Incumbent Nanos and challenger share similar goals — at least on paper

On paper, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and his Democratic primary opponent Sandy Rosenthal have a lot in common. Both men have spent their careers within the department. Both men are passionate about the position, and both men want to prove that it is he who will lead Pima County to a safer future.

Now, it's just a matter of proving how they'll do that, and why they're the right person to pave the way.

From overcrowded jails and understaffing, to school safety and community engagement, both Nanos and Rosenthal say they are laying out platforms that appeal to not only Pima County residents, but to deputies, corrections officers, inmates and crime victims.

"It's a competition where we both want what's best for (the) community," Nanos said. "... I hate politics. I just want to serve my community."

With four decades of law enforcement work under his belt, Nanos can quickly cite a list of measures taken during his tenure that have positively impacted those he has vowed to protect.

Body-worn cameras, for instance, were one thing instituted during Nano's time as sheriff that have shown to be a gateway for transparency and safety. The sheriff called it just one way his office has focused on innovation and technology to push policing forward.

Nanos started his law enforcement career in El Paso before moving to Tucson in 1984 to become a corrections officer. He was promoted to deputy the following year. The promotion began the upward trajectory his career would follow within the department, he said.

Throughout his career, Nanos said his goal was to maintain a strong emphasis on his work in criminal investigations, particularly violent crimes, sex crimes and narcotics interdiction. Dedication to his work allowed him to move up the ranks within PCSD, he said. He previously served as chief deputy and later was appointed sheriff.

Nanos was appointed sheriff in 2015 after Clarence Dupnik, who held the office from 1987 to 2015, retired. Nanos lost the job to Republican Mark Napier in the 2016 election. He won it back from Napier in 2020 by a narrow margin.

As sheriff, Nanos prides himself on being a part of the creation of the Critical Incident Team, a multi-agency law enforcement group that investigates officer-involved shootings here, and the Active Shooter Response Team, which in part provides schools and staff with training, equipment and other programs related to campus violence.

"I don't believe the other candidates have the qualification, or skill I have to do this job," Nanos said.

His opponent, and former long-time co-worker of 30 years, Sandy Rosenthal, would disagree.

He carries a binder full of news s and statistics pointing out inconsistencies in Nanos' statements and statistics that seem contrary with Nanos' touted facts.

Like Nanos, Rosenthal worked his way through the department, before retiring after 36 years of service.

While he has no record as sheriff, he said he believes his thoughts and innovative approaches to crime prevention will be the key to curbing crime in Pima County. Nanos had his time, and now Pima County is ready for a new sheriff in town, he said.

"When Nanos says I don't have experience, well, I don't have his experience," Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal joined the PCSD as a patrol deputy in 1978. He was later promoted to patrol sergeant, then commander. He helped develop the Regional SWAT team, and worked as a bomb technician, and in the arson, burglary, sex crimes, canine, and homeland security units. He said he also became familiar with Human Resources and medical/workman's compensation during his time at the PCSD.

He said he believes his administrative knowledge, paired with his experience throughout the department, puts him ahead of his opponent.

"I am skilled in Human Resources," Rosenthal said in his election flier. "I understand the uniqueness of these times — of being down deputies, corrections officers and civilians; However, we are not retaining the employees we have and we are not being aggressive enough in our efforts to recruit and hire. I have strategies I'd like to deploy."

Rosenthal's other focuses include fixing the Pima County jail, school safety, and creating a safer community. This can be accomplished by "owning (our) mistakes, fixing the mistakes, getting the right people to the table, and not blaming others," he said.

In an earlier debate, GOP sheriff hopeful Teddy Frederick swiftly attacked Nanos for not owning up to mistakes he allegedly made during his time as the county's top law enforcement officer.

While most candidates detailed their experience, skillset and motivations behind their desire to become sheriff, Frederick, a former deputy and later owner of a private investigation agency, opened with attacks on Nanos' leadership.

Frederick often lists problems in the department, including Nanos' termination of corrections officers who refused the COVID 19 vaccine; an incident in which a sergeant was allegedly sexually assaulted by a colleague during a party; and his defending an officer accused of shoplifting.

These incidents, along with a dwindling number of deputies and corrections officers, show what another term under Nano's guidance could be like, Rosenthal said, echoing Frederick's concerns.

"Why is Sandy Rosenthal running to be sheriff?" a hopeful Rosenthal asked. "Because actions speak louder than words, and it's time for action in this community."

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