PORT TOWNSEND — A former opponent of Jefferson County sheriff candidate Wendy Davis has challenged the veracity of one of her endorsements, but the group making the show of support is standing by its words.
Last week, Davis posted news of the endorsement by the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association, which stated, “The citizens of Jefferson County are fortunate to have an individual of your caliber in such an important position . . . our members stand solidly in support of your election campaign.”
Davis, 47, a human resources manager and payroll specialist for Port Ludlow Associates LLC and a former officer with the Bremerton and Poulsbo police departments, and David Stanko, 66, a retired Fullerton, Calif., police lieutenant, are vying for the sheriff’s post in the general election ending Nov. 4.
But Ken Przygocki, who came in third in the Aug. 5 primary behind Davis and Stanko, said the troopers association endorsement was bogus.
“As a retired member of this association, it has always been an association policy to NOT endorse anyone in local political races,” Przygocki wrote in an Oct. 19 email to supporters shared Monday with the Peninsula Daily News.
“I contacted the president of the WSPTA Trooper Jeff Merrill, who confirmed the WSPTA and its over 1100 members DID NOT endorse Wendy Davis. The associations policy to not endorse in local political races is still in effect.”
In an email to the Peninsula Daily News, Przygocki said, “It was my understanding as a member of the WSPTA that the WSPTA does not endorse candidates in local political races. I was advised by the current WSPTA President Trooper Jeff Merrill, that this policy is still in effect.”
Merrill said Przygocki was mistaken about both the rule and the conversation, adding that the endorsement was legitimate and that the troopers association had no policy against supporting political candidates.
“It is valid, and we stand behind this endorsement,” Merrill said.
“Wendy Davis is qualified for the position of sheriff, and she is very highly regarded by our membership.”
Merrill confirmed that Przygocki had contacted him about the matter.
“I know Ken well, and I told him I would look into it,” he said.
“I found nothing improper, and the endorsement stands.”
Przygocki endorsed Stanko days after losing the primary and has sent out several anti-Davis messages since that time, something Stanko has disavowed.
“I cannot control what some of the people do,” Stanko said at a forum Monday, adding that Przygocki is not a close associate.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.