GRANT COUNTY SHERIFF

Reader disagrees with Clay, supports Jones

I appreciate Dennis Clay's comments in the Columbia Basin Herald about the sheriff's chain of command, but I believe his statements are incorrect. Mr. Clay states the Undersheriff is responsible when the Sheriff is incapacitated, but per Washington State RCW 36.24.010 the County Coroner shall perform the duties of the sheriff in all cases where the sheriff is interested or otherwise incapacitated from serving. All the more reason the County Coroner selection is so important. We should not choose a Coroner just because they are our friend, attend our church or are compassionate as a mortician. The Coroner position should be taken very seriously and, with his investigative skills precisely why David Matney is most qualified for that job.

It is easy for DeTrolio to name an Undersheriff because he has worked with that team. I think anyone working with the Sheriff's Office knows the value of the choice he has made. But, to ask Jones to make decision before he actually takes the position and has a chance to look more in-depth at the budget and visit with the administrative staff is ridiculous. We are not voting for a Undersheriff on this ballot, we are voting for a Sheriff, a leader who can evaluate and delegate. Again, why it is so important to select someone who has been promoted and moved through the ranks and understands the various jobs and duties of the office; someone with leadership training and experience. Jones has stated he will work for accountability, consistency, and communication in the Sheriff's Office. I believe he will make the right administrative staff choices once he has had a chance to interview the staff, and look at the status of the office with the direct view currently afforded to DeTrolio.

Roberta Anderson

Ephrata