Dear Editor,
Mohave County is facing significant growth in both urban and rural areas. As is the usual situation city and county infrastructures are rarely prepared for such rapid growth and the problems extend beyond
what we think of as normal infrastructure, it extends to growth in the ranks of law enforcement and essential first responder services such as fire departments, Search and Rescue along with other city and county support personnel. The need for change and improvement is imperative and immediate in all of these areas, and that change must start at the top with a new sheriff who fosters a new approach to all outstanding issues.
I think it is obvious Mohave County is ready for a new Sheriff with a new and different outlook to address some of the worrisome issues such as crime and rural coverage response times. Our current Sheriff Shuster claims he has lowered the crime rate but those stats are something that can be easily manipulated at the reporting level. Shuster has been around for decades and after a break in service on disability was elected for two terms as Mohave County Sheriff. His ideas about departmental development have all been utilized at great cost to the taxpayer. It is fascinating to hear him complain he is seven or eight deputies short at this time when that was his campaign theme eight years and almost $10 million ago. His list of accomplishments is largely inflated as is his self-esteem and larger-than-life demeanor. I also understand that he has ducked out of more than a few recent debates concealing some probable health issues that became evident early in his campaign.
The time for change is now and the time is right to elect Mike Gannuscio as the next Mohave County Sheriff. Mike has a portfolio of experience that is impressive, with a background in the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and also a proven and prosperous business background in the hay and cattle business. Mike was so successful that he became President of the Arizona Cattle Growers Association. Mike knows how to run a business with conservative responsible spending and puts the highest value on internal departmental relationships that will retain experienced and seasoned deputies. Just as important Mike believes in giving the community a voice and ensuring active involvement in shaping Mohave County’s future.
To be candidly transparent, it is clear that our country, our states, and our county are all conjoined with serious concerns about the future. A vote for Mike Gannuscio is a vote for positive change; increased patrols in rural areas; deputy retention; better morale; conservative spending, (achieving more for fewer tax dollars); community-oriented policing; transparency and trust, and greatly improved response times. It is time to make an important investment in the future of Mohave County, it is time to elect Mike Gannuscio as Mohave County’s new Sheriff. I urge everyone to get out and vote for our future because this is the time for a positive change.
Jim Consolato
