Across Oregon, ballots go out in the mail this week for the Nov. 3, 2020, election. (Enterprise file photo)
VALE – On the heels of a 22-year career in law enforcement in Malheur County, Casey Walker is challenging the incumbent, Brian Wolfe, in a race for Malheur County Sheriff.
Walker, who was born in Nyssa, spent 18 years as a deputy for the sheriff’s office after he was hired in 1998. He left the agency in 2016 and joined the Ontario Police Department as an officer.
Walker didn’t respond to interview requests by phone and by email from the Enterprise. Earlier this year, he told the Enterprise that change was needed at the sheriff’s office.
According to campaign finance reports at the state Elections Division, Walker has raised $2,000 in cash and in-kind donations. Since the May primary election, he has recorded a single $200 donation.
“There needs to be better service,” said Walker.
As sheriff, Walker previously said he would work to implement 24-hour patrols in the county. Currently, from May to August, sheriff’s deputies don’t actively patrol for one to two hours each day.
Walker, who works as a school resource officer, said he would focus on enforcing nuisance ordinances and raising the sheriff’s office profile at schools.
In the same interview, Walker said he did not plan to take a leave of absence from his position with the city agency during his campaign.
Walker previously ran for sheriff as a write-in candidate in 2016.
His time with Ontario police, he said, has helped him understand the workings of a “well-oiled machine.”
“The leadership, the brotherhood, everything is just better. That is something I want to bring to the table,” said Walker.
RELATED COVERAGE:
ELECTION 2020: Wolfe cites experience in race for re-election as Malheur sheriff
VOTE 2020: Jacobs, Shock deliver views on their platform for county commission slot
Ballots go out to record voter tally in Malheur County
City council candidates are off and running in Malheur County
Malheur county clerk’s office flags common errors voters make that get ballots rejected
YOU CAN HELP KEEP LOCAL NEWS FLOWING: Reader support allows the Enterprise to provide in-depth, accurate reporting that otherwise would not get done. Keeping the community well informed is essential. SUBSCRIBE – $5 a month, automatically. DONATE – to provide additional support.