In the Lewis County sheriff race, we have four uniquely different men running.
Are you listening to what their supporters are saying?
One well known member of the community endorsed his candidate because he worked with the candidate’s father. Knows the family very well. Likes them all. But he hedged his bet and said he would go for another candidate if the primary did not go well for his first choice.
It was almost more of an endorsement for the candidate’s father than the candidate. But friends do that for friends. I get it.
Other people continue to come out and say they will support one particular candidate because he’s a great guy. He’s a great family man. Belongs to a great church. Been a cop for over 30 years. His family is well known in the community. It was even mentioned about his clothing being so sheriff-like.
Seems a lot of people support him because they think he’s getting screwed for political reasons. Kind of like cheering for the underdog.
Let’s say he has been screwed over and lied about. If that’s the case, I hope he becomes rich through lawsuits.
But that’s not a good reason to elect him sheriff.
Another candidate has his supporters jumping up and down because he, in the rule of being a police officer, admitted committing a horrible act, several times over several months apparently, which called into question his skills of judgement to say the least.
His actions hurt him professionally and personally; but he admitted to it, and thus he should be sheriff.
I admire anyone who takes responsibility for their actions. Especially their screwups. That shows character. But that does not prove best qualified for the office.
My candidate, Matt McKnight, was accused last week of failing to be a good leader at the Chehalis Police Department where he’s spent years as the deputy chief.
Why? Because he did not respond or take responsibility for a call of a suspicious blue bucket that smelled bad down by the river.
The complaining party seemed to think a deputy chief who is running for sheriff should jump in his patrol car and race to the scene with lights and siren going to investigate a stinky blue bucket call.
Are you kidding me? If this is the worst someone can come up with when trying to get support for their own candidate, they missed the mark, don’t you think?
I for one don’t think deputy chiefs should take those kinds of calls. Nor should he be out catching cars that speed or run a stop sign. Or catching dogs that run at large.
Every tank in the department had their job. That’s not the deputy chief’s.
What is lacking in this campaign season are supporters giving actual reasons that really matter.
What makes their candidate the best person for the job? Reasons that actually help him do the actual job.
Ever heard of the “Peter Principal?” Look it up.
Matt McKnight is the only candidate with years of actual hands-on administrative leadership experience in running an entire department. Plus so much more.
It’s tempting to vote for our friends. To even toss a little mud if it helps our friend get elected.
This election has actually gotten hateful at times.
But that’s not in the best interest of our sheriff’s office or our community, or your own family for that matter.
Vote after you do your homework. Remember you’re not voting for junior high class president.
Vote with your head, not your heart or emotions.
Bradd Reynolds
Chehalis
