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Update, March 2010
After much consideration, I chose not to pay the filing fee
to have my name placed on the June ballot. I have learned a lot, and seeking
an elected office is in itself at least a part time job. The Deputy
Sheriffs’ Association endorsed Sheriff Smith, the incumbent, with 73% of the
vote. Sheriff Smith is fiscally responsible, has the endorsement and respect
of community leaders, and deserves reelection. Richard Calderon and Martin
Monica are both retired and receive pensions from the City of San Jose (see
“The Other Candidates” section of this site for more details), while I am a
full time Deputy Sheriff and the President of a non-profit organization.
I do have concerns about Richard Calderon. The “Richard Calderon for Sheriff
2010” website lists “My Pledge.” The second and third sentences of his
pledge state: “My parents instilled in me the importance of being
accountable and to take responsibility for my actions. They taught me to
work hard, tell the truth, and to speak up for what is right.” The website
lists “News Room” - it links to blogs that contain volumes of anonymous
postings that are at a minimum nonfactual and untrue. He writes and talks
about being accountable plus taking responsibility and simultaneously
promotes (via his website links) and condones what is being written (by
continuing to have his website link to the blogs). He writes about being
accountable, responsible, and speaking up for what is right but he is
promoting and condoning nonfactual, untrue information. In my view that is
hypocritical and subversive - not traits anyone should want in a leader.
Remember, in January 2009, the City of Gustine bought out the last four
months of his contract as Chief of Police.
As I have said and written many times, the Sheriff’s Office is about 4/5
contract work. Sheriff Smith has rapport with the Mayors and members of the
City Council in the cities that contract with the Sheriff’s Office for
services. This is imperative as the three contracts expire in 2014. If the
contracts are not renewed coded positions will be lost.
Until next time, thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely, Joe Charvez |
