Letter: Jim Hart will make a great sheriff

We are very fortunate here in Santa Cruz County to have three excellent candidates running for the office of sheriff. I will be voting for Jim Hart because of his dedication, experience and qualifications. As a retired Scotts Valley police captain, the retired director of the Public Safety Program at Cabrillo College, and a fellow college instructor, I have had many occasions to work with Jim.
As an instructor at Cabrillo College, Jim always received high praise from his students because of his knowledge, experience and ability to teach about criminal justice and its many challenges. His personal insight in current issues facing our community offers a well-rounded perspective and his ability to work with community groups are of utmost importance to the success of this office. As chief deputy, he currently helps to manage the daily operation of the Sheriff’s Office, which has a $75 million budget and over 350 staff members.
It is his intimate knowledge of the many administrative functions required of the leadership position that makes him a stand-out candidate. Jim has been involved in the community for many years, including coaching for the high school, where both of our children have attended. Jim has demonstrated the abilities necessary to be an effective sheriff of Santa Cruz County and worthy of your vote.
Harry Bidleman
Scotts Valley