I support Dave Stanko for re-election as Jefferson County sheriff because he has the leadership skills, experience, values and vision the Sheriff’s Office needs.
In mid-2015, the Washington Association of Sheriff’s and Police Chiefs (WASPC) reviewed the Sheriff’s Office (JCSO); their report criticized JCSO for not auditing the evidence room for many years.
This included the period Stanko’s opponent, Detective Joe Nole, was responsible for its management.
Though Nole may be an excellent detective, I believe he does not have the leadership skills needed by a sheriff.
He has had problems with time management; prioritizing, completing and delegating tasks since 1998 according to his performance evaluations.
Stanko demoted Nole on Feb. 1, 2017, from undersheriff to detective, for these reasons.
Stanko has established a wellness program for deputies, including the installation of exercise equipment.
He is also trying to increase the number of deputies in the JCSO and has instituted community policing practices.
JCSO deputies — and community leaders — participated in preparing the JCSO strategic plan, which deputies continue to update. Anybody can read it on the JCSO website at tinyurl.com/PDN-Strategic-Plan.
As a strategic planner I believe the JCSO’s plan is as good as those for over half a dozen municipalities that I reviewed.
David Tonkin,
Port Townsend