In Our View: Gardner for Sheriff

From the start of his campaign, Shane Gardner has demonstrated many of the attributes that should be expected in Clark County’s top law-enforcement official, and those attributes have only been strengthened in recent weeks. Because of that, The Columbian recommends a vote for Gardner in his race against Chuck Atkins for Clark County sheriff. As always, this is merely a recommendation. We expect voters to study the issues and the candidates and decide for themselves who would best serve and protect the public.

In the case of Gardner, voters will find somebody who speaks of a holistic approach to the job, promising proactive rather than reactive measures to reduce crime. They also will find somebody who has strong experience, including a military background and years as a decorated sergeant with the sheriff’s office; somebody who has a strong record of community involvement; and a candidate who is thoughtful and engaging.

On top of that, two recent developments strengthen Gardner’s credentials. Recognizing that experience is not his strongest selling point, Gardner tapped retired Washington County (Ore.) Sheriff Rob Gordon, a 36-year law enforcement veteran, to be his undersheriff — a position that handles many of the administrative duties in the office. This decision demonstrates that Gardner addresses shortcomings head on, rather than ignoring them.

In addition, Clark County Sheriff Garry Lucas, who is retiring after 24 years on the job, declined to endorse either candidate in the race. Lucas could have endorsed Atkins, a fellow Republican, and nobody would have questioned it. But in declining an endorsement, Lucas speaks to the strength of the candidacy of Gardner, who expresses no party preference. “I know and respect both candidates, and both could do a good job, depending on whom they surround themselves with,” Lucas said. In our mind, that again emphasizes the importance of Gardner aligning himself with Gordon.

Many voters might dismiss the importance of candidates receiving endorsements, and the opinion of an outside party should not be enough by itself to sway their decision. But the fact is that candidates routinely seek endorsements because they do matter. The ability to effectively sell your message is one sign of leadership, and both Gardner and Atkins sought Lucas’ endorsement.

That being said, we believe that Lucas is correct in suggesting either candidate could do a good job. Atkins, who is retired from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, has exceptional experience and demonstrates strong leadership skills. He has spent time as a precinct commander, time with the K-9 unit, and served with a SWAT unit. He emphasizes the importance of forging alliances with private groups and with other public agencies in cultivating resources for the sheriff’s office.

Gardner, meanwhile, stresses communication with — and compassion for — the public, saying, “It’s also our job to figure out a way to keep people out of jail. The sheriff is the leader; the sheriff inspires a shared vision. This is your sheriff’s office; it’s the community’s sheriff’s office. We want to be as transparent as we can.” He extends that vision to how he would interact with department staff, noting that, “One of the things that Sheriff Lucas brought in is that you have the ability to make a decision.”

Gardner has demonstrated the ability to make the right decisions. His record as a deputy and his demeanor indicate that he is the best choice for Clark County sheriff.