Sheriff Fortney’s mismanagement argues against reelection

Let’s see: The head of the county’s sheriff’s department, the county’s largest, financially speaking, is seeking re-election to another term. Under the watch of Sheriff Adam Fortney, the county has paid out millions of dollars to families who lost loved ones, or had loved ones grossly harmed by members of his staff. Several of the staff were known as problems, but were kept on the force too long because of gool ‘ol boy practices (“Troubled deputies at center of $1.5M settlement in Maltby man’s death,” The Herald, June 9).

Some continued their out-of-control behavior until they were finally dismissed; too little, too late. Fortney has also chosen to selectively apply the law; the law he decides to support, or not. This person has never owned up to his fallacies-the lost lives, and bodily harm to others, and the enormous cost to the tax payers. Instead, he has asked for more money. Fortney does not deserve another term.

Maybe he can be a good deputy sheriff, but he should not be rewarded for his malfeasence, lack of stewardship or responsibility. We need educated and effective leadership to bring accountability back to this sheriff’s department. The good old boy network of cowboys is museum material. This would never be accepted in the private sector. It should not be accepted here. His lack of accountability and responsibility is why some wrongly hate law enforcement.

Rob Dietz

Arlington