Franklin Sheriff Raymond says this his last run for office. Here’s our take on this race
Franklin County Sheriff Jim Raymond says this election will be his last run for office, but we don’t get the impression he plans on coasting to the finish line.
He’s got goals and he appears determined to see them through before he says goodbye to the job he’s had since 2015.
His opponent is former Connell Police Chief Chris Turner, who appears to be running a low-key campaign. He did not respond to repeated attempts to confirm a date and time for an interview with the Tri-City Herald Editorial Board.
We only recommend local candidates who are willing to meet with us.
We went ahead and met with Sheriff Raymond alone, and it was an interesting hour of conversation. He still clearly has passion for the job, and has strong opinions about Washington state police reforms that have hindered the ability for law enforcement officers to protect citizens.
Raymond is a major proponent for the proposed Tri-Cities mental health recovery center, and his support will be critical to get this important facility built and up and running.
He also wants to develop a Benton-Franklin County search and rescue program and plans to make sure there is a transition plan in place for his replacement in 2027.
Raymond is a determined leader who has the endorsements of his office staff, his deputies and his command staff.
There has been tension between Raymond and the Teamsters Union, who represents the corrections officers, and that is unfortunate. Raymond said he doesn’t believe the union should be involved in police work.
Union officials should be involved in negotiations for wages and benefits, but they can’t control the operations of the jail. The sheriff was elected to do that, he said.
Overall, Raymond has built solid relationships between his department and other law enforcement agencies in the Tri-Cities and in the community.
His experience and determination to improve the sheriff’s office makes him the best candidate in this race.
The Tri-City Herald recommends Republican Jim Raymond for Franklin County Sheriff.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 28, 2022 at 5:00 AM.