Former Langley Mayor Endorses Tavier Wasser for Sheriff Amid Campaign Controversy

Former Langley Mayor Scott Chaplin publicly backed Tavier Wasser’s bid for sheriff, arguing that his direct professional experience qualifies him for the county role.

Chaplin served as mayor from 2021 to 2023. During that tenure, he hired Wasser as police chief after a nationwide search that included dozens of applicants. The selection process involved a private investigator’s report covering Wasser’s teenage years, interviews with former co-workers, drug and psychological testing, and multiple face-to-face interviews.

The endorsement appears in a letter published in the Whidbey News-Times on November 2, 2026. Chaplin stated that the current sheriff’s race has generated misinformation, innuendo, and conjecture from individuals unfamiliar with Wasser. He noted that neither Wasser nor his opponent, Felici, are constitutional sheriffs, a term Chaplin described as Orwellian. Wasser incorrectly used the term in an early campaign speech but later admitted the mistake.

Chaplin said he and Wasser spent hours discussing policing, personnel management, and city operations within a tight budget. He described Wasser as hard-working, professional, and approachable. Chaplin added that Wasser is not afraid to disagree, admit mistakes, or offer heartfelt opinions. In public settings, Wasser can de-escalate tense situations and maintains a strong rapport with residents.

Chaplin pointed to Wasser’s background as a county deputy and his high-level managerial responsibilities in the Marines as key factors in his assessment. He concluded that Wasser will serve as an excellent sheriff for the entire community regardless of political affiliation. The letter asks readers to vote for Tavier Wasser.