Former sergeant leading King County sheriff race
SEATTLE -- Former Sgt. John Urquhart who retired last year as spokesman for the King County sheriff's office has a 57-42 percent lead in his bid to return to the department as sheriff.
Urquhart says his top priority is to restore public confidence and trust in the sheriff's office.
"I think what it means for the community is they got my message," Urquhart said after early returns were announced Tuesday night. "My message is we've got to make sure the sheriff's office stays on the right road so we maintain the trust of the community."
The 64-year-old took on 47-year-old Steve Strachan who was appointed sheriff in April following the resignation of Sheriff Sue Rahr. Strachan was her chief deputy and previously served five years as Kent police chief.
"We've been very, very proud of the campaign that we've run," Strachan said on Tuesday.
The sheriff runs a department with nearly 700 deputies who police unincorporated areas around Seattle.
Urquhart says his top priority is to restore public confidence and trust in the sheriff's office.
"I think what it means for the community is they got my message," Urquhart said after early returns were announced Tuesday night. "My message is we've got to make sure the sheriff's office stays on the right road so we maintain the trust of the community."
The 64-year-old took on 47-year-old Steve Strachan who was appointed sheriff in April following the resignation of Sheriff Sue Rahr. Strachan was her chief deputy and previously served five years as Kent police chief.
"We've been very, very proud of the campaign that we've run," Strachan said on Tuesday.
The sheriff runs a department with nearly 700 deputies who police unincorporated areas around Seattle.
Congrats to Urquhart. My big hope for the department is to keep partisan politics out of the sheriff's department. Policy advocation is fine, but not individual candidates from either party.
Name recognition doesn't hurt, either
I was at the Urquhart victory party. Great job John, we are looking forward to you cleaning up KCSO. Also nice to have a Sheriff who understands the importance of civil rights and respects Open Carry and gun rights. Thanks for running!