||| FROM DAVID ALEXANDER, WASHINGTON STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE TRAINING COMMISSION |||
I am writing to publicly and wholeheartedly support Ron Krebs for San Juan County Sheriff. I had the privilege of working for Ron during his tenure as Sheriff, and I witnessed firsthand the leadership, professionalism, and integrity he brought to the office every day.
Ron always leads by example. He commands the respect of his peers as well as his team members and is not afraid to allow his team members to do their jobs without micromanaging them. Ron is also strong and wise enough to hold his team members accountable when circumstances require it.
Ron has the knowledge and drive it takes to steer the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office into a bright future. Ron also has the good sense and fiscal responsibility to use our hard-earned tax dollars wisely to ensure the safety and service of our community is always the highest priority. Ron was the first Sheriff in San Juan County history to lead the agency into state accreditation and will work diligently to ensure our Sheriff’s office is in compliance with Washington state accreditation standards in the future.
Ron is the only person running for the office of the sheriff during this election who is uniquely qualified to provide the leadership, wisdom and dedication to ensure the employees of the Sheriff’s Office have the necessary tools, support and guidance to keep the residents and visitors to our beautiful county safe.
I am honored to call Ron my good friend and can say in the 6 years I have worked for him I have not once heard him speak a disparaging word about anyone. Ron is a humble servant leader who has served his country as a United States Marine and our county as the elected Sheriff. I am proud and truly honored to strongly endorse Ron Krebs for San Juan County Sheriff.
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Mr. Alexander, your endorsement is prominently identified with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Could you clarify whether you are speaking solely as a private citizen and former employee of Ron Krebs, or whether the Commission has any involvement in or position on this endorsement?
Given the Commission’s responsibility for law enforcement standards and accountability, I believe that distinction is important for voters to understand.
Mr. Alexander, I respect your right to endorse a former colleague and friend. However, I find it difficult to reconcile your glowing description of Ron Krebs’s integrity, accountability, and leadership with the serious controversies that have come to light concerning his previous tenure as sheriff.
We know that a criminal case was dismissed following the courtroom surveillance-camera incident involving Krebs. We also now know, as reported by the Journal of the San Juan Islands, that San Juan County paid $35,000 to settle a lawsuit involving allegations of sexual misconduct during an arrest. Krebs denies wrongdoing, and a settlement is not a finding of guilt, but these are serious matters that deserve scrutiny.
There are also troubling questions surrounding Krebs’s handling of Deputy Stephen Parker. Concerns about Parker’s conduct had reportedly been brought to his attention, including a warning from fellow law enforcement personnel. Why were those warnings not adequately addressed before the situation escalated into a controversy involving the integrity of a criminal prosecution?
Equally concerning are questions about the accuracy of information Krebs provided to the San Juan County Council regarding the Parker matter. If his representations to the Council were inconsistent with information already available to him, the public deserves an explanation. Elected officials have an obligation to be candid with the very people responsible for overseeing county government.
You describe Krebs as a leader who holds people accountable. My question is: What accountability was demonstrated in these situations? And how do these incidents support your characterization of his integrity and leadership?
As someone affiliated with the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, your endorsement carries particular weight. I would genuinely like to understand how you evaluated these incidents before offering such an unequivocal endorsement.
Friendship and professional loyalty are understandable, but the public deserves more than assurances of good character. We deserve transparency, accountability, and thoughtful answers to legitimate concerns.
The office of sheriff carries enormous public trust. Asking difficult questions about that trust is not a personal attack. It is our responsibility as citizens.
Mr. Alexander’s endorsement is absolutely on the mark. Ron did a good job last time and will no doubt do even better this time.
Thank you Ron.