After listening to debates between Sean Smith, candidate for La Plata County sheriff, and Duke Schirard, there is no doubt in my mind that Sean will be getting my vote. Sean is committed to enforcing the laws of the state of Colorado. He understands he is in law enforcement, and is not a judge or a legislator.

The sheriff’s role is not interpreting the Constitution but enforcing, as reasonably as possible, laws passed by the Legislature. Sean has a wide range of federal, state and local experience – from Desert Storm to the U.S. Department of Justice – giving him a broad, current and relevant view of law enforcement.

Sean has demonstrated skills in developing partnerships within the sheriff’s department and the community that will help him be a law-enforcement leader. He spearheaded the effort to devise “alternatives to incarceration” and built a wide coalition of partners.

Sean has developed a management style that is strong when needed but also respectful. Sean will not resort to bullying and intimidating staff and community members. He is approachable, knowledgeable and wants the Sheriff’s Office, with its $14 million budget, to be more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers.

A vote for Sean is a vote for integrity and professionalism in the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office.

Barbara Gysel

Durango