Former Pismo police chief Joe Cortez officially enters sheriff's race

By Bob Cuddy | bcuddy@thetribunenews.com

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Former Pismo Beach Police Chief Joe Cortez has made it official – he will run for Sheriff of San Luis Obispo County.

Cortez, 55, made his formal announcement last week, focusing on his record.

“I’ve made a career out of doing more with less, ensuring public safety and fiscal responsibility, protecting communities while maintaining balanced budgets . . . . for 15 years,” he said.

Cortez, a Vietnam-era veteran, aimed his comment at deputies as well as the general public.

He said he spent the first five years of his career as a deputy, serving as court bailiff, civil process server, jail transport officer, corrections officer and patrol deputy.

“I know what it’s like to be in high-risk situations with your back-up 20 minutes out. Let me assure you that your safety is one of my greatest concerns,” he said.

He added that he wants to strengthen ties with the Sheriff's Department and Probation, the District Attorney's Office as well as the county's Office of Emergency Services. And he said he would continue cooperation between the Sheriff’s Department and the county’s independent city police forces.

Before coming to Pismo Beach in 2001, Cortez served as chief in Brush and Aspen, Colo.; sergeant in the Napa Police Department; officer in Lakeport; and deputy sheriff in Lake County.

Cortez joins a crowded field that includes California Highway Patrol Sgt. Michael Teixeira, entertainment broker Kevin Faircourt, former county Supervisor Jerry Lenthall, San Luis Obispo Police Capt. Ian Parkinson, Sheriff's Deputy Mark J. Adams, and Sheriff’s Commander Ben Hall.

All have filed notice-of-intent-to-run documents, which allows them to start collecting campaign contributions but are not a formal candidacy.

The county's top law enforcement position is being vacated by Pat Hedges, who will retire at the end of his term.

Sheriff's Sgt. Dale Strobridge, who has often been mentioned as a candidate, has said he still has not decided whether to seek the job. Strobridge is president of the Deputy Sheriffs Association, the politically powerful group whose endorsement is often key to a successful candidacy.

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