If there is one word that best describes Tracy Murphy, it's consistent.
I've known Tracy for more than 20 years, and he is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. He and his family have always believed in giving back to our community, and their roots in Lewis County run deep.
When I started reading about Tracy's termination, something didn't sit right with me. You don't spend 35 years serving the same police department with an outstanding reputation, positive evaluations and a lifetime of service only to suddenly find yourself terminated. The timing, coming shortly after he announced his campaign for sheriff, raised a lot of questions in my mind.
Whether you believe it was a coordinated attack or simply an opportunity created by the circumstances, the timing and the events surrounding Tracy Murphy's termination have caused many people — including me — to ask hard questions.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with Tracy Murphy and talk face to face. Rather than relying on headlines, rumors or hearsay, I wanted to hear directly from him. I asked the hard questions, listened to his side of the story, and came away with a completely different perspective.
What struck me most was that, despite everything he's been through, Tracy wasn't focused on himself. He talked about improving public safety, holding people accountable, strengthening the jail, increasing transparency, supporting deputies and building a professional sheriff's office that serves every citizen with integrity.
After hearing additional facts and context that haven't been presented publicly, I left that conversation convinced that Tracy Murphy is the right person to lead the Lewis County Sheriff's Office. I would challenge others to do the same.
I've lived in Lewis County my entire life, and I believe it's time for a new direction. Real change doesn’t come from repeating the same cycle. It’s going to take someone from outside the organization to bring a fresh perspective, restore public trust and move the agency forward.
That's why I'm casting my vote for Tracy Murphy. I believe his experience, character and steady leadership make him the right choice to serve as our next Lewis County sheriff.
Dori Mettler
Napavine
