The main issue in the race for San Juan County Sheriff is character. That’s why I support Brad Fincher for Sheriff.

In my work as an addiction and domestic violence counselor, I think I’ve spoken with Adult Probation Officer Brad Fincher at least once a week for almost nine years. In that time I’ve become certain that Brad will perform his job in a 100 percent principled, legal and ethical manner.

Brad is thoroughly professional in all aspects of his work as District Court Probation Officer. He is patient and consistent. He listens well and thinks before he speaks and acts. He has great one-on-one people skills. I have never seen Brad angry or in any way disrespectful of others. In response, Brad has earned the respect of everyone he deals with – court personnel, prosecutors, other professionals, the County Council and even the probationers themselves.

For perhaps a year or two, Brad studied the law under the tutelage of Judge Stewart Andrew. He is well-versed in civil rights and the basics of criminal law. A college graduate, Brad has great potential for growth in any position, including Sheriff.

Brad is familiar with the repeat offenders on all of our islands, yet treats all people fairly and courteously.

Brad is very concerned about addiction and its effects – which is why he serves as Chairman of the Board of the Prevention Coalition, San Juan Island’s addiction prevention program. This effort, aimed primarily to guide adolescents away from drug and alcohol use, is also an indirect crime prevention program. After all, driving under the influence is a crime, one that kills one of our county citizens, often a young person, every year. And substance abuse is often involved in assault, domestic violence, reckless driving and other crimes. Use of illegal drugs involves drug dealers and crimes like theft and burglary. To intervene at the prevention level may have the greatest impact on these problems in the long-run.

From the recent letters to editors, it seems there are great divisions among personnel in the San Juan Island Sheriff’s Office. It seems to me that this situation is best handled by someone from outside the fray – someone who already commands the respect of the staff at that station. I think Brad Fincher is the right person to become Sheriff, for now and for the future.

Bob Gerfy

Lopez Island