Letter to the editor: Why I’m supporting Susanna Johnson for sheriff

Editor:

Snohomish County Sheriff incumbent Adam Fortney is being challenged by Susanna Johnson.

I am grateful to her for courageously stepping up to the challenge of replacing someone who in the past claimed that he preferred to not enforce a mandate from Gov. Inslee, and who has recently aligned with groups that have far right-wing beliefs. Fortney re-hired deputies who were investigated by the SMART team in 2019, and dismissed, due to egregiously not following police procedures. Under Fortney’s watch, the Sheriff’s Office lost its accreditation in 2021, which Johnson had helped to secure. And Fortney has been working toward getting that back since he filed for re-election of this campaign.

It seems that Johnson would not have allowed the loss of accreditation to occur. I agree with the community organizers and influencers, as well as past sheriffs and others, who believe that she is more qualified than Fortney because of her integrity, experience and leadership, among other things.

And because candidates gather with constituents and leaders at parks, homes, breweries and other community venues, we have a better  opportunity to meet candidates running for office than we had during the pandemic. I have learned that Johnson has other wonderful qualities —  boundless energy, a dry sense of humor, mental toughness, and an approachable demeanor.

I am hoping Susanna Johnson will be the new Snohomish County Sheriff in November.

Rita Koenigs
Edmonds

  1. Adam Fortney has been the ONLY law and order we’ve seen in this state! Thats why you should reelect him!

  2. Yes to Adam Fortney’s re-election! A man that is concerned about our communities in Snohomish County. He stands for the law. He does have the experience, integrity and the leadership needed to continue to help get criminals off our streets.

  3. Our household is voting to RE ELECT Sheriff Adam Fortney, Snohomish County’s ONLY competent, fearless, and worthy choice in keeping law & order.
    Sheriff Fortney has the experience and respect from his deputies, staff, and the community because he does the right thing, he is a man of integrity, grit, and holds those who break the law accountable.
    Sheriff Fortney is committed to safety and protecting the citizen’s of Snohomish as well as getting those who break the law, the help they need. Educate yourself to the FACTS about Sheriff Fortney and stop listening to the disinformation.

    1. Re-elect Adam Fortney for Sherriff if you want law and order. In response to off-hand comments: Gov Inslee lost accreditation for Western State Hospital despite years to correct problems. Unconstitutional mandates do not constitute “laws”, and how many laws have progressive law enforcement ignored including enforcement of firearms violations? Sheriff Fortney reversed previous policy (see Susanne Johnson) of releasing apprehended law breakers at the scene of the crime if the perp was on drugs…not so great for violated citizens. Fortney’s “Lead the Way” program to keep youth out of jail and reverse recidivism is highly successful and being used as an expanding model. His opening of the jail keeping all requirements when most others stayed closed during covid was also a model around the state. Look at endorsements from the law enforcement agencies and unions if you have any questions unless you just don’t trust law enforcement. Sheriff Fortney supports all Snohomish citizens regardless of your politics and he models compassionate enforcement for lawbreakers. Let’s not go back to the prior insane policies.

  4. I am voting for Susanna Johnson. We need someone that upholds the law not goes against what his superiors order him to do. That is reckless and will grow like cancer in this social atmosphere. I have complete confidence she will make our county a safer place to live

    Pamela Singh

    1. And that’s EXACTLY why this state is in the condition it is! Someday you people will wake up to the reality around you. THANK GOD this dumb (you know what) governor is on his way out!

  5. Please don’t take statements without looking into candidates yourself. It takes five minutes.

    Sheriff Fourtney, like all public servants, took an oath of office to protect and defend the constitution of the United States and of the State of Washington. He navigated a very difficult time through the pandemic and is working diligently to creatively stem the destruction of the fentanyl and resulting crime flood in our area. He works with people of all ideologies and perspectives to bridge gaps and get the job done. He is a truly non partisan bridge in making our community safer. He works with businesses, neighborhoods, and other government agencies for our community safety. He helps those who come out of addiction and prostitution to become productive members of our society through mentorship programs and connection. Lead the Way is an impressive program that deserves attention. Please see his website to read about him yourself. This is not about far right, far left, forget those subjective and misleading terms. This is about public safety, number one concern of many residents and businesses.
    https://www.reelectadamforsheriff.com/platform
    His record of real transparency, compassion, effectiveness, and cooperation with multiple agencies speaks for itself. His endorsements include 8 police guilds and people who work for him and see his success and leadership.

      1. I am voting for Sheriff Fortney, he is the only Sheriff in our county who has stood for Law and Order. Susanna Johnson was instrumental in writing much of the police pursuit legislation which has tied the hands of law enforcement. She is not the person for the job. We want less criminals on the street not more. A vote for Johnson is a vote for mayhem. Vote for Sheriff Fortney so we can be safe in Snohomish County.

  6. Susannah Johnson has my vote. She is endorsed by the three previous Snohomish County Sheriffs and 16 other regional leaders in law enforcement.

  7. Susanna Johnson definitely has my vote. As a nurse who worked in an urgent care environment throughout the entirety of the pandemic, I saw firsthand the damage done by a sheriff who refused to enforce the mask mandates and defiantly fought against them, publicly encouraging others to do so as well. He put us all at further risk while he stoked the fire of an already tense community rather than try to bring it together, which is what he ought to have done. I’ve seen great leadership and community support with Susanna Johnson, as well as a no-nonsense, tempered, and experienced approach. These things equal strong and measured, unbiased leadership.

    1. The UW medical network released an internal memo allowing covid positive Healthcare workers to provide primary care for patients less than a month after all un-vaxed employees were terminated b/c they were so short as many vaxed workers were covid positive. This was not revealed to patients…the reason unvaxed employees were terminated was to keep patients safe from potential covid exposure. Verifiable facts.
      How many vaxed people got covid? Oh, there was no testing data for vaxed transmissability but that was a mandated reason to get the jab…mandates were not law just underhanded methods to force people to comply with what others wanted. ‘You’ll kill grandma’…Jay Inslee was the one locking up thousands of elderly without contact until they died. That brought people together.
      Washington state law required 30 day reviews of the governors emergency powers…we went over 900 days without a single review…who are the lawbreakers?

  8. Having worked first hand with and for Susanna Johnson when I volunteered for the sheriff department, I can knowingly say that she is exactly who Snohomish County needs to replace Adam Fortney as Sheriff. She is more than qualified, highly respected by all who have ever worked with and for her, and has the endorsement of past Sheriffs. She’s also taken the time and spent countless days, weekends and hours going out to meet and talk to the people, answering questions, and listening to their concerns. Can’t say the same for her opponent! The county needs “fixing” and Susanna Johnson is the woman to do it! Vote for her.

  9. If you want Snohomish County to be more like King County, then definitely vote for Johnson. She is a Marxist’s dream. I, for one, value my freedom and rights as protected under the U.S. and State constitutions, despite Inslee and Ferguson and others taking my rights away every day. For that reason, I will vote for Sheriff Fortney, who has bravely stood against the tyrants in Olympia and in our county’s own council.

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