The office of sheriff is non-partisan and voters are asked to choose the candidate who is professionally prepared and experienced in the services provided. Because the office is independent of the executive branch of Snohomish County government and receives its annual budget from the County Council, the elected sheriff must be a leader and manager of finances and the many law enforcement professionals who serve Snohomish County citizens.
The above criteria would indicate that Rep. John Lovick, a retired state patrolman, does not have the appropriate experience, either as a county deputy sheriff or as a manager. He is an experienced state legislator.
Rob Biedler is experienced as a deputy sheriff and could develop the skills as a manager of his deputies. However, he doesn’t have executive leadership experience with the requirement to manage the largest employee department and budget in Snohomish County government.
Tom Greene is the obvious choice for me because of his many years as a deputy sheriff followed by his current leadership role as the top assistant to Sheriff Rick Bart as finance chief. He will represent citizens of the county and the deputy sheriffs and assistants in his department at a high level.
PAUL BLOWERS
Arlington
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