Dear Sheriff Mitchell,

With great pleasure, I am advising you that the Clear Lake Area members of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen are endorsing your candidacy for sheriff of Lake County.

In fairness, our membership has been open-minded while listening to the platforms of all the candidates for the position of sheriff; however, because of your track record of being fair, impartial and making the difficult decisions for the greater good of the community, we are compelled to give you our support.

As you know, we have never endorsed a candidate for sheriff of Lake County in previous elections or, for that matter, endorsed any political candidate for a local election.

This, of course, begs the question, “Why now, and why you?”

Simply put, it is our collective opinion that you are the right man for the job – the only candidate who can handle these difficult times we are all facing.

As officers of the law, we have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with you and your deputies in the good times and the bad. We have always counted on our mutual respect, collective efforts and spirit of cooperation to not only keep the peace, but provide safety, service and security in Lake County.

Now, more than ever, we are proud to move forward with you and your staff in your efforts to make Lake County a safe and secure place for every citizen.

Good luck to you in November.

Erich Paarsch is president of the Clear Lake Area Squad Club and representative of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen.