It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of San Juan County over the last 31 years as a public servant in the law enforcement profession. From my early days as a Farmington Police Department street cop to my later days in management as the chief of police and now as your undersheriff, my entire adult life has been dedicated to public safety.

Earlier this year, after a great deal of prayer and encouragement, I made the decision to run for sheriff in 2010. Due to term limits, Sheriff Bob Melton will not be allowed to run for re-election. After having retired from the Farmington Police Department after over 24 years and now, after working at the Sheriff's Office for over six years, I felt I had the experience and qualifications to lead this fine organization as its sheriff. Unfortunately, it now looks as though I won't have that opportunity.

It was recently brought to my attention that because of a little known section of the Federal "Hatch Act," I cannot run for sheriff because, in my position with the Sheriff's Office, I deal with federal monies obtained through grants and other funding opportunities.

I have to admit that when I was first told of the Hatch Act and its apparent implications, I was skeptical that it actually existed or that it applied to me. With a little research, along with some legal advice, I soon found out that this illogical and outdated regulation did in fact apply to me. Rather than be rewarded for seeking and obtaining federal funds,

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potential candidates for elected positions are punished.

When it was initiated over 70 years ago, the Act was intended to curb corruption and, in some instances, it may still serve that purpose. In the vast majority of cases, including mine, it serves no purpose other than to disallow qualified and capable candidates from running for elective offices. I still do not understand the practical justification or application of this prohibition in its current form.

While I am awaiting the results of an official inquiry to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, it seems apparent that I will not be allowed to run for office and my quest will end before it officially begins. To continue to campaign knowing that I may be violating the Act would expose the county government and you, the citizens, to a legal challenge and what amounts to a monetary fine.

I am disappointed that I will not be able to run for sheriff and serve the citizens of San Juan County or implement the ideas and programs that I had planned. When I made the decision to run for sheriff, I committed to myself that I would not run a negative campaign. As it now looks like I will be forced to bow out, I am holding to that commitment.

I will leave to your imagination how this obscure regulation was brought to light. I can assure you that it did not come from anyone connected to my campaign.

In closing, I want to extend a "Thank You" to all those people that encouraged and supported me. I'm sorry we won't have the opportunity to be able to perhaps experience the thrill of victory. I'm not ready to go out to pasture just yet — I still have a few things to offer this community we call home. God just has other plans for me.

My only request of the voters in San Juan County is that when it comes time to cast your vote next year for sheriff, please examine closely the qualifications, work ethic and character of the candidates running for this very critical position. I am confident there is another candidate out there that also has these necessary attributes.