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Four candidates vie for sheriff position
The following set of questions were sent to all four candidates for Miami County Sheriff, and their responses are printed as they were returned without editing for grammar or spelling. Some portions of the responses have been removed because they contained libelous statements.
Frank W. Kelly
Age: 45
Family: Four Sons — Matthew, Kyle, Jonathan and Ryan
Employment history: 20 years with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office. 14 years as Sheriff
Current Occupation: Sheriff of Miami County
Web site: www.ReelectFrankKellySheriff.org
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
My ongoing goals have always been and will continue to be to actively work with residents, elected and appointed officials and other government agencies to reduce crime and protect the lives and property of Miami County Citizens.
To accomplish this, we will continue to focus our efforts on crime prevention programs that allow us to work side by side with residents and businesses, and continue our efforts in visible and effective directed patrol efforts to deter crime and reduce traffic problems on our crowded county roadways.
The continued support of the local police chiefs and Miami County Attorney allows me to accomplish these tasks, and I understand the importance of continuing to work closely with each of them to ensure that our communities as well as our county remain a safe place to live and raise our families.
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
One of the biggest challenges that continue to daunt law enforcement is a community free from crime. While it may remain an unachieved ideal, we will always continue to strive to come as close as we can to realizing that goal.
One tool we can use to meet that challenge is through technology, which is continuously changing the way we work and live. Each year, I actively seek and obtain thousands of dollars in state and federal grant funding to meet the department’s training and equipment needs to not only provide superior service to our residents, but significantly improve our efforts in fighting and solving crimes. For example, this year, we are installing computers in all of the Sheriff’s Office patrol cars and those of city police agencies. The funding to provide this level of technology to our law enforcement officers is from a grant I received — with no county funds being used for this purpose. The computers not only allow deputies to remain active while on patrol, but also more visible in the communities they serve.
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
I am honored to say that the current structure of the Sheriff’s Office is a result of Progressive and Efficient changes over the years.
As Miami County continues to develop and change as its population increases, I feel it’s important to continue to meet with community groups and residents to listen to their concern and changing needs of their individual communities. Programs such as our in house “Citizen’s Academy”, neighborhood watch programs and by simply meeting one-on-one with residents are all ways we can work with residents. There is no way we can effectively develop ways to reduce crime and address our country’s needs unless we are connected to the communities we serve.
I have served the Sheriff’s Office for twenty years and feel we address the needs of the residents we serve to the very best of our abilities. The department has a well-trained staff. Myself and Undersheriff Mark Schmidt are both graduates of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. and the Law Enforcement Executive Development School. Our Jail Supervisors are trained by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Institute of Corrections, while patrol sergeants are all trained in advanced management techniques. The Communications Supervisor and staff are all trained by APCO, A national communications training institute. Since 1999 six dispatchers have been selected as Tele-Communicator of the year or runner up for the state of Kansas. Our staff is not only experienced, but knows Miami County well. Many of the employees at the Sheriff’s Office have served the county for more than a decade and several have more than 20 years of service. This is a significant amount of experience working for our communities.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
Miami County is a great place to live and to raise a family. Taking pride in the Community and being involved in local organizations has and continues to be a big part of my life. I have had the opportunity to be associated with Coaching Youth Sports for over 15 years, sitting on the United Way Board, Coalition Against Substance Abuse Board, and working with Cops for Tots, Kids and Cops Fishing, Neighborhood Watch and Crimestoppers programs... Our Community is what we make of it and the safety of the citizens of Miami County is my number one priority.
Jim Mitzner
Age: 37
Family: Wife Katie, son Joseph
Employment history and current occupation: Over 10 years with Miami County Sheriff’s Department. Currently self-employed with rental properties and a small lawn care business.
Web site: www.MitznerForSheriff.com
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
Be pro-active not re-active; Restore safety and trust within Miami County; Ethical law enforcement; Eliminate wasteful spending of your tax dollars; Implement a zero tolerance drug policy; Aggressive enforcement of DUI’s; Enforce traffic laws on 2 mile stretch of I-35 in Miami County which is currently untouched by Miami County Sheriff’s Office; Initiate traffic stops for drug interdiction; Increase rural traffic stops; Make Miami County Sheriff’s Office a destination for law enforcement officers, not just a stepping stone; Utilize inmates to be used with county crews for road improvement projects, lawn maintenance of county properties, pick-up trash along roads, etc…; Eliminate all animosities between departments in Miami County; Improve communication among departments within and outside Miami County.
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
1) Higher crime rates are a problem because it causes more work load for all law enforcement officers. This can be addressed by restructuring the policy so that sergeants also take calls and initiate activity, thus almost cutting the work load in half. 2) Lack of solid leadership. Being consistent on all decisions and not just saying we should implement ideas, but actually following through. 3) Not being appreciated for the work you do or what you experience. Support from administration after stressful situations or traumatic events shouldn’t only be addressed to cover county liabilities. 4) Lack of training is a big problem in law enforcement. In house training is a easy solution where the whole department can experience training at once instead of sending a couple officers to different locations throughout the year. 5) Sharing of information between agencies should not be an issue but there is bickering between departments that is dangerous to officers and the public and will not be tolerated if I’m elected Sheriff. 6) Another difficulty in law enforcement is getting citizens to believe that something will be accomplished by reporting crimes. This can be changed by ensuring that each crime will be investigated and followed up on.
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
1) Restructure policies to ensure all law enforcement officers (including sergeants and myself) take and initiate calls which will lighten the workload of deputies. I am a hands-on person and will not spend my time as Sheriff only attending functions and sitting in the office doing paperwork. Less workloads make more time for deputies and sergeants to investigate and solve burglaries and other crimes. Every report is important. In return this will allow detectives more time to focus on person crimes and felonies. 2) Each officer will receive training in a specific field and then be able to cross train co-workers and officers from other departments. 3) Modernize the computer system to make them more cost effective and keep up with increasing high-tech crimes. 4) Evaluate the possible need of a bigger jail to accommodate the rising crime rate within Miami County. If citizens decide a new jail is needed then it must be large enough to house inmates from other counties which will bring in more revenue and not be paid for by the citizens of Miami County. If the citizens do not believe a bigger jail is needed, then I intend to push for Miami County to implement a house-arrest/daily check-in sentence similar to Franklin County. Either way, those that violate their probation need to face stiffer consequences other than having their probation revoked and then reinstated time and time again.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
Home, family, and friends. I was born and raised in Miami County, graduated from Paola High School and intend to raise my family in the same community that I am proud to call home. A community that comes together in good times and bad. A place where everyone knows you or wants to get to know you. After I was shot in the line of duty, I came to a better understanding of the word community and will always be grateful to Miami County. All of these factors made it an easy decision for me to run for Sheriff. As your Sheriff, it gives me an opportunity to give back to a community that deserves to be ran with dedication, experience, and only your safety as my priority.
Joseph Nathan Rogers
Age: 35
Family: Wife, Debbie Rogers married 4 years Daughter Taylor 1 year old
Current occupation: Machine Operator/Part Time Hillsdale Lake law enforcement officer
Web site: www.JoeRogersForMicoSheriff.com
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
I want to reduce the drug activity in Miami County. I will utilize the Departments K-9 so that its main goal will be to locate the illegal drugs passing through Miami County. By seizing drug money better equipment can purchased without raising taxes.
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
As a patrolman I found that political pressure is one of biggest problems law enforcement officers come across. As sheriff, the law will come first. I will not sacrifice the law or my integrity for political gain.
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
With rapid growth comes the potential for more crime. I will combat this by placing more deputies on the road with updated equipment and training. Working with community leaders to fight crime in any neighborhood.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
The Miami County Community is a county full of hard working people who deserve a sheriff who works just as hard. I intend on working hand in hand patrolling Miami County if I am elected.
Herbert Lynn West 3rd
Age: 41
Family: 2 Brothers, 2 sisters, 4 step sisters, 2 nieces, 6 nephews, mom, around Franklin County and Wyandotte County.
Employment history and current occupation: Car Restorer, Welder, Dishwasher, Italian Chef, Wendy’s, Concierge, Mover/Deliverys, ICU/ER, Monitor Tech/Medical Assistant as a Certified Moniter Tech, EMT ACLS-I, Currently a Student, and Candidate for Sheriff.
Web site: www.HerbertWest3rd.com
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
a. Re-open the Kara Kopetsky case. … I also feel Kelly “NEVER” should have dropped the investigation here. Why? , it is not standard procedure! He is covering up the truth. b. I want to re-structure the Department in its budget and its number of personnel. I want to appoint the Shift Supervisors to Under-Sheriff Status. I want to re-appropriate the pay scale of the remaining Under-Sheriff pay and I want to reduce the Sheriff pay to relieve funds to hire more personnel. I want to strengthen the community base by having weekly structured meetings. I feel the Wednesday 11:30am to 12:30pm in the County Administration Building is a functionable time slot. I don’t feel equipment goals are the only items to look at. Community communication and interactions are far more important and within grasp/utilization, beyond fancy equipment.
c. I don’t feel we as a County should have to bow to the municipalities. They are allowed to Annex and steal farm, ranch and private lands. I dont feel the Extortion/Racketeering of our fellow citizens should continue. In this, we allow and assist the cities with funding a bussiness lisenced Police Department instead of a Government Office. They abuse their authority and refuse to follow the Law. They excuse this, because they are the Law. This has to stop.
d. I want to secure a fair Sheriffs’ sale process. The current one is abused. I want to restore the citizens academy and I want it to be more community orientated. The selection process is too influential and bias.
e. I want to be available and insert what my Bosses, the Citizens of Miami County, want of me. I want to help structure preventative measures to reduce the stresses that lead to the activation of Enforceing Laws. I want to be a “Public Servant” with my ears as well as my eyes. I want to give them a full return on their vote!
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
a. Recognition. They keep calling Deputies, Officers. They, keep exspressing to the public, we need municipalities to take over. They, credit Police Officers and refuse to acknowledge Deputies. They, abuse the communications and they go on the defnsive and state, “lets build communications with the departments”. The whole time they are just on the defensive because they are city bullies and get told so and want to secure their falsified justifications in stepping on Deputies toes. We are exspected to sit back and deminish the scope of the Sheriffs’ Office and its personel. The other candidates are exspressing, as city cops, lets restructure. The Deputies dont want to become city cops. Kelly has had all these years with all his credentials and has been found to accomplish nothing. He is known for taking $66,300.oo a year in pay and stealing any and all credit the Deputies deserve. He sits back and allows the cities to steal and extort citizens and he profits along with them. Leadership, teamwork, respect, commuinication, recognition, resources, etc:.. Missing from the Law Enforcement world today. I propose to stabalize the Office as a teamplayer listener. I have the advantage of not having a pre-dispostion of extortive training and a closed mind with “I was Eleceted Attitude”. I promised a peer review and I promised that I will listen to and work within the requests and recomendations with the Department Personel. I will adhere to this! Communication, goal, implementaion, teamwork, community, involvement etc:..
Vote for me and help teach me!
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
a. Clarify growth areas and secure Jurisdictions. Demand the stoppage of extortive behavior. Demand that the Law is not abused for personal gain. Respect the families who have been here in this county for 3 and 4 generations. Stop stealing their land and “fencing” it thru the City Judges. Look at the Motives and Intentions on the growth influx and make sure it is not based on personal agenda.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
a. Tradition, value, integrity, family, dedication, survival, history, handshakes, respect, brother/sisterhood, eclectic, etc:.. All the positive things of humanity. A few problems that can be assisted and fixed. I dont like the changes I see because of the thoughts behind them. If 3 people get in trouble per 100. We see an increase in the population to 200, then we will see 6 people who get in trouble. In ethe eyes of the cities, yea. Except they are wrong. Why?, the new 100 people dont follow the “Tradition, value, integrity, family, dedication,survival, history, handshakes, respect brother/sisterhood, eclectic etc:..” the current citizens posses. We hear, “crimes are increasing, we didnt have this crap a couple of years back. Times are a changing and I dont like it”. The excuse being given to the current citizens, “The crimes are everywhere. It is a problem facing us all in every county”. These same Government Officials profit form this and are only protedting their investments. They will continue to move in people and tell the current citizens to except it because the problem is everywhere. They will exspect us to except all these problems as long as they get paid. Remove the judgement of personal agenda over the stated values above. Vote for Herbert West 3rd. A chance at a change back to the values as listed and a change back to possesing a Government instead of tyrants!!!
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Frank W. Kelly
Age: 45
Family: Four Sons — Matthew, Kyle, Jonathan and Ryan
Employment history: 20 years with the Miami County Sheriff’s Office. 14 years as Sheriff
Current Occupation: Sheriff of Miami County
Web site: www.ReelectFrankKellySheriff.org
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
My ongoing goals have always been and will continue to be to actively work with residents, elected and appointed officials and other government agencies to reduce crime and protect the lives and property of Miami County Citizens.
To accomplish this, we will continue to focus our efforts on crime prevention programs that allow us to work side by side with residents and businesses, and continue our efforts in visible and effective directed patrol efforts to deter crime and reduce traffic problems on our crowded county roadways.
The continued support of the local police chiefs and Miami County Attorney allows me to accomplish these tasks, and I understand the importance of continuing to work closely with each of them to ensure that our communities as well as our county remain a safe place to live and raise our families.
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
One of the biggest challenges that continue to daunt law enforcement is a community free from crime. While it may remain an unachieved ideal, we will always continue to strive to come as close as we can to realizing that goal.
One tool we can use to meet that challenge is through technology, which is continuously changing the way we work and live. Each year, I actively seek and obtain thousands of dollars in state and federal grant funding to meet the department’s training and equipment needs to not only provide superior service to our residents, but significantly improve our efforts in fighting and solving crimes. For example, this year, we are installing computers in all of the Sheriff’s Office patrol cars and those of city police agencies. The funding to provide this level of technology to our law enforcement officers is from a grant I received — with no county funds being used for this purpose. The computers not only allow deputies to remain active while on patrol, but also more visible in the communities they serve.
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
I am honored to say that the current structure of the Sheriff’s Office is a result of Progressive and Efficient changes over the years.
As Miami County continues to develop and change as its population increases, I feel it’s important to continue to meet with community groups and residents to listen to their concern and changing needs of their individual communities. Programs such as our in house “Citizen’s Academy”, neighborhood watch programs and by simply meeting one-on-one with residents are all ways we can work with residents. There is no way we can effectively develop ways to reduce crime and address our country’s needs unless we are connected to the communities we serve.
I have served the Sheriff’s Office for twenty years and feel we address the needs of the residents we serve to the very best of our abilities. The department has a well-trained staff. Myself and Undersheriff Mark Schmidt are both graduates of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va. and the Law Enforcement Executive Development School. Our Jail Supervisors are trained by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Institute of Corrections, while patrol sergeants are all trained in advanced management techniques. The Communications Supervisor and staff are all trained by APCO, A national communications training institute. Since 1999 six dispatchers have been selected as Tele-Communicator of the year or runner up for the state of Kansas. Our staff is not only experienced, but knows Miami County well. Many of the employees at the Sheriff’s Office have served the county for more than a decade and several have more than 20 years of service. This is a significant amount of experience working for our communities.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
Miami County is a great place to live and to raise a family. Taking pride in the Community and being involved in local organizations has and continues to be a big part of my life. I have had the opportunity to be associated with Coaching Youth Sports for over 15 years, sitting on the United Way Board, Coalition Against Substance Abuse Board, and working with Cops for Tots, Kids and Cops Fishing, Neighborhood Watch and Crimestoppers programs... Our Community is what we make of it and the safety of the citizens of Miami County is my number one priority.
Jim Mitzner
Age: 37
Family: Wife Katie, son Joseph
Employment history and current occupation: Over 10 years with Miami County Sheriff’s Department. Currently self-employed with rental properties and a small lawn care business.
Web site: www.MitznerForSheriff.com
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
Be pro-active not re-active; Restore safety and trust within Miami County; Ethical law enforcement; Eliminate wasteful spending of your tax dollars; Implement a zero tolerance drug policy; Aggressive enforcement of DUI’s; Enforce traffic laws on 2 mile stretch of I-35 in Miami County which is currently untouched by Miami County Sheriff’s Office; Initiate traffic stops for drug interdiction; Increase rural traffic stops; Make Miami County Sheriff’s Office a destination for law enforcement officers, not just a stepping stone; Utilize inmates to be used with county crews for road improvement projects, lawn maintenance of county properties, pick-up trash along roads, etc…; Eliminate all animosities between departments in Miami County; Improve communication among departments within and outside Miami County.
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
1) Higher crime rates are a problem because it causes more work load for all law enforcement officers. This can be addressed by restructuring the policy so that sergeants also take calls and initiate activity, thus almost cutting the work load in half. 2) Lack of solid leadership. Being consistent on all decisions and not just saying we should implement ideas, but actually following through. 3) Not being appreciated for the work you do or what you experience. Support from administration after stressful situations or traumatic events shouldn’t only be addressed to cover county liabilities. 4) Lack of training is a big problem in law enforcement. In house training is a easy solution where the whole department can experience training at once instead of sending a couple officers to different locations throughout the year. 5) Sharing of information between agencies should not be an issue but there is bickering between departments that is dangerous to officers and the public and will not be tolerated if I’m elected Sheriff. 6) Another difficulty in law enforcement is getting citizens to believe that something will be accomplished by reporting crimes. This can be changed by ensuring that each crime will be investigated and followed up on.
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
1) Restructure policies to ensure all law enforcement officers (including sergeants and myself) take and initiate calls which will lighten the workload of deputies. I am a hands-on person and will not spend my time as Sheriff only attending functions and sitting in the office doing paperwork. Less workloads make more time for deputies and sergeants to investigate and solve burglaries and other crimes. Every report is important. In return this will allow detectives more time to focus on person crimes and felonies. 2) Each officer will receive training in a specific field and then be able to cross train co-workers and officers from other departments. 3) Modernize the computer system to make them more cost effective and keep up with increasing high-tech crimes. 4) Evaluate the possible need of a bigger jail to accommodate the rising crime rate within Miami County. If citizens decide a new jail is needed then it must be large enough to house inmates from other counties which will bring in more revenue and not be paid for by the citizens of Miami County. If the citizens do not believe a bigger jail is needed, then I intend to push for Miami County to implement a house-arrest/daily check-in sentence similar to Franklin County. Either way, those that violate their probation need to face stiffer consequences other than having their probation revoked and then reinstated time and time again.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
Home, family, and friends. I was born and raised in Miami County, graduated from Paola High School and intend to raise my family in the same community that I am proud to call home. A community that comes together in good times and bad. A place where everyone knows you or wants to get to know you. After I was shot in the line of duty, I came to a better understanding of the word community and will always be grateful to Miami County. All of these factors made it an easy decision for me to run for Sheriff. As your Sheriff, it gives me an opportunity to give back to a community that deserves to be ran with dedication, experience, and only your safety as my priority.
Joseph Nathan Rogers
Age: 35
Family: Wife, Debbie Rogers married 4 years Daughter Taylor 1 year old
Current occupation: Machine Operator/Part Time Hillsdale Lake law enforcement officer
Web site: www.JoeRogersForMicoSheriff.com
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
I want to reduce the drug activity in Miami County. I will utilize the Departments K-9 so that its main goal will be to locate the illegal drugs passing through Miami County. By seizing drug money better equipment can purchased without raising taxes.
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
As a patrolman I found that political pressure is one of biggest problems law enforcement officers come across. As sheriff, the law will come first. I will not sacrifice the law or my integrity for political gain.
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
With rapid growth comes the potential for more crime. I will combat this by placing more deputies on the road with updated equipment and training. Working with community leaders to fight crime in any neighborhood.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
The Miami County Community is a county full of hard working people who deserve a sheriff who works just as hard. I intend on working hand in hand patrolling Miami County if I am elected.
Herbert Lynn West 3rd
Age: 41
Family: 2 Brothers, 2 sisters, 4 step sisters, 2 nieces, 6 nephews, mom, around Franklin County and Wyandotte County.
Employment history and current occupation: Car Restorer, Welder, Dishwasher, Italian Chef, Wendy’s, Concierge, Mover/Deliverys, ICU/ER, Monitor Tech/Medical Assistant as a Certified Moniter Tech, EMT ACLS-I, Currently a Student, and Candidate for Sheriff.
Web site: www.HerbertWest3rd.com
If elected, what will be your primary goals to accomplish in 2009 and beyond?
a. Re-open the Kara Kopetsky case. … I also feel Kelly “NEVER” should have dropped the investigation here. Why? , it is not standard procedure! He is covering up the truth. b. I want to re-structure the Department in its budget and its number of personnel. I want to appoint the Shift Supervisors to Under-Sheriff Status. I want to re-appropriate the pay scale of the remaining Under-Sheriff pay and I want to reduce the Sheriff pay to relieve funds to hire more personnel. I want to strengthen the community base by having weekly structured meetings. I feel the Wednesday 11:30am to 12:30pm in the County Administration Building is a functionable time slot. I don’t feel equipment goals are the only items to look at. Community communication and interactions are far more important and within grasp/utilization, beyond fancy equipment.
c. I don’t feel we as a County should have to bow to the municipalities. They are allowed to Annex and steal farm, ranch and private lands. I dont feel the Extortion/Racketeering of our fellow citizens should continue. In this, we allow and assist the cities with funding a bussiness lisenced Police Department instead of a Government Office. They abuse their authority and refuse to follow the Law. They excuse this, because they are the Law. This has to stop.
d. I want to secure a fair Sheriffs’ sale process. The current one is abused. I want to restore the citizens academy and I want it to be more community orientated. The selection process is too influential and bias.
e. I want to be available and insert what my Bosses, the Citizens of Miami County, want of me. I want to help structure preventative measures to reduce the stresses that lead to the activation of Enforceing Laws. I want to be a “Public Servant” with my ears as well as my eyes. I want to give them a full return on their vote!
What are some of the biggest problems or difficulties facing law enforcement officers today, and how do you propose to address those challenges as sheriff?
a. Recognition. They keep calling Deputies, Officers. They, keep exspressing to the public, we need municipalities to take over. They, credit Police Officers and refuse to acknowledge Deputies. They, abuse the communications and they go on the defnsive and state, “lets build communications with the departments”. The whole time they are just on the defensive because they are city bullies and get told so and want to secure their falsified justifications in stepping on Deputies toes. We are exspected to sit back and deminish the scope of the Sheriffs’ Office and its personel. The other candidates are exspressing, as city cops, lets restructure. The Deputies dont want to become city cops. Kelly has had all these years with all his credentials and has been found to accomplish nothing. He is known for taking $66,300.oo a year in pay and stealing any and all credit the Deputies deserve. He sits back and allows the cities to steal and extort citizens and he profits along with them. Leadership, teamwork, respect, commuinication, recognition, resources, etc:.. Missing from the Law Enforcement world today. I propose to stabalize the Office as a teamplayer listener. I have the advantage of not having a pre-dispostion of extortive training and a closed mind with “I was Eleceted Attitude”. I promised a peer review and I promised that I will listen to and work within the requests and recomendations with the Department Personel. I will adhere to this! Communication, goal, implementaion, teamwork, community, involvement etc:..
Vote for me and help teach me!
Miami County is experiencing rapid growth. What changes, if any, do you feel are necessary to make to the current structure of the sheriff’s office?
a. Clarify growth areas and secure Jurisdictions. Demand the stoppage of extortive behavior. Demand that the Law is not abused for personal gain. Respect the families who have been here in this county for 3 and 4 generations. Stop stealing their land and “fencing” it thru the City Judges. Look at the Motives and Intentions on the growth influx and make sure it is not based on personal agenda.
What does the Miami County community mean to you?
a. Tradition, value, integrity, family, dedication, survival, history, handshakes, respect, brother/sisterhood, eclectic, etc:.. All the positive things of humanity. A few problems that can be assisted and fixed. I dont like the changes I see because of the thoughts behind them. If 3 people get in trouble per 100. We see an increase in the population to 200, then we will see 6 people who get in trouble. In ethe eyes of the cities, yea. Except they are wrong. Why?, the new 100 people dont follow the “Tradition, value, integrity, family, dedication,survival, history, handshakes, respect brother/sisterhood, eclectic etc:..” the current citizens posses. We hear, “crimes are increasing, we didnt have this crap a couple of years back. Times are a changing and I dont like it”. The excuse being given to the current citizens, “The crimes are everywhere. It is a problem facing us all in every county”. These same Government Officials profit form this and are only protedting their investments. They will continue to move in people and tell the current citizens to except it because the problem is everywhere. They will exspect us to except all these problems as long as they get paid. Remove the judgement of personal agenda over the stated values above. Vote for Herbert West 3rd. A chance at a change back to the values as listed and a change back to possesing a Government instead of tyrants!!!
Comments on "Four candidates vie for sheriff position"
Comments are limited to 200 words or less.Osawatomie wrote on Jul 18, 2008 2:04 PM:
" I appreciate the newspaper giving us a chance to read the views of the sheriffs candidates. Competition is always a good thing and the fact that there is more than just one choice is great. From this story, its obvious that there are three good candidates for sheriff and one good candidate for a stay at Osawatomie State Hospital. "