Conversation shows sheriff candidates’ strengths
October 22, 2014 - 5:20 am
Campaign 2014 was the topic of Monday’s “Hashtags &Headlines” breakfast at Texas Station, and a hearty collection of folks brought their political appetites to the Review-Journal-sponsored gathering.
With R-J senior editorial writer Glenn Cook moderating, longtime columnists Jane Ann Morrison and Steve Sebelius offered savory opinions on races and ballot questions. I managed to pull myself away from the breakfast buffet long enough to add a few thoughts, and together we succeeded in only slightly increasing global warming at a time of year when political hot air is especially intense and abundant.
One of the most competitive races of a generally unremarkable season is the battle for Clark County sheriff between well-respected Metro veterans Joe Lombardo and Larry Burns. Both candidates have more than their share of strengths, and this might be the most evenly matched sheriff’s race in local history.
Following talk about the race, a Facebook conversation emerged from two women with the same first name but very different preferences in the sheriff’s contest. I’ve edited the exchange for clarity and brevity.
Kathy wrote: “Larry Burns for sheriff!”
Cathie replied: “Kathy, I like Joe Lombardo!”
Kathy: “I am a current (longtime) police employee, and I can assure you, Larry is the best choice.”
Cathie: “We need a leader as sheriff and Joe Lombardo will be just that. Why do you think your candidate is the best choice?”
Kathy: “Leadership, integrity, results driven policing, and solid moral compass and character. Larry inspires those around him and is the most respected person at Metro. He is genuine and always has been.”
Cathie: “I am blessed to know both men very well. I like Larry and Joe both very much. You have mentioned things that send red flags. One such is his powerful endorsements. That power is backed by the union. Would he be his own man? … I see weakness in his leadership. More of wanting to be a buddy? Joe Lombardo has all good qualities you mentioned but he is free to be able to do (what) is best for Clark County. I agree Larry is a good man but lacks what Clark County’s people need. That is what I looked for when I voted. That is why my check went to Joe Lombardo.”
Kathy:“I’m a police union member. It’s not about ownership. It’s about respect. I’m proud of my service and it is about respect.”
Cathie’s husband, Art: “One of the problems we have today goes completely unrecognized. Elected officials being elected by union sponsorship. No matter how much integrity someone elected to public office has, when contract time comes it’s impossible to separate loyalty to the people who helped elect you and duty to the public. Both candidates for sheriff are well qualified to lead Metro. If you take union sponsorship out of the picture, Joe Lombardo for Sheriff.”
Kathy: “Thankfully we live in a country where we have a voice and a choice. It’s not perfect but we all agree that our freedom to support the candidate of our choice and to vote accordingly is priceless. For this particular race, we all want a safe community. Appreciate all the involvement to that end.”
With the final word, Cathie: “We agree. Have a wonderful day, Kathy. Thank you for serving Clark County.”
Their differences are a reminder the sheriff’s race is a worthy match and should be close. Given the challenges facing the community, the task of replacing Sheriff Doug Gillespie won’t be a simple one.
It’s not easy being sheriff — or deciding on our next one.
John L. Smith’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. E-mail him at jsmith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.
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