You have got to be kidding. The Jan. 31 story, “County talks hiring deputies,” mentioned that Clark County Commissioner Steve Stuart “questioned whether it was prudent for the county to assume it could set aside money to recruit, train and hire new deputies.”
The county has already eliminated 24 deputy positions just in the last six years. These men put their lives on the line to protect us, and they do so with less staff and an increasing population in 610 square miles (not including Vancouver). The money for eight deputies should be a priority, not dependent on other areas. Based on their actions now and in the past, it doesn’t look like the county commissioners place officer safety or community safety as a priority.
Betsy Kingsbury
Battle Ground
