To the editor,

A few months ago, when the Pierce County race for sheriff began, I was approached by Sheriff Koranda about allowing his sign on my property. Being a good Republican, I said sure. I was like a little puppy with my eyes still closed on this race at that time.   

As time passed, I was hearing more about the challenger Mike McFadden, but my eyes were still closed, and I thought the challenger was “just a complainer.” As my eyes began to open, I reached out to both candidates and Mr. McFadden gave me a list of names to call, including officers, former officers, local police personnel, and elected officials etc. I began calling these people, but some would not talk out of fear, some did not return my calls, but what I heard from the rest was eye opening.

Information on mandatory overtime because of staffing issues, the attitude of “if you don’t like it here you can leave,” and a totally toxic workplace began to appear. The most shocking fact was that if McFadden had not taken out papers for sheriff, others were ready to do it themselves. To me, that showed real problems in the Department.

I allowed McFadden to put up signs too, feeling it was only fair. However, I felt like Pontius Pilate washing my hands of the whole thing. I was not going to get involved.  My conscience wore on me and today I took the Koranda sign down. I can no longer still be neutral in this race; the facts are too obvious. 

With my eyes wide open today, I fully support Mike McFadden for Sheriff.

Kenneth Peterson

Ellsworth