Pierce County Considers Ending Elected Sheriff Position

Pierce County's Charter Review Commission is considering a proposal that would make the county sheriff an appointed position rather than one elected by voters. The commission is also weighing the creation of an independent ombudsman office to oversee the sheriff's department. Sheriff Keith Swank is strongly opposing the proposal, arguing that voters should retain the right to choose their sheriff and warning that concentrating appointment power in the executive branch could reduce accountability. Supporters of the proposal argue additional oversight could improve transparency and public trust. If approved by the Charter Review Commission, the measures could ultimately appear on the November ballot, allowing Pierce County voters to decide the future structure of local law enforcement leadership. #PierceCounty #Sheriff #KeithSwank #WashingtonState #PublicSafety #GovernmentAccountability #Politics #WashingtonPolitics #LawEnforcement #LocalGovernment #Voters #WashingtonNews #CharterReview #Elections #TheCenterSquare