Longmont resident Wanda R Sterner (62) has announced for the position of Sheriff of Boulder County.  George Epp the current sheriff, is forced to retire because of the term limit law. Joe Pelle has also announced for the position.

Sterner has 28 years of experience in law enforcement and 24 years at the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office.  She has been a detective, a patrol officer, a civil officer, a patrol sergeant and finally a sergeant supervising the Community Service Office.  She retired in March 1998 and then began working as a private detective for attorneys.

“It is time for a change with new ideas,” Sterner said.  “A citizen advisory board is needed to assist in developing a long term strategic plan for the department.  Youth at high risk are a priority.  The needs of senior citizens (are) a growing concern.”

Sterner is not critical of the programs already in place in the Sheriff’s Department. “There are good basic things,” she noted.  “But they can be improved on.  After a while you run out of ideas.  The same group has been running the department for the last thirty years.  If it works, don’t change it.  We would reevaluate and improve from where we are now.” Sterner’s goal is to get more citizens involved, “They know what they need.”  She wants the community involved in planning changes in the department.  “The community should buy into the plan and agree about where the department should go.”

One specific change Sterner feels is necessary is the reinstatement of the position of undersheriff.  She explained, “An excessive amount of administrative work presently falls on lower level supervisory staff who are better utilized as first line hands-on managers.”  She would also consider re-assignment of personnel.  “Some members of the department have held their current role for decades,” she maintains.

Sterner is married to Larry Sterner of Hygiene Propane and has three children, two stepchildren and 13 grandchildren.