Before the primary election, I followed the Hampshire County sheriff’s race closely, noting that the incumbent faced two female challengers, both experienced working inside the jail, with motivation to address management problems; and with concerns about accountability, transparency and innovation severely lacking in the facility. I came away from every debate, and from conversations with people intimate with the jail, convinced that the incumbent sheriff, having served there in various capacities for decades, lacks the track record, vision, and commitment to innovate.
Incumbent advantage is powerful, however, and, although the current sheriff won the primary election, he did so with less than half the votes. When I read the recent Gazette article about the FBI probing the use of inmate labor (the man who was a talented carpenter) in the wood shop program for the alleged personal benefit of jail staff, and the current sheriff’s statement justifying the program, I became convinced we must elect a new sheriff on Nov. 8
Thankfully Yvonne Gittelson, is continuing as a write-in candidate for sheriff in the Nov. 8 general election. With significant managerial experience within the correctional system and an innovative vision for treatment of incarcerated people, Yvonne would improve the educational and substance use programs to meet 21st century needs, would apply consistent and transparent standards in the hiring and treatment of employees, and would be accountable to and transparent with the public in all financial matters. Write in “Yvonne Gittelson” for Hampshire County sheriff.
Adele Franks
Florence