Letters to the editor: Support for both candidates for Sheriff
Backing Ayub for second term
As your Representative in Congress for 26 years, Bill Ayub has not only my full support in the upcoming Sheriff’s election but also that of every living Ventura County Sheriff in the last 40 years. I have personally known, respected, and supported every one of his predecessors, none of which I have higher regard for than Sheriff Bill Ayub.
Bill is a third-generation Venturan who has dedicated his life to serving Ventura County. He has been with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office for 26 years. During his career, Bill has worked in all areas of policing. As a Commander, Bill oversaw the Aviation Unit, Major Crimes, Narcotics, Intelligence and Crime Analysis, as well as SWAT and Bomb Teams. He ultimately was promoted to Assistant Sheriff by former Sheriff Geoff Dean and elected Sheriff in 2018. He came to the job with solid law enforcement and management experience.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, Bill has a proven track record of developing and implementing programs that benefit and keep our communities safe. Because of the strategies Bill has implemented, violent crimes like carjacking, follow-home robberies and smash-and-grab thefts that are spiking in our neighboring counties, are not here under Sheriff Ayub. Crime rates are at or near-record lows in every city and area that is patrolled by VCSO deputies. Bill has kept Ventura County safe while exercising conscientious fiscal management of taxpayer dollars.
Bill serves on both the California State Sheriff’s Association and Major County Sheriffs of America executive boards which places Bill in a unique position to express Ventura County’s public safety concerns directly to state and federal legislators.
Please join me in voting for Sheriff Bill Ayub for a second term as our Ventura County Sheriff.
Elton Gallegly, Simi Valley
Fryhoff has deputies’ support
I have grown up in the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office as my father, husband, brother, and uncle are all current or retired Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs. “Our” deputies are more discouraged and frustrated than they ever have been before. If things were going well, there would not be a contested election. They feel abandoned and desperately seek change.
My father, retired Chief Deputy Don Lanquist, mentored a candidate in the last contested election for Sheriff in this county even though it went against the “good old boys” regime. He gave his support because he knew it was the right thing for the department. I give my support to Commander Jim Fryhoff because I want a better future for the department. I find it strange that many of the current Sheriff’s supporters are retired. They no longer work in the department and have no idea the dissatisfaction and abandonment the current deputies feel. I do as I have attended numerous Fryhoff events and have seen it first-hand.
Deputies have made it clear they’re fearful of retaliation and bullying. The bullying began on Day 1 when Commander Fryhoff formally announced his candidacy. I personally witnessed an Assistant Sheriff attend the announcement and film the deputies that were present even though the event was clearly advertised as being live streamed. After the event, many deputies expressed concern that their careers could be over. You may not see them in photos because many fear retaliation, but they have made it clear they want a better future for the department. The number of active deputies supporting Fryhoff and hoping for a new administration is staggering. These individuals are desperate for change and realize it is necessary. We need to support our deputies. Please join me in voting for Commander Jim Fryhoff for Sheriff.
Kelly (Lanquist) Reilly, Moorpark
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Support for both candidates for Sheriff
