Ramos Campaign Responds to Derry's Endorsement by Probation Officers

Third District challenger James Ramos responded Tuesday afternoon to incumbent Supervisor Neil Derry's endorsement by the San Bernardino County Probation Officers Association.

"Of course Neil Derry is getting the support probation officers, he's good for their business," Andre Levesque, Ramos for Supervisor campaign spokesman said in an email. "As the only elected official I know of currently serving a sentence of 3 years on probation."

The Third District includes Redlands and Loma Linda.

Derry's campaign for re-election touted the endorsement by county probation officers earlier Tuesday.

"The San Bernardino County Probation Officers Association announces our endorsement of Neil Derry for re-election to the Board of Supervisors," President Ricque Belluscio said in a statement released by Derry's campaign. "Mr. Derry has a strong record of support for law enforcement."

Derry is running for re-election in the county's Third District against Ramos, former San Manuel Band of Mission Indians chairman, and Jim Bagley, former councilman and mayor of Twentynine Palms.

Derry's campaign touted support from other public safety organizations and leaders, including the San Bernardino Police Officers Association, San Bernardino County Professional Firefighters, Barstow Police Officers Association, San Bernardino City Professional Firefighters, and retired San Bernardino County District Attorney Dennis Stout.

"The strong support I am receiving from Law Enforcement clearly demonstrates the false nature of the desperate political charges being made by my opponent," Derry said in a prepared statement.

Derry and Ramos have fought a contentious campaign for the past year, and they in mailers and followup interviews.

All three candidates met with Redlands-Loma Linda Patch recently for one-on-one interviews to discuss their backgrounds, formative experiences, and challenges they've faced to date. Click , and to read more.

Election day is June 5. An outright winner must take 50 percent of the vote plus one. Otherwise the top two finishers run-off in November.

Redistricting has changed the Third District by excluding the Lake Arrowhead area, and including Lucerne Valley and Barstow. The redrawn Third District is now home to about 407,000 residents and it covers roughly 2,700 square miles.

The Third District has 183,000 registered voters, including 75,000 registered Republicans, 62,000 registered Democrats, and 35,000 registered as non-partisan, according to the county elections office.

A map of the redrawn district is attached to this report.