Smear email contained errors | Letter to the editor

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Before the primary, supporters of Sheriff Joe Nole circulated an anonymous smear email attacking his challenger, Detective Art Frank of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. That deceptive email, supposedly written by a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) deputy, contained many factual errors.

CLAIM: “We’ve worked for Art before and it was the worst the department had seen in years.”

FACTS: Art served as undersheriff under a former sheriff, Dave Stanko. Art is not Dave. As undersheriff, Art dutifully executed Dave’s orders. However, under Joe, JCSO has drifted–rudderless, unresponsive, irresolute–for four years. As sheriff, Art will steer JCSO to professional excellence, enabling deputies to protect and serve county residents more effectively.

CLAIM: “Joe was UNANIMOUSLY endorsed by every employee at the sheriff’s office.”

FACTS: That’s false. Some JCSO employees did not sign the endorsement letters.

CLAIM: “Joe gives great leadership.”

FACTS: JCSO is now failing adequately to address property and violent crime, school safety, illegal drugs, homelessness, and mental health crises. As sheriff, Art will ensure JCSO responds more effectively to these vital community concerns.

CLAIM: “The agency and the citizens will suffer immensely if Art is elected.”

FACTS: Residents are suffering now because JCSO fails to respond to and resolve many 911 calls. Joe admits he doesn’t even know how many calls go unresolved, because he does not bother to track this most basic law enforcement performance measure. As sheriff, Art will ensure JCSO responds to and resolves every call, every time.

CLAIM: “Great deputies who have been vested in our communities for years will leave.”

FACTS: JCSO employees are professionals who respect the voters’ authority to elect the county sheriff. JCSO staff truly vested in our community will thrive under Art’s leadership. JCSO would be strengthened and local public safety enhanced by the departure of any rogue deputy who refuses to respect the voters’ preference for Art.

Vote Art Frank for sheriff in November.

Brian MacKenzie
PORT TOWNSEND