Former mayor urges voters to back Wasser in sheriff race

Scott Chaplin wrote to the editor to clarify his support for Tavier Wasser in the upcoming sheriff election. Chaplin, who served as Langley mayor from 2021 to 2023, says he knows Wasser well and trusts his judgment. He argues that recent campaign discussions have relied on misconceptions rather than facts.

Chaplin detailed the hiring process he oversaw when selecting Wasser as police chief. The search involved a nationwide review of dozens of applicants. The department commissioned a private investigator to review Wasser's history back to his teenage years. The process also included interviews with former co-workers, a drug test, and a psychological evaluation.

During their time working together, the two men discussed policing strategies, personnel management, and budget constraints. Chaplin noted that Wasser often disagreed with him openly and admitted mistakes when they occurred. He described Wasser as approachable in public settings and capable of de-escalating tense situations.

The former mayor addressed a specific term used in the campaign. He stated that neither Wasser nor his opponent, Felici, are constitutional sheriffs. He called the phrase an Orwellian term describing a sheriff who is above local, state, and federal laws. Chaplin acknowledged that Wasser used the term incorrectly in an early speech but later admitted the error.

Chaplin attributes Wasser's qualifications to his background as a county deputy and his high-level managerial roles in the Marines. He believes these experiences, combined with his work in Langley, make him a strong choice for the entire community. Chaplin asks residents to vote for Wasser regardless of their political affiliation.