According to the Yakima Herald:
“A ballroom of sheriffs and police chiefs stood and applauded Gov. Chris Gregoire on Wednesday night, and she gave the love right back in a thankful speech about partnerships between police and lawmakers.”
And a couple local law enforcers praise the Governor:
“This governor ran on an education platform, as I recall,” Yakima police Chief Sam Granato said in an interview at the event. “But I think she’s focused on fighting crime through education as well as enforcement. … She’s been there for law enforcement.”
And….
Yakima Sheriff Ken Irwin returned that sentiment in an interview at the event. Along with leadership on law enforcement legislation, Gregoire has made an impression simply by including law officers in her decision process, he said.
“She has championed the gang bill and helped us along with the eluding bill,” he said, referring to two successful measures pushed this year by Rep. Charles Ross, R-Yakima. “And on other issues, she has given us a call as sheriffs and police chiefs and asked our opinion.”