Arpaio keeps his distance from political campaigning

Lisa Snedeker

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1998 | 11:39 a.m.

True to his word, a forum Tuesday featuring a controversial Arizona sheriff was not a political rally -- not technically anyway.

Steve Bergstrom, Republican candidate for North Las Vegas constable, sponsored the forum at Mojave High School featuring Maricopa County's Joe Arapio, widely known as America's toughest sheriff for his inmate-management initiatives and volunteer posses.

Arapio, who spoke to a small group made up largely of Bergstrom's supporters, only slipped once by mentioning that Bergstrom is a candidate. He did not say, however, for which office.

Bergstrom is making a bid for the office held by Constable Herb Brown, a Democrat.

Prior to the meeting, Bergstrom was sent an advisory by the Clark County School District that a political rally is not an approved use for the facility, said Ray Willis, spokesman for the school district.

"Based upon our review of his intended usage and verbal assurances, we have no choice but to allow him to use facility," Willis said Monday. "He's assured us he won't use it for political purposes."

Bergstrom's signs advertising the rally, however, painted a different story.

Lining Camino Al Norte near the intersection of Ann Road in the fashion of the old Burma Shave road ads were signs advertising that Arpaio, the "Tent City" sheriff, was going to speak Tuesday night. Directly following the sign was another sign asking, "Got Bergstrom?"

Other signs along Craig Road announced that Arpaio was coming to speak "for" Bergstrom, implying endorsement.

Bergstrom said last week he had removed the endorsement wording from his signs.

"And I've taken down the notices that say (Arpaio) for Steve Bergstrom. We've made sure that we're correct on that and in accordance."

Tuesday, however, he said he only took the "for" off of signs that had "constable" on them.

Bergstrom said he brought Arpaio in to talk about the use of volunteers, not to support his campaign.

"I'm not out to make huge changes," Bergstrom said. "I'm just here about volunteers and to get people involved."

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