CAMPAIGN PILLARS


Inspire the Next Generation

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A strong Sheriff's Office begins with strong people. As Sheriff, my highest priority will be rebuilding our ranks by restoring hope in our profession and inspiring the next generation  of public safety professionals to answer the call to serve. We must  create a culture where great people want to join, experienced deputies choose to stay, and every employee knows they are valued. 

When I left office, the Sheriff's Office had 22 deputy sheriff vacancies. Today, that number has grown to nearly 50 law enforcement and another 60 vacant corrections deputy positions. Filling those positions isn't just about staffing—it's about restoring public safety, supporting our employees, including deputies and  non-commissioned staff, and delivering the service our communities deserve.


Addressing the Drug and Addiction Crisis

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A safe community requires a coordinated response to the drug  and addiction crisis that continues to impact families, strain public  safety resources, and harm quality of life. At the center of this  work are people—those struggling, those affected, and those  working every day to keep our communities safe. 

The primary responsibility of the Sheriff is public safety and  enforcement. At the same time, a Sheriff can bring vision to this  challenge—focused on people first and on building a future where  our response is more effective, more coordinated, and more  humane. 

As Sheriff, I will focus on strong, consistent enforcement while  also engaging partners across public health, treatment, and  community organizations. I will advocate for practical public safety  policies that improve outcomes and support recovery where  appropriate.

This is not a problem that can be solved in isolation. It requires  engagement, coordination, and a sustained commitment to  keeping people safe and helping people move forward.


Investing in People. Respecting Taxpayers.

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Putting People First also means respecting every taxpayer dollar. Responsible financial stewardship builds trust, strengthens public  safety, and ensures we can invest in the deputies, professional staff, equipment, and technology our communities depend on. I have a proven record of managing public resources with discipline and accountability, and I will bring that same commitment back to the Sheriff's Office. Together, we can restore confidence, protect  taxpayer investments, and build a stronger future for Snohomish County.


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Trust is earned through honest communication, not campaign  promises. 

As Sheriff, I will lead with transparency every day—not just during  an election year. Our employees deserve leadership that  communicates openly, listens to their concerns, and keeps them  informed. Our community deserves a Sheriff's Office that is  accessible, accountable, and willing to have honest  conversations, even when the news is difficult. 

In today's world, there are more ways than ever to communicate  directly with our employees and the public. We should be using  every available tool to share information, explain decisions,  celebrate successes, and strengthen relationships. 

Silence creates uncertainty. Transparency builds confidence.

Transparency Builds Trust

“Leadership is more than managing today's challenges. It's inspiring the next generation to answer the call to serve, strengthening our communities, and leaving the Sheriff's Office better than we found it.”

—Adam Fortney