Sources close to Santa Ana Chief of Police Paul Walters confirmed for me earlier today that Walters will not run for Orange County Sheriff in next years election. My sources had told me several weeks ago in confidence that Chief Walters would most likely not seek the position of the county’s “top cop” but he was not ready to make it public yet. Though Walters has not formally announced his intentions I was given the green light to share this.
Walters was a finalist to replace disgraced felon Mike Carona last year, however three members of the Board of Supervisors, led by John Moorlach, foolishly passed him over and played politics awarding the job to Sandra Hutchens, the darling of an influential group of rich south county Republican woman. Clearly Walters, a true law enforcement professional, was the best choice as Hutchens first year in office has shown us.
According to my source Walters has decided to remain as Santa Ana’s Chief, a position he has held for over twenty years, because city officials and his officers really want him to stay. With budget cuts being the story of the day Walters did not feel now would be the time to leave the department he cares so much about and folks at city hall are glad to keep him here.
I am told that Walters is at the happiest point that he has ever been both personally and professionally and really isn’t up to dealing with the political b/s that comes with running for public office. He’s a cop’s cop and the thought of having to be a schmoozing politico just isn’t that appealing to him at this time in his life.
Chief Walters and his wife Mary live in north Santa Ana and just love being a part of our community. As much as I believe that Paul Walters would make a great Sheriff, I am quite happy knowing he will remain as our police chief. Orange County’s loss is definately Santa Ana’s gain.
This clears the way for Bill Hunt. Let the games begin.