Editor:
Snohomish County Sheriff incumbent Adam Fortney is being challenged by Susanna Johnson.
I am grateful to her for courageously stepping up to the challenge of replacing someone who in the past claimed that he preferred to not enforce a mandate from Gov. Inslee, and who has recently aligned with groups that have far right-wing beliefs. Fortney re-hired deputies who were investigated by the SMART team in 2019, and dismissed, due to egregiously not following police procedures. Under Fortney’s watch, the Sheriff’s Office lost its accreditation in 2021, which Johnson had helped to secure. And Fortney has been working toward getting that back since he filed for re-election of this campaign.
It seems that Johnson would not have allowed the loss of accreditation to occur. I agree with the community organizers and influencers, as well as past sheriffs and others, who believe that she is more qualified than Fortney because of her integrity, experience and leadership, among other things.
And because candidates gather with constituents and leaders at parks, homes, breweries and other community venues, we have a better opportunity to meet candidates running for office than we had during the pandemic. I have learned that Johnson has other wonderful qualities — boundless energy, a dry sense of humor, mental toughness, and an approachable demeanor.
I am hoping Susanna Johnson will be the new Snohomish County Sheriff in November.
Rita Koenigs
Edmonds
I also agree that it is time for a change in the Sheriff’s office. Time to get the good ol’boy mentality out of the office. Put someone in the Sheriff’s office that will do some good.
But then again Governor Inslee chose not to enforce or support federal regulations where he disagreed. Such as immigration rules. You can’t have it both ways.
Nice point Steve
Fortney is not qualified. For a list of most of his wrong doings visit Novotefortney.com
Please don’t take statements without looking into candidates yourself. It takes five minutes.
Sheriff Fourtney, like all public servants, took an oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the United States and of the State of Washington. He navigated a very difficult time through the pandemic and is working diligently to creatively stem the destruction of the fentanyl and resulting crime flood in our area. He works with people of all ideologies and perspectives to bridge gaps and get the job done. He is a truly non partisan bridge in making our community safer. He works with businesses, neighborhoods, and other government agencies for our community safety. He helps those who come out of addiction and prostitution to become productive members of our society through mentorship programs and connection. Lead the Way is an impressive program that deserves attention. Please see his website to read about him yourself. This is not about far right, far left, forget those subjective and misleading terms. This is about public safety, number one concern of many residents and businesses.
https://www.reelectadamforsheriff.com/platform
His record of real transparency, compassion, effectiveness, and cooperation with multiple agencies speaks for itself. The fact that people who work with him, value his leadership and success, as well as 8 police guilds speaks volumes.
A little insulting to assume that someone has not looked into the candidates, Rita gave a lot of information.
Looking at both candidates is important, but relying on candidate’s materials does not give you a full perspective., which is why people also look at endorsements from individuals and organizations – that so many people who have held the job and know the candidates have endorsed Sussana Johnson means quite a bit to me.