Page 8 - Sonoma County Gazette April 2018

INTRODUCTION to 2018 Sheriff Candidates
As many Gazette readers know, we want our readers to make educated votes when they go to the poles. Our next election will be the first time in decades that our county has had a chance to elect a new sheriff. At this point in the primary elections, we have three candidates running. When votes are counted in June, we will know which two of the three will continue on to November.
We asked the candidates our first round of questions - and will ask another three questions for the May editon. Send your questions to vesta@sonic.net. The order of candidate answers was the order in which they returned their responses. To be fair, each candidate is given equal space. In their own words.... Ernesto Olivares, John Mutz and Mark Essick are all asking for your support.
Ernesto Olivares -
With over 40 years experience in law enforcement and public service, and my leadership experience in and beyond law enforcement, I am uniquely qualified to serve as your Sheriff to build a new culture of 21st Century policing.
olivaresforsheriff.com
As an immigrant and son of farmworkers;
I was fortunate to be the first in my family to
attend college. I later joined the Santa Rosa Police Department, where I served for 30 years and learned that the safest communities are those where there is trust between law enforcement and citizens. We can
and must do better on this front in Sonoma County.
I am a Santa Rosa City Council Member and have served as Mayor. My
experience provides a unique perspective to gauge where the Sheriff’s Office excels, and where we can do better. This includes improving public trust, promoting community policing, and improving training and education for Sheriff’s Office employees.
8 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 4/18
overseeing more than 250 employees who provide public safety around the clock. His strong leadership and dedication to fairness uniquely qualifies him.
John Mutz -
johnmutzforsonomasheriff.com
It’s time for change! The status quo is not healthy for the community, doesn’t adequately support
our officers, and costs taxpayers too much money. I’m running for Sonoma County Sheriff in order to cultivate a fundamental, long-term cultural shift
— based on sustained community relationships, transparency and respect — to keep our community safer, reduce costs and improve department morale.
With 40 years in law enforcement (10 years as
a Captain, 6 of those as a Station Commander), I have years of experience in leading these complex
changes. Furthermore, of all 3 candidates, I have the most years of executive and management experience in law enforcement. For several years, I’ve been engaged with Sonoma County community members who share this passion for change. We know that with experienced, dedicated leadership in the Sheriff’s office, change is possible. I know how to do it and I know this kind of progress only lasts if there is commitment and support from the very top. Something much better is possible. Our time is now!
Mark Essick -
With 25 years of law enforcement experience, Captain Mark Essick is the person you can count on to guide the Sheriff’s Office into the future with strong, experienced and fair leadership. Captain Essick is the only candidate for Sheriff who is endorsed by the members of the Sonoma County Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Captain Mark Essick has served as both Administrative and Field Services Captain. He has been responsible for
the day-to-day operations of multiple divisions, managing budgets greater than $50 million and
essickforsheriff2018.com