BY DONNA WESTFALL

Election season is on. There are 4 candidates for the office of Sheriff in Del Norte County.

In 1973, Bob Marley wrote the song, I SHOT THE SHERIFF…. next line, “But I didn’t shoot the deputy.”   The song continues….. he shot the Sheriff in self defense.  The theme of the song, “Justice.” (Eric Clapton’s version has been the most popular version worldwide).

Dean Wilson has been in the Sheriff’s office for 12 years seeking another 4 year term.  He has become grossly popular with those in the Tea Party, has vocally stood against gun control and for the State of Jefferson.

Jim Maready already served as Sheriff, retired, and but now wants another go at it.

Yurok Tribal Policeman, Butch Lee, has been in law enforcement for about 35 years and has thrown his hat in the ring.

Sergeant Erik Apperson from the Crescent City police Department is the last to round out the list of candidates.

The question in Del Norte County, is there a lack of cooperation between the Sheriff’s office and other local law enforcement?

Is there a lack of understanding about the constitutional rights of the people they are sworn to protect and serve by those in the Sheriff’s office?

Is it reasonable to expect our deputies to beat down doors and beat up citizens in apprehending a lone, unarmed citizen?

Is it reasonable to expect our sheriff’s office to understand the rights granted citizen’s by the constitution?

In the next few weeks, we will be arranging interviews with the incumbent and candidates.

Then it’s up to you, the voting public, to chose.