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It is time to retire Duke Schirard

There is a clear contrast in the candidates for La Plata County sheriff. While both candidates are experienced law enforcement professionals, the differences are obvious to anyone who takes a close look at the candidates. I urge everyone to attend upcoming face-to-face debates. The differences are glaring. On the one hand, we have Duke Schirard. He settled into his law-enforcement approach 40 years ago and has not changed a thing in all those years. But the community’s law enforcement needs have changed and evolved (witness the success of drug courts). Duke has no new ideas and is largely biding time and protecting his cohorts’ jobs. It is time that Duke is retired by the voters.

Sean Smith is also an experienced law-enforcement professional, who brings broader experience. While he has long ties to the La Plata sheriff’s office, he has also worked in other jurisdictions and with a wide array of law-enforcement agencies. While at our sheriff’s office, Sean has implemented several innovative programs. Sean focuses on collaboration, not intimidation. We need a sheriff who has both broad experience and new ideas. We need a sheriff who is experienced, professional, approachable and cares about the entire community. We need a sheriff who is willing to work with the everyone in the criminal-justice system to achieve the goals of the system: safety for the community and fair treatment for all involved. We need Sean Smith.

Frank Viehmann

Durango



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