Charles Hamby sports a big white hat and comes across as a gentleman. But look deeper and you will see that he and many of his supporters are members of far-right group the “Liberty Coalition.” These are the folks who wasted the county’s time and cost thousands of dollars in their failed attempt to recall Commissioner Gwen Lachalt. During that process, Lachalt received death threats and required police protection.
Interesting thought: would Hamby have protected her from his supporters? I wonder, because many of his largest financial donations come from avowed ultra conservatives. His donor list, available on the Secretary of State’s website, looks a lot like the list of Duke Schirard, whom Sheriff Sean Smith defeated in 2014. That’s because Hamby is Duke 2.0 and would represent a giant step backwards for the sheriff’s office.
Many of the Letters to the editor from Hamby supporters spout half-truths and downright untruths about Smith. I think that is because Hamby has not articulated a vision for what he would do as sheriff. With no agenda, a limited educational background and limited managerial experience all his supporters can do is bash Sheriff Smith, who has done an admirable job.
La Plata County does not need a right wing “Sheriff Joe” (Arpaio). We deserve a well-educated, experienced leader in the sheriff’s office. That is Sean Smith. Join me in keeping him in office and keeping our sheriff’s office a modern, professional organization.
Wally White
Durango
