By JOE GRANVILLELos Alamos
My name is Joe Granville. I am running as the Democratic candidate for the office of Los Alamos County Sheriff. I am the owner of Home Improved USA a small business located here in Los Alamos.
My wife and I, and our 5-year- old son live, work and attend Daycare in this beautiful County. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of Little Forest Playschool and Los Alamos Family Council. My time on those boards has been a great opportunity to work with some very talented people whose sense of duty and service are truly inspiring.
I decided to run for office because I believe we have an opportunity to use the Sheriff’s office to help vulnerable members of our community avoid becoming entrenched in the criminal justice system. I believe the office is less about law enforcement and more about crime prevention. As an elected official, our sheriff must act as a liaison between law enforcement, County council, social services, our non-profits and our citizen stakeholders to build collaboratively created solutions that improve the safety and well being of our community in thoughtful, fiscally responsible and caring ways.
The next sheriff must understand that the most lasting benefit to the community is in finding ways to keep people from entering the criminal side of our criminal justice system. I have had a number of meaningful conversations about the Sheriff and what the role is, or should be, with folks from across the political spectrum.
Some folks are angered at the way the sheriff has been treated. Some are angered by the actions of the sheriff- and others- in their ongoing litigation(s) against the Council-and others. Many are embarrassed by the negativity of the situation. And some are beginning to wonder whether our county has become so divided that nothing meaningful can be accomplished. I hear you all. In speaking about the kind of person people want to be their sheriff, the most popular reference I hear is to Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), the fictional sheriff of Mayberry. Griffith’s character resonates with people because he treats every member of the community (even Otis the drunk) with caring and respect. Our next sheriff must realize that the whole of the County, and all its’ people, and all their strong opinions is his Mayberry.
The current situation of the Sheriff’s office is undecided and requires that the next sheriff be a person adept at dealing with uncertainty. As sheriff I would employ one of three contingencies depending on the outcome of ongoing litigation between the current sheriff and the County:
First, if the court mandates an increase in the duties and scope of the Office of Sheriff, I will work with the County, the LAPD and our citizens to build consensus on what those responsibilities should be. We can arrive at an outcome that respects the police department, the citizens, the Council and the spirit of our Charter.
Secondly, should the Court rule in favor of the County I will respect that decision and fulfill the duties assigned by the Council.
Lastly, in the event that the duties remain unchanged, I will execute them to the best of my ability. I will work to foster relationships among the many stakeholders of our community.
Committed to building on common ground.
Friends of Joe Granville