The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

Cutting through the innuendos of the Walla Walla County Sheriff's race, I think there is no substitute for actual experience in the Sheriff's Department.

I think back to when I was on the Walla Walla City Council (1981-87) we needed to hire a new Police Chief, then the Council agreed to hire from within the ranks of the force to keep a very experienced leader in charge, Chuck Fulton's selection proved the wisdom of hiring experience.

Today's Sheriff's Race, pits a Rookie Sheriff, with a history of costing Walla Walla Taxpayers hundreds of thousands of un-necessary losses due to his management decisions against a Veteran Sargent who possesses experience in every phase of the Sheriff's Department.

I hope you will join me in voting for Tom Cooper for Walla Walla County Sheriff.

Tom has pledge to work humbly with other County Department Heads and Country Commissioners, to hire one or more Hispanic Officers to reflect the population of our County, to Actually live within the Department's Annual Budget and treat all people with justice and dignity, to enhance the results of the K9 program and to reward employees for their experience and good works.

Tom Cooper also enjoys the support of many present and past elected officials of the County and City of Walla Walla. Jim Henderson Walla Walla