"As the Chief of Police for the City of San Luis Obispo, I have had the privilege to work side-by-side with Ian Parkinson for the past six years. During this time, he has proven himself to be a visionary leader, a talented manager, and skilled law enforcement professional. As a second-in-command of the Police Department, Ian is responsible for making critical decisions and for leading the department in my absence. He is ethical, honest, open and collaborative – all of which are critical traits in building and maintaining public trust. Ian Parkinson will be an excellent Sheriff who will be dedicated to serving the residents of our County, and leading the fine men and women of the Sheriff's Department with pride."
Deborah Linden
San Luis Obispo Chief of Police
“Ian Parkinson is strongest candidate for sheriff: His experience and knowledge win him our endorsement
“...Ultimately, though, we believe Parkinson’s combination of law enforcement experience, coupled with his knowledge of issues facing the various communities, makes him best suited to lead the county’s largest law enforcement organization. We also believe that the respect he’s gained during his 26-year career in local law enforcement will serve him well in rebuilding trust and restoring morale following the scandals that occurred on Sheriff Pat Hedge’s watch.
“We also fully support his proposals to improve and professionalize the department. Those include re-establishing an internal affairs investigation unit; auditing the property evidence room; and expanding the home detention program to help ease overcrowding in the jail. He also has an ambitious plan to develop a long-term, strategic plan that would spell out goals for the various communities and explain how those would be met. He sees that as a way to hold the sheriff accountable — and that’s a measuring stick that’s been sorely lacking under the current administration…
“As captain, he’s been responsible for budgeting for the department — not an easy job in this time of fiscal crisis — and he’s been in charge of uniformed patrol operations, with 40 staff members reporting to him…
“We’ve been impressed, too, by Parkinson’s efforts to familiarize himself with the issues facing the unincorporated communities. He’s been attending community service district and community advisory council meetings around the county to find out what’s on the minds of local residents…Parkinson also has been touring county facilities and meeting with county officials in various departments to learn more about the budget and other critical issues…
“We strongly urge voters to support him in the June 8 primary election.”
The Tribune
"I am pleased to join with my colleague Frank Mecham in endorsing Ian Parkinson to be our next Sheriff," stated Supervisor Adam Hill. "Both Frank and I know the importance of the relationship between the Board of Supervisors and the Sheriff's Department, and we agree that Ian Parkinson is best suited to create the kind of constructive and trustful relationship that will serve all our County’s citizens well."
(Read the complete endorsement here)
Supervisor Frank R. Mecham
Supervisor Adam Hill
San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors
"I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Ian Parkinson for 26 years. I know him to be a highly competent, talented and experienced law enforcement professional, and a person who cares deeply about the welfare of our community. I also know that he is a man of integrity and high ethical standards. I have witnessed his performance in a variety of situations over the years and have always found him to be the consummate professional.
"Recently I had the experience to once again witness Ian's leadership abilities with the formation of the San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team. Ian was the lead facilitator of this project. This very important project consisted of consolidating the tactical teams of six municipalities in the county into one larger, well trained and more experienced team. This was an extremely difficult process that was made much easier by Ian's collaborative management style, leadership skills and technical expertise.
"I have complete confidence in his abilities and know he possesses the right combination of management and leadership skills to effectively lead the Sheriff's Department. I also strongly believe that Ian is at the perfect place in his professional career to assume the challenges and take leadership of the largest law enforcement agency in our county.
"Please join me in supporting and voting for Captain Ian Parkinson as San Luis Obispo County Sheriff."
Jeff Norton
Chief of Police
Pismo Beach Police Department
"Soon after being appointed Chief of Police, Ian was the first police officer I hired. Over the course of the next 15 years, I had the opportunity to see Ian grow as both a law enforcement professional and as a leader. In every assignment, Ian demonstrated enthusiasm, intelligence, commitment, personal integrity, and most importantly, the ability to lead others to achieve their goals. As he rose through the ranks, Ian has clearly shown the outstanding managerial and organizational skills necessary to lead an organization.
"Having first hand knowledge of what it takes to run a law enforcement organization, I have looked closely at those who have who are considered potential candidates to be this county’s next Sheriff. Other than Deputy Adams, I have worked with all of them. Based on my experience and personal observations of the challenges facing the Sheriff’s department both internal and external, there is no doubt in my mind that Ian Parkinson is the best person to lead the organization.
"Ian’s record of accomplishment and leadership is well known in the Sheriff’s department, other law enforcement agencies, and in the community. He is the only candidate whose work in and outside the profession has given him a strong understanding of the differing needs of residents over the entire county. He has earned the trust and confidence of community leaders and elected officials so critical to the overall success of the Sheriff’s department.
"The Sheriff’s department needs a leader of personal integrity, law enforcement competence, and leadership skills to return a sense of public trust to the organization. There is no one better prepared and ready to accept that challenge than Ian Parkinson.”
James M. Gardiner
San Luis Obispo Chief of Police (ret.)
"As a 27-year law enforcement veteran, I know what it takes to lead an organization in these changing times. Captain Parkinson has the vision, passion and drive to succeed as our County Sheriff. Ian and I have worked together for 7 years, solving problems and making the community a safer place. Ian's commitment to community service and achieving goals through joint partnerships are the skill sets that make him an exceptional leader. Ian Parkinson has the experience, credibility and vision to make a difference in SLO County, as well as my full support."
Captain Bill Vail,
Law Enforcement Executive
"As a long-time resident and rancher in San Luis Obispo County, I am very proud to endorse Ian Parkinson for San Luis Obispo County Sheriff.
"I have known and worked with Ian in the North County for over 18 years; we worked closely during my tenure on the California Mid-State Fair Board. Ian is a gifted, intelligent leader and a person of honest, solid character. He has a firm understanding of the issues and concerns of North County residents and is very well respected by the agricultural, business and civic leaders throughout San Luis Obispo County.
"I can say without any hesitation that Ian Parkinson is the best qualified candidate to be our next Sheriff."
Pete Clark
Paso Robles Rancher/Cattleman
"Ian Parkinson is the right man, at the right time, for the right job! During my 34 years of law enforcement experience, I have worked with many leaders – Ian Parkinson ranks as one of the best. His energy and natural leadership skills are exactly what we need at this time. I encourage everyone to join me in supporting Ian Parkinson for San Luis Obispo County Sheriff."
Bart Topham
Captain (ret.) San Luis Obispo Police Department
Former Chief, Cuesta College Police Department
"I have had the pleasure of working closely with Ian Parkinson for 21 years. Now, as the San Luis Obispo Police Department’s two captains, we work as partners with each of us responsible for managing one-half of the organization. I’ve had countless opportunities to observe Captain Parkinson in a variety of leadership roles that range from acting as Chief of Police in Deborah Linden’s absence, to taking command of quelling a full-scale riot, to heading up the project team that designed and equipped our high-technology Dodge Charger patrol cars. He loves the challenge of solving difficult problems, and he is a man of ideas. Captain Parkinson’s integrity is rock-solid, and his communication style is open and honest. I am proud to be Ian’s friend and partner in service to the citizens of the City of San Luis Obispo. Now the entire county has the opportunity to benefit from his leadership. Please join me in voting to elect Ian Parkinson Sheriff of San Luis Obispo County."
Daniel Blanke
San Luis Obispo Police Captain
Law Enforcement
Kelly Arebalo, Atascadero Police Department Dispatcher
Martin Basti, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy
Daniel Blanke, San Luis Obispo Police Captain
John Bledsoe, San Luis Obispo Police Department Sergeant
Jeff Boothe, San Luis Obispo Police Department Sergeant
Bob Carrasco, San Luis Obispo Police Lieutenant (ret.)
Dennis Cassidy, Paso Robles Police Chief (ret.)
Christopher Chitty, San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer
Craig S.Clark, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department Sergeant
Tom DePriest, San Luis Obispo Police Department Lieutenant
Jim English, San Luis Obispo Police Lieutenant (ret.), frmr. Pismo Beach PD res.
George Galvan, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department (ret.)
James Gardiner, San Luis Obispo Police Chief (ret.)
Steve Gesell, Atascadero Police Department Commander
John Glau, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department, Senior Deputy (ret.)
Steve Harris, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Sergeant (ret.)
Joe Hazouri, San Luis Obispo Police Captain (ret.)
William Heath, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department, Deputy Sheriff
Larry Holt, Atascadero State Hospital Police Chief
Caleb Kemp, San Luis Obispo Police Department Sergeant
Deborah Linden, San Luis Obispo Police Chief
Mark Miller, Pismo Beach Police Commander
Rocky Miller, San Luis Obispo Police Lieutenant (ret.)
Tim Moore, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Correctional Sergeant
Aaron Nix, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Sergeant
Jeff Norton, Pismo Beach Police Chief
Doug Odom, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Chief Investigator (ret.)
Bill Proll, San Luis Obispo Police Department Lieutenant
Rex Reece, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Sergeant
Rob Reid, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy
Trevor Shalhoob, San Luis Obispo Police Department Officer
Lisa Solomon, Paso Robles Police Chief
Chris Staley, San Luis Obispo Police Department Captain
James Storton, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department C/O (ret.)
Keith Storton, San Luis Obispo Police Department Sergeant
Tim Storton, Frm. San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Dept. Under Sheriff/Interim Sheriff
Rick TerBorch, Arroyo Grande Police Chief (ret.)
Michael J. Thompson, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department Sergeant
Steven Tolley, San Luis Obispo Police Captain
Bart Topham, San Luis Obispo PD Captain (ret.) & former Chief, Cuesta College
Bill Vail, Law Enforcement Executive
Bonnie Wenzel, Morro Bay Police Department Sergeant (ret)
Jim Willis, San Luis Obispo Sheriff's Department, Senior Deputy (ret.)
Jeffrey Wilshusen, Atascadero Police Department Sergeant
Elected Officials
John Ashbaugh, San Luis Obispo City Councilmember
Shirley Bianchi, San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, 2nd Dist. (ret.)
Paul Brown, Former San Luis Obispo City Councilmember
Mark Buchman, San Luis Coastal Unified School District Board Member
Andrew Carter, San Luis Obispo City Councilmember
John Ewan, Former San Luis Obispo City Councilmember
Roberta Fonzi, Mayor of Atascadero
Shelly Higginbotham, Pismo Beach Mayor Pro-Tem
Adam Hill, San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, 3rd Dist.
Steve Lieberman, Grover Beach City Councilmember/Former Mayor
Jan Marx, San Luis Obispo City Councilmember
Frank R. Mecham, San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, 1st Dist.
Bill Nicolls, Grover Beach Mayor Pro Tem
John Shoals, Grover Beach Mayor
Community Leaders
Mark Borjon, Golden Hills Auto Center, Paso Robles
Pete Clark, Rancher/Cattleman
Kevin Kester, Cattleman’s Association Vice President
Tunny Ortali, Sheriff’s Dive Team Member, Business owner
Vivian Robertson, Paso Robles Events Center CEO
Organizations
California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA), CMC Chapter
San Luis Obispo Police Staff Officers Association
Paso Robles City Firefighters Association
SUPPORTERS OF IAN PARKINSON FOR SHERIFF
Below is Ian’s ever-expanding list of supporters. Want to be on it? Show your support by signing up. We’ll also keep you posted with the latest news and events in the campaign. (If you are a law enforcement officer, please add the name of your department and your rank after your name.)
| Rushdi & Nisha Abdul Cader Norm Adams Scott Adams Alex & Laurie Alexiev Patricia Andreen Gary Andreini Casey & Judi Appell John Armstrong Patrick Arnold John & Patricia Ashbaugh Paulette Aurignac Larry & Linda Austin Clifford Baker Stephen Barash Robert & Karen Barron Kyle Basti Kimberly Berlin Steve & Leslie Bernal William & Shirley Bianchi Cory Black Michael Blaney Barb Blanke Warren & Connie Blankenberg John & Terri Bledsoe Paul & Theresa Bonaventure David R. Booker Jeff & Julie Booth Steven & Linda Boothe Mark Borjon Martin & Helen Bretting Jory Brigham Timothy & Vanessa Britton Gerald Brizzolara Kevin & Stacy Bromley Josh & Cathie Brown Paul Brown Rob Bryn Mark Buchman Robert Burgeson Kathy & Rob Burke Bryson & Charm Burns Mark Burns Julie Phillips Cadena Jeanette Cain Maegan Cain J.T. & Lori Camp Robert Carrasco Greg & Julie Carroll John Carsel Barb Casey Emily Casey Jerry Casey Leslie & John Cederquist Ken Chaubet Sheryl Daane Chesnut Christopher & Lisa Chitty George & Belinda Christiansen Dave & Louise Claassen Aaron Clark Peter & Elena Clark Penny Clark Robert & Alyson Coburn Richard & Cynthia Crocker John Crother David Crowther Michael T. Cueto Patrick & Dana Cusak Robert & Patsy Darneal Chris Darway Paulette Darway Raymond & Jody Dauth Julie Hauschild Davis Matthew & Gina Davis Jerry & Toni Detz George Donati Michael Dunn Debbie Dusi Bryan Duvall Kevin Dye Roger & Kathleen Eberhardt James & Jeanette Efird Robert Enns Barry & Joni Epperson Don Ernst Mark & Lee Ann Etter Luke & Jane Faber Bruce Falkenhagen Denise Farmer & Shawn Singleton Terry & Jeri Farrell Cheryl Fitch Nancy Flamm Randall Flamm Mark & Diane Fleming Mike & Kelly Fontes Ledwin & Annalee Fortini John D. Fowler Sharon Frederick Kate Freeman Laurence R. Gaebe & Shelly Gaebe George & Gaye Galvan Clyde W. Ganes Jim & Elaine Gardiner Adam Geller Mike & Tina Gobbell Kirby Gordon Jack & Karen Gould Jeffrey Grady Noelle Grasmick Russell & Amy Griffith Dawn Perrette Grom Laurie Guiton William F. Hale Catherine Hall Clayton Hall Lori & Stephen Hall Garney & Debra Hall Kristy Hall Arthur & Therese Hanlon Kimberly Hansen Katherine Haroutunian Brett & Christine Hartley James & Kristen Hathaway Michael & Alison Haupt Robert & Jill Heely Dave Henriksen Daria Hernandez Robert & Michelle Higginbotham Adam Hill Mark Hoffman Jerry Holland David A. Horvat J.L. & Susan Hudson Christopher S. Hulburd Michael Hughes Patricia Hummell Jerry & Marianne Hunter George R. Hurst Allen Hutkin Junior Isbell Jill Horner Jencks Lesa John Catherine Johnson Jane Johnson Ken & Margaret Johnson Donna Jordan Gene & Mimi Kalland Rick & Julie Kaspar Frank & Betsey Kelton Justin Kelton Caleb & Heather Kemp Dean R. Kemp Chris Kennedy Matthew Kennedy Kevin & June Kester Doris & Ernie Kim Matthew Y. Kim Ronny Klindt Chris & Diana Knauer |
Charles Knauss |
