CAMPAIGN AD: CAMPBELL – Why I Am Running

This full-page ad was placed on page 2 of the Nov. 3-9, 2022 edition of the Whidbey Weekly. The text of the ad reads as follows:

WHY I AM RUNNING

At a time when it’s crucial that we get in front of public safety concerns, I decided to run because I didn’t see proactive, inclusive leadership coming from my opponent. The morale in the department is at an all-time low due to over-work, lack of support, and coverage for all 3 districts, with little to no communication from the guy in charge. Appropriate public safety is not being addressed and it’s simply time for excuses to end. We “train and do not retain,” costing taxpayers enormous amounts of money in lost employee investment. The current Sheriff doesn’t answer calls, has not been in a patrol car in over 20 years, and is vastly out-of-touch with the needs of our communities and patrol staff. It is simply time for a new Sheriff.

I AM A CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFF

This seems to have become a controversial statement in today’s climate. The freedoms we take for granted are the same freedoms that people have been willing to risk everything to start a new life here in the United States. We are a country of “US” with people fleeing here due to persecution and tyrannical governments. We should be proud of what this country stands for and the Constitution that represents freedom around the world. I uphold Constitutional Rights daily and apply RCW, County Codes, City Ordinances and State and Federal Laws. If at any point you don’t want your Constitutional rights exercised, then you have the option to waive those rights. Ninety-five percent of Sheriffs are considered Constitutional. The people should never give the Government the rope in which to tie their hands, or keep them from the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.

• I will concentrate on hiring the 43 positions approved by the Commissioners (38 of which were approved before 2018). I will work with the Commissioners to come up with utilization of discretionary ARPA funds to create sign on bonuses to recruit lateral Officers in order to beef up services and mentor the newly hired Academy Officers. Public Safety is #1.
• I will address drug addiction, mental health, homelessness, and crime, by drawing services in Island County together. The office of Sheriff will work with our Prosecutor and Judges in order to remove the criminal element that often preys on those most vulnerable in our communities. The Opioid Outreach Social worker is not embedded and does not ride with our patrol staff, as stated by our current Sheriff. We will utilize the new Recovery Navigators to provide coverage for those referrals when an individual accepts help. A crises [sic] or mental health breakdown, or overdose does not have banking hours and the Navigators provided by Human Services will bridge that gap, meeting with individuals in their moment of need.
• I will build community trust and provide accountability to the office of Sheriff. I am committed to hold community forums multiple times a year in all 3 Districts. This will allow us to know how we are doing on measurable improvements (like response times). I will have round table discussions with important program leaders, city leaders, and chamber members, in order to address community concerns.
• I will lead by example and will support the efforts of those who serve their communities faithfully. In almost 4 years the current Sheriff has not had one patrol division staff meeting. This is negligent leadership and is completely unacceptable as an elected official. I will hold regular meetings, and encourage an overall sense of “service” as the focus of my leadership.
• I will build strong relationships with County Officials, working across the aisle to address community concerns.
• I will work with our education systems to provide education opportunities for our youth. We must rebuild trust with our youth.

There is so much more I could say, but I assure you that I am qualified to lead the Sheriff’s Department. Former Sheriff, Mark Brown service for many years with no previous administrative training and came from the Highway Patrol. I have served Island County faithfully for 32 years with an outstanding record of service, served as Guild President, and I have the trust of my fellow deputies. If you believe we need change then I would be grateful for your vote on November 8th.

Respectfully,

Lane Campbell

On The Ballot in November 2022