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Sheriff candidate wins gun-rights group support

November 23rd, 2009, 12:12 pm · 77 Comments · posted by Tony Saavedra, Register investigative reporter

hunterAnaheim Deputy Chief Craig Hunter has won the endorsement of a key activist group in his bid to unseat Sheriff Sandra Hutchens.

The OCCCWS — a group that is trying to gain more access to concealed weapons permits – has thrown its support behind Hunter, according to its web site. The endorsement could make Hunter a real threat in the race for the seat held for the last year by Hutchens.

Former Lt. Bill Hunt, who came close to forcing a runoff in the last election, is supported by another gun group, Safe OC,  in his bid for the post.  It is unclear which group will have the biggest influence, or if Hunt and Hunter are merely splitting the gun vote.

Hunter said, in an interview, that he and Hunt’s policies toward granting concealed weapons permits don’t really differ, in that they would be less restrictive than Hutchens’ policy.

Hutchens, appointed by the Board of Supervisors in 2008 to take over the unfinished term of criminally convicted Sheriff Mike Carona, has tried to set herself apart from her predecessor by being more restrictive in handing out concealed weapons permits. The move angered some members of the board as well as the gun-rights lobby.

Hunter said there are other differences between himself and Hutchens.

He said Hutchens has been unable to win the hearts and minds of her deputies as well as county department officials — necessary steps toward making real change in the once-troubled department.

“To try and make the changes she is trying to make, it’s just not happening for her,” Hunter said.

Hunter and Hunt were finalists in the county search for sheriff.

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Posted in: Elections 2010Sheriff
 
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 77 Comments

  • southcountydude says:

    Good Bye Sandra !

    • Frogeye says:

      Unfortunately, OCCCWS, Safe OC and Calguns are small single-issue groups that cannot be an effective given credence in an election for sheriff of a major county law enforcement agency. Their stated concern is ONLY for gun ownership and permits to carry concealed weapons.

      In focusing only on CCW, these groups ignore totally the wide range of issues that are far more important to citizens of Orange County: administrative abilities, fiscal responsibility, management skills, respect among peers and ethical values.

      Do the people really want to listen to groups whose ONLY stated concern is to have a as sheriff someone who is willing to hand out CCW permits, and who totally ignore more important issues? I think not.

      • Bruce Krochman says:

        Your characterization of those involved in the CCW issue is way off base. CCW issuance is certainly something that they have in common, but they also have a great deal invested in the Sheriff’s volunteer programs as well as reserve programs. When they have discussions with candidates they are interested in a broad range of topics from fiscal policy to jails.

        I would say that I have been impressed with how well informed the CCW groups especially OCCCWS are on a wide range of topics.

  • LGT says:

    Note that Calguns.org will be behind pro-CCW sheriff candidates as well.

    • Parker says:

      Wait, wasn’t Calguns that website that the appointed Sheriff tried to discredit back in the beginning? Meanwhile, not realizing that they can actually vote against her? lol

      Sandy Sue, remember that phrase from the Karate Kid? “It’s coming around.”

  • oldski says:

    So, how big is this “key group” ? Who belongs, the officers? What is their agenda? Great reporting, but Mr. Hunter will need more than the 10 to 12 votes this outfit probably has. Already the pro-ccw groups have splintered? Not encouraging, so let’s hope Hunter is strong on other issues, including intelligence and job skills. I am all for sending Sandy packing, but i don’t think a single issue is going to do it.

  • Lori says:

    Bill Hunt is our answer. It’s time for integrity to be reintroduced to our Sheriff’s Dept.

    Carona destroyed our Sheriff’s Dept. and tried to destroy Bill Hunt for exposing his criminal activity.

    While I’m sure Mr. Hunter is an intelligent man…I question the people who are behind his campaign, namely Mike Schroeder, the same Mike Schroeder who propped up and defended Carona to the hour he was convicted for his outrageous criminal enterprise.

    As far as I’m concerned, the only reason Mike Schroeder would be putting a candidate forward is to get his tentacles back into the Sheriffs Dept., just like they were when Carona was in power. This is a “Power Trip” for Mike Schroeder, plain and simple.

    I decided long ago, that if Mike Schroeder, Scott Baugh, Dicky Ackerman or Dave Ellis were behind ANY candidate, I would not vote for THEIR candidate. These guys consider themselves “King Makers” and throw as much money and mud during a campaign as possible.

    The Sheriff is the only elected law enforcement position. Everyone else is appointed, it is up TO US, the citizens to make an informed choice and I choose Bill Hunt.

  • Robert says:

    Impeach obama

  • southcountydude says:

    Robert- Amen to that !!!!

  • CM Republican says:

    Lori,

    Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Don’t you think it is possible that any of the boys club could support a good candidate and by blindly opposing anyone they support you are making a mistake?

    Hunter appears to have solid qualifications, is not tied in any way to Carona, which we obviously can not say about Hunt. He is also an OC LEO; a far cry from the LA Import we have now that brought her LA thugs with her.

    • lindav123 says:

      CM-Hunt tried to let everyone know what was really going on with Corona and all the guys in the Boys Club stood behind Corona the whole time. Of course they don’t want Hunt around.

    • Lori says:

      The only tie Hunt has to Carona is that he tried to BRING HIM DOWN and Carona RETALIATED against him for it.

      Other than that…Hunt is the only qualified candidate that knows who he answers to…THE CITIZENS THAT ELECTED HIM.

      The rest, as far as I’m concerned, are just political puppets.

  • AbeFrioma says:

    Anybody But Hutchens!

  • Where's my gun? says:

    Maybe he should stay in Anaheim and help the chief of police find his gun.

  • ocobserver says:

    Hunt seems to be better than Hutchens (how hard would that be?) but they are all cut from the same mold. Beholden to the unions. What we need is a hard-nosed business man who knows how to balance a budget and is not a sissy for the union thugs as our next chief. But sanity would never become a reality. The chief will always please the rank ‘n file and the unions before he pleases the ones who pay his fat salary and pension, namely the taxpayer. That’s pretty much a given. The tail has wagged the dog for decades now.

  • Moedad says:

    I’ve got to believe that Hunter’s decades of experience in Anaheim, working with a huge department, with city venues like the Disney resort, Angel Stadium (or whatever the hell they call the thing anymore), north county gang/crime issues, etc. has given him a solid grasp on what is needed to be sheriff. He needs a broader exposure though if he wants to get voters attention. Hunt has some great experience as well, he has name recognition, and a good CCW position to boot. North county (Anaheim)and south county (San Clemente) are two different animals, but I’d have to give the nod to north county as far as a testing/proving ground for overall OC policing issues.

    • Moe Dad says, Angel Stadium (or whatever the hell they call the thing anymore

      We call it the home of the 2010 All Stars Game!!

      But you are right, policing Anaheim has been an extremely good training ground for Hunter, he is well respected here, and will do a great job as Sheriff.

  • f4tweet says:

    Bye-bye LA girl.

  • sierra skier says:

    Hunter will provide a breath of fresh air to the position of Sheriff in the OC.
    Send Hutchens packing and be careful with Hunter as he has a lot of baggage within the department. Craig Hunter will offer Orange County residents the best opportunity to have a Sheriffs Department that is the most responsive to their needs.

  • R.J. says:

    IT WILL TAKE MORE THAN JUST THE CCW FOLKS VOTE! I am sure that Mr. Hunter is a fine, educated, experienced, and honest candidate, however, with Bill Hunt being a member, and honest supporter of Oath Keepers, that is an electible quality. Hopefully all the CCW Supporters will vote for Mr. Bill Hunt so that the CCW vote is not split! BillHuntForSheriff2010.com, and make an educated decision without the input of some of the fanaticals…you know who they are, and were during the last election(s). Thank you for considering Bill Hunt for Sheriff, and also thinking good thoughtsn for anyone who is supporting our
    CAUSE……

  • What is the matter “Boys”? Can’t stand having a woman tell you what to do?
    Well live with it. She has done more for the county than any Sheriff including Sheriff Music and that is going a long way back. Remember those following and him also were the “Good Ole Boy” regime. A lot went on here in the county, gambling, prostitution etc. Not much work. It was mostly play.
    Enuff History for you that were not born or lived in Orange County during the Hey Days. I give her KUDOS. She keeps her skirt clean and that is more than some of our Sheriffs did. Be happy to have her.
    BJG

    • logicisourfriend says:

      Bonnie,

      You say that Hutchins has “done more for the county than any Sheriff including Sheriff Music and that is going a long way back”.

      So, please enlighten us. Other than annoy OC with her political agenda, what has she done exactly?

      I’m really interested in knowing. Thanks.

    • Taxpayer says:

      If you mean she gave raises to more employees with less than 6 months in grade than any other sheriff, in the middle of a budget crisis, then I have to agree with you. She HAS done more than any other sheriff.

      More to cost us taxpayers money!

    • nightsailing says:

      Bonnie…you are smoking crack. This has nothing to do with gender. You may like Hutchens’ policies, but they just aren’t working in this county. You are in the minority. She doesn’t have the support of the OCSD (except her LA cronies), the BOS and most importantly the people of Orange County. Hutchens will go down in history as the sheriff with the shortest term. She needs to go back to LASD where she belongs.

      Initially I was a supporter of her appointment because she wasn’t an “insider” and she came across well even though I felt Walters was a better candidate. The only thing she has done is piss everyone off, waste our taxpayer money and attempt to wh*re herself to the unions by giving promotions and pay raises.

      Yeah Bonnie…you have a lot to be proud of.

      PS - I’m not a man either. I don’t support gender, I support the person that is the most qualified. That’s how it should be.

    • ocobserver says:

      hey bonnie,

      you must work for the department and are looking for suck points with the sheriff??? Am I getting warm???

      Hutchens is no leader. I have had the pleasure to meet and talk with some real leaders who run organizations. Hutchens doesn’t look like a leader, talk like a leader, behave like a leader, think like a leader or lead like a leader. She is a puppet on a string. Every move is manipulated by Iron Mike and the LA boys. Hutchens is a follower. She’s no leader.

    • Frogeye says:

      Lady, you have certainly proven you did not know Jim Musick and are ignorant of what he accomplished for Orange County. Fortunately, there are a few of us left who do. You see, he held the office at the crossroads of Orange County history. Still with a population less than a million, he held the office which although elective, it was not a “political” office. He led us with an integrity and ethical set of values missing from the office ever since.

      Your nonsensical diatribe made it abundantly clear that you are only concerned that the Sheriff wear a skirt, and have thrown your lot with the “Female Mafia” dominating County decisions. You care not about HOW or WHEN Hutchens came to apply. You naively suggest, “She keeps her skirt clean,” but conveniently ignore her past and her reputation at LASD. You are uninterested in HOW she “passed” a background investigation. Unfortunately, you are not alone, and the ultimate blame lies with the Board of Supervisors.

  • JohnnyRocketUSA says:

    ***Where’s my gun? says: Maybe he should stay in Anaheim and help the chief of police find his gun.***

    No need to fear, it’s been found - both times ;)

  • Michael says:

    Bonnie Garison, are your panties ruffled????

  • Tin Star says:

    Bonnie,

    James A. Musick was the 10th Sheriff of Orange County and was sworn into office in January, 1947. Sheriff Musick was succeeded in office by Brad Gates who was sworn in as Sheriff of Orange County in January, 1975.

    Sheriff Musick lead the department through a significant period of growth in Orange County - as you can imagine what OC was like in 1947. Under his leadership, the now obsolete central men’s and women’s jail facility was opened in 1968, replacing the then obsolete Sycamore Street jail facility that had been built in 1924.

    The Orange County Coroner’s office was eliminated and consolidated into the Office of the Sheriff (1971).

    At the time of Sheriff’s Musick’s retirement, the department had grown to over 900 employees, including 600 sworn deputies and 300 non-sworn staff.

    Sheriff Musick retired to Newport Beach and passed away in the early 1990’s.

    Consider hard challenging it is to get elected once or twice to a countywide office and then what kind of a person it takes to get elected every four years to this same county-wide office as the highest law enforcement office in order to serve as Sheriff for 30 years!

    I think it would be an understatement to say that Sheriff Musick moved the Sheriff’s Department significantly forward during nearly three decades as Sheriff, a time period that also saw this county move from a rural bedroom community to a county that was beginning to become what we see today.

    I think your comment about comparing Sheriff Hutchins to Sheriff Musick is misplaced. Musick has his legacy, left office a long time ago and what he accomplished shouldn’t be contrasted with current challenges that the Sheriff of Orange County will be confronted with.

    Cheers.

  • Poogsdad says:

    The “Ordinary California Citizens Concerned With Safety (OCCCWS)” is not composed of activists, just ordinary citizens who are concerned with the safety of all California Citizens.

    OCCCWS has been very clear in its desire to increase the number of legally armed law abiding citizens, not just within Orange County but throughout the state of California as well. The positive contributions of legally armed law abiding citizens to increased public safety has been well proven throughout the United States and the arguments of the gun control advocates are now being shown to have less and less merit.

    The endorsement of Anaheim Deputy Chief Craig Hunter by OCCCWS was the product of a great deal of research, information gathering, and analysis following the appointment of Sandra Hutchens and the problems she created.

    The extensive use of Public Records Act Requests, telephone interviews, formal interviews and informal meetings since Sandra Hutchens was appointed has given OCCCWS a very objective and informed insight into all of the possible candidates for Orange County Sheriff in 2010, both those that have declared as well as those that have not.

    The Gun Rights vote is a far larger and more influential segment of the voting public than many would have you believe and has become impossible to ignore. Anaheim Deputy Chief Craig Hunter’s stated position on gun rights and the rights of all Americans to adequate personal protection is one of the reasons OCCCWS has given him its endorsement, however, it is a very small reason.

    The primary reason OCCCWS has given Craig Hunter its endorsement is because he is by far the best candidate for Orange County Sheriff for all Orange County Citizens, not just the Gun Rights groups.

    It is the depth and breadth of Craig Hunter’s experience that makes him the best candidate for Orange County Sheriff.

    It is the depth and breadth of Craig Hunter’s accomplishments as a husband, father, and Law Enforcement Officer that makes him the best candidate for Orange County Sheriff.

    It is the Whole Person that is Craig Hunter that makes him the best candidate for Orange County Sheriff.

    What happens in Orange County can and does resonate throughout the entire state and often beyond its borders.

    OCCCWS took the time to do its homework and properly research a subject that is of vital concern to all Citizens of Orange County and the State of California.

    OCCCWS was the driving force behind the masses that showed up at the many BOS hearings regarding Sandra Hutchens and her misdeeds after she was appointed. It is unfortunate that the Board of Supervisors did not do their homework before appointing Sandra Hutchens. If they had it is almost a certainty that the good citizens of Orange County would not have been forced to deal with Sandra Hutchens and the problems she has created.

    • Rocket says:

      Well all the research you guys did was to find someone who would let the old Carona crew back into the department. Dr. John Lott is a national figure and Fox News commentator who literally wrote the book on CCWs and he endorses Hunt. I would much rather take his advice than that of a dozen or so people who formed a group maybe one year ago.

  • Luis says:

    My vote stays with Hunt :)

  • DeeDee says:

    Give me a break Poogsdad, if Hutchens hadn’t taken the stance on concealed weapons that she did you wouldn’t even be posting on this story…at least not in reference to OCCCWS. Your group was squarely behind Paul Walters before he pulled out and now you’ve hitched your wagon to Craig Hunter. I happen to like Hunter and he’s got potential to be a good sheriff but your agenda is very transparent so spare us the long winded rhetoric.

    By the way, who is Poog and if you’re his dad, why how could you name him/her Poog?

    • Poogsdad says:

      Poog is my nickname for my daughter who is a soldier in the United States Army.

      You have the right to your opinion, just as I have the right mine.

      What is important here is “Who is the best candidate for all of us, not just OCCCWS or the other gun rights groups.”

      Please feel free to disagree with me, but leave my family out of the fray.

      Poogsdad

  • Bob Holt says:

    I’ve talked to both at fund raisers. Hunchens is more of a politician and Hunter will give you a direct answer. Both are good people, but I have to favor Hunter for the job.

  • know em all says:

    Tin Star aka Rich White,
    Under Gates the department from far from as refined as you try to present….A lot of fun out on the ranch…. now please go away….

  • Pete says:

    People, let’s all agree we need to send Hutchens into retirement.

    • ocobserver says:

      yeah, i’m sure she’ll have a real tough time surviving on that $200k +
      gobblement pension when she gets booted next year. hah.

      isn’t her husband a trough feeder too? the more the merrier!!

      It’s all good!!!

  • NRA Voter says:

    What happened to Lt. Hunt after losing to Carona was unfair. Yes, he stood up to the former Sheriff and for that he was demoted and was basically forced to retire. I wish him the best but he shouldn’t be elected Sheriff on that platform.

    Listening to Craig Hunter’s ideas on how to move OCSD forward is refreshing. He has the most important qualifications none of the other candidates, including the current appointed Sheriff, possess. Craig Hunter is a policy maker, an effective leader and forward thinker. His approach to crime prevention will go a long way to save tax dollars we currently spend on crime suppression.

    Let’s move on.

    • Rocket says:

      He will just be another double dipper like Hutchens is. He will probably top Hutchens 450k taxpayer funded millionaires club income. He will be as foreign to the department as Hutchens is and just set us back a few more years in terms of morale and operations.

      • nightsailing says:

        Do you have a valid criticism? Seriously, there are a lot of double dippers out there . As for being a foreigner…not really. Hunter has been a cop in the county for 26+ years.

        I don’t have a beef with Bill Hunt, but I am tired of the “I took on Carona and got fired for it” platform. CCWs is a hot topic, but honestly I could care less about. I want to know what either candidate is going to do to fix the problems.

        • Rocket says:

          You don’t think the pension dragon is problem here in the County or the entire State for that matter? Who are the double dippers running for countywide office other than Hutchens and Hunter? I agree other problems need to be addressed. Hunter will be as foreign to internal operations within the department as Huthens was (and still is) The Carona “I got fired” is not the issue. Constitutional rights and fiscal resposibility is. I am sure Hunter is a nice guy but he has never worked in any of the County Jails or elsewhere within OCSD, doesn’t know the people and doesn’t have the name recognition that Hunt does. He will be a distant 3ird.

      • nightsailing says:

        @ Rocket

        Double dipping is an important issue, but that is a whole different animal to attack and at a different level. It’s total BS that these government workers can retire at one agency and start a career at another on our dime. That in itself will not be a factor when I vote.

  • Not on my watch says:

    Lt Hunt is an Oath Keeper you can’t buy that type of integrity. Hunter just doesn’t have the name recognition. It will come down to either Hunt or Hutchens. It’s time to rally for Bill Hunt and restore the OCSD!

  • RJ says:

    NOT ON MY WATCH SAYS IT ALL. SINCE IT IS MORE THAN ABOUT THE CCW ISSUES, WE NEED TO HAVE SOMEONE IN THERE WHO REALLY WILL KEEP HIS OATH, AND BE A GREAT CONSTITUTIONAL SHERIFF! BILLHUNTFORSHERIFF2010.COM SAYS IT ALL, AND IF IT DOES NOT, MR. HUNT IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO TALK TO ALL CCW HOLDERS, CONCERNED CITIZENS OF THE O.C., AND EVEN THE RADICAL, KNEE JERKS WHO BAN EVERYONE WHO DO NOT AGREE WITH THEM….EVEN THE ONES WHO DON’T ADMIT WHEN THEY ARE WRONG! HUMMMMM. MR. HUNT SHOWS CHARACTER.

  • Greenie says:

    As a department insider I have to warn against Hunt. He would bring back the good old boys club. He has too many ties inside the department. We need a fresh new face, but one that is and knows OC law enforcement.

    • Not on OUR watch says:

      That is the funniest thing I have heard all day. Look who is backing Hunter. Calccw who go to lunch with Mike Carona and are buddies with him. Do you know who runs OCCCWS? hint hint. Lets not also forget Mike Schroeder who fought for Carona until the bitter end. It seems the good ole boys picked their man and it’s not Bill Hunt. Who are you trying to kid stop playing people for fools…

      He is making the same mistake as Carona did WAKE UP!

  • medical man says:

    RJ,

    Please stop yelling and have some manners.

    Thank you.

  • NRA Voter says:

    The voters are tired of the same old childish mudslinging and guilt by association political nonsense. Forget about who the candidates supposedly know or who supports their candidacy. Just vote for the one YOU believe is best man for the job.

    It’s really a no brainer. Listen to what the candidates have to say. Ask them for their solutions to our problems. Then think for yourself and vote for the one who has the best plans for the future of the Sheriff’s Department.

  • Rocket says:

    NRA Voter says:
    November 24, 2009 at 2:06 pmThe voters are tired of the same old childish mudslinging and guilt by association political nonsense. Forget about who the candidates supposedly know or who supports their candidacy.
    _________________________

    How do you know that and you can’t be serious.

  • RJ says:

    SIR MEDICAL MAN…THANK YOU! I must learn not to “yell,” and just get the “point” accross. Have a great Thanks Giving…and that too, to all. Let us vote for the candidate of our choice, and one who will best reflect what we want. That is our “FREEDOMS WITH RESPONSIBILITIES.” Take care, and for my part…Bill Hunt For Sheriff.

  • Wiglet says:

    It is no surprise that Mike Schroeder would be backing Craig Hunter…He lost his CCW under Sheriff Hutchens tighter restrictions, and I am sure he was not at all happy about that.

  • ocobserver says:

    What is Hunters opinion on enforcement of illegal immigration?? I imagine he’s an illegal alien apologist too like all the rest of the LE leadership, eh??? They are all hard nosed cops except when it comes to illegal foreigners. Then they become soft like butter. The big dogs above them must come down on them like a hammer on the topic. They’ve all been conditioned to bend over backwards for the illegal intruders. Or use the age old excuse that “its a federal problem”. Joe Arpaio doesn’t cave like that. Let’s hire a chief with a set of nads for once.

  • Parker says:

    All of you Hunt (Safe OC ) v Hunter (OCCCWS) guys are funny. You’re attacking each other over each candidate. You do realize that one of them (Hunt or Hunter) will probably be facing Hutchens in the run off in November. Why trash talk the person who you will be voting for when it comes time to get Hutchens out of the office she was never elected for. I realize you are all passionate about “your guy”, but just think about it - you might have to vote for the “other guy” when it comes down to it. We all need to stay united behind one goal - getting Hutchens out of office and getting someone in office that is qualified to do it (along with restoring our CCW rights).

    • Sammysam says:

      That sound like a good idea. In the article above Hunter says that his CCW policies are the same as Hunt. They are not. Even if we were to assume they were, why did a PAC all of a sudden bring in Hunter? It doesn’t pass the smell test.

      • RJ says:

        AGREED!!! Why does not Hunter come out and say that he will issue without any restrictions, etc., Like Bill Hunt has, and will do when he is Sheriff!. Hunter’s statement has too many holes, etc. in it, and a lot of “gobbley gook,” to be straight forward! I wonder about the “all of a sudden” too, although I have to agree that Hunter was “hunted” for a while over Jack Anderson, etc., and that is a good thing…I think. But it will not matter in the long run….BillHuntForSheriff2010.com.

        • NRA Voter says:

          CCW is not the only important issue in this election. It’s very important to some folks but the majority of OC could care less about CCWs. A platform of “easy CCWs” combined with “Carona was a bad cop and he did me wrong” won’t win the election. The reality is we need a strong leader to set the course for the future of the OCSD.

          There are so many other issues our new Sheriff will face like, real transparency, budget overruns, efficient use of taxpayer money, running the jails more safely and efficiently, employee moral, team building, creating and empowering an Orange County oriented command staff, community policing, crime prevention and volunteer participation just to name a few.

          We need to support and elect someone with the very strong high-level leadership experience to lead the department forward.
          I can’t speak for anyone else but that’s why I support Deputy Chief Craig Hunter over former Lt. Bill Hunt.

        • nightsailing says:

          Maybe he doesn’t want guys like Mike Schoder to carry again. Besides, I don’t recall Hunter being a big CCW guy until the showdown at the Nov. 2008 BOS meeting. I hope Hunt isn’t a flip flopper.

          I attended Craig Hunter’s “meet and greet” last Monday and I will tell you that no one in the crowd asked him questions about CCWs. People were asking about what he was going to do about the issues NRA Voter mentioned. I am all for gun rights, but I am not a gun person and could care less if I can carry one. I am looking forward to hearing Hunt fielding the same questions because his current platform is old.

          It’s also worth noting that Hunter did not say one bad thing about Hunt. I hope Hunt will do the same thing because at the end, we are all going to have to come together and rally behind one of them.

        • nightsailing says:

          I meant to say:

          Besides, I don’t recall HUNT being a big CCW guy until the showdown at the Nov. 2008 BOS meeting.

      • Parker says:

        That’s correct. Hunt’s and Hunter’s CCW policy are not the same. hunter has come right out and said what his was while Hunt uses euphemisms and terms that our existing appointed-Sheriff uses.

        http://www.occcws.com/?p=808

        Current California law requires that good cause be established by those desiring a CCW. Courts have ruled that Sheriffs in California have almost unfettered latitude in determining what good cause is. Our current Sheriff has adopted a restrictive interpretation of good cause. I will not.

        Everyone’s circumstances are different. Some travel through areas with little cell coverage and extended law enforcement response time. Many exercise at night away from home in locations which make them vulnerable. Some transport valuable property which makes them targets for criminals. The reality is that individuals have different reasons for desiring a CCW for purposes of self-defense, and when I am Sheriff of Orange County, reasonable expressions of good cause will be sufficient.

        Police Chiefs and Sheriffs from throughout the United States agree that their initial reluctance in issuing CCW permits was unnecessary, and they have been pleasantly surprised by the absence of problems. Anyone who believes a self-protection firearm is not a deterrent to crime is simply being unrealistic.

        I believe that everyone has the right to defend themselves if assaulted, and as your Sheriff I will not enact policies which put criminals at an advantage over the law abiding residents of Orange County.

  • Frogeye says:

    “Hunter’s decades of experience in Anaheim” is exactly what disqualifies him for the Sheriff’s office. Anaheim itself is a vast bureaucracy owned and run by “The Big Rat” that is Disneyland. As is the City itself, the police department is unresponsive to the citizens of Anaheim.

    While maintaining the great public relations fiction as “first responders”, retired veteran cops recognize fundamental flaws in Anaheim police management. Failure to take reports and the downgrading of felony reports to ignored misdemeanors administratively make Anaheim crime statistics look far better than they are. Hour-long delays in responding to “459 (burglary) in progress” leave suspects long-gone, no arrests and a burglary report downgraded to a suspicious incident. Providing personnel permanently assigned to Disneyland, the stadium, the arena and convention center, result in massive overtime, the fiscal burden (including extravagant pensions) being borne by Anaheim residents.

    In Hunt, the citizens of Orange County have the opportunity to put in charge of the dysfunctional OCSD a department veteran who has paid a high price for being the conscience of the department when in the past he has spoken out on ethical and administrative shortcomings of the officeholders. Hutchens is already proving the disastrous results of bringing in a new kid on the block.

    • nightsailing says:

      *Yawn*

      Like I said somewhere in this thread, the “I took on Carona and got fired for it,” is old. That in itself is not enough to be our Sheriff.

    • Moedad says:

      “Failure to take reports and the downgrading of felony reports to ignored misdemeanors administratively make Anaheim crime statistics look far better than they are. ”

      I’ve had the exact same experience within the last year with the OCSD.

  • Moedad says:

    Both Hunt and Hunter bring plenty of good things to the job if elected. Hunt knows the workings of the department, Hunter has 1/4 century of experience rising up through the ranks to 2nd in command in the 10th biggest city in CA. They both have favorable positions on CCW. Both the APD and the OCSD have had their share of bad publicity over this and that. Both have had great publicity as well. We all need to study up on BOTH candidates (and others if more emerge). Be objective. Look at their backgrounds. Look at everything. Weigh it. Balance it.

    It’s already been said, the goal is to elect a new Sheriff. We’ve got time to make the right choice. Let’s do it.

    • NRA Voter says:

      Hey, if we ALL do our part, Hutchens can come in third and we can have Craig and Bill in a runoff. That’s a good outcome in my book.

  • Firearms Instructor says:

    Craig Hunter is bery superior to Hunt. He has all suports from the inportant groupsof CCW. All smart one go for Craig. Hunt make no scense at all but to outside of mission

  • know em all says:

    Mike Schroeder=Mike Carona/Jaramillo/Haidl=Craig Hunter!!!!
    Please think about it this time before you vote….

  • stevens222 says:

    How about some truth in advertising? That picture of Hunter is at least 10 years old. Is he looking for the cougar vote here? Where is the gray hair and wrinkles hes gotten over the last few years that come from walking on his subordniates and taking credit for everything his departments line officers actually have done?

  • know em all says:

    The new 30 is being 50 with money…..

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