I now support Rod Mitchell for sheriff. In the course of political campaigns we see people change their minds as to who they choose to support. Sometimes it is political expediency, and other times, as in my case, we learn things that make us reevaluate our decision.

Many months prior to the primary election, after having spoken to members of the community as well as members of the sheriff's department, I approached Rod and had very candid conversations with him concerning the sheriff’s department.

From those conversations I determined that Rod and I disagreed as to the priorities of the sheriff’s department and the means by which the residents of Lake County would feel fully represented. I therefore made a very difficult decision to endorse Jack Baxter in his bid to become Lake County sheriff.

The results of the primary election seem to indicate that Rod Mitchell’s constituents also were not pleased with the direction the department was taking.

After the primary election I was contacted by Rod Mitchell and we once again sat down and had very candid conversations. It is my feeling that seeing the results of the primary election, Rod came to the realization that he needed to make positive personal changes for the good of the department, for the good of the department’s personnel and for the good of the community.

As is the case with caring individuals, experience is the best teacher. In experiencing the campaign for sheriff of Lake County, Rod Mitchell and I have both learned a great deal and have consequently come to a meeting of the minds as to what matters to the residents of Lake County and as to the most effective means of ensuring that what matters will be thoroughly addressed.

Employees in all walks of life are subject to regular work place evaluations. Regular evaluations are a very useful tool to correct an employee’s work habits and performance. The evaluation process should be used as a tool intended to bring about positive change and not intended to be negative in nature purely to dismiss a person.

It is in this vein that I view the primary election. Unfortunately for elected officials, they usually do not receive regular feedback as to how their constituents feel about their particular performance. In the years that I had the pleasure of working with and for Rod, he was both a good law enforcement officer and a good sheriff.

As a result of the many conversations I have had with Rod, I have decided to support Rod Mitchell for sheriff in his quest to once again become the sheriff I know he can be.

Jeffrey Markham is a retired Lake County Sheriff's Office chief deputy. He lives in Lakeport, Calif.