To the editor:

Earlier this school year, sheriff candidate Jen Pond mailed campaign messages to the parents of students who attend the same school as her daughters. The message said they were honored to attend school with my son. My son does not know Ms. Pond’s daughters, and I found this tactic deceitful, offensive and unprofessional.

Ms. Pond quit the Suffolk Police Department twice. The second time she quit, she left all her equipment in her police car and emailed a letter of resignation to the chief. This conduct, likewise, was offensive and unprofessional. Moreover, she said she would handle the situation the same way if she had a chance to do it over. I cannot fathom someone like this being the sheriff.

Also, if you look at her campaign expenses, she has made large donations to several African-American churches. Is she trying to buy their vote? And she says she has integrity. Get real.

Unlike her, Sheriff Raleigh Isaacs Sr. is a true professional. He is experienced, knowledgeable and intelligent. Above all, his honesty is beyond reproach. His employees are experienced, competent and personable. His office has almost no turnover. Clearly Sheriff Isaacs is a true leader.

During his tenure, Sheriff Isaacs has saved taxpayers $7 million by using certified, retired state and local police officers on a part-time basis, thereby reducing the cost to the taxpayers for training, fringe benefits and full-time salaries.

He is also responsible for helping the Western Tidewater Regional Jail retain $2.3 million annually for keeping federal inmates who otherwise were going to be sent to other jails. Without the federal inmates, we would have had to make up the shortfall.

Sheriff Isaacs has been endorsed by the Virginian-Pilot, the Suffolk Professional Firefighters Association, the Suffolk Police Officers Association and all of Suffolk’s elected constitutional officers. Please join us in voting for Sheriff Raleigh H. Isaacs Sr. on Tuesday.

Jeff James

Suffolk

Jeff James is a prosecutor in the Suffolk Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office.