This morning my Democratic opponent and I were interviewed by the Arizona Republic Editorial Board. Present were representatives from the editorial page, Channel 12, and the digital content staff. As usual, Arpaio did not show. The interview highlighted the stark contrasts between me and my Democratic opponent.I will return the MCSO to a law enforcement agency that is a resource and partner with law enforcement agencies on all levels in Maricopa County. I see the role of sheriff as a law enforcement leader and one who works with the other branches of government to find solutions to the issues facing the residents of the county. My opponent has very little understanding of the role of sheriff as law enforcer and would continue the current sheriff’s practice of endorsing political positions and garnering favor with politicians.My Democratic opponent has issues with maintaining appropriate personal relationships. My opponent engaged in a domestic violence incident with his ex-wife, in which he inflicted documented injuries to her. As a result, a judge found that he was a “credible threat” and ordered my opponent to surrender his service weapons. My opponent was unable to act as a police officer for three weeks. A suspension of duties for this period of time is a serious mark on an officer’s career.

This is the type of behavior one might expect of our current sheriff but not of a candidate wishing to replace him. We have been bound by this type of corruption for 20 years and can no longer afford undisciplined leadership. My Democratic opponent has not gained the support of the law enforcement profession. The Phoenix Law Enforcement Association, my opponent’s former organization, does not even support him, but endorsed my Republican opponent, Arpaio! This is an indication of the lack of faith that the law enforcement profession has in my Democratic opponent.

It is for my integrity, my demonstrated leadership skills, my understanding of the role of the office of sheriff, and my exemplary 29 year career, that I was endorsed by the Arizona Conference of Police and Sheriffs as Maricopa County Sheriff and the Police Officers of Scottsdale Association. I possess the qualities that are needed to restore the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to the agency you expect and deserve.