Former Langley Mayor Endorses Tavier Wasser for Sheriff

Scott Chaplin, the former mayor of Langley, has endorsed Tavier Wasser for sheriff in a letter published by the Whidbey News-Times. Chaplin served as mayor from 2021 to 2023 and personally oversaw the hiring process that placed Wasser as the city's police chief. He stated that he knows Wasser well and trusts his professional judgment.

Chaplin detailed the vetting steps taken before hiring Wasser, including a nationwide search, a review of dozens of applicants, and a private investigator's report covering Wasser's teenage years. The process also involved interviews with former co-workers, a drug test, and a psychological evaluation. Chaplin noted that he and Wasser spent hours discussing policing, personnel management, and budgeting for the city.

The former mayor addressed criticism circulating in the current sheriff's race, describing some of it as misinformation and mudslinging from individuals who do not know the candidate. He clarified that neither Wasser nor his opponent, Felici, are constitutional sheriffs, a term Chaplin called an Orwellian phrase implying a sheriff is above local, state, and federal laws. He acknowledged that Wasser used the term incorrectly during an early campaign speech but admitted the mistake later.

Chaplin cited Wasser's background as a county deputy and his high-level managerial roles in the Marines as evidence of his qualifications. He said Wasser advocates for his officers and city staff and is not afraid to disagree with superiors or admit errors. Chaplin described Wasser as approachable and professional, noting his ability to de-escalate tense situations in public. He concluded that Wasser will serve the entire community well regardless of political affiliation and asked readers to vote for him.

Chaplin signed the letter from Langley, where he previously led the city government. The endorsement adds a local voice to the ongoing debate over the sheriff's race, emphasizing Wasser's track record in municipal law enforcement and his professional demeanor.