I wish to applaud all candidates running for local office this year. It takes a high degree of civic pride and commitment to expose oneself to all the vagaries of a political campaign among your friends and neighbors. Mariposa County is particularly fortunate with the contestants running for the all important position of county sheriff. I admire that in addition to the normal campaign challenges both candidates work together on a daily basis.

As we each decide who should lead this critical department for the next four, eight, or even 12 years, a number of considerations are appropriate. I want integrity above all else in sheriff’s department performance. How is the department currently performing? Which involved citizens feel strongly enough about a candidate to publically endorse and support him? Which candidate is most likely to put the needs of the community above himself and even the department?

The more I talk to supervisors from other rural counties the more proud I am of our local law enforcement and emergency services. I learn that we are respected and considered a strong partner with local, state and federal jurisdictions. In 20 years of observing and working with the sheriff’s office I believe they are professional, community serving and constantly striving for improvement.

Doug Binnewies is a major reason for this department’s success. His integrity, community service and experience are a perfect model for enhancing a high performing group. Doug excelled and was promoted under each of the last four sheriffs. He has been consistently assigned the toughest and most delicate projects. It is unprecedented that all sheriff’s department supervisors (absent his opponent) and five county supervisors have endorsed his candidacy. I will have great optimism for our county with Doug Binnewies as its sheriff.

Kevin Cann Supervisor District IV