La Gaceta endorses Chronister for Sheriff
From “As We Heard It,” by Patrick Manteiga, Oct. 2, 2020
Republican Sheriff Chad Chronister is being challenged by Democrat Gary Pruitt and no-party-affiliated Ron McMullen.
The challengers are both well-qualified with years of law enforcement experience. Both say they would provide better and stronger leadership and would continue the programs started and expanded by Chronister.
As with the state attorney, we think Chronister has done a great job and made many reforms we support. He is very nonpartisan in his relationship with other elected officials and on many issues.
Chronister has championed body cameras. He created pods in the jail for veterans in order to provide more services to that group. He is providing more drug treatment programs in jail and doing more vocational training to teach trades such as refrigeration and plumbing. He even offers support services for people up to 30 days after leaving the jail to help prevent recidivism. He has increased training and encourages more honesty and transparency among the ranks so that deputies report bad actors instead of protecting them.
The sheriff’s office is undermanned compared to some counties, but budget cuts due to COVID will delay addressing this issue. Crime is down and the sheriff’s office has avoided the ugly incidents that caused unrest in many parts of the county. It’s hard to argue with success.
La Gaceta endorses Chad Chronister for Sheriff.