Letter to the Editor: Look beyond the slogans and signs when voting for a sheriff

Dear Editor,

Election season is in full swing in Big Horn County. Campaign signs are everywhere, and each candidate is doing what they believe is necessary to get their message out.

During my 28 years in law enforcement, I learned early on to stay out of local political races because I believed my position required neutrality. Now that I am happily retired from that line of work, I feel comfortable sharing a few thoughts on what I believe voters should consider when choosing our next sheriff.

Electing a sheriff should never be a popularity contest. It’s not about who has the biggest campaign, the most signs, the strongest social media presence or the loudest supporters. It’s about who has demonstrated the leadership, judgment, integrity and professionalism necessary to lead a sheriff’s office.

Experience certainly matters, but years on the job don’t automatically make someone the best leader. Throughout my career, I saw officers with relatively few years of experience display outstanding leadership, while others with decades on the job struggled in that area. Leadership is earned through actions, not measured simply by time served.

Public endorsements and letters of support are encouraging and can speak to a person’s work ethic or experiences with those they serve. However, they don’t necessarily answer the most important question: Does this person possess the character and leadership skills to serve as sheriff?

As voters, look beyond campaign slogans and ask yourself a few questions. How has each candidate conducted themselves throughout their career, both on and off duty? Have they consistently led by example? Do they hold themselves to the same standards they expect the citizens they serve to follow? 

Leadership isn’t measured only by what happens while wearing the uniform. It’s also reflected in the choices made away from work. Whether it’s obeying the same traffic laws they are sworn to enforce, exercising good judgment in social settings, treating coworkers with professionalism and respect or handling personal relationships with integrity, those everyday decisions help paint a picture of the kind of leader a person will be. None of us are perfect, but someone seeking to become sheriff should consistently demonstrate sound judgment, accountability and a commitment to living by the same standards expected of everyone else.

Character also matters when difficult decisions must be made. The sheriff is expected to make those decisions under pressure, sometimes in situations where there is no easy answer. The person holding that office should have the courage to do what is right, even when it is unpopular. They should be willing to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves and make decisions based on what is best for the community—not what is politically convenient.

None of these observations are directed at any particular candidate. They are simply qualities I believe every voter should consider before casting a ballot. Choosing a sheriff is one of the most important decisions we make as a county, because that individual will be entrusted with enforcing our laws, leading the men and women of the sheriff’s office and serving every resident of Big Horn County.

I encourage everyone to look beyond the campaign signs, social media posts and endorsements. Take the time to examine each candidate’s record, leadership, judgment and character. In the end, those qualities will matter long after the election signs have been taken down.

Blain Mollett

Lovell