ENDORSEMENTS: Arapahoe County offices – Walcher, Jackson, Sharpe, Sakdol and Sandtrom

Despite all the noise and advertising around this year’s federal and gubernatorial races, it’s the government closest to you that affects your daily lives the most, including county government.

These often little known offices quietly make sure that criminals get locked up, taxes get paid, properties get fairly valued, that your vote is easy to make, and it counts. County commissioners actually operate most counties, but they also set policies that either complement Aurora’s grand plans, or push up against them.

While there are still strong and valid arguments for Aurora pursing a change in government that would make it a city-county entity, city residents are fortunate because basic services from both counties are relatively strong and fair.

Because that’s the case, many of those responsible for keeping the counties on track should be returned to keep up the good work.

Arapahoe County: Walcher, Jackson, Sharpe, Crane, Sakdol and Sandstrom

Without reservation, current Republican Sheriff Davd Walcher should be given his first nod from voters. Walcher had the No. 2 position in the department until former Sheriff Grayson Robinson retired earlier this year. Both Walcher and the highly-respected Robinson share many qualities. They’re both frank, smart, creative, responsive and dedicated law enforcement leaders. In just a few months he has show himself a leader worthy of the county’s trust. Walcher has a masters degree in criminal justice and more than 30 years experience in showing how that trust is the most important part of running police departments. Walcher is running against Aurora Public Schools security officer Tyler Scott Brown, a Democrat.

Voters can choose from two strong candidates for County Commission District 2. Democrat challenger Martha Karnopp is a longtime community activist with a strong vision for the southeast Aurora area and a deep understanding of the region’s transportation and public safety needs. But incumbent Republican Nancy Sharpe has become a strong voice for families and especially seniors in the area. She keeps the county focused on the realities of raising children and aging in a suburban region with limited transportation and social resources. She’s our choice for a strong proponent ensuring the county remain a prudent steward of the county’s vast park and open space assets, preserving opportunities for current and future residents.

Democrat incumbent County Commissioner Nancy Jackson is the right choice for District 4, which represents the largest part of Aurora. In the past four years, Jackson has become an important part of ensuring that the county’s largest community gets the county services it deserves, instead of having to subsidize other communities with Aurora tax dollars. Besides being a strong city advocate, Jackson is an agent for compromise and cooperation on the board, keen on making sure county government is open and transparent. Jackson is running against Republican Tory Brown.

Voters shouldn’t hesitate in returning Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder Matt Crane to office. Crane was a veteran of the office before taking the reigns from now-Commissioner Nancy Doty. While the office is responsible for a host of services, almost all county residents use, including providing license plates, one of the most critical jobs is running fair and successful elections. Crane has delivered the most accessible, voter-oriented election system in the metro area. His office is a strong example of how all elections in the state should be run. He runs against Democrat Joan Lopez.

County Treasurer Sue Sandstrom has made good on her campaign promises four years ago to keep the office accountable and its dealings transparent. Voters are asked to return her for another term to increase the information she provides to taxpayers about tax collections and county finances. Sandstrom is running against Democrat Doug Milliken.

Voters get to choose among two strong candidates for county assessor, but incumbent Republican Corbin Sakdol has an impeccable record for providing fair, accurate and timely assessment services over the past four years. Sakdol is the closest thing there is to being a professional county assessor, bringing more than 20 years of experience to the job. His office has received numerous honors, and he enjoys an accurate reputation of running an accountable, transparent office. He’s being challenged by Democrat P.K. Kaiser, who, despite a lack of experience has demonstrated a strong understanding of the office and a desire to provide accountable public service.

County Coroner Kelly Lear-Kaul is unopposed.