By JOHN L. HORNELos Alamos
The insatiable efforts made by many past and present members of the Los Alamos County Council to eliminate the duly elected office of the sheriff should be a concern to all citizens in this county.
The sheriff is accountable to the people by vote. The office of police chief is accountable to the county council by appointment. Sheriff Lucero has served honorably in Santa Fe and Los Alamos counties for over 29 years.
We the people have voted to retain the office of sheriff as stated in the New Mexico constitution yet certain members of the county council seem to find ways to prevent its functionality. Sheriff Lucero has served our community well. He is a strong advocate for more stringent sentences and keeping close account of sex offenders in this state.
Parents of our children should make a note of that. Mr Chandler as a member of the ACLU has argued at the state legislature against more stringent sentences for sex offenders. Mr. Chandler and most members of this county council have continually attempted to discredit the sheriff and downplay his duties.
We have voted to retain a functional sheriffs office. It’s time for the county council to listen to and represent the citizens, not dictate to us.
