It is unfortunate that Joe Cortez is attempting to mislead voters with his campaign signs and literature by using outdated photographs of himself in uniform as the Chief of Police for the City of Pismo Beach. Cortez retired from law enforcement in 2008; nonetheless he is using old photos of himself in a Pismo Beach uniform on his billboards, brochure, and website. These photos give voters the false impression that Cortez is still an active duty police officer.
 Let’s make this an honest race for Sheriff. Cortez can start by removing the outdated photographs from his billboards, brochure, and website. If he won’t do that, why doesn’t he at least explain to the voters that he is no longer an active law-enforcement officer or chief?
This article appears in May 20-27, 2010.