VOTE411 Voter Guide

The dangerous trend of decriminalizing crime in general coupled with the gradual stripping of L.E.'s ability to keep law & order. This erosion of law & criminal accountability reduces L.E.'s ability to make traffic stops, conduct investigations, & subsequently arrest & keep criminals in jail. These trends are largely responsible for the increases in overdose related deaths, suicide, drug addiction, drug trafficking, mental health issues, homelessness, & related crime. We must elect qualified lawmakers & leaders into state & local positions who are willing to make necessary law changes. It's time we get back to being tough on crime with some balance. Treatment is a necessary component, but only if there is treatment with consequences.

This is a complex question. In short, my record speaks for itself. I take my Oath of Office seriously. My Oath is the foundation for all constitutional decisions. Sheriffs are charged with keeping the peace & enforcing laws, while supporting & defending the U.S. Constitution & Constitution of the State of Oregon. A non-partisan sheriff must be responsive and protective of all citizens. A Sheriff’s role is to protect the liberties of all the people he serves. To ensure this, sheriff elections represent direct democracy & the right of our citizens to elect their local chief law enforcement officer. A Sheriff can both make or break liberty in this country. Citizens, you too can make or break liberty in this county by who you elect sheriff.

The need to find sustainable funding for public safety services is at the top of the list of challenges. Public safety is a priority in Douglas County. Sustainable funding was lost with the loss of O&C and federal timber harvest dollars. Viable sources to replace these lost revenues is important to the future of public safety. The second, is the radio communications system that is critically necessary for dispatching all police, fire and EMS services throughout the county. Myself, Lt. O’Dell, the county radio director, and other radio users are working with the Board of Commissioners to get the system updated or replaced. This project is a top priority for us but will realistically take several years to complete.

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The decriminalization of drugs through Measure 110 has been a complete failure and a direct threat against public safety for all of us. This has led to increased criminal behavior and an unprecedented number of overdose deaths affecting our community members. Additionally, it has made it easier for our kids and those struggling with addiction to access meth, heroin and fentanyl right here in our hometowns. Through the work of the 2024 legislature, some progress has been made in rolling back this dangerous and deadly legislation; but much more work remains to be done. The Sheriff should be part of the process to fix this dangerous law helping to balance accountability and treatment.

The Office of Sheriff is a non-partisan constitutional role which requires a Sheriff to ensure the overall peace and security of their county and its citizens. As part of their oath of office, the Sheriff swears to support and uphold the Constitutions of the State of Oregon and the United States. This is an oath that I along with Sheriff Hanlin take seriously. I will unapologetically carry out my oath of office each and every day as Sheriff.

Our residents are blessed to have had the leadership of Sheriff Hanlin over the past 16 years as well as the unwavering support of our Commissioners in their commitment to funding public safety. As operational costs increase, coupled with the lack of O&C Timber receipts, we need a continuity of experience and leadership to continue being fiscally responsible while looking for viable funding sources to ensure adequate law enforcement services. Another challenge to not only the Sheriff’s Office, but to all public safety is our 20-year-old legacy emergency communications radio system. Both Sheriff Hanlin and I, remain committed to working with Commissioners & partners to find a viable solution to ensure public safety.