I have worked closely with the last three sheriffs for La Plata County and two district attorneys. I find it interesting that Wally White, the previous county commissioner, has written (Herald, Oct. 3) concerning Sheriff Duke Schirard’s handling of budgetary matters and his “below-the-belt” mudslinging. In 1994, when Duke was first elected to office, he asked me to return as his administrative assistant. I was more than happy to do so because Sheriff Schirard is a cop’s cop.
Sheriff Schirard does not micromanage his staff, which I found extremely refreshing to once again have a sheriff that has trust and faith in his department heads. Of course, those officers have the ability, knowledge and expertise to handle their individual budget concerns.
As part of my responsibility, I assisted with budget and witnessed firsthand Duke’s involvement with administrative matters, which included budget preparation. Ex-commissioner White’s remarks are so timeworn. His letter was reminiscent of the relationship with the county commissioners of 1984 (when I first started working at the sheriff’s department), who also wanted to tell the sheriff how to run his department.
When I read his other remarks concerning incidents that happened more than 20 years ago, my immediate reaction was he obviously doesn’t have all the facts. Duke Schirard has done a remarkable job as sheriff for La Plata County, and I know he will continue to do so.
Joan Byrd
Boise, Idaho
