Reveles: Questioning comments from Pinal County sheriff at meeting

Mr. chairman, during the board’s March 16 meeting the public witnessed a display of untruthful commentary by a speaker during Call to the Public. He spoke “big lie” remarks that have been proven false by Arizona’s legal system, our legislature and the Maricopa Board of Supervisors.

However, even more concerning was the arrogance of Pinal County’s top law enforcement officer, Mark Lamb, who I believe abused the Call to the Public as he spoke not as a member of the public but as a county official in his rush to defend the “big lie” and to criticize a member of the public.

If Sheriff Lamb wishes to debate the “big lie” and the Jan. 6 riot at our Capitol, he should place this topic on the agenda instead of using Call to the Public to attack truthful speakers.

Let us be clear, this is about spreading the big lie that our voting system stole the election from the impeached former president. The big lie that led to the death-dealing Jan. 6 attempt at overthrowing the constitutionally mandated peaceful transfer of presidential power.

Mr. chairman, the county sheriff’s support for the big lie and intimidation of a member of the public must not go unchallenged. This is the second time in recent board meetings that the sheriff has verbally criticized some of us in this public venue.

Regrettably, his intemperate actions bring into question the very integrity of Pinal County’s commitment to fair administration of law enforcement and justice.

Chairman McClure, at that March meeting you recognized Mark Lamb not as a member of the public, but you specifically recognized him in his capacity as Sheriff Lamb.

Mr. chairman, Call to the Public must remain a safe space for members of the public to express their views without fear of being verbally assaulted.

For these substantive reasons, I request you direct staff to draft a Call to the Public policy to prevent abuse by county officials and to clarify its proper use in reassuring the public that truthful commentary in exercise of our First Amendment is welcome in Pinal County.

May we hear the chairman’s clear and unequivocal response?

Editor’s note: Gold Canyon resident Roberto Reveles made the above remarks at the April 13 Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting.