Islander John Urquhart announced his intention to run for King County Sheriff this morning in Seattle.

The former spokesman for the Sheriff’s office said his campaign will focus on improving leadership and accountability. Urquhart retired from his role as spokesman with the office last year.

“Fighting crime and good police work go hand in hand with accountability. They are not mutually exclusive,” he said at a news conference.

He also alluded to recent conflicts between police and citizens in Seattle that have caused controversy.

“[Citizens of King County] want a police agency that is tough on crime, but understands you can’t arrest your way out of every problem in society,” Urquhart said. “They do not want a police agency that has the attitude that we’re the cops and you’re not.”

Urquart will be facing Steve Strachan, the former deputy sheriff for the County who became the new county sheriff earlier this month. Outgoing sheriff Sue Rahr, backed Strachan for the top job as she left to become the director of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.