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Letters Praise Murphy's Demeanor Amid Campaign Controversies
Julie Balmelli-Powe wrote a letter to the editor published in the Chronicle Herald, urging voters to conduct their own research before casting ballots for sheriff. She cited the spread of false information on social media and recommended contacting candidates directly.
Balmelli-Powe stated that her support for candidate Tracy Murphy began four years ago when she supported another candidate named Snaza. Her view changed after conversations with current and former members of the Lewis County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) revealed serious problems, including wrongdoing and mishandled investigations.
In her letter, Balmelli-Powe praised Murphy for his grace and dignity. She noted that he attended Lewis County Republican Party meetings despite being shouted down and facing rumors that he was a Democrat running as a Republican. Balmelli-Powe stated she later realized those rumors were false.
She described Murphy's outlook during what she characterized as a "political hit job" as unwavering, citing his faith and trust in God when facing false allegations. The letter noted that an anonymous complaint against Murphy was found unsubstantiated, with an arbitration hearing pending.
Balmelli-Powe highlighted that Murphy impressed voters with detailed plans to solve office problems, ensure proper training for deputies, and improve supervision without blaming staff. She attributed his motivation to a desire to provide safety for Lewis County and to have the best department possible.
Contrasting Murphy’s stated reasons for running with those of his opponent, Balmelli-Powe questioned the honesty of Murphy’s opponent regarding why he decided to run. She emphasized that while Murphy focused on departmental improvement, the nature of his opponent's entry into the race remained unclear to her.
Military Experience and Institutional Knowledge Defined Frase's Case
Ray Anderson wrote a separate letter to the editor arguing that 25 years in the military taught him that institutional knowledge matters more than campaign slogans when choosing a sheriff. He characterized Murphy’s campaign as explicitly political, citing slogans like "Vote Change. Vote Murphy" and emphasizing professionalism, accountability, and transparency.
However, Anderson argued that Gabriel Frase deserves a chance because his experience is inside the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, giving him an understanding of its people, procedures, and culture. Anderson noted that while Murphy may be qualified, Frase’s internal perspective offers a distinct advantage.
Anderson cited Sheriff John McCroskey’s endorsement of Frase as significant, noting McCroskey and Frase overlapped from 2002 to 2005. McCroskey has watched Frase’s career develop for more than two decades, providing a long-term validation of his capabilities.
According to Anderson, Gabriel Frase joined the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office in 2002 after serving in the Marines. Frase held roles in patrol, field training, search and rescue, K9, investigations, and supervisory assignments before becoming special services chief.
Anderson noted that Frase’s pamphlet indicated running for sheriff was not originally his plan. Instead, Frase focuses on "what is right" rather than "who is right," a distinction Anderson found compelling in evaluating the candidates' approaches to the role.
