Letter: Longtime lawyer supports Lane Campbell for sheriff

Editor,

We have been very fortunate to have experienced the leadership and professionalism of Island County Sheriff Mark Brown during the last several years; but, as many of you may know, Sheriff Brown decided to retire and is not running for re-election.

Island County Deputy Sheriff Lane Campbell is highly qualified for this position and I strongly recommend that Island County voters vote for him to be our next Island County sheriff in this important election.

Lane has been with the Island County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 30 years and has been in law enforcement for approximately 37 years.

As a defense lawyer (back in my younger days), Lane and I were occasionally on opposite sides of a case where he was a lead law enforcement witness.

Very few events in life allow you to learn about a person’s character, integrity and capabilities than participating in a criminal trial or case. And, for many people, even a criminal traffic charge is a most serious and consequential event in their lives.

On those occasions when we were on “opposite sides,” Lane was reasonable and competent, and most importantly above reproach when it came to simple honesty. I came to admire him as a law enforcement officer who genuinely acted in a manner consistent with the words “to serve and protect” and not simply to “arrest and convict.”

Lane and I also worked together when he was the president of the Island County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild. During that time, I saw the leadership side of his character and was again, favorably impressed. He understands the people and the job and the department as well as anyone there.

Deputy Lane Campbell is my choice for Island County sheriff and I sincerely believe he deserves your vote too.

Christon C. Skinner

Oak Habor