In sheriff's race, focus on the issue

It is a shame that one of the most important county races on the ballot this June has been most notable not for its three highly qualified candidates, but rather for its negative campaigning.

The race for sheriff, indeed, has been one of the ugliest political contests we've seen in Flathead County in a long time, and it just isn't right.

The office of sheriff, after all, is a position which depends on the trust of the people to be effective. The sheriff must be seen as a person of integrity, a person who puts the community interest ahead of self-interest and a person who will not jump to conclusions without evidence.

Unfortunately, two of the candidates - however qualified they are by background or temperament - are sorely testing the patience of the public in these regards.

As recent news stories have elaborated, some people in the community have been spreading anonymous rumors about John Weaver. That is a vile tactic and should be condemned by all the candidates. If there are legitimate questions to be raised, they should be brought forth publicly and with evidence to back them up.

Candidate Mike Meehan has denied responsibility for the whispering campaign against Weaver. Unfortunately for him, however, his campaign manager was directly involved in a bid to solicit from the public complaints about Weaver's previous business dealings. Meehan pleaded ignorance of the effort, but he still bears some responsibility.

As for Weaver, he rightly took umbrage at some of the accusations, but we don't think he should point the finger at Meehan without specific evidence either.

The point here is that the person we elect as sheriff should demonstrate a capacity for discretion, patience and forbearance. This campaign is just a taste of the pressure that the successful candidate will face after being elected. Voters need to be confident that whoever they entrust with their safety and security for the next six years will be able to live up to that trust.

Although we like both John Weaver and Mike Meehan, we encourage them to follow the example of their fellow candidate Bruce Parish, who has remained above the fray throughout this ordeal. It is time to put the focus back on the issues of law enforcement in Flathead County.

The Inter Lake's profile of the candidates on Monday showed that they all have valuable ideas on everything from manpower and budget restrictions in a rapidly growing county to the need for an updated 911 system. It is those ideas which matter most to voters, and we hope that in the days remaining before the June 6 primary, it is those ideas which will matter most to the candidates as well.