Cooper, Jones Pitch Their Cases to Be Next Sac Sheriff

Jones (l) moderator Trisha Uhrhammer and Cooper

Jim Cooper and Scott Jones both made their cases on why they should be the next Sheriff of Sacramento County in a debate yesterday afternoon.

The debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters was held in Sacramento County Board of Supervisors chambers and was one of several featuring Sacramento County candidates.

Cooper and Jones, both 20-plus year veterans with the department sought to explain why their particular experience would be best suited to succeed John McGinness, who decided not to seek reelection after one term.

Jones, who is chief of staff for McGinness and the department’s legal counsel, cited this experience to demonstrate he would be best suited to shepherd the department. Cooper noted his extensive street experience and countered that Jones’ status as a department insider would merely mean a continuation of the financial woes the department has experienced.

“He is the ultimate insider,” Cooper said of Jones.

Both candidates were asked how they would improve the department given the on-going financial problems and ensure public safety.

Jones said he would look to develop more regional relationships with other law enforcement agencies and reinstate program such as POP (Problem Oriented Police) officers. Cooper noted he would like to bring back revenue generating units that were eliminated during the recent round of budget cut and the gang unit.

As for endorsements, Jones said he had the backing of McGinness and all local police chiefs who issued endorsements as well as two of Cooper’s colleagues on the Elk Grove City Council. Cooper countered that he had the endorsements of the department’s rank and file members and had deep relationships with the state legislators and the local Congressional delegation though his work as an Elk Grove Council member.

“Experience, experience, experience,” Cooper said of the difference between him and Jones.