In my career of over 40 years working in and with law enforcement in Snohomish County I have met many talented leaders. Only a handful, though, would I characterize as truly exceptional. Susanna Johnson is one of those exceptional few. I had the pleasure of supervising Susanna numerous times in our over three decades of working together and I have always observed her skillset as a law enforcement officer, supervisor, manager and executive to be outstanding.

She is a dedicated crime fighter, a fierce community advocate, and an equally fierce advocate for the men and women who do the difficult work of law enforcement. Susanna has amazing interpersonal and leadership skills. She understands well the broad mandate and challenge of policing the diverse and complex communities of Snohomish County. I have seen Johnson confront many difficult situations, challenges and people. In every case her approach was about what was legal, ethical and right. It was never about her.

As I recently have moved out of Snohomish County, I will not be able to cast my vote for Johnson in November. But I still care greatly about the place I lived and worked for nearly my entire life. I encourage the voters of Snohomish County to make the best choice when their ballots arrive and elect Susanna Johnson as their next sheriff. It’s a choice they will not regret.

David Bales

Colville