October 26, 2022
Letter from Bob Gebo
Under Joe Nole, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office suffers from a systemic lack of leadership.
I know this because I’ve worked and volunteered with JCSO for fifteen years, working cold cases and as a special investigator. I’m a retired Seattle PD homicide detective, and spent five years with the criminal division of the state attorney general’s office.
Many of Nole’s deputies lack adequate working knowledge of JCSO policies and procedures, state law, and state and federal court decisions that impact their duties.
JCSO deputies want to do a good job, but Nole has failed to direct, mentor, or supervise them. Left to their own devices, some deputies do the minimum, mirroring the indifferent efforts of many of their peers.
Nole’s failure to inspire guarantees uninspired performance by JCSO staff.
Since Nole has failed to set expectations or establish any objective performance measures, the deputies assume they must be doing a good job–even when they routinely fall short in their basic job duties. Examples: Failing to get 911 callers the help they need. Refusing to investigate crimes. Failing to write or file police reports. Giving crime victims bad legal advice. Promising to help crime victims but then ghosting them. Mishandling evidence in ways that jeopardize the county prosecutors’ ability to hold criminals accountable.
Concerned citizens, crime victims, and county prosecutors have repeatedly reported these problems to Nole over the last four years, but Nole has done nothing to ensure deputies follow policies and procedures correctly.
Art Frank will succeed where Nole has failed. Art is JCSO’s most capable and professional law enforcement officer. An experienced leader, Art is the problem solver people call when no one else at JCSO will help. As sheriff, Art will mentor JCSO deputies to match his work ethic and professionalism.
Vote Art Frank for sheriff.
October 26, 2022
Letter from Sarah Martin
Joe Nole’s supporters have behaved dishonorably throughout this sheriff’s race.
They have stolen or vandalized more than 40 Art Frank campaign signs, including some in front of private residences.
Before the primary, they circulated an anonymous smear email filled with falsehoods attacking Art Frank.
Last week, Nole’s backers sabotaged the Jefferson County Democrats’ endorsement meeting.
Back in September, the Jefferson County Democrats voted against endorsing Nole’s re-election bid. Instead, a consensus favored endorsing both Democratic candidates for sheriff. Accordingly, party leaders scheduled a dual endorsement vote.
But Nole’s supporters disrupted party unity by filing a last-minute sore-loser petition to oppose the dual endorsement and demand a do-over endorsement of Nole.
Then, several of Nole's employees and their spouses rushed to join Jefferson County Democrats, even though nearly all are longtime outspoken Republicans. Nole’s supporters cynically joined a party they oppose just to extract an endorsement for their boss. They did not even pay the full $15 membership fee: Repulsively, they paid the $5 low-income membership fee–even though as public employees their salaries are a matter of public record, and all of them earn far more than twice the county’s median income.
At last Wednesday’s meeting of Jefferson County Democrats, these dubious new members–Nole’s Republican supporters–proved numerically decisive in blocking the planned dual endorsement and handing their boss an unearned individual endorsement.
County voters need to understand that the Jefferson County Democrats’ endorsement of Nole is in reality an endorsement by Nole’s Republican supporters, facilitated by some doormat Democrats who let Nole’s employees pervert our party’s endorsement process.
It certainly had nothing to do with fostering party unity or endorsing the better candidate.
A highly decorated law enforcement officer with a stellar record of professional achievement, Art Frank has my support and endorsement, now more than ever, and he deserves your vote.
October 26, 2022
October 26, 2022
October 19, 2022
October 19, 2022
October 19, 2022
October 12, 2022
October 7, 2022
September 29, 2022
September 23, 2022
One role of the Sheriff is to inform the citizens of legislative changes that affect public safety. As your sheriff I will always share this with you and advocate for common sense law enforcement reforms.
A balanced approach is critical in order to protect victims while allowing us to apprehend those who violate the law so that they can be held accountable and access services - such as drug court and behavioral health court - programs which are only available through our criminal justice system.
August 31. 2022
August 31, 2022
August 24, 2022
August 17, 2022
August 17, 2022
July 20, 2022
July 20, 2022
July 13, 2022
July 20, 2022
May 15, 2022
Detective Art Frank begins campaign for County Sheriff
On May 16, Jefferson County Detective Art Frank officially filed his candidacy for the position of Sheriff for Jefferson County. At his campaign kick-off gathering the day before, Frank thanked those who had joined his team and other citizen supporters, and shared his goals for the campaign season.
“When I started down this road I could not have anticipated the overwhelming positive feedback and support that I have received. All of this affirms for me that I made the right decision when I decided to run for Sheriff and that there is no higher form of public service. I’ve been talking to people from every corner of the county and they are telling me that something has got to change. I am looking forward to a positive campaign where I can share my mission and my vision for the future of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.”
Frank has 42 years of service in law enforcement. His involvement in Jefferson County includes serving as an EMT and volunteer for the Quilcene Fire Department where he is currently a fire commissioner for the district. He also represents all Jefferson County fire commissioners on the JeffCom 911 Board.
Frank recently shared his goals he is calling the pillars of a “Respond and Resolve” mission to strengthen local law enforcement that serves all communities, supported by an inspired and motivated staff with mission-driven spending.
“Leadership requires a plan and my unifying mission provides a framework for running the department. The three pillars are fundamental to anticipating the needs of the community and department and being able to do more than just react. The status quo is not a mission. This election campaign is an opportunity for voters to ask questions and have a real voice in shaping the future of law enforcement in our county.”
Frank is looking forward to talking with voters and meeting people who are concerned about public safety and the way the department serves the various communities within the county. “I will be out talking to everyone saying again and again, “Ask Art Anything.” I will be out at community events and also hosting a series of “meet the candidate” events around the county. “I want folks to get to know me. The most meaningful way to do this is one-on-one. I can look them in the eye and talk about my plan from the heart. I know that what I have to say will resonate with voters and I encourage people to come out and ask me anything,” he said. He will be hosting his first such event at the Pourhouse in Port Townsend on Thursday June 9, 2022, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Voters can also email questions directly to Frank at art@art4sheriff.net.
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April 26, 2022
YARD SIGNS ARE AVAILABLE
Go to the Volunteer page and request a sign!
