Babeu calls out sheriff on plagiarism and more

It is clear that Sheriff Chris Vasquez believes he is not bound by the same ethical standards that police officers and deputies live by based on a news report in a Valley newspaper which states he has been caught stealing from published sources without attributing the information to its original authors at least 14 times in monthly letters to constituents (click here to read the full story).

I find this shocking, and I need your help to bring ethical leadership to lead our Pinal County Sheriff’s Office.

As your sheriff, I will improve emergency response times, enforce the law evenly & professionally, investigate all reports of crimes and have the best trained deputies. Our deputies do not receive the training to meet the current threats and emergencies facing our families. I will start by adding training in first-aid and CPR, which are not now included. This is unacceptable in a rural county, where the first responder is often a single deputy.

The response time to your emergencies needs to be much faster. When a deputy arrives, it should be a professional experience providing a fair and thorough investigation.

We will end the good old boy system that has existed in Pinal County, which has compromised the integrity of our sworn profession. We will implement fairness in promotions, training for all staff and an even hand in discipline. Leaders will be held to a higher standard of performance and accountability. Imagine an atmosphere where all employees are respected and treated with fairness. Imagine the improved moral and enhanced work performance that will follow. It starts with the top leaders and I will lead by setting a good example of high integrity, and demanding excellence in the work of all those who serve the public, including myself.

I will place the needs of those I serve above my own and lead the Sheriff’s Office to become the best in Arizona. We have seen unacceptable ethical lapses and criminal activity by appointed and elected Pinal County leaders, which has shaken our faith in our current leadership. It is time for a change. Pinal County needs new leadership; honest, independent, accountable leadership.

Stand with me in this historic election to bring accountability and professionalism to Pinal County. I ask for your help and would be honored by your support.

Paul Babeu lives in the Queen Creek community of Johnson Ranch and is running for the office of Pinal County sheriff. For more information visit www.sheriffpaul.com

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