My Priorities

 

As voters, we have the right to choose who will serve as our Sheriff … and the Sheriff’s Department will reflect whom you choose to “hire” as Sheriff with your vote. So it’s important to go beyond general words and promises to consider the leadership priorities and actions that will shape the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department.

 

If I am chosen as Caledonia County Sheriff, you can expect me to focus department energies and resources on:

 

•    Protection & Partnerships

 

The public safety responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Department are extensive. With the current limited capabilities of the department, we need experienced leadership to improve upon and expand services to make our county safer.

 

Effective and responsive law enforcement means moving beyond mere enforcement to partnership … establishing and maintaining communications within the county, meeting with and listening to community leaders, providing information and programs that will assist the public in protecting themselves.

 

Improving public safety requires proactive work and building community trust within our county, and with neighboring counties too.

 

During the months of this campaign I will have attended Select Board Meetings in each of Caledonia's 17 townships. If elected as your sheriff, you can expect me to foster and manitain ongoing communication, provide frequent and meaningful reporting of department activities, and work collaboratively with community leaders to craft and execute effective public safety plans and programs across the county.

 

•    Professionalism and Staff Support

 

A Sheriff’s Department MUST stay up to date on laws, regulations and policies impacting law enforcement, court security and civil matters. Recruiting talented personnel who reflect our community is only the start of building and maintaining a professional department.

 

Attention must and will be paid to the development of a professional environment that encourages continuous learning, expects up-to-date certifications, provides mentorship and career development opportunities. I firmly believe that a good leader leads from the front! 

 

I never stop learning. If elected as your sheriff, I will build and maintain a learning and career development environment that encourages staff to do their best. As evidence of my ongoing commitment to professionalism and transparency, I have released a copy of my police academy transcript. You can find a copy here. Yes, it is extensive. Our county deserves quality.

 

•    Accountability and Transparency

 

As an elected leader, the Sheriff is directly responsible to citizens. One of the ways a sheriff is responsible is by compliance with numerous laws, statutes and policy. Not only is transparency and compliance with the law paramount, it is important to people and critical to a strong and successful sheriff's department. I pledge to be accountable and transparent to the county residents. 

 

I know what good law enforcement is and I know the residents of this county do as well. A transparent department is one where the people can see the work that is being done in their names and comment with any feedback and ideas.

 

Vermont Law allows sheriffs personally to be paid, in addition to their salary, up to 5% of the value of contracts, including those for town patrols. If elected as your Sheriff, I will NEVER accept commissions for any contract. I am motivated by the opportunity for public service, not personal bonus checks. You can read my full statement here.

 

There is so much that I see possible for the Caledonia County Sheriff’s Department through the leadership of a Sheriff who is an effective law enforcement professional. I routinely share ideas and news on my Facebook page. Follow me there for the latest conversation.

 

And I am available for any questions or comments – just email me to get in touch.