Dear Editor:
Few would argue our world is in shambles, national leadership and local leadership are in chaos. Our local government is not exempt of problems. We have righteous, good-willed people, and even a few swamp rats. Some are into politics for “me” (themselves) and some are in it for “we”, (the citizens). I’ve found a way to easily see who’s who.
I read the letters of intent presented by all candidates. I’m convinced of one thing; our vote shouldn’t be wasted on the “me” candidates, it is earned by the “we” candidates.
The “me” candidates brag of their personal accomplishments in life, omitting any forethought of problem solving and failing to identify problems of their own making. A “me” candidate tries only to impress us with his/her personal achievements, self-serving. The “me” candidate is only interested in serving their personal desire to be important and not in serving the needs of “we” the community.
The “we” candidates may reference professional accomplishments however they identify issues they see as problematic. They provide ideas of how to address these issues if elected. They have goals to help “we” the citizens and they’ll admit their own shortcomings, they’re true to the fact not everyone is perfect. To be a “we” candidate, you must possess and maintain the desire to serve “we” the citizens while foregoing focus on your personal ambitions and notoriety.
Frankly, I don’t care if you’re the president of NASA, or the custodian at a campground. The positions for which you are seeking our votes comes with high standards, including honesty, integrity, and service to all citizens of the county.
A candidate’s letter in the HT dated Feb. 2, 2022, left me totally confounded and is a prime example of the “me” candidate.
Incumbent Sheriff Anthony Mazzola stated: he is the President of the CSOC, “providing quality relevant programs and support with integrity, transparency and accountability.” In 2020 and 2021 he was part of numerous committees, “seeking amendments to law enforcement reform bills.” “He fought to strengthen the voice of law enforcement at the capitol.” He, along with the CSOS, and Colorado Chiefs of Police Assn and the FOP “made a tremendous difference in many bills presented.” He states he was appointed twice, to the Colorado POST board and he’s a “very active member” of the Lions Club where he was “president for two years.” He’s also a member of the V.F.W., a former president of the board of directors, for the WREA and he currently serves on the CNCC Foundation Board.
What does any of this have to do with being a successful Sheriff for “we” the citizens of Rio Blanco County?
Do you drive your patrol car to and fro, attending said meetings? Do you spend taxpayer money for hotels, meals, and get paid by us during these excursions? When do you have time to be Sheriff? How well have you overseen the Sheriff Office? Why such poor relationships between your office and other L.E. Agencies? Why close the county jail to save money, then spend those savings by hiring more patrol staff, buying new equipment, giving pay raises, and paying to export our inmates? How can you claim this is fiscally responsible? What are the actual numbers saved and spent?
What makes less sense is the fact you and/or your undersheriff stated in a prior news release, the pay
increase were a retention measure, used to compete with Rangely and Meeker Police Departments. Neither of these agencies pay anywhere near what the sheriff office paid even before you gave pay raises.
What have you done for “we” the community? How does gallivanting around the state serve Rio Blanco County citizens? What have you done that is productive for the citizens of Rio Blanco County during the past two terms? Why should “WE” vote for you?
“We” the citizens elected you to be Rio Blanco County Sheriff and to perform all the duties and requirements of this sacred office, yet it appears you’ve committed most of your time to “me” endeavors, seeking notoriety over the performance of your statutory duties. Your letter to the paper supports my statements and therefore demands answers.
Roy Kinney
Rangely
Thoughts expressed on opinion pages are exclusively those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Herald Times. You are welcome to submit signed letters on matters of local interest to [email protected], mail to PO Box 720, Meeker, CO 81641 or drop off at 304 4th St., Meeker. there is no charge.
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