HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE >> A law enforcement professional for more 28 years, Hidden Valley Lake-resident Jim Ryan is preparing for retirement.
But the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant doesn’t intend to walk away from public service, instead he wants to run for public office. His goal: become the next District 1 Supervisor.
“As a leader in the law enforcement community, people hold me in the trust,” Ryan, 50, said. “In regards to resolving conflict, bringing people together to solve problems and going after community issues, I bring with me to become an effective leader here in Lake County.”
Partly inspired to run because the Valley Fire, Ryan wants to his experience to give back to the community he’s lived in for more than 15 years.
That experience, he said, along with “grassroots supporters” will help him overcome a crowded and well respected candidate field of Voris Brumfield, Moke Simon, and Monica Rosenthal.
“I don’t have a particular agenda that I am on,” he said. “The idea that I do bring a different voting option. I think people are excited to vote for me. We’re very excited to take this on. I’m certainly confident we can take this through June 7.”
The Issues
When it comes to improving the county’s image, Ryan believes that it starts with the county’s employees — particularly the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, which along with other departments in the region has struggled with recruitment and retention.
To solve for this, he added, the county needs a balanced approach: to invest money into parks and other municipalities that add to the region’s attraction while at the same time have a significant force to protect it.
“Supporting core services is immensely important. The folks that work here are the best resource we have,” Ryan said. “Those employees get the word out. If we can’t support them in their role then that’s a concern.”
For other departments, the candidate wants to make them more effective. One area he wants to focus on is building and planning so the rebuilding process for Valley Fire survivors can be more streamlined. The attention on the department’s efficiency, he added, will extend towards small business, making sure they get started in a “more fluid fashion.”
Additionally, he wants the county to be more proactive in pursuing and utilizing grant funding.
Finally, Ryan wants to place attention towards the county’s youth and their development.
To get them more involved in the community and prepare them for careers, Ryan wants to encourage local businesses to hire interns.
“They are going to really take us into our future,” he added. “It takes a solid community to get these kids down the right path.”
Approach
One of the major takeaways from his career in law enforcement is his approach to solving issues—starting with clear communication and a pursuit of understanding.
“You treat people with a level of respect and get a clear understanding what the problem is,” he said. “It’s the idea of treating people how you want to be treated.”
These lessons, including a positive outlook, are what he said would help him be an effective leader and policymaker.
“The idea of serving the public and making the most of my experience; it’s very important,” he said. “I have a high degree of honesty, integrity and responsibility.”
