Sheriff’s commander named as plaintiff in lawsuit against Maketa to run for commissioner seat

An El Paso County sheriff’s commander who’s a plaintiff in a lawsuit against former Sheriff Terry Maketa is making a bid for El Paso County commissioner.

Cmdr. Rodney Gehrett along with two others accused their former boss of sexual impropriety, discrimination and creating a hostile work environment.

The investigation of Maketa is ongoing.

Gehrett is looking to make a foray into politics, throwing his hat into the ring for an open commissioner’s seat.

He hopes the lawsuit he’s involved in does not influence voters one way or another.

“I hope that it doesn’t play a role at all other than to give me some credibility and to let people know that in the face of adversity, I can make a stand,” Gehrett said.
“That’s why I did it and that’s why I’d do it again.”

The 20-year veteran of the sheriff’s office said if elected, his top priorities would include cracking down on panhandling and diversifying the region’s economy.

According to Gehrett, Sheriff Bill Elder endorsed him for the job.

Commissioners Amy Lathen, Dennis Hisey and Sallie Clark are term limited at the end of the year.

Gehrett is one of 13 candidates vying for the three seats.