Sixty days before voters head to the polls for the fall primary election for Door County sheriff, the Door County Sheriff's Deputies Association has issued a vote of no confidence in incumbent Tammy Sternard.
The organization signed its resolution on June 1 of its vote, saying the resolution "reflects the collective judgment of the membership regarding a pattern of concerns impacting leadership, communication, engagement and trust within the agency."
The resolution was sent to Sternard, Door County Administrator Ken Pabich and Judiciary and Public Safety Committee Chairman Collin Jeanquart.
While the resolution acknowledges that Sternard has made positive changes to the department, it states those accomplishments have been "deeply overshadowed." It cites the handling of a case involving the shooting of a feral pig, low morale in the jail division and poor attendance at monthly meetings among the concerns members have with Sternard and why "they have lost faith in the sheriff's ability to effectively lead this agency in a manner consistent with the best interests of its personnel and the citizens of Door County."
Sternard responded to the resolution in writing, addressing some of the concerns directly.
"It is unfortunate that some within the association chose not to come and talk to me about most of what's alleged in the document, but rather to air their grievances in this manner," Sternard wrote. She said she released the resolution after it was requested through an open records request.
She added that, having previously served in association leadership herself, she understands the importance of maintaining open dialogue and said the concerns had not been brought to her attention before.
"These are public attacks on my character and an attempt to portray me in a way that is inconsistent with my actions and record as sheriff," Sternard wrote. "This has been personally hurtful, but one of my strengths is to stand tall, ride out the storm and remain focused on my responsibilities as sheriff. My commitment remains the same today as it was yesterday: to serve the people of Door County and support the professionals who put on this uniform every day."
Both Sternard and the Door County Sheriff's Deputies Association said in their written statements that there would be no further comment.
You can click the links below to read the documents provided by the Door County Sheriff's Department.
