I’ve been asked repeatedly who I’ll endorse in the
It’s simple: The public can’t lose. Either candidate would serve residents well.
Both men have come a long way from their interviews with the county commission in early 2005, following the resignation of then-Sheriff Juan Hernandez. Republican incumbent Todd Garrison and Democratic challenger Ralph Misquez both applied to replace him.
In speaking with the commission and public, these were the two applicants who appeared the most nervous, the least confident in their abilities in public speaking.
I already knew and liked both men, but, frankly, neither impressed during those interviews.
They look like different men today. Garrison has even testified before Congress about border security. Both appear confident and think much more quickly on their feet than they did in early 2005.
Garrison had the fortune of being appointed by the commission, and he inherited a department that was in bad shape. It was so underfunded and neglected that there were some 30 vacancies, and the public wasn’t being adequately protected.
Working with a bipartisan group of officials, Garrison helped secure a gross receipts tax increase that has stopped the bleeding. With increased salaries and dozens of new vehicles, the sheriff’s department is no longer in crisis mode.
Now it’s time to grow into a more community oriented department that better serves the public and does more to prevent crime. The department needs more officers for patrol and investigation, but it especially needs additional cops to serve in our schools and communities.
Misquez talks a lot about growing the community policing program as soon as possible. Garrison would also like to do that, but, perhaps because of his experience with the budget and tax increase, appears less optimistic that it can happen quickly. He does plan to ask for increased funding this year.
Where would it come from? The county runs a very tight operation, but additional officers are needed.
Misquez isn’t naïve in his pledge to focus on community policing. He was undersheriff under Hernandez for several months and also understands the bureaucracy.
Though there are some officers who aren’t happy with Garrison’s administration, most I’ve spoken with say the situation has vastly improved under his leadership, regardless of whether they support him or Misquez in this race.
I’m confident that, whoever wins this race, the department is in better shape because of Garrison’s leadership.
But I believe either man would serve our community well as sheriff. Both are consensus builders. Both grew up here and care deeply about the community. Both have dedicated their lives to serving people.
The public can’t lose in this race. It’s too bad we don’t have more races with such excellent candidates on both sides.
Vote your conscience.