Candidate Says Sheriff Has Conflict But County Officials See No Problem With Watson’S Business Interests

A candidate for sheriff questioned Tuesday whether Kootenai County’s sheriff uses his position to benefit his private company.

Ted Pulver, who has announced plans to run for sheriff, called for the county prosecutor and the state attorney general’s office to issue opinions on whether a conflict of interest exists between Sheriff Rocky Watson and the company he and his wife own - the Watson Agency.

That business provides security guards for county courts and administrative offices. In the past four years, the county has paid the Watson Agency a total of $490,415.

“I wouldn’t be putting my backside on the line if I didn’t feel strongly about this matter,” said Pulver, who owns Pulver Investigations in Post Falls. “I think this is an important issue that we need to get a legal ruling on.”

Watson, who also was sheriff from 1976-81, said his wife has operated the business since Kootenai County commissioners appointed him last June to replace retiring Pierce Clegg.

“I would term it purely political,” Watson said of Pulver’s comments. “I think it shows his frustration level because he can’t find any real issues to get into.”

All three county commissioners - who approve county contracts - and Prosecutor Bill Douglas say they don’t see a conflict of interest in the arrangement.

“I have not examined (Pulver’s) complaint, but I can tell you preliminarily this issue was addressed long ago, and I see no conflict of interest,” Douglas said.

The Watson Agency hires mostly retired officers and government workers, and it charges the county $17.50 per hour per officer. Monthly bills range from about $13,000 to $17,000.

Pulver, an independent candidate, said county deputies make about the same amount and would be better-equipped to provide security.

“Having a financial interest in that business, how can (Watson) make an objective decision on whether another company should run that business or Kootenai County deputies should operate that?” Pulver asked.

Commissioner Dick Compton said the county saves money with the Watson Agency because it would otherwise have to pay benefits for county employees.

“The Watson Agency was the most economical way to pursue” providing security, Compton said.

Watson said negotiations continue with a potential buyer of the business, which operates in five Western states and Canada. Its revenues were roughly $3 million last year, he said.

“I’m still one of the owners. We are not trying to veil the ownership,” said Watson, a Republican who has announced plans to seek re-election.

Douglas said someone should not be required to sell a business just because they’re appointed to public service.

“That would be unfair,” he said. “All we can ask is that public servants divest themselves of any dealings in the decision-making process and I think that has been done here.”

Commissioner Dick Panabaker said Watson has not taken part in any discussions that could be construed as a conflict.

“He certainly hasn’t done anything to deserve even somebody saying that,” Panabaker said of Pulver’s statements. “I guess somebody running for office is going to use whatever he can get.”

Commissioner Ron Rankin also said Pulver is clutching at straws.

“This is pitiful,” Rankin said of Pulver’s claims. Watson “has done a terrific job. I’m sorry Pulver doesn’t see it that way.”

Pulver said he didn’t want to wait until October or November to bring the issue forward.

“I would just as soon get it off my chest and into the hands of the people who can decide whether it’s correct or not,” Pulver said. “It’s almost a relief to get this out.”