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Dear Editor:
I have seen a great deal of candidates come and go through Larimer County. I am very impressed with Justin Smith, candidate for Larimer County Sheriff, and his credentials to lead the Sheriff’s Office. Justin has the professional experience, education and respect required to be a great sheriff. His career in law enforcement started in 1987, and he has spent nearly 20 years of his career serving the citizens here in Larimer County.
Justin is a graduate of the FBI Academy and holds two degrees related to law enforcement. In addition to having the educational background, Justin has the law enforcement and leadership experience as well.
With tight budgets and the need for government to do more with less and become more responsible to the citizenry, why should taxpayers pay salary and training expenses of over $50,000 for a candidate to become qualified to hold the office of sheriff? Justin Smith can take the reins from day one and no additional law enforcement training is necessary. He’s already certified, qualified and educated to be your Larimer County Sheriff. He has earned the respect of his fellow men and women in blue. He is dedicated, and will stay dedicated to our community.
Vote for Justin Smith for Larimer County Sheriff!
Myrna J. Rodenberger
Fort Collins
Elect Smith because we can save $50,000 on the budget? That is ridiculous and foolish to say. We could have saved a great deal more money if Justin Smith had not done many things during his time at the Sheriff's Office. Perhaps when all the other employees were suffering complete pay freezes, Mr. Smith should not have created a new position of "Major" at the Sheriff's department. He said the change from Captain Smith to Major Smith was in title only, but the following year he received a very significant pay raise along with several other new Major's. That cost the county a great deal more than $50,000. How about all the lawsuits people keep bringing and winning against the county because the Sheriff's office bullies employees, maintains "secret files" on employees, and routinely violates the civil rights of citizens? I personally know of several people Justin Smith has railroaded out of the Sheriff's office for unlawful reasons solely for the purpose of flexing his positional muscle. Justin Smith is a continuation of the corrupt and dishonest Sheriff's office we already have and I would be more than happy to spend $50,000 on Carl Bruning becoming our new sheriff so we could save a few million in the long run. Ms. Rodenberger should think her thoughts through a little more before making such foolish remarks, especially considering her history as a county leader.
John, you level some pretty serious charges here which I have never heard before. You'd better provide some facts to back up your comments. I'm voting for Smith because he is the ONLY Republican candidate who is qualified to be sheriff.
Bill, What "facts" do you need? Ask any deputy who has worked at LCSO (like I have) for more than 8 years and they will tell you Smith formed the "major" position. I know of the "secret" files, because I found out about them and asked to see mine. They refused. I asked who could see them, and they said anyone they deemed appropriate such as future employers. I don't even know what their file information says, yet they get to show it to future employers? Justin Smith and a Sgt. personally fired a female deputy because they stated they felt she was getting too old to do the job. She sued and won (in the last two years). Lt. Deb Russel just won a discrimination suit settling for a couple hundred grand. What other facts you need Bill? Maybe you should do some reading or ask someone that does not have a financial interest in Smith getting elected.
Myrna — The cost to complete this training is about $5,200. Completion of a certified training academy is one of the requisites for individual certification by the Colorado Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST). Colorado Law requires that candidates for peace officer and parole positions be POST certified before they work as a Law Enforcement Officer. The Red Rocks Law Enforcement Academy meets and exceeds requirements set by the POST Board. Program Cost: For Colorado residents, tuition and fees for the academy will be approximately $5,200* (with COF applied). http://www.rrcc.edu/lawenforcement/