Letter to Editor: Why Vote for Ron Krebs?

— from Art Lange —

I have had the opportunity to meet with both Ron Krebs and Rob Nou, the incumbent sheriff, in very small discussion groups during this campaign. After hearing both respond to specific questions about drug dealers among us, responsiveness to citizens, internal working relationships in the department, the arson incidents on Orcas, their differing philosophies about enforcement in our community, and their priorities for the next four years, it is very clear that Ron Krebs is the person we need as our next sheriff. Mr. Krebs is:

• 1) much more committed to a collaborative law enforcement approach that includes building relationships and educating as well as enforcement rather than merely writing more tickets.
• 2) much more committed to responding to specific citizen concerns and to seeking input from citizens (examples are specific drug dealers on Orcas who persisted for 2 ½ years despite countless citizen complaints and the lack of communication with citizens during the Orcas arson fires).
• 3) much more committed to making critical decisions that will enable deputies to carry out their responsibilities, to communicating with his people, to holding them accountable consistently and evenly, to ensuring that deputies are well-trained.
• 4) much more committed to establishing clear expectations for deputies’ behavior, being a leader by example, being present and available and accessible.

I suspect that many citizens are not aware of the incumbent’s serious failures to work effectively with the members of our community and with the members of his own organization over the past four years and might not appreciate how important this vote will be to our community. I urge you to spend some time with both candidates and make your own determinations. I have made mine and I am giving Ron Krebs my vote.