects others and leads collaboratively, finding a way to reach agreement where there are differences. He is always there when you need him.

Brad would come to the job of sheriff from outside the department, generally a good thing in avoiding department cliques and hard feelings. Brad's emphasis is on crime prevention not just law enforcement, an emphasis that fits our community well.

As a probation officer, he has an understanding of the criminal justice system as a whole as well as experience working with local deputies and staff. Bill Cumming took on the job of sheriff from the same probation background.
Finally, Brad has youth on his side; he is energetic and in good physical condition. Being sheriff is no country for old men.

Please join me in making Brad Fincher the next sheriff for San Juan County.

Rita Weisbrod
San Juan Island
--------------------------------------- Undersheriff Supports Brent Johnson
To the Editor:
The ballots are in the mail; so it is time to make a decision on who should for be our next Sheriff. It was a difficult decision because those running have a lot to offer.

I have decided to endorse Brent Johnson for Sheriff. I have worked with all the candidates and consider several friends.

I reviewed their qualifications and statements and feel Brent is the right choice to replace retiring Sheriff Bill Cumming. He has been in law enforcement for 35 years and been a supervisor, of police officers, for thirteen years.

Integrity is an essential qualification for Sheriff and Brent has it and the respect of his fellow officers. Brent will work with the community in providing quality and responsive law enforcement to San Juan County. If you haven't already done so go to Brent Johnson For Sheriff" , or just go talk to him.

Jon Zerby
Undersheriff
San Juan County
--------------------------------------- Morris Responds to Vierthaler (let below)
To: Editor

There are several things Sgt. Vierthaler wrote that need to be corrected
and refuted. First, Jeff Asher has never "bashed the department and its
officers." If you were to read his letter, you would see that what he
did say was, “it is no longer enough to say that we can do better. We
must do better.” Steve, are you saying that there is no room for
improvement within the department? That it is managed as well as it
possibly can be? That the level of communications between the Sheriff’s
office and the deputies in the field is good enough? Jeff believes
there is room for improvement and he does have plans to initiate
policies to improve the performance of the department as a whole. I
don’t understand why you find this to be a problem. It is my opinion
that people who simply say, “It happens that some do get away,” without
accepting that if things had been done differently the outcome might
have been better, are either afraid of change or are simply content to
live with the status quo.

Second, I take offense at your implication that because we on the Dive
Team “…are civilian members,” our opinions about Jeff’s abilities as a
team builder and leader are somehow of no value or are immaterial. I
think that precisely because we are volunteers we are in a better
position to judge his character and abilities than some others may be.
Jeff does not need stripes on his uniform to build and lead the dive
team. During the six years I have been on the team I have seen him
build it, with no support from his superiors, with no budget and with no
equipment supplied by the county, through his leadership and
organizational skills. I find it offensive that you do not feel that my
opinion has any merit.

Third, you say "at least few of his supporters spend their time telling
all that will listen how bad we all are." Jeff has made it very clear
to all who will listen that he holds the deputies of the department in
the highest regard. If any of his supporters say otherwise, it is only
their opinion, not Jeff's, and in this society a person is free to offer
whatever opinion he wishes. But it is disingenuous for you to ascribe
these opinions to anyone other than the person who holds them. These
are certainly not Jeff Asher's opinions.

Lastly, you say, “Jeff has no support from any of the uniformed officers
within this department.” I have personally talked to deputies who have
told me they would be risking their careers if they were to publicly
support Jeff Asher for Sheriff. They have talked of intimidation and
veiled threats of consequences if they were to voice their support. Is
this the way this department normally operates, or only during an
election? Is this the kind of behavior you support? I, for one, do not
feel that threats and intimidation of deputies should be condoned by the
upper levels of the Sheriff’s Department. This is not something that
Jeff Asher will tolerate when he is elected.

Sgt. Vierthaler, you say “…there are four good candidates to choose
from…” So tell us which of these men you support. Or do you fear
repercussions if you support the wrong candidate?

Jeff Morris
Orcas Island
--------------------------------------- Sgt. Steve Vierthaler Views On Asher Candidacy
To: Editor of the Island Guardian

In response to the recent letters in the Guardian regarding the upcoming sheriffs race I too find I can not just sit by and say nothing. Having been with the Sheriffs Office for almost 34 years, a sergeant for 20 years, worked with 3 different Sheriffs and gone through more elections than I care to, I think I can and should speak to some of the issues brought up by others in the office.

First, I completely agree with the letters from Under Sheriff Zerby and Sgt. Scott Brennan regarding Jeff Asher's candidacy for Sheriff. Jeff has no support from any of the uniformed deputies within this department that I am aware. When he says he will not have his department supporters writing letters for him, I suspect he has no one that will write a positive letter on his behalf. Yes, many of his fellow members of the dive team do support him as witnessed by their letters. I know most of these people and would expect nothing less from them. However I must point out that they are all civilian members who work on the dive team and also remind you that this is an election for the next Sheriff and not head of the next dive team. This team works and trains very hard and their service is invaluable, but it is also only a small part of what we do on a day to day basis.

Jeff claims that the officers are all afraid of change and being held accountable. That's about as far off base as you can get which goes to show how out of touch he is. None of us minds change, but not Jeffs style of change or change just to be different. There is nothing wrong with being held accountable and we should be. Remember, we all work under the laws of the State of Washington which clearly spell out how we must act. The Sheriffs Office also has its own Rules and Regulations as well as those from the local Civil Service board. This is just his way of trying to down- play the lack of any support.

His plan to have retired officers (ROC) help out is not a new concept. We call them "Reserve Officers" and have them working with us right now. The group is small at this time due to all the new state laws that govern their usage, however they do help out. But to state that they cost next to nothing is also not true. They all must go through a polygraph, Phyc. evaluation, background check and medical exam before they could be sworn in. Right now those cost total more than a $1000.00 dollars per person. There are also the issues of radios and a car to drive if they are on their own. Then of course we have to wonder just who these retired officers are that want to come back out, and how they will work and fit in with the full time officers. I would also wonder if their style and background of policing will fit the style expected in this county.

In the end I think there are four good candidates to choose from in Rob, Brent, Felix and Brad. Ask them questions, get to know them and what the plan to do in the next 4 years. Ask the deputies out here on the street working (when we are off duty) about who they see as the next Sheriff for this county. Remember this person will hold a lot of power and it is important for us all to see that it is held and used by a very responsible person not one that spends his time bashing the department and its officers both verbally and on-line.

Here on Orcas at least few of his supporters spend their time telling all that will listen how bad we all are. Is that the type of leadership you and I want? I don't think so.
Sheriff Cumming has spent 24 years of his life making this a good department. Do I always agree with his style and goals? No, not at all, but I have found him to be a good boss, easy to talk to and willing to listen, with the welfare of this department and the county always at the front of his actions. We need someone to build on and improve what he has done, not come in and try to remake the whole thing to his personal liking.

Sgt. Steve Vierthaler
San Juan Co. Sheriffs office
--------------------------------------- Brent Johnson Is Proactive On Busting Drug Dealers
To the Editor:

As I have watched and listened to the response from the community regarding the candidates running for Sheriff, it has become apparent that other than budget issues, the most common concern being expressed is the use and trafficking of illegal narcotics in our county. This is understandable considering the residual effect that both illegal and prescription drug abuse has had. Perhaps a greater understanding of battling this issue is in order.

As a detective with the Sheriffs Office for the last five years, and the one primarily responsible for executing all operations involving narcotics, I can attest to the Detective Johnson’s clear understanding and proactive approach to the problem.

We, the public, are informed by headlines. The operations conducted by Brent and myself are necessarily confidential and fly well below the public’s knowledge. If one is to look closely, the significant activity is on a relatively low level compared to larger communities.

As a member of the Skagit County Drug Interdiction Unit, this office is continuously sharing information and ideas with our counterparts. This is a complex issue and unlike in larger communities and police departments, detectives aren’t able to simply disguise themselves and walk up to a drug dealer to make a buy. We must therefore depend on long term undercover operations that are both costly and difficult.

Brent has had countless years of experience with these issues and as a result we have successfully completed nearly twenty wired and controlled narcotics purchases in the last year, resulting in several dealers being arrested. The public is often extremely helpful in sharing confidential information with us regarding suspicious activities taking place.

Information is good and needed but direct involvement goes much further. Brent has been working with informants longer than any of his counterparts in this election have been on the job, and he knows how to get results.

Detective Lachlan Buchanan
San Juan County Sheriffs Office
--------------------------------------- Undersheriff Zerby On Benedict Letter
To the Editor:

Several people have asked me to respond to the letter by FORMER Deputy Clerk Jenny Benedict [see letter below -Ed] . They have some issues with it's accuracy, but I will only address the training issue, since that is an area I am responsible for within the Sheriff's Office.

The Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) is only one of many training resources we use. CJTC maintains records for training they sponsor, not all other training. CJTC requires evey Deputy to receive 24 hours of approved training every year. Much of that training is provided by other agencies and sources approved and recognized by CJTC, and which CJTC audits every year. The San Juan County Sheriff's Office has received commendations from CJTC for exceeding this annual training requirement.

Since 2002 Deputy Asher has completed 200 hours of training. Detective Johnson completed 79 hours of training in 2008 and 2009 alone, mainly in the areas of Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Investigation and Prosecution. Deputy Menjivar, our primary Traffic Investigator, received in excess of 160 hours of training in 2009. Deputy Nou attended several FBI training conferences in the past two years plus obtained his EMT certificate.
Each of these four deputies brought hundreds of hours of training with them in a variety of areas when they came to our department.

Training is a priority and not just a requirement with this Sheriff's Office.

Jon Zerby
SJC Undersheriff
--------------------------------------- Response To Undersheriff Zerby’s Lawsuit Response
To the Editor:

My name is Jenny Benedict. I would like to clarify an accusation made in Undersheriff Jon Zerby’s response to the current lawsuit filed against the county. I proposed the question to sheriff candidates at the Lopez forum regarding lawsuits against the department.

The question inquired, “What would you do to reduce civil complaints and lawsuits against the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department in order to reduce the amount of money paid by the tax payers.” I appreciate that Mr. Zerby thinks that there is something more to the question, but there is not. I asked the question because of my concerns about the future of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department based on many reasons. Here are 5 specific reasons:

1. When I attempted to locate the first letter about Deputy Jeff Asher written by Mr. Zerby, Mr. Brennan, Mr. Gardiner, and Mr. Johansen, I searched sanjuanislander.com and one of the articles from the search read: County settles $1 million civil rights suit for $35k; http://www.sanjuanislander.com/county/sheriff/lawsuit.html. Within the article I noticed that three of the initial four letter writers were named in the litigation that, according to the sub-article Family alleges county, sheriff, deputies violated their civil rights:

“…accuses the county and Sheriff Bill Cumming of negligent employment; the county, Cumming and Undersheriff Jon Zerby of negligence in failing to properly train deputies Scott Brennan, Eric Gardiner and Tad Miniken.” (para. 3)
At this point I began researching what training the deputies had received after this incident. According to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (19010 1st Avenue South, Burien, WA 98148, (260) 835-7300) since 2002:
Bradley Fincher completed the Misdemeanor Probation Counselor Academy in 2001. Mr. Fincher does not work for the sheriff’s department and has no other records with the commission.

Brent Johnson received training in 2003, three times in 2006, and once in 2007.
Felix Menjivar received training in 2006, 2007, twice in 2008, 2009, and 2010.
Rob Nou completed the Basic Law Enforcement Equivalency Academy in 2008 upon joining this department.

Although Jeff Asher has extensive documented training through this commission since 1989, he has not been sent to any training at this commission after 2002. I wonder if the sheriff’s department believed that sending Deputy Asher to training after this lawsuit was not necessary because his abilities far surpassed what was needed from a deputy? Yet even so, keeping continuity among all deputies based on the type and amount of training is important. I’m unsure of the reason why the candidates’ training records are so different, but with lawsuits being a concern for any department this is disconcerting. And, at the end of the day there is a feeling that there may be other reasons why Deputy Asher wasn’t sent to training at the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission after 2002, especially since 2002 seems to be a re-occurring year in the eyes of some of the previous letter writer(s).

2. In my capacity as a San Juan County Superior Court Clerk I was able to watch the many victims, criminals, attorneys and civilians in the court in addition to reading letters, documents, search warrants, lawsuits and jury trials. Two cases in particular really concerned me: State of Washington vs. Lars Johnson (case # 06-1-05047-6) & State of Washington vs. Andreas Johnson (06-1-05048-4).
These cases involved two young men on Lopez Island. This case involved several complaints of unlawful force and police brutality, and one of the candidates was involved. The community was furious. The sheer number of phone calls, letters, and people present for hearings displayed how strongly their tight knit community felt about this incident. According to Hansen and Torres’ sentencing memorandum:
“This very unfortunate incident gave rise to a town meeting attended by the sheriff, the elected prosecuting attorney and his deputy, and approximately 300 individuals who expressed great concern about the amount of force utilized during this incident and similar incidents by the sheriff’s department. Both the prosecution and the defense have worked cooperatively in an attempt to defuse the tension and resolve this case in a positive manner without the polarizing effect of a jury trial that would have pitted many civilian witnesses against the police. If the case had gone to trial, defense witnesses would have testified that the Johnson brothers were defending themselves against excessive use of force by sheriff’s deputies (5).”

3. Approximately eight deputies have left this department since I moved to the islands five years ago. That is a very high rate of attrition. Continually sending deputies through the academy, training, and overtime costs of deputies filling the empty slots are a tremendous cost to this county. In my opinion, based on many books and research, there are always reasons when a specific department has such a high turnover rate. Whether due to improper management, inefficient hiring practices, or any number of other reasons, the new leadership needs to find a way to create a work environment conducive to the retention of deputies. I believe proper education, training, accountability, and leadership are some solutions to this problem.

4. As a Superior Court Deputy Clerk, I am concerned with the amount of trials the prosecuting attorney’s office is losing. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charles Silverman is amazing. With his dedication and ability to educate, he is an attorney I am proud to say represents our county. Keeping this in mind, I want to ensure that Mr. Silverman receives the evidence and reports he requires to effectively prosecute cases. At the end of the day an attorney is only as good as the quality of the case put in front of him. We all want criminals arrested and prosecuted in a court of law. In my experience as the assistant to the professor who penned a book on report writing coupled with all of my law enforcement education, I want to ensure the person I vote for holds education and training to a standard as high as mine.

5. I had the privilege of knowing Deputy Jon Larson prior to his death. In his capacity as a deputy sheriff, Jon had filed a complaint against the sheriff’s department. This complaint resulted in being moved to work for the prosecuting attorney’s office due to fault found against the sheriff’s department. I am unsure of the specifics of this decision but I do know how Jon Larson felt about the sheriff’s office and I felt that, at the very least, I was obligated to follow up on something we had numerous conversations about. I know Jon would have supported me in asking the question I did.
Impartiality: The accusation that I posed the question at the Lopez Island forum simply because I support Deputy Asher is incorrect and unfair. I asked that question of my own accord based on my own experiences working with the county. An example of my ability to remain impartial is recorded in San Juan County Superior Court case #07-1-05024-5. A relative was being tried for vehicular manslaughter. In most scenarios, another clerk would have had to assume my duties, yet deputy prosecuting attorney Charles Silverman, defense attorney Carla Higginson, Judge John O. Linde, and Clerk Joan White all agreed I was impartial, ethical, and respected the law and our legal system to allow me to clerk hearings but also handle and record documents, exhibits, and evidence in the case.

Mark Kaiman, the attorney in the current lawsuit against the county, has been a friend of mine for five years. I have not had the opportunity to speak with Mark since we attended John O. Linde’s funeral in December. Mark is a dedicated attorney, who won numerous victories in trials against this county. He was a former deputy prosecuting attorney for San Juan County and then worked as an attorney for John Linde until moving off island.

If someone mentioned that “Mark worked for John Linde for approximately 5 years”, that speaks volumes. John Linde is a well respected judge who has earned the respect and admiration of the community. That is the primary reason I idolize and believed so deeply in him. That being said, Mark is an attorney. His job as an attorney is to keep the checks and balances of our system. I do not always agree with Mark’s point of view, but in fairness, I don’t agree with a lot of people’s points of view. But this is Mark’s career and I don’t see any logical reason why he would put his ability to practice law on the line by filing a politically motivated lawsuit in federal court. This case does not affect any of the current candidates. It is unclear why anyone would believe Mr. Kaiman would intentionally endanger his career based on political motivation that would not even help Jeff Asher in the end. Furthermore I’m unsure what any person would gain from an action of this sort. Based on my experience, I believe Mark has done this for one reason, because it’s his job to represent clients. With regards to the timing of the case, it appears to have followed the regular progression of all cases through the court system, slow and steady.

Sincerely,
Jenny Benedict

---------------------------------------Asher Has Personality To Be Sheriff
To the Editor:

I support Jeff Asher for Sheriff. He will do an excellent job; he has the skills and personality that a the Sheriff needs.

I experienced these qualities in Jeff consistently during the 15 years I served on the San Juan County Dive Team under his leadership. He inspired me and the other team members to volunteer for this dangerous and uncomfortable work. I know that Jeff makes decisions that I can count on for my safety in the life threatening situations the Dive Team encounters at each call out. He makes sure we have the training and support for the job we do.

I admire how he has interfaced our Dive Team with the Navy, the Coast Guard and other Dive Rescue Teams when needed. He had the foresight to lead us to training sessions with these agencies before they were needed so everything worked well when the emergency occurred. I also admired the intricate follow-up to each Dive Team response as he wrote the reports and balanced the budget for the operation.

Preparation, execution and follow-up: that's the way Jeff operates. Those are the habits that will make him a great Sheriff.

For years, I have watched the reactions of our Dive Team members and people from other agencies who train and respond with us during emergencies. These are people who range from experienced military and law enforcement personnel to frightened weekend boaters. They uniformly respect Jeff and instinctively seek his leadership.

I am seeking that leadership for San Juan County by voting for Jeff as our next Sheriff. I ask the other voters to join me.

Kurt Schwalbe
San Juan Island
---------------------------------------Jeff Is The Change We Need
To the Editor:

I am pleased to see that Jeff Asher decided to run for San Juan County Sheriff. I believe Jeff will bring needed change to this department and will do an excellent job running it.

As a member of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Dive Rescue Team I have had the privilege of working with Jeff Asher for almost six years. During that time I have witnessed firsthand his abilities as a team builder, teacher, and leader. He is passionate about his role and has built this all volunteer group, with little or no funding or support from the sheriff’s department, into a smoothly functioning and highly respected team.

Jeff has not only drilled us in search and rescue, but he has also spent much time training us in interviewing techniques and proper evidence recovery and handling. These skills are essential when called out to help find a person and there is no way to ascertain the circumstances of that person’s disappearance.

I joined the dive team six years ago with no previous training or experience in search and rescue. During the ensuing years Jeff Asher has led team meetings and drills and built our dive team into a cohesive group that is respected and utilized by agencies from surrounding counties. In addition to numerous call-outs here in San Juan County, we have assisted with recoveries in Whatcom and Skagit counties and participated in the unsuccessful search for a missing diver in Island County. Under Jeff’s leadership, in past years we have conducted inter-departmental drills, not only with other San Juan County agencies, but with those from as far away as Seattle. It is vitally important to maintain a close working relationship with outside agencies to enable us to perform as required when help is requested by other departments.

Because of the training we have gotten through Jeff and because of Jeff’s leadership and passion, San Juan County boasts one of the finest Dive Rescue teams in the Northwest. Jeff has shaped a team that is willing to work the long hours needed to ensure the safety of its members in potentially life threatening situations. A team that is available 24/7 to assist in the often grim job of search and recovery. A team that knows that because of the training we have received we can do, with confidence, the things necessary to help bring closure to the families of those who were lost.

I am confident that Jeff will bring the leadership qualities he has displayed in his role as Dive Team Leader to the office of San Juan County Sheriff. I encourage everybody to vote for Jeff and see for themselves how well he will be able to lead this department.

Jeff Morris
Orcas Island
---------------------------------------Fincher Is A “Fit”
To the Editor:

Soon we will have the chance once again to flex our "voting muscles" and elect those who will be guiding us in the future of our government. I don't normally get on my political soapbox, but I feel the upcoming election is important so I wanted to share my viewpoints. One election that is locally important will be the election of our new Sheriff, and we have the good fortune to have five people who think they would make a good sheriff. I have had the privilege to get to know one of them very well, and when he told me he had decided to run for the position, I couldn't think of a better fit for the job.

What does a sheriff do? While a sheriff is a chief law-enforcement official, a sheriff also has to work as a liaison between the department and the community. Someone who has diplomatic skills would be key to that part of the job. A sheriff also has to work with our local government, so someone who has good communication skills would be critical. The sheriff also wears the hat of an accountant, balancing ever-changing budgets to maximize every penny to proper usage. A sheriff needs to have values that reflect that of the community they serve and a demonstrable history of service to their community.

So now that we know what makes a good sheriff, who would fill that position the best? I feel without a doubt that Brad Fincher would be an incredible Sheriff. I have known Brad almost since I moved to the island in the 90s, and I know that Brad would serve as Sheriff with distinction and honor. Brad is our local probation officer (he was even Probation Officer of the year), and has also served as the Work Crew Supervisor, a program that allowed the county to save over $1 million by allowing offenders work off their sentences by serving our community. He has an intimate knowledge of the legal process and has a track record of working hard to make his programs work for more than 10 years. Brad has been already serving this community, whether it was something simple like helping a neighbor move (I think that pickup of his has moved more people than I can count!), serving on the Fair Board, volunteering at the elementary school. Brad is devoted to his wife and kids, as well as to our island communities. I know that Brad is hard-working, honest, and I am proud to say I count him amongst my closest friends. So join me on August 17th and check off Brad Fincher for Sheriff.

John Boyd
Friday Harbor
---------------------------------------Sgt. Brennan Responds To Asher
To the Editor:

I normally don’t like ‘Letter Wars’ but I feel compelled to respond to Deputy Asher’s letter.

Anyone who has ever worked for a large business has had a co-worker who was okay to work with...but if you were told they were being promoted to run the business you would have to say “No, that’s not a wise decision.”. Four San Juan County officers, with over 100 years of combined law enforcement experience, were concerned enough about the future of the Sheriff’s Office and San Juan county that they did just that. We made every effort to make it as polite as possible. Dep. Asher’s response is very instructive as to why we feel that way.

Deputy Asher said we wrote the letter because we are ‘afraid’. Afraid of change? No, we know change is coming, just as we know that Deputy Asher should not be the one to guide that change. He then says we are afraid of ‘accountability’, implying we have done something wrong, we have been getting away with it under Sheriff Cumming, but that he (Deputy Asher) will hold us ‘accountable’.

He goes on to insult Sheriff Cumming and the entire department by talking about our ‘inability to catch a single teenage burglar’ (the Barefoot Bandit), as if this was the fault of Sheriff Cumming’s leadership and lack of effort by the deputies. Apparently, if Deputy Asher had been in charge, Colton Harris-Moore would have been in custody a long time ago.

This is the same rhetoric of implied misdeeds and poor law enforcement skills he tried in his 2002 campaign. When no one listened to this innuendo in that campaign, he finally resorted to accusing Sheriff Cumming, who had honorably served the U.S. in Vietnam, of not being an American citizen. He claimed this made Sheriff Cumming ‘ineligible’ to be Sheriff and that he should step down.

It is exactly this type of ‘management’, ‘leadership’ and ‘world view’ that we don’t want or need in our next Sheriff.

He closes by saying that he won’t have his supporters write a counter letter because that would ‘polarize’ the department and ‘make the job more difficult’. Once again this is Deputy Asher projecting his ‘world view’ on others. I don’t have any problems with my co-workers speaking openly and honestly about who they want for Sheriff. I hope all of my fellow law enforcement employees will speak to their friends and neighbors about who they feel will best guide the Sheriff’s Office through the next four years.

Sincerely,

Sgt. Scott Brennan
SJC Sheriff Deputy
---------------------------------------Retired Chief On Johnson For Sheriff
To the Editor:

I highly recommend and support Brent Johnson for Sheriff. I have known Brent since 1979 when we started our law enforcement careers together at the Albuquerque Police Department. Brent is very committed and dedicated to the community he serves, has high ethical standards and integrity, and understands community policing. Brent is always willing to take the time to listen to the community he serves and collaboratively work to solve any issues. He brings experiences of working in a large and small police agency.

Vicky M. Stormo
Retired Chief of Police
Consultant
---------------------------------------Asher's Response Shows Leadership
To the Editor:

Jeff Asher showed great restraint, integrity and composure when responding to a recent article sent to the newspapers by Undersheriff Zerby, Sergeant Brennan, Deputy Johansen and Deputy Gardiner.

Jeff Asher's level headed handling of a very sticky situation without causing unnecessary tension was invigorating. These are the values I want in a sheriff. One who is more interested in the greater good of all concerned and keeping the peace within the department. He has shown that he's more focused on the job at hand, law enforcement. Bravo Jeff, your response was written like a true leader.

Thank you,

Tina M. Lynch-Teilmann
San Juan Island
---------------------------------------Dispatcher Responds To Jeff Asher Response To Deputies
To the Editor:

I am a 911 Dispatcher and, therefore, a member of the Sheriff’s Office. I am also a citizen of San Juan County. I have as much at stake in the leadership of our Sheriff’s department as anyone else. I also have a unique perspective from within that Office. I take issue with one sentence of Deputy Asher’s letter in response to the letter written by the Undersheriff and three Deputies.

“With the recently demonstrated inability to deal effectively with a single teenage serial burglar, it is no longer enough to say that we can do better.”

This is quite obviously a reference to Colton Harris-Moore who managed to elude local, State, and Federal law enforcement across the United States for two years on his destructive, self-indulgent crime spree. Implicit in using that sentence as a reason to vote for him as Sheriff is the idea that he would have caught Mr. Harris-Moore had he been in charge.

This flies in the face of the evidence, given the Nation wide failure to apprehend this “single teenage serial burglar”. I believe it is disingenuous of Deputy Asher to lay this failure at the feet of the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office and panders to public frustration and popular misconceptions the public already share about law enforcement.
It is only one sentence, but…

Michael S. McElrath
San Juan Island
---------------------------------------Undersheriff Responds To Jeff Asher Response To Deputies
To the Editor:

Since I am not running for office, I don't want to get into a letter-to-the-editor war with Jeff Asher, but need to clarify a few things mentioned in his letter.

With a change in leadership after 24 years, everyone at the Sheriff's Office anticipates changes - We don't fear change or accountability; we just know Deputy Asher is not the person to lead that transition and move us forward.

Deputy Asher asks the reader to examine his record as a manager and administrator. I don't know where he may have held a position as a manager, administrator or supervisor, but it was not with this Sheriff's Office. His leadership position has been as the head of the volunteer dive team. The team is composed of a group of highly motovated men and women who devote a great deal of time and energy to the team and do a great job while providing a valuable resource to the community. Jeff has done a great job as their leader.

Deputy Asher tells you he has support from within the Sheriff's Office. That is not my perception - I urge him and them to make their support public. There are differing opinions within our ranks of who would be the best choice for the next Sheriff, but that has not been been devisive nor has it 'polarized' thestaff of the Sheriff's Office.

Jon Zerby
SJC Undersheriff
---------------------------------------Deputy Jeff Asher Responds To Deputies

July 12, 2010

To the Citizens of San Juan County:

Recently, in response (see below -Ed)to my candidacy for Sheriff of San Juan County, several deputies have written and published a letter of “no confidence” in me as a potential leader for law enforcement in our community.

Of course, this is disappointing to me personally, but not unexpected. Since I ran against Sheriff Cumming several years ago, it has been clear that I believe we can do better than we are currently doing. With the recently demonstrated inability of our department to deal effectively with a single teenage serial burglar, it is no longer enough to say that we can do better. We must do better.

Anyone who has worked as an agent for change knows that, no matter how well intended, the uncertainty of change is frightening to many people. It seems to me that it is fear of change and increased accountability that has motivated these deputies to take such a public stance against my candidacy.

I think that anyone who takes the time to read my proposals or talk with me will find that I understand the issues we face, and that the changes I will implement as sheriff are prudent, proven, fiscally sound steps that will significantly improve our public safety.

By examining my record as a manger and administrator, and by talking to those professionals who have actually worked under my leadership, you will find that I have the skills and aptitude to succeed.

Some of my supporters have suggested that I should organize those within the department who support my candidacy as a counter to the letter. I will not be doing that. All candidates for sheriff are currently working for the department and will continue to work here after the election. Whoever is elected sheriff will have to bring the entire department together as an effective team. To add to the polarization that these deputies have caused will simply make that job more difficult and distract from our real job -public safety.

I hope that each citizen will take the time to learn about my record, skills, proposals, and experience in order to judge my candidacy as an agent for positive change. I believe that those who do take that time will want to give me a vote of confidence when it matters: on Election Day.

Sincerely,
Jeff Asher
---------------------------------------Pay Attention To The Sheriff's Election

The San Juan County Sheriff's Office is at a crossroad. Sheriff Bill Cumming has decided to retire after serving as Sheriff for 24 years. The county and the Sheriff's Office are already facing very tough budget decisions. The new Sheriff must be ready to lead the Sheriff's Department into the future while dealing with these new budget constraints.

This must be done while maintaining the level of service the community has come to expect and without effecting the safety of the employees who work for the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff is not just the manager and leader for the Sheriff's Office, he is a leader for the community and sets the tone for the law enforcement in San Juan County.

We are asking you to look closely at the candidates for the Sheriff position. Listen to what they are saying and what their plans for the Sheriff's Office are for the future. Speak to them personally and ask them questions. The next Sheriff will have a significant influence on the future of the Sheriff's Office and the way it serves the community now that the steady leadership of Sheriff Cumming is ending.

With this future in mind, we feel that candidate Jeff Asher, while doing his job well as a Deputy, does not have the leadership abilities or management skills to move the Sheriff's Office forward for our community. We have worked along side Deputy Asher for many years, some of us his entire career and based on this experience we have not seen the qualities we are looking for in our next Sheriff. Please keep this in mind as you consider the candidates for the next Sheriff.

Undersheriff Jon Zerby (42 years law enforcement)
Sgt. Scott Brennan (22 years law enforcement)
Deputy Scott Johansen (26 years law enforcement)
Deputy Eric Gardiner (14 years law enforcement)