Public officials should project cohesion, not conflict

The three letters concerning the county sheriff election left me wondering just how safe we are if those responding to personal or public situations are as unsupportive of each other as it appears. I had a career where it was imperative that the members of the team had each other's backs at all times. With that came the responsibility of projecting that support to anyone, either in contact with or observing us, to maintain confidence in our abilities.

The three letters concerning the county sheriff election left me wondering just how safe we are if those responding to personal or public situations are as unsupportive of each other as it appears.

I had a career where it was imperative that the members of the team had each other’s backs at all times. With that came the responsibility of projecting that support to anyone, either in contact with or observing us, to maintain confidence in our abilities.

Although conflicts arise on occasion, I see no benefit in airing them publicly. I believe our public officials, whom we count on to provide assistance in some of our worst times, should project the necessary cohesion to be deserving of our complete trust.

I submit these thoughts in hopes that our Sheriff’s Department will bring itself together and provide helpful information for the election of our new sheriff.

Sue Fjellman
Friday Harbor