Miller Gets a Boost

Supporting the Challenger: Former candidate Fred Garcia says he is backing Scott Miller for sheriff.

Garcia endorses Miller in sheriff's race.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Today, former Monterey County sheriff hopeful Fred Garcia announced his support for his old opponent, Scott Miller. Both men challenged two-term incumbent Sheriff Mike Kanalakis in the June primary . Garcia was knocked out when he came in third in the primary. Miller and Kanalakis will runoff on the November ballot.

Now that he is out of the race, Garcia is putting his chips on Miller, a former Pacific Grove police chief. "For the most part we had the same view that there is a need for change," said Garcia, 51, a retired 29-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office. "We share a similar philosophy."

Garcia specifically praised Miller's willingness to work with the community and solicit outside input, which he said in his view contrasts Kanalakis' leadership style. After a series of conflicts at the Sheriff's Office, Garcia retired in February from his post as sheriff commander. Given his history butting heads with Kanalakis, his endorsement of MIller may not be much of a surprise.

Garcia said he came to his decision after a long talk with Miller, in which the candidate assured him that if elected, he would promote staff from within the department rather than bring in outside leadership.

The former candidate is now spending his days as the assistant girls golf coach at Notre Dame High School. As for what the future will mean for him? "I have no immediate plans," he said.