Committee to Elect Joe Cortez Sh

Committee to Elect Joe Cortez Sheriff 2010
190 Valley View Dr.

Pismo Beach, CA93449

May 9, 2010

Heritage Ranch Owners Association
3945 Heritage Road
Lake Nacimiento
Paso Robles, California 93446

via email

Dear HROA Board of Directors:

This is in response to your letter of April 16th, concerning the candidate forum held at the Senior Center on April 13, 2010. First, please allow me to apologize as my response has been delayed due to an extremely busy cycle of campaigning.

As a candidate that has spent the majority of his career providing police services to recreational areas I have first-hand experience in the challenges faced in destination resort communities. I clearly understand the frustration felt in trying to resolve criminal acts and disturbances when the nearest patrol deputy is 30 minutes or more away. As your sheriff I will be committed to providing a deputy in the Lake Nacimiento area during peak seasonal activity. Unfortunately at this point the realities of our economy will not allow for a resident deputy year around.

While speaking with attendees of the forum I heard concerns about the Ranch's security force. As sheriff, I would be happy to facilitate a meeting to include a representative of the District Attorney's Office to better clarify the legal authority of private security officers in California. My goal is to maintain excellent relations between the sheriff's department and the HROA board and security team, and the best way to do that is through good communication and a clear understanding of roles and limits of authority.

I have also committed to spending the 4th of July at Lake Nacimiento after elected to see firsthand the issues facing the community.

Thank you for the opportunity to respond and I wish each of you all the best for a safe and memorable summer season.

Sincerely,

/s/ Joe Cortez

Candidate for Sheriff