To the citizens of San Juan County:

Recently, in response to my candidacy for sheriff of San Juan County, several deputies have written and published a letter of “no confidence” in me as a potential leader for law enforcement in our community.

Of course, this is disappointing to me personally, but not unexpected. Since I ran against Sheriff Cumming several years ago, it has been clear that I believe we can do better than we are currently doing. With the recently demonstrated inability of our department to deal effectively with a single teen-age serial burglar, it is no longer enough to say that we can do better. We must do better.

Anyone who has worked as an agent for change knows that, no matter how well intended, the uncertainty of change is frightening to many people. It seems to me that it is fear of change and increased accountability that has motivated these deputies to take such a public stance against my candidacy.

I think that anyone who takes the time to read my proposals or talk with me will find that I understand the issues we face, and that the changes I will implement as sheriff are prudent, proven, fiscally sound steps that will significantly improve our public safety.

By examining my record as a manager and administrator, and by talking to those professionals who have actually worked under my leadership, you will find that I have the skills and aptitude to succeed.

Some of my supporters have suggested that I should organize those within the department who support my candidacy as a counter to the letter. I will not be doing that. All candidates for sheriff are currently working for the department and will continue to work here after the election. Whoever is elected sheriff will have to bring the entire department together as an effective team. To add to the polarization that these deputies have caused will simply make that job more difficult and distract from our real job — public safety.

I hope that each citizen will take the time to learn about my record, skills, proposals, and experience in order to judge my candidacy as an agent for positive change. I believe that those who do take that time will want to give me a vote of confidence when it matters: on Election Day.

Sincerely,

Jeff Asher