For Immediate Release
January 19, 2010
Press Contact: Roger Salazar
(916) 444-8897

SACRAMENTO –Sheriff’s Captain Jim Cooper today released the following statement in response to the withdrawal of former Sacramento Police Chief Albert Najera from the 2010 race for Sacramento County Sheriff:

“Chief Najera has served the people of Sacramento for more than 20 years as a law enforcement professional and leader and I commend him for his service,” Cooper said. “In his statement, Najera mentioned the fiscal ‘harsh reality’ Sacramento County is facing. This ‘harsh reality’ is something with which many of us in the department are all too familiar and it’s one of the reasons I decided to run for Sheriff.”

“Getting the proper handle on the tough budgets in the coming years is a daunting challenge and will require the right combination of leadership and experience,” Cooper added. “As someone who cares deeply about my community, not only do I welcome that challenge, I feel it is my responsibility to help meet it. As a decorated Sheriff’s Deputy and local elected leader, I am committed to making the right choices for the Department during these rough economic times while maintaining the safety and security of the community.”

“I wish Chief Najera well and look forward to working with him in the future,” Cooper concluded.

Cooper spent nine of his 25 years in law enforcement undercover taking down gangs and drug dealers and has been honored with a Bronze Star for Bravery. Currently, Cooper leads the High-Tech Crimes Task Force, cracking down on identity thieves and Internet predators that target children online.

Cooper also serves as a founding Councilmember for the City of Elk Grove. Due to the Council's sound fiscal planning; Elk Grove has one of the largest surpluses in the region. As Elk Grove's first Mayor, Cooper set the tone for how the City conducts business today, with accessibility, regional partnership and public engagement as the cornerstones for a successful government.

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