Law enforcement group endorses Hill in 3rd District race

Deputy sheriff group’s decision is a major blow to Lenthall, a 30-year police veteran

By Bob Cuddy

The county’s largest law enforcement association on Monday endorsed Adam Hill for 3rd District county supervisor, dealing an unexpected blow to incumbent Jerry Lenthall, a 30-year police veteran.

The Deputy Sheriffs’ Association made the announcement on the steps of the county courthouse. Dale Strobridge, president of the 270-member union, said that “Jerry hasn’t been there” for its members.

Lenthall said later he was disappointed at the vote and blamed it on his not agreeing to what correctional officers sought during contract negotiations.

He said the raise in pension benefits they sought was “going to be a significant cost” for county taxpayers. He voted for a smaller increase.

Although Lenthall received the association’s endorsement during his first run for the seat in 2004, “blue on blue is not always the case,” Strobridge said, referring to the belief that law enforcement officials always stick together.

Strobridge said association officials felt they did not have access to Lenthall, especially during contract negotiations.

Lenthall is being “held accountable for lack of access,” he said.

However, Lenthall told The Tribune that he “met with them on many occasions.

“I am not aware of any meeting we were unable to achieve,” he said.

The endorsement was not all anti-Lenthall, group members said.

Strobridge said Hill demonstrated a commitment to public safety, including the fight against the county’s “rapidly escalating meth and gang issues.”

He also said Hill is approachable, fair-minded and accessible.

The candidates responded to a questionnaire and were interviewed by the association board. The 17 board members voted for Hill 16-1.

Hill said he knows about public safety because his wife’s first husband, Pismo Beach fireman Rick Vreeland, died on the job in 1993. Vreeland’s son —Hill’s stepson — is attending Sacramento State University on a scholarship for children of public safety personnel who died in the line of duty.

Hill also talked about the intertwined nature of the county’s problems. A lack of mental health treatment, for example, could lead to a later meth arrest, he said.

His advocacy of smart growth discourages building in remote areas, which makes wildfires more dangerous, he said.

The endorsement brings money, organization and precinct workers. The association will help with phone banks, walk precincts and give money to Hill’s campaign.

It is the second union endorsement for Hill. The California Faculty Association also has endorsed him. He is a lecturer at Cal Poly.

Lenthall also has a long list of endorsers, including Rep. Kevin McCarthy, Assemblyman Sam Blakeslee, state Sen. Abel Maldonado and fellow Supervisor Katcho Achadjian.

The 3rd District includes Pismo Beach, Grover Beach, Avila Beach and parts of San Luis Obispo.

The primary is June 3.



Do you think the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association’s snub of Lenthall will affect his campaign to keep his supervisor’s seat?