The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Dear Editor,

Over the past several years, the Sheriff’s Office has experienced a considerable amount of controversary in the administration of the office. In addition, the controversaries have divided the deputy’s loyalties which I believe to be a dangerous situation, especially in law enforcement.

In 2015, under the term of the current Sheriff, the County Commissioners determined it would be in the best interest of the county to create a Department of Corrections and remove the jail responsibilities from the Sheriff.

For the first time in the history of our county, the administration of the county jail has been removed from under the responsibility of the Sheriff.

It is important to me to have a Sheriff who not only is qualified in the law enforcement arena and has a history in our county but is also knowledgeable about our community, wants to live and raise his family here and won’t be moving to procure a more lucrative opportunity in the future.

I understand in 2018 Mark Crider was recruited to fill the position of undersheriff by the current Sheriff. Mr. Crider has no local ties in the Walla Walla area, he has no history here nor does he know our community. I’m questioning how long Mr. Crider will want to remain in Walla Walla County.

Matt Stroe IS local, he isn’t going anywhere. He has lived, served and volunteered in our community his entire life and I can tell you with certainty, he will NOT be moving. He is looking forward to retiring in this community just as his grandparents and parents did.

Over the years I have determined, all that glitters is not gold. It is time for stability in one of the most important offices in our county.

Please consider joining me in voting for Matt Stroe for Sheriff.

Pam Ray

Walla Walla