The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

My professional law enforcement career has been spent patrolling the highways of the great State of Washington. Twenty-five of my 33-and-a half-years with the Washington State Patrol have been spent serving and protecting the citizens of this great county. Being a Walla Wallan is, literally, in my blood. My uncle, Art Klundt, was Sheriff of Walla Walla County for 16 years. His son, my cousin, Kenneth, was Sheriff for four years.

I was born and raised in Walla Walla. In my 56 years, I’ve had both successful and failing attempts at law enforcement in this county. That’s why I can say without a doubt that Mark Crider is one of the most professional and qualified law enforcement experts I have ever had the privilege of knowing. Mark has a calm demeanor to handle any situation that may arise. His background in the United States Navy as an aviator and the FBI makes him the most qualified candidate running for our next Sheriff. I hate hearing that he isn’t from here, or that he is John Turners right hand man. Mark Crider is, and always has been, his own man. He has a lifetime of experience to share with the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office. In today’s society we are seeing an increase in crime and the increased presence of illegal drugs. In addition, gang activity is growing throughout our communities. Mark has the law enforcement training, resources, and connections to continue to provide top notch training to the Deputies to combat these serious issues.

Some people believe that I am only involved in the Sheriff’s election so that I can have a job. I have a job; I love being a State Trooper. But after 33-plus years, I feel I can bring so much to the Sheriff’s Office. With my connections to the Washington State Patrol, I have access to bring training to the Sheriff’s office at no cost to the County taxpayers. Between Mark and I, we have over 55 years of law enforcement experience in all aspects of firearms, self-defense, patrol, collision investigation, impaired driving detection, warrant service, drug interdiction, criminal investigations, gang investigations and executive protection, just name a few.

Experience and qualifications matter in the position of Sheriff. Please vote to make Mark Crider the next Sheriff of our great county!

Joe Klundt

Walla Walla