What is a Sheriff Really Worth?

After the financial disclosures of the recall committee, as residents and taxpayers of Storey County, we all have an interesting dilemma to consider given the recall election:

1.      We have a Commissioner that is our great benefactor, he is willing to organize a recall (after denying he was involved), obtain support from many of the former members of the county government AND willing to “invest” over $140,000 to protect us all from other government officials.

OR

2.      We have a Commissioner that wants to make sure the county government is running to his benefit (not solely, but primarily). How much is it worth to him and the people supporting this recall? What type of return on investment would be reasonable for a $140,000 plus investment? How valuable is it to have significant influence if not outright control on the Storey County Sherriff’s Office? What is a Sherriff worth?

OR

3.      Is this recall just a personal grudge directed at the current sheriff? This option is even more scary than #2. If it is a personal grudge- is this thought process and judgement we want from people making decisions on our taxpayer’s money? This recall election is supposed to cost us, the taxpayers about $25,000- $30,000 – all for a personal grudge?

Unfortunately, life experience does not give option #1 much credibility, but if it is option #2 or #3, what does that mean to this recall and future elections?

What is a Sherriff worth?

Today we now know some people would be willing to invest over $140,00, other people’s names, time and energy to influence the outcome on who is running the SCSO. We now have and approximate value of what a Sherriff worth!

What is a Commissioner, DA, etc. worth?

What about our upcoming elections, what is a Commissioner, DA, etc. worth? If some someone would spend $140,00 plus for a sheriff position, is a Commissioner seat now worth $250,000 plus?

Will we let our elections be “purchased” by any individual or group with the most money? Will candidates now have to seek out a corporate sponsorship in order to effectively compete? If a candidate has to curry favor with “big money” sponsors to get elected, do you think they will still answer to us the taxpayers?

Defeat this recall- keep the taxpayer in control- don’t let anyone buy your vote.

Bob Maccario