News & Features
From the Idyllwild Town Crier weekly newspaper, 06.03.10 edition.

Sheriff candidates: Sniff and Robles

By Marshall Smith, Staff Reporter

Appointed Riverside County Sheriff (RCSD) Stan Sniff and retired Riverside County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Frank Robles share a piece of history but have different visions for the Department.

What they share is former Sheriff Bob Doyle. Sniff was fired in 2006 by Doyle, who now supports Robles. Sniff said his 2006 firing was without cause.

After Doyle abruptly retired in the summer of 2007, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors (BOS), by a 3- to 2-vote, appointed Sniff to the balance of Doyle’s term. Sniff, a retired colonel in the United States Army Reserve, as well as a 34-year law enforcement veteran with the Coachella Police Department and RCSD, opened his personnel file upon appointment as sheriff. There were no blemishes on his record.
As to visions for the Department, Sniff touts his efforts at promoting diversity within the ranks and raising educational requirements for officers; reducing crime 20 percent in unincorporated regions of the county; and prudently managing the Department budget so as to end the fiscal year with a $5 million surplus. Sniff also notes his push for transparency and accessibility in the Department eliminating the “information choke-point” from Riverside headquarters and having press releases and community contact emanate from local stations.

Robles sees illegal immigration and foreign drug cartel influence as issues meriting major Departmental focus — that with the recent Arizona law authorizing major state initiatives in curbing illegal immigration, illegal immigrants and attendant drug running gangs will increasingly focus on California.

Both Sniff and Robles acknowledge the biggest challenge ahead will be the budget. Sniff notes that the BOS determines final budget allocations. “My job is not to be a potted plant,” he said, recounting that he has strenuously argued for Department budget priorities before the BOS. “Our budget is in balance and we will continue with cost controls.”
Robles thinks Sniff has spent too much time amassing countywide endorsements and has not trimmed enough fat from the budget. “He’s not responding to the crisis,” Robles alleged. “The cuts are coming, so start at the top [and consolidate or vacate certain administrative positions] and set an example.” Sniff says he has already done just that.

Robles campaign has received a major cash infusion, about $200,000 out of $300,000 raised, from Los Angeles defense contractor Leo McIntyre. The largest donor to Sniff’s campaign is the Riverside County Sheriff’s Association, with $50,000 out of a total of $500,000 raised.
Voters should check Sniff’s and Robles’ Web sites, www.sheriffsniff.com and www.robles4sheriff.org for more information on positions, endorsements and source of campaign financing prior to casting votes.

Marshall Smith can be reached at marshall@towncrier.com.

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