LETTER: Sheriff no-confidence vote seems like political tactic

I've lived in Grant County long enough to know the difference between a real problem and election-year politics. A so-called vote of no confidence suddenly appears just before ballots are mailed? That doesn't pass the smell test. If these concerns were truly about improving the Sheriff's Office, why weren't they brought up months ago? To me, the timing screams political motivation.

Here's what I do know: Crime is down. Sheriff Joey Kriete is accessible to the public, engaged in our communities, willing to learn and improve, and fiscally responsible with our tax dollars. Those are the things I expect from my sheriff.

I've also heard all the talk about how bad the sheriff's office supposedly is. So here's my question: If that's true, why are experienced deputies from other agencies choosing to come work here? Lateral transfers do their homework before changing careers. They talk to people inside the agency. If things were really as bad as some claim, they wouldn't be lining up to join the Grant County Sheriff's Office.

What frustrates me most is hearing candidates campaign on things Sheriff Kriete has already accomplished or is already doing. Instead of attacking the incumbent, tell us what you would actually do differently to make Grant County better.

We're not electing a best friend. We're electing a sheriff. I'll take proven leadership and real results over election-year politics every time.

Todd Voth

Moses Lake