Councilman Knows Community Unhappy With Sheriff’s Office
Councilman Knows Community Unhappy With Sheriff’s Office
Editor,
Regarding “An Arresting Development” (April 20): I agree with the author of this editorial on one point and one point only. It would appear that, in light of the events that transpired on April 14, a conflict of interest has risen.
What a perfect opportunity for the San Benito Sheriff’s Office to portray Councilman George Dias as not only a disruptive resident of our community but as a recklessly biased voice for the city of San Juan Bautista due to a personal agenda.
I know George personally, so I know that would not be the case.
However, residents who do not know him personally may think his opinions regarding our law enforcement presence in San Juan are swayed by the blatant, personal and very public spectacle that was created around him.
It’s all the game of politics and I’m sure George understands that, as any experienced politician would.
Besides, isn’t it really a councilman’s duty to speak as the voice of the community?
If the community is saying they are not happy with the level of service and protection from the current law enforcement agency, then that is what should be coming out of the councilman’s mouth.
I think Councilman Dias was getting our point across well.
We are unhappy with the San Benito County Sheriff deputies who “police” our city – and it is our tax dollars providing their presence.
More often than not you see them at the substation or perched right outside our restaurants and bars, waiting to harass the local patrons who are just trying to enjoy their night and walk home.
Or, my personal favorite – giving citations to vehicles parked facing the wrong direction on neighborhood streets.
It’s very rarely I see them patrolling or cracking down on methamphetamine pushers and labs in the same neighborhoods that our children play in.
So if Councilman Dias is to step down from his position as co-negotiator representing San Juan Bautista (pending charges, let alone a trial), then it’s only fair that Deputy Jason Leist be reassigned to a different part of the county. Quid pro quo.
There have been numerous complaints about how aggressive he is when dealing with the public. And when this whole ordeal regarding the events that occurred on April 14 is played out in court, I believe it will be evident that what was initially presented as “factual information” was indeed fiction or Deputy Leist’s inability to control his temper and composure in a stressful situation.
And before any readers are quick to judge Councilman Dias for his prior DUI arrest, they should ask themselves if they have ever driven a vehicle when they probably shouldn’t have. I know I have. I was just lucky I didn’t get caught.
Kathleen Dent
San Juan Bautista
