PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Sheriff Joe Martin said Wednesday he will seek re-election in 2006, confident he has done “the right thing” in accepting a resignation and retirement from two command staff members and firing a third.
“I intend to run for re-election,” he said at a news conference about the resignation of Sgt. Dave Fontenot, the retirement of Undersheriff Steve Snover, the firing of Deputy Dwane Hayden and the placing of confidential secretary Susan Sanderson on paid administrative leave.
“I take care of business first,” Martin, 71, said of next November’s election, “do the right thing and let the politics take care of themselves down the road.”
Credibility not crippled
Courthouse observers said the sheriff’s employees’ alleged misconduct and Martin’s handling of the situation should not cripple his credibility or authority in the eyes of other elected and appointed county officials.
“The Board of Commissioners is appreciative of the sheriff bringing this to a conclusion,” said Mike Chapman, R-Port Angeles, the board chairman.
“Now he can move his department forward as he sees fit.”
It will move on with three fewer employees, and possibly four.