If you’ve ever wondered which side of the political spectrum Snohomish County Sheriff Adam Fortney represents, get rid of it. On July 22nd this year, Fortney will host far-right Pinal County Arizona Sheriff Mark Lamb at a $250 a plate fundraiser in Arlington. Mr. Lam, who supports Mr. Fortney, is a darling of right-wing extremists.

Election denier and MAGA Trumpist, Lam is often in the background of the former president’s photos. He considers himself an “unconstitutional sheriff.” A growing group of rogue sheriffs believes that the US Constitution gives local sheriffs the ultimate “decision-maker” role in their jurisdiction. It’s true that everyone in law enforcement has an oath of defense in our founding documents, but I couldn’t find any reference to the sheriff. Constitutional sheriffs believe they have the right to ignore laws they disagree with, just as Fortney did in enforcing gun control, coronavirus, and other laws he personally disliked. there is

This group of “constitutional sheriffs” even believes they have a responsibility to have a say in the outcome of the election if the candidate they support fails to win the vote.

Snohomish County needs a balanced and professional law enforcement agency, not partisan hacks that only further their own political ends. Residents of Snohomish County are entitled to bipartisan law enforcement without prejudice or loyalty to any particular political party or cause. Clearly, it’s not Adam Fortney.

Howard Lazzarini

Everett