Crime has been reduced in areas Sheriff’s patrols, saved $50 M by taking over jail, Smith says

Published in the May 14-27 issue of Morgan Hill Life

By Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith

Laurie Smith

Thank you for the privilege to serve our county. I’m asking for your vote to continue working as your Sheriff. It is a tough and demanding job, but we have made a real difference.

Because of your support we have been able to achieve an extensive record of accomplishments. We are committed to preserving strong community relationships and the trust earned by keeping our residents safe. We continue to focus on public safety and I am pleased to report that crime has gone down in areas our office patrols.

We contract with two of the safest cities in California and provide those services for a fraction of the cost of other jurisdictions. We were able to take back the jails and save taxpayers more than $10 million a year as a result. The Sheriff’s Office has achieved national prominence for distinguished service and we have the highest standards of integrity, accountability and transparency.

Currently we are working with Supervisor Dave Cortese on a plan to help the city of San Jose with their current crime problem.

Our office has been an acknowledged law enforcement leader, I’m proud to have served as president of the California State Sheriffs’ Association and have been appointed by three different governors to the prestigious State of California Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

I have a Masters in Management and am a graduate of the State of California Command College, FBI Academy, FBI National Executive Institute, and the American Leadership Forum. I’m also proud of the unprecedented bipartisan support, including Congressmember Mike Honda, Supervisor Mike Wasserman, former Assemblymember Jim Cunneen, Mayor Don Gage, Morgan Hill leaders Greg Sellers, Marilyn Librers, Rich Constantine and Michael Roorda.

Most importantly if reelected the Sheriff’s office will remain focused on keeping children out of gangs, off drugs and in school.