Back in 2014, I made a documentary about Waldo County Government and toured the Sheriff's Office and Reentry Center. I was struck by how well managed both facilities were. As a member of the Lincolnville Select Board for the last five years and a member of the Waldo County Budget Committee for the last four, I have worked with the Sheriff's Office on several issues. I continue to be impressed with their professionalism and service to Waldo County.

I am supporting Jason Trundy for Sheriff because he has served with distinction in the Sheriff's Office for 28 years, seven as the Chief Deputy. Jason has served in most positions in the department, from Correctional Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Criminal Investigator, Correctional Administrator, Patrol Lieutenant to Chief Deputy. This gives him a well-rounded perspective on the department that you can't get without that depth of experience.

The Sheriff's Office has worked with numerous organizations in our community to create programs and initiatives that compliment their existing mission. Policing in our country has changed over the last decade, and Deputy Sheriffs are often responding to calls that don't neatly fit their job description.

That's why Jason's work with community organizations such as the Community Liaison Program, the Waldo County Recovery Committee, and the Maine Coastal Reentry Center are so crucial for our area. He has recognized that partnering with community organizations can help reduce the impact of social issues that afflict Waldo County residents. These include poverty, substance use, mental illness, and homelessness.

Our Sheriff's Office can't do it alone. It takes community partnerships to have an integrated system that looks after our most vulnerable. Jason Trundy knows that better than anyone, and that's why he has earned my vote on November 8th.

Josh Gerritsen is a Lincolnville Select Board Member and a Waldo County Budget Committee Member