Years of work with Johnson proved ability to serve as sheriff

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

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Saturday, Feb. 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Rivian, based in Irvine, Calif., has introduced its new R2 models, smaller and more affordable SUVs. (Rivian)
Editorial: Open electric vehicle market to direct sales

Legislation would allow EV makers to sell directly to customers, making lease or purchase easier.

Eco-nomics: Climate change is making insurance a risky bet

Keeping home insurance affordable amid climate change will take adaptation to threats and broader efforts.

Comment: Keeping health care fair, affordable as costs rise

Bills in the state Senate would look to control costs and keep decisions in the hands of providers.

Comment: Proposal takes a swipe at credit card swipe fees

State legislation would exempt taxes and gratuities from the fees that credit card firms charge businesses.

Forum: State church leaders call for compasion for immigrants

Scripture repeatedly instructs us to love our neighbor and show the stranger hospitality.

Forum: Support state legislation to reform policing, corrections

One bill would harmonize standards for agency leadership; another would clarify review of corrections facilities.

The Buzz: When you gotta boogie, best to shake it off, kid

A pasquidadian review of the week’s news.

People walk adjacent to the border with Canada at the Peace Arch in Peace Arch Historical State Park, where cars behind wait to enter Canada at the border crossing Monday, Aug. 9, 2021, in Blaine, Wash. Canada lifted its prohibition on Americans crossing the border to shop, vacation or visit, but America kept similar restrictions in place, part of a bumpy return to normalcy from coronavirus travel bans. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)
Editorial: U.S. and Canada better neighbors than housemates

President Trump may be serious about annexing Canada, but it’s a deal fraught with complexities for all.

Schwab: If you’re OK with foreign aid cuts, guess who’s next

At some point, if they haven’t already, Trump’s and Musk’s cuts will hit all but a very elite few.

Poor planning behind Snohomish PUD rate increase

It did not take long in 2025 for the Snohomish Public Utility… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.