I believe Jeff Asher to be the best qualified candidate for sheriff of San Juan County, based on my 15-year career as a Los Angeles police officer and 11-year San Juan County residency.

With 25 years of service to this community, Jeff knows where the current shortfalls lie. Proper training of officers is essential, both for public safety and avoidance of lawsuits.

Jeff is the only candidate with a Field Training Officer certificate. His training, schooling and experience surpass all others. Questionable actions by serving officers without FTO supervision loom as potential expensive lawsuits. Some candidates arenʼt qualified to be hired as an entry-level deputy, let alone serve as sheriff. Public safety is too important for on-the-job training.

Jeff is ready for this position of trust. He will implement ways to make this department more monetarily self reliant. His ideas on community policing are essential for a small county. This department needs more visibility, deputies need to better know the people they serve and protect. Crime prevention cuts enforcement costs.

His commitment to this department and the community are admirable. I wish that all San Juan County deputies feel as Jeff does. These officersʼ cohesion is vital. Being able to depend on your fellow officers no matter what is the most important part of this job. Officers creating public dissension in the ranks are unprofessional and dangerous. It would not be tolerated in a well-run organization.

This department needs a professional overhaul. Jeff is ready to change this department to run more efficiently, cost effectively, and more professionally. This department needs constructive change, and that is what Jeff can bring to the table.

I have the utmost confidence and respect for Jeff Asher and his ideas. He is a valuable asset to this county and his talents should be utilized to better this community.

Please be an informed voter. Check out the position and ideas of all the candidates. Itʼs your county and your money, please choose wisely. This department truly needs someone with the skills and abilities that Jeff possesses.

Michael J. Stelzner
via e-mail: alliestelz@yahoo.com