Praise, and Caution, for Sheriff Carona

Re “Not Just a Sheriff’s Badge -- A Rising Star,” Nov. 10:

Dana Parsons’ assessment of Sheriff Mike Carona is right on the money.

Sheriff Carona and I started our law enforcement careers nearly 27 years ago as deputy marshals in the jail at the West Court Justice Center. Carona has worked hard for everything he has, including [spending] evenings and weekends pursuing his college degrees while working full time.

His reputation for fairness and professionalism has clearly followed him from his role as Orange County marshal to that of sheriff. One merely needs to speak to current and former deputies, even those opposing him for sheriff four years ago, who will say Mike Carona is the real thing -- professional, dedicated to serving the people of Orange County and a true leader. As a law enforcement professional, it was my pleasure to work with and for Sheriff Carona.

John S. Williams

Mission Viejo

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During the pre-election barrage of mailers, it troubled me that our sheriff used his office and uniform for so much unabashed partisan purpose. I like Carona and voted for him, but somehow it would seem better if the senior law enforcement officer in the county was politically neutral -- in appearance if not in fact. At a minimum he should not be promoting partisan candidates and causes in his uniform.

Charles McCarthy

Yorba Linda