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On March 19, 2024, the leadership of the Washington County Sheriff's Department is to be decided by the voters of the county. This is vital to the safety and security of the residents. The next leader needs to be a person who thinks more of the people that he serves, over themselves. I have also observed both candidates in my tenure as County Commissioner and for those reasons, I am supporting Mark Warden to be our next Sheriff of Washington County.
My name is James Booth, County Commissioner, small business owner, Combat Army Veteran, previous police officer, and grew up here in our county. I feel that Mark Warden is empathetic to the residents; the deputy's needs, and to the financial needs of the county.
What have I seen? I have observed Mark Warden with victims of crime. He is sensitive to the needs of the residents that he is serving, and cares about their wellbeing. It does not stop there. He follows up and makes certain that they always know what is happening with their particular situation. He also helps them receive any services that might be needed.
Second, I have observed Mark's dedication during contract negotiations. He looks out for the welfare of the deputies. He concerns himself with not only the financial, but any services that they might need due to the job and how it affects their wellbeing. He also piloted a program that will help them deal with a catastrophic event. This program allows a deputy to have time off due to fire, flood, and other events that are out of their control. The last thing that needs to happen, for example a house fire, is that a deputy has to report to work while trying to rebuild their life due to a particular catastrophe. He INSISTED that this become a part of the union contract so that NO ONE could ever take that from them.
Third is financial responsibility. Mark is always trying to obtain grant funding for initiatives that can help our county. This relieves you and me (the taxpayers) of the burden of paying. Just recently he started a cadet training program and partnered with Washington State Community College. This program allows young people seeking a career in law enforcement to experience firsthand, a day in the shoes of a law enforcement officer. This is vital to the fiscal health of Washington County.
In closing I have been able to know Mark personally. I find him to be honest, caring, a good family man, and most of all a good leader. Please join me in electing Mark Warden as our next Washington County Sheriff!