Support Crider for Sheriff

Dear Editor,

I consider both of the candidates for Walla Walla County Sheriff to be friends of my family. Anyone who believes either candidate is steering any supporter to lead a negative campaign does not know these men. Both men are good guys with good hearts.

Because of the aforementioned friendships, it’s uncomfortable to publicly endorse one of the candidates. However, as a Deputy’s wife, I understand the tremendous responsibility on the person who ultimately will become Sheriff. If I take emotion out of this process, then it is clear to me which candidate is the most qualified to continue to lead the Sheriff’s Office in the right direction. That candidate is, without a doubt, Mark Crider.

Crider has extensive experience in the military (10 years) and then law enforcement (22 years in the FBI) that is unparalleled. He’s been in supervisory positions and managed multimillion-dollar budgets. He’s trained as a Master Police Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Defensive Tactics and Officer Survival Instructor and SWAT operator, among other certifications.

Crider is currently contributing his acquired skill sets from that experience in the role of Undersheriff. Crider’s down-to-earth, kind personality coupled with his background are why the Deputies’ Association endorsed him for Sheriff. The endorsement is not from coercion or any other sort of conspiracy. It’s simply that the deputies want the most capable person possible in that highest role. They want and need a leader with the experience to make critical decisions.

Most deputies’ wives have also publicly endorsed Crider. We recognize the positive growth within the department recently and want to see that continue. The internal culture is the healthiest we’ve witnessed. For such a highly stressful job, that is incredibly important for morale. We also want to elect the individual who will take the most off our deputy’s plates, so they can focus on serving the county.

Finally, there is great value in Mark Crider working for the Sheriff’s Office currently. He knows the deputies, he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the office, what crime issues our county is facing and what plan is in place for each. Every deputy I’ve talked to respects Crider as a leader and wants to work for him. He is poised to seamlessly transition to the Sheriff’s role and immediately positively impact Walla Walla County. Please join me in voting for Mark Crider for Sheriff.

Lauren Moretti

Burbank