At the League of Women Voters Forum I saw many fine candidates running for San Juan County sheriff in this primary.

I will vote for Brad Fincher. Here’s why.

Brad has lived on these islands long enough to know the issues and the problems we face. He has been fully involved in many local activities and knows the various segments of the community well. He serves all the islands in his job as probation officer, which gives him county-wide experience.

Brad has been a leader in community activities – from the county fair board to the community drum evening at the San Juan Island elementary school. Brad has been Chair of the SJI Prevention Coalition for the past five years. As a Coalition Board member, I have seen him in a leadership position. I have found him to be a careful listener who respects others and leads collaboratively, finding a way to reach agreement where there are differences. He is always there when you need him.

Brad would come to the job of sheriff from outside the department, generally a good thing in avoiding department cliques and hard feelings. Brad’s emphasis is on crime prevention, not just law enforcement, an emphasis that fits our community well. As a probation officer, he has an understanding of the criminal justice system as a whole, as well as experience working with local deputies and staff. Bill Cumming took on the job of sheriff from the same probation background.

Finally, Brad has youth on his side; he is energetic and in good physical condition. Being sheriff is no country for old men.

Please join me in making Brad Fincher the next sheriff for San Juan County.

Rita Weisbrod

San Juan Island