For those who expect partisan fixes whenever political appointments are handed out, the Spokane County commissioners’ choice for a new sheriff could be judged a satisfying surprise.

The three commissioners, all Republicans, bypassed the applicant anointed by outgoing Republican Sheriff Mark Sterk and endorsed by the Spokane County Republican Central Committee that Sterk heads. Instead, they unanimously named Ozzie Knezovich to finish Sterk’s unexpired term. What’s more, Knezovich is a union guy, a role not commonly associated with Republican preferences.

Sterk had recommended Spokane Valley Police Chief Cal Walker, and a majority of the GOP’s precinct committee members shared that position.

Walker is far better known to Spokane County residents, not only because of his present job but also because of the prominent role he played as a sheriff’s deputy in the investigation of serial killer Robert Yates.

County Commission Chairman Todd Mielke said he and his colleagues had received information the party officials didn’t have when they lined up behind Walker. Mielke didn’t elaborate, but he should. The public deserves to know more about the reasoning that led to the decision.

Clearly, the new sheriff has some desirable qualities. He has a college degree, something that’s been less common among this community’s top law-enforcement officers than among their subordinates. He’s been in the department long enough – 10 years – to recognize a need for more openness. If he follows through, that would be another refreshing departure from the norm in the Spokane police culture.

Furthermore, as the outgoing head of the deputies union, Knezovich can expect the support of the rank and file. And while that’s a good thing for morale’s sake, it’s also a potential cause for concern.

As he puts his professional, administrative and leadership skills to work, the new sheriff needs to remember he is the boss, not a buddy.

When Sterk disciplined the deputies who went on a “Dukes of Hazzard” escapade through downtown Spokane last year, union President Knezovich argued they shouldn’t have to pay for damage that occurred to a city police car as a result of their recklessness. If he’s unfortunate enough to be faced with similar incidents in the future, he’ll have to show he can be a disciplinarian instead of a sympathizer.

Knezovich will have only a few months to demonstrate his abilities before the election in which he and other candidates, probably including Walker, will vie for a full four-year term in the job.

He owes it to voters to use that time to demonstrate clearly the kind of leadership and accountability he wants to install in the Sheriff’s Department.