By any measure, this year’s sheriff’s race has left many voters confused.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: we’re not voting for a high school class president.
This election can’t be about who is the most popular, who has the most friends, who sits at his lunch table, or who attends the same church he does.
Those things may influence our personal relationships, but they shouldn’t determine who leads the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
All four candidates have served as patrol officers. All have experience as sergeants. I respect every one of them for their service.
I’ve held both of those positions myself, and I know firsthand the responsibilities that come with working the streets and wearing those stripes.
But being sheriff requires much more than being a good patrol officer or a good sergeant.
Before casting a ballot, voters should ask one simple question: Who is most qualified to run an entire law enforcement agency?
A sergeant leads a squad, supervises personnel, mentors younger officers, and ensures the work of the unit is done properly. That’s an important leadership position.
The sheriff’s responsibilities, however, extend far beyond supervising one shift or one unit.
The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office employs approximately 110 people. About 40 serve as patrol deputies, while more than that work in the jail. Others are assigned to investigations, special services, civil process and support positions.
The office also manages countywide 911 communications and oversees a budget exceeding $21 million.
Every one of those responsibilities ultimately rests on the sheriff’s shoulders.
The sheriff must oversee patrol operations, criminal investigations, corrections, special services, budgeting, policy development, personnel and long-term planning. That’s the job.
When I compared the candidates based on those responsibilities, I came to one conclusion.
Chehalis Deputy Chief Matt McKnight brings the broadest range of experience to the office.
During his career with both the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and the Chehalis Police Department, he has served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, training officer and deputy chief.
He has also been recognized as Officer of the Year in both agencies and has earned numerous other commendations throughout his career.
Most importantly, he has served in top-level administration, helping lead an entire police department. In my view, that experience distinguishes him from the rest of the field.
Today’s voters are bombarded with information. One day they read one version of events in the newspaper, hear another on the radio, and then encounter something completely different on social media.
It can be difficult to separate facts from opinions and from lies.
Even the truth can be misrepresented through smoke and mirrors.
That’s why I encourage every voter to do their own homework. Attend candidate forums. Meet the candidates. Ask tough questions. Evaluate their records, not their popularity.
With respect to the other three candidates, I simply do not believe they are as well prepared today to serve as sheriff.
In my opinion, two have the potential to become excellent sheriffs in the future, after Matt retires and as they continue to gain experience.
The fourth has not demonstrated the leadership qualities, held himself up to the highest of standards as a police officer I believe the office requires.
My perspective comes from nearly five decades in and associated with local law enforcement.
Since beginning my career in 1976, I’ve worked under or alongside Sheriffs Bill Weister, Bill Logan, John McCroskey, Steve Mansfield and Rob Snaza. I considered each of them a friend. Every one of them improved the department in some way.
Every one of them made mistakes. Yet, each earned the confidence of the voters and was re-elected, with Rob Snaza serving three terms and Bill Weister remaining the longest-serving sheriff in the department’s history with 20 years.
Leading a sheriff’s office isn’t easy. It demands sound judgment, transparency, accountability and the ability to earn the trust of both employees and the public.
I once worked for a chief whose officers wouldn’t have followed him through the front door of a cathouse if he had been handing out $100 bills. I told him exactly that.
I also worked for another chief whose officers would have followed him through the gates of hell.
Leadership matters. The willingness of people to follow a leader tells you a great deal about that leader’s character and effectiveness. Ask the officers that work with these for candidates what they think (when they are off duty).
As you prepare to vote, look beyond campaign slogans and personalities. Study each candidate’s record. Consider the scope of the job. Decide who has demonstrated the experience and leadership necessary to guide an organization as large and complex as the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
After doing exactly that myself, I have reached my decision. I support Matt McKnight for Lewis County Sheriff.
Bradd Reynolds
Chehalis
