Gil
Gilbertson for Sheriff
Announcement of Candidacy
By
Ron Lee
US~Observer
Investigative Reporter
Grants
Pass, OR
- On January 25, 2006 Gil Gilbertson, whose accolades include over 25
years of law enforcement experience as well as working with the U.S.
State Department in Bosnia and Kosovo to successfully form local police
agencies and more recently protecting New Orleans hospitals in the aftermath
of Katrina, has announced his bid to be the next Josephine County Sheriff.
![](images/gilbertson.jpg)
Gil Gilbertson
Citing
a lack of overall morale in the existing sheriff's department and poor
administrative procedures brought on by the "good-old-boy"
mentality that currently exists, Gilbertson said that it was time for
a change, one that would lend itself to a transparent sheriff's office
which would be held accountable by a public commission.
Gilbertson
also made it clear that he could functionally operate the department
on a restrictive budget and would do well in keeping new spending to
a minimum, as his experiences abroad had given him a familiarity with
such endeavors. These words seemed to go well with County Commissioner
Jim Raffenburg whose promise not to increase county spending has pitted
him against his fellow commissioners in regards to the county employee
raises. Raffenburg along with Commissioner Dwight Ellis were present
for Gilbertson's announcement.
Gilbertson
has quickly won support and his campaign manager Scott Calhoun attributes
this to Gilbertson's genuine character, solid background, and inherent
trait to do good.
With
County residents who initially backed Dave Daniel, the current sheriff
when he ran for office, and then witnessed his transformation from promising
candidate to inept administrator, they are skeptical of another individual
who promises changes at the sheriff's department. But they all seem
to agree that there is much work to be done in that office and that
"new blood" just might be what is needed.
As
one Selma resident stated, "The entire department needs an overhaul
... and that has to start at the top."
And
that is just what Gilbertson is promising. A new invigorated department
that doesn't quash a new recruits verve, but embraces it and reaches
out to the public with that same type of emphatic enthusiasm to gain
their involvement.
Those
attending the announcement cheered when Gilbertson demanded that the
department be held accountable to the public and that he would open
himself up to a public Q & A throughout his term. This along with
his down-to-earth good-natured approach made him a quick favorite even
for those who weren't attending as supporters.
Editor’s
Note: The US~Observer will be following Gilbertson’s candidacy
with keen interest. As we have reported on more than one occasion, the
current Daniel regime needs to be ended but we will remain skeptical
of this newcomer. If you have any information about Gil Gilbertson please
call 541-474-7885.
![](images/gilbertson-banner.jpg)