Letter to the Editor: As a retired Sheriff I know both men, why I support Todd Johns

I’ve read with interest  “Where I stand: Observing Johns through a “baptism by fire.” I believe your observation of Sheriff Johns is correct. Todd was in the midst of it all. He is a man who deeply cares about what happens to the residents throughout this county.

I know both men and have known them for some time. I was a background investigator and conducted both Todd’s and Cline’s background for the department. Watching both men, I believe that Johns’ character is far and above that of Cline. Johns has the moral qualities, strength and originality for the office of sheriff. With so much having gone on with Covid, Defund the police, BLM, Fires and Personnel shortages, Johns has done an admirable job.

Cline claims to be a true supervisor, why was he viewed by most employees on the department as a weak deputy and a very weak sergeant?

Why is there a prior deputy in Chester telling folks that when Cline gets elected, he (prior deputy) will be the undersheriff? Has Cline made promises to this person?

I would ask both candidates if they were subjects of an internal affairs investigation where a gift card was taken from a supervisors mail box and if they were terminated after the I.A. and due to a judges decision was reinstated?

If I had to describe both men in the dog world, I would describe Todd Johns as a Great Dane who is confident, reassuring and caring.

I would describe Dwight Cline as a Chihuahua, afraid of everything, barks with no bite and unsure of himself.

Hagwood has said that “Majority of staff is unhappy and contacted him over the last two years.” Every sheriff in office has unhappy staff. That’s because the staff do not always see the whole picture in what the sheriff deals with.

I believe that Sheriff Johns has demonstrated or verified beyond doubt that he is the right man for the job. Cline has not. I believe Cline has done nothing to deserve the position. He is only running because members of the department ask him to run. He lacks the desire and enthusiasm to serve the people of Plumas County.

Sheriff Johns has a heart felt desire to serve.

I place my support for Todd, a proven leader.

Len Gardner

Sheriff/Coroner Retired