There are several things Sgt. Vierthaler wrote that need to be corrected and refuted. First, Jeff Asher has never said, “how bad the sheriff’s Office is because we couldn’t catch Colton Harris-Moore.” If you were to read his letter, you would see that what he did say was, “it is no longer enough to say that we can do better. We must do better.” Jeff points out what any good manager should see; there is always room for improvement in any endeavor, be it in personal relationships, running a business or within the Sheriff’s Department. I don’t understand why you find this to be a problem. Jeff has made it very clear to all who will listen that he holds the deputies of the department in the highest regard. If any of his supporters say otherwise, it is only their opinion, not Jeff’s, and in this society a person is free to offer whatever opinion he wishes. But it is disingenuous for you to ascribe these opinions to anyone other than the person who holds them. These are certainly not Jeff Asher’s opinions.

Second, I do take offense at your implication that because we on the Dive Team “are a civilian group, not full time cops,” that our opinions about Jeff’s abilities as a team builder and leader are somehow of no value or are immaterial. During the six years I have been on the team I have seen him build it, with no support from his superiors, with no budget and with no equipment supplied by the county, with only his leadership and organizational skills. I find it offensive that you do not feel that my opinion has any merit.

Lastly, you say, “I know of no support for Asher from any of the officers within this department.” I have personally talked to deputies who have told me they would be risking their careers if they were to publicly support Jeff Asher for Sheriff. They have talked of intimidation and veiled threats of consequences if they were to voice their support. Is this the way this department normally operates, or only during an election? Is this the kind of behavior you support? This is not something that Jeff Asher will tolerate when he is elected.

Jeff Morris

Orcas Island