Santa Clara CountyCandidate for Sheriff

• Third-generation Santa Clara County resident
• Major, United States Army ( ret. )
• Deputy Sheriff, Santa Clara County
• United States Army MP ( Military Police )
• Graduate, Army Command and General Staff College
• Bachelor of Science, Excelsior College
• Served in the Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as Europe, Africa and Asia
• Officer in Command of rebuilding police forces in Iraq; tasked with developing policies, procedures and training for MPs in Guantanamo Bay, Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Commander of U.S. troops on the California-Mexico Border, “Operation Jump Start”
• Anti-terrorism officer with the U.S. Army in Germany
• Highly-decorated officer, including the Bronze Star Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal
• Married to Amy, army veteran and nurse. One daughter, Alexis

Joe’s grandfather was a World War II veteran with just a sixth grade education. He helped liberate Nazi concentration camps in Europe. Joe’s mother was a single Mom who raised three boys working two jobs and his aunts and uncles worked in the orchards of Santa Clara County picking fruit. It was their example of hard work, self-discipline, and responsibility that led Joe to become the first Army officer, first college graduate, and first law enforcement officer in his family. Joe’s wife Amy is a combat veteran of the Iraq War and a nurse. Their daughter Alexis is eleven years old and enjoys horse riding, singing, and dancing.

Sanctuary Cities: I am opposed to sanctuary state and city policies that release dangerous criminals into our communities. As Sheriff, I will fully cooperate with all  federal  law enforcement authorities trying to keep criminal illegal gangs like MS-13 off our streets.

Jail Reforms: Confidence needs to be restored to our county jails and the safety of both inmates and Department personnel must be ensured. This means doing a better job of addressing the unique treatment and care needs of those inmates who are mentally challenged and managing the increased burden that realignment is bringing to our jails.

Protecting Children: Our kids are our most vulnerable crime victims. As the tragic instances of school, church, and playground shootings spread, the Sheriff’s Department must be better prepared to protect our most innocent populations. This means partnering with local cities and school districts to provide our schools with safety equipment, technology, and personnel that can act proactively to deter threats from mass shooters.

Second Amendment and CCWs: As a candidate for Santa Clara County Sheriff and retired military officer, I fully recognize and appreciate the Second Amendment rights of all Americans. I support and will issue CCWs to law-abiding individuals who meet the standards and requirements. They should not be issued for political payback to campaign donors, but for the protection of an individual's life and property.

Terrorism: With extensive experience combating terrorism ( including receiving the Global War on Terrorism Medal ), I will work from day one to upgrade the security of our most vulnerable Silicon Valley targets, improve coordination with the Department of Homeland Security, expand the anti-terrorism training of our deputies, and utilize modern technologies and better intelligence-gathering methods.