By CRISTINA OLDS and ELENA E. GIORGOIn light of the threat of lawsuits against the County made at the July 26 council meeting, it seems ill-advised to discuss further the resolution to expand the Sheriff’s duties and authorities until the legal matters are resolved. Similarly, efforts to modify the County charter under the cloud of legal challenges should be postposed pending a resolution of those issues. The County should not be swayed by the bullying of a few county residents.
Furthermore, when Los Alamos citizens voted for the current Sheriff, they did so knowing the position would entail civic duties only. Drastic changes to this position should warrant a recall and a new election given that the new Sheriff would be taking a different position. At the very least, no changes should be made until a new Sheriff election.
Finally, can you explain the rules around conflict of interest for councilors? Even the appearance of impropriety because of personal relationships should be avoided. If any of the sitting councilors has a close friendship with the Sheriff, who stands to benefit personally from the tabled resolution and the lawsuits threatened against the County, they should recuse themselves from further participation in the matter. Can you please share a link to the rules?
