Another election cycle is in full chat.

Another group of candidates has had their chance to talk with the people, at the Candidate Forums concluded just last week, and now we will decide who will be representing all of us for the next few years.

One race held my interest in the last cycle and it continues to interest me today. That is the race for sheriff. I’ve known Sheriff Nou since he came to San Juan County. I’ve worked beside him on Lopez until he became sheriff.

I’ve also worked beside many of my former partners on Orcas and San Juan during training and on cases which spanned two or at times, more islands. I’ve had what I consider a good relationship with all.

I am, however, astounded and disheartened with the news of the Sheriff’s Guild’s endorsement of the challenger. It seems to come from a source which I recognize from my time working with the department in Friday Harbor, an unhappy person who regularly found fault with everything.

That person of course, has the right to speak their mind and beliefs.

Deputy Krebs is a good man and a competent, hardworking deputy. He states he has administrative experience but not in law enforcement. He has experience as a deputy but only eight years.

Sheriff Nou gained his experience in two other agencies before coming to San Juan County, both in Oregon. He rose to the rank of sargent in Yamhill County, learning supervisory skills.

He then gained administrative skills in Burns, Ore., as the chief of the Burns Police Department. He has credentials from the FBI Law Enforcement Academy.

He has now gained the experience, on the job as our sheriff following his election in the last cycle. Rob Nou is the right man for the job of sheriff of San Juan County.

James Tyrrell/Lopez Island