Mark Napier has won the battle for Pima County against current sheriff, Chris Nanos.
Mark Napier wins Sheriff in Pima County. Benefits from more face to face campaigning and ongoing FBI probe https://t.co/I9GjZeJKIc
— KevinBoughton (@KevinBoughton) November 9, 2016
Both candidates have decades of experience in law enforcement.
Incumbent Chris Nanos (D) has been Sheriff since 2015 when the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted that he replace Clarence Dupnik, who retired after 35 years in office. Napier was a Tucson Police officer for 28 years, rising through the ranks to retire as a captain.
Nanos is currently embroiled in a controversy after his former Chief Deputy, Chris Radtke, resigned last month after he was indicted in an FBI investigation into the department's use of RICO funds. Nanos maintains he has done nothing wrong.
Napier, who ran for sheriff and lost in 2012, says the investigation and indictment show the department needs change at the top. He says the operation is too top-heavy and has accused the current administration of cronyism, creating administrative level jobs that aren't necessary.
Nanos says he try's not to focus on the controversy, but instead working to boost community programs. He says his main focus are trying to improve training for deputies dealing with people who have mental health issues, and outreach programs designed to increase high school graduation rates.
Napier calls himself a 'social justice' Republican. Saying his continuous study of criminal justice and policing practices make him best qualified to be sheriff. Napier holds a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from Boston University and now oversees criminal justice curriculum at the school. Napier says he'd work to improve community relations, saying the department must acknowledge social and economic disparities in Pima County.
Nanos will watch election results at the Pima Democratic Party at the Marriott near UA, Napier will watch with Republicans at the Sheraton on East Grant Road.
