Sheriff Adam Christianson: DeMartini is competent, capable and a proven leader

Re “Road tax, Crows Landing plan among District 5 race issues” (Front page, May 1): I’m always fascinated by political candidates who speak about issues in the community, all in an effort to get elected, but fail to articulately represent the facts. In the last 24 months, we’ve hired more than 80 deputy sheriffs in the Operations Division alone. In the same period two left for “higher-paying jobs.” Contrary to Stokman’s assertion that it “does no good” to hire more if they leave, we continue to hire new deputy sheriffs and fill vacancies created by Supervisor Jim DeMartini and the rest of the board of supervisors who have made public safety restoration their highest priority.

Finally, Stokman knows absolutely nothing about the tragic death of my deputy and friend Bob Paris, other than what she may have learned from the media. To speak about the senseless murder of two innocent people and the aftermath of that tragedy for personal, political gain is simply irresponsible. Supervisor DeMartini and the board handled the situation with courage, compassion and integrity.

Supervisor DeMartini is a competent, capable, proven supervisor. I fully support him and I encourage everyone in District 5 to join me.

This story was originally published May 3, 2016 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Sheriff Adam Christianson: DeMartini is competent, capable and a proven leader."