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Home My WebLink About021026 email - Public Comment - Sheriff Social Media Activity re_ SB 5974 _ HB 2387ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Commissioners, I’m writing because I’m increasingly concerned about the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office using its official social media platform to engage in overt political advocacy around pending legislation, specifically SB 5974 and HB 2387. The recent JCSO Facebook post urging the public to oppose one bill and support another goes beyond public information. It reads as political advocacy by an elected official using County resources. This issue became more concerning once the comment thread developed. Campaign-aligned individuals, including Jean Ball, actively engaged in argument and messaging in support of Sheriff Pernsteiner’s position, all within the comment space of an official County page. What followed felt less like public information and more like campaign-style advocacy hosted on County resources. I also noticed that JCSO staff participated in the thread by correcting links and responding to select commenters, while political arguments, personal attacks, and election-related messaging were left visible. That selective engagement raises questions about how County social media guidelines are being applied and where the line is being drawn between neutral communication and political activity. I’m not raising this as a policy debate about the bills themselves. I’m raising it as a governance issue. When official County platforms are used to influence public opinion on legislation and elections, it undermines public trust and blurs lines that are supposed to remain clear. I’m asking the Board to review this activity and clarify: * What limits apply to elected officials using County resources for legislative or political advocacy * How County social media policies are being applied and enforced in practice * Whether campaign-adjacent engagement on official pages is appropriate or permissible This isn’t about silencing anyone. It’s about accountability, consistency, and protecting the integrity of County institutions. Amber Armstrong Sent with Proton Mail <https://proton.me/mail/home> secure email.