Hello.
I'm Pastor Anja Helmon,
And I'm frustrated.
George Floyd's death
made obvious the need
for real police reform.
Not just in Minnesota,
or halfway around the country,
but here, in King County.
But how do we enact real reform when
our Sheriff's Office
is beholden
to special interest groups
like the Police Guild?
Reform is nearly impossible
when the sheriff is controlled
by electoral maneuvering
dominated by
special interest groups.
A vote in favor of
King County Charter Amendment Number 5
would allow our sheriff
to once again not be a politician,
not be influenced
by special interests.
That's why
the Charter Review Commission,
a volunteer panel
of civic leaders representing
many different viewpoints,
overwhelmingly recommends
returning to
an appointed sheriff.
An appointed sheriff
would be hired and approved
by the county council,
based off of
professional qualifications.
History shows
an appointment process
leads to better
qualified sheriffs.
Bellevue, Renton, and Kent,
among others,
hire from a nationwide
pool of candidates.
This is a proven system
that has brought accountability
to cities in our county
for decades.
An elected sheriff
limits the candidate pool
to local deputies
seeking to launch
their political careers.
I am convinced
now is the time for change.
This is our chance for reform.
Vote Yes on King County
Charter Amendment 5.
We deserve
a professional,
transparent, accountable
sheriff's department.
Vote yes.