Having had a somewhat informed view of our Sheriff Department (if under the current leadership that is at all possible) one has to wonder how long our community will sit still for the do nothing actions of deputies and law enforcement leadership.

Given the past actions of more than one deputy, it seems as though doing nothing may be an improvement on doing what they’re doing. A sad state of affairs.

I attended all town meetings, on all three islands, prior to the last Sheriff’s election. I was also very active in the election itself.

We all heard the lofty designs and plans of what we were to expect in the coming four years. It appears that all we’ve done is regress

Where is the community policing, increased training, community advisory board and increased communication? What happened to the animal control officer and K-9 unit?

From all reports we are purchasing another (new) Sheriff’s boat for a ridiculous sum of money. If it’s maintained like the last one (the Guardian), don’t expect it to last long.

These are but a few of the broken promises, personnel inadequacies and organizational ineptitudes that plague the department and our island communities.

All islanders deserve much more, particularly when one considers that each one of us pays the cost for what we call our sheriff’s department.

I think we all agree that the current crop of deputies, with one possible exception, does not possess the training, experience or aptitude to even be considered as a candidate for our next Sheriff.

Most county governments when faced with such a no-win situation look outside the box for a suitable candidate. Is he or she really required to come from within?

If not, we as a county need to initiate a search and recruit a candidate or candidates that can lead us out of the ‘good old boys of the past and into a positive future for our county. Thanks for your time.

Rick Benedict, San Juan Island