Ex-spokesman running for King County sheriff

Published 2:01 pm Tuesday, April 24, 2012

SEATTLE — Former Sgt. John Urquhart, who retired last year as spokesman for the King County sheriff’s office, announced Tuesday he’s running for the sheriff’s job in Seattle.

Urquhart said he would be a leader, not just a manager. He said he would speed up reviews of officer-involved shootings and improve internal investigations. Urquhart also said he’s in favor of reforming drug laws, especially on marijuana.

The 64-year-old joins the race with 47-year-old Steve Strachan, who was appointed sheriff early in April following the resignation of Sheriff Sue Rahr. She left to become director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Strachan was her chief deputy and previously served five years as Kent police chief.

The sheriff runs a department with nearly 700 deputies.