As I watch the 2018 Sheriff’s race unfold and see the divisive and nasty politics that surround the campaign tactics of Dave Stanko I reflect back on my own experience.

Dave likes to portray that he is a great leader, but in reality he is nothing more than an empty shirt waiting to rake in yet another pension. I have sat back and watching and listening from afar. He claims that he has met his 2014 campaign promises, but has he?

No WASPC Accreditation, no addition of west-end county services, internal conflict with deputies and staff, and frivolous lawsuits brought on by bad decision making. Lots of fluffy evaluations, assessments and Strategic Plans but not much more action taken beyond that!

Poor decision making

Poor decision making seems to be standard for the Sheriff!

Upon his election, he rushed to complete an evidence room audit. Instead of seeking an outside agency or an impartial 3rd party that specializes in audits of this caliber he brought in one of his “special volunteers” to conduct the audit. This volunteer had not gone through the proper screening, including a background check, until after he was given full access to the evidence. When the background check was completed it was found that he had been convicted of a crime of deception in California!

Further, in October of 2016 Stanko was publicly criticized for religious comments he made on Facebook, which some members of the community found to be biased. Stanko refused to apologize for the misstep, rather he stated that he was taking his page off-line and revamping it only for his family.

“I’ve only been on it (FB) for two months, he said, acknowledging that during his campaign for office someone else managed his Facebook page.”

Facebook is pretty simple folks! It is Social Media and anything you put on the internet is fair game for the public to view. If he can’t manage a Facebook page or an audit of his evidence room can he manage a highly visible public office?

Joe Nole has been a dedicated member of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office for over 28 years with a total of 35 years of service in Washington State! Joe has the respect of his fellow deputies, the community, and five previously elected Sheriffs who also support Joe and his bid for election. Let’s put this office back in the hands of a local, committed and honest candidate!

Wendy Pate

Port Ludlow