Now that the primary election results are in, the voters have spoken in the race for San Juan County sheriff.

I would like to congratulate Rob Nou and Brent Johnson on being the finalists for sheriff. I would also like to congratulate Brad Fincher and Felix Menjivar on their campaigns. I believe we all chose to run for sheriff because we care about our community and want to ensure the safety and security of all our citizens.

In my campaign, I identified a number of issues and solutions that would improve the Sheriff Department’s ability to protect and serve the citizens of San Juan County. Financial accountability and transparency, better training, development of a stronger Reserve Officer Corps, monthly staff meetings, community policing and a Citizens Advisory Board are all proven strategies that would help us meet our goals as a department and a community. I pledge to support the new sheriff in implementing these or any other programs to help our community.

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my family and to all my supporters in my campaign. Your support means a great deal to me. My mission, which you shared with me, is to create a higher level of excellence and professionalism within the department and consistently excellent service to the community. That mission continues, regardless of whom holds the title of sheriff.

I encourage you to engage the candidates and then the new sheriff to address the issues important to you and to establish programs, such a Citizens Advisory Board, to maintain better communication with and accountability to the community.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve.

Jeff Asher
San Juan Island