Several months ago, I attended a meeting at which Sheriff Duke Schirard met with the editorial board of The Durango Herald in a public forum.

Prior to this time, I had no opinion of the sheriff or his department. The first few minutes went well, as I learned Schirard can boast of a long career in law enforcement and has never fired a weapon in the performance of his duties – a history of 40 years, I believe he said.

But my initial positive impressions quickly soured when he wandered into the minefield of U.S. politics. He become quite animated, even agitated, when discussing gun legislation and his unwillingness to enforce the laws passed by the Colorado Legislature. He had special venom for “Democrats” and “liberals” whom he claimed treated him unfairly.

(Disclosure: I am both a Democrat and progressive; I am generally sympathetic to law enforcement.)

His tirade devolved into what would happen if his wife or girlfriend ever complained about his gun collection to a female judge. He mimicked a woman’s voice saying, “I’m so afraid” in a semi-falsetto, and then he growled, “I’d give her something to be afraid of.” I was astonished and depressed by his performance, which was paranoid, rageful and misogynistic. He parroted right-wing, bumper-sticker slogans as he demonstrated a contempt for legislators, county and city officials – anyone with whom he personally disagrees. I was so shaken by the experience that I contacted others who attended just to verify that I heard what I heard.

Duke Schirard has been La Plata County sheriff for 20 years. What I heard directly from his mouth convinced me that our sheriff is inappropriately partisan and combative; he appeared to be a loose cannon. These are not personality traits consistent with being an elected public official, who should represent all citizens.

I will not be voting for another term for Schirard, and I hope voters usher him into the retirement he has earned after 40 years.

Larry Bollinger

Durango