Sean Smith, candidate for our sheriff, is a vibrant, enthusiastic, intelligent law-enforcement professional with experience and training at the county, state and federal level in several locations. This experience includes service as a deputy here in La Plata County. He has the endorsement of the state Fraternal Order of Police. He resides here because he loves this place and has chosen it as his home. His candidacy affords us a rare opportunity to elect a truly professional, trained and experienced sheriff. It may be a long time before we get another opportunity like this – and maybe never.

I have had no personal or professional contact with the incumbent, Duke Schirard, other than seeing and hearing him at a candidate forum Sept. 24. I make no comments on his character or record. But I do know that he would be nearing 73 years of age should he commence another term, and nearly 77 years of age at the completion of that term.

I am nearing 71 years of age. Though I’m in good health for my age, I know I would no longer be capable of being the chief law-enforcement officer of our thriving and growing county, due to my age and its effects. His age and mine are well beyond normal retirement age (especially in law enforcement), for good reason. Age has just naturally diminished our physical and mental abilities.

Duke Schirard’s visible mobility problems and difficulties in speaking and recalling things such as dates of events at that forum reinforce my belief that he should retire and join me and many others in enjoying retirement in La Plata County. There is no shame in knowing when it is time to retire.

Schirard obviously disagrees on this, but it should be obvious to all who meet him that his retirement, if not now, is not far distant. We should elect Sean Smith now, while we have the chance.

Richard H. Ruth

Durango