I would like to respond to the article printed in the Bonner County Daily Bee (Oct. 7), “Dems allege harassment in region.” As you know, I am running as a write-in candidate for Bonner County Sheriff against the incumbent, Daryl Wheeler. My response is based on my 35 years of experience in law enforcement, and a commitment to integrity and sound leadership.

I am appalled. It is completely unacceptable, unethical, and unlawful for a citizen, threatened and intimidated because he belongs to a “class” deemed unworthy of protection, to feel that he has no recourse but to leave the community in which he lives, works, and contributes in a positive way.

Deputies mirror the mission and culture set by their leader, the sheriff. In this case, Sheriff Daryl Wheeler. What we are seeing played out on the streets of Bonner County is a warped and dysfunctional system of local law enforcement. As the law enforcement authority in the county, the Sheriff is authorized to develop programs and set policies that serve and protect its citizens — all its citizens. He is not authorized to select which “class” of citizens will be served.

Our constitution was written at a time when opinions and ideologies battled at the ballot box to determine the direction our country would go. We have continued that tradition for over 200 years. For a deputy to say that the sheriff’s office would not ensure that a political worker could safely represent a candidate for office is completely wrong, and totally unacceptable.

This complete failure in leadership will not occur on my watch as the next sheriff of Bonner County. My deputies will understand their roles with great clarity, and they will respond quickly to requests for help. Trust in law enforcement will be restored.

TERRY FORD

Sandpoint