As reported in last week’s Leader, the sheriff’s candidates’ post-election statements reflected the character they demonstrated during the race.

Art Frank congratulated Joe Nole on his victory, and then thanked the voters, his campaign volunteers, and family.

Nole proclaimed himself “really happy” with the win and asserted “I don’t want to say anything negative,” but then complained at length about Frank’s alleged “negativity,” dismissed his critics as “untruthful,” and gloated, “Goodness prevails.”

Frank’s statement showed the professionalism, integrity, and decency he has modeled throughout his career and campaign.

Nole’s self-congratulatory and vindictive rant demonstrated something else.

County voters owe Frank a debt of gratitude, because Frank’s courageous truth-telling successfully prompted Nole to take his job more seriously.

After Frank began documenting the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office’s 911 response failures, Nole said he started attending to this problem.

After Frank showed Nole had no school shooter response plan, Nole sent two JCSO officers to get relevant training that could enable JCSO eventually to develop a viable plan to keep our kids safe.

After Frank revealed Nole’s unresponsiveness to local school leaders, Nole finally began returning their calls and emails.

After Frank reminded Nole of his 2018 campaign promise to complete the professional accreditation process begun by his predecessor, Nole announced his recommitment to that unfulfilled promise.

If Nole follows through on these Frank-inspired improvements — and draws wisely on the talents of Frank and other JCSO staff — then Nole’s second term will certainly prove more successful than his first. Every county resident would benefit from increased professionalism at JCSO, better service, and improved public safety.

Brian MacKenzie
PORT TOWNSEND