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Schirard, not Smith, made story public

I have been amazed at the political spin Duke Schirard and his supporters have been able to put on the sheriff’s race. In the Oct. 5 Durango Herald story, “Threats stir sheriff’s race,” Schirard admitted that he had threatened his opponent, Sean Smith, Durango Police Sergeant Geary Parsons and Durango Chief of Police Jim Spratlen.

The Herald has stated that this was an abuse of power. Smith stated in that story and in public forums since the story was released that he wasn’t focused on Schirard’s past domestic-violence allegations but on the true issues in this campaign like fiscal responsibility and the future of the Sheriff’s Office. However, as the story states, Schirard took the story to The Durango Herald himself and brought this story into the public eye. I am beginning to think it was a campaign strategy to distract voters and paint Smith as the villain. The truth is, Smith had nothing to do with this story becoming public – it was all Schirard.

I have taken the time to review the Web and Facebook pages of Schirard and Smith. Schirard appears to be the one on the attack and has even gone after Smith’s wife on more than one occasion. I think there is a clear picture as to who is running a negative campaign. In addition, many letters to the editor supporting Schirard have come from employees of the Sheriff’s Office who are part of Schirard’s inner circle and campaign team.

Why do they fail to identify this in the letters they write? Please take the time to do some research before casting your vote! There is a good reason Smith has been endorsed by the local Fraternal Order of Police, the Colorado State Fraternal Order of Police and The Durango Herald. Smith consistently talks about our community and moving the Sheriff’s Office forward while Schirard remains focused on his past accomplishments and attacking Smith. Vote Sean Smith for La Plata County sheriff.

Ryan Imondi

Durango



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