Values
Provide safety through community policing
Providing safety through community policing can only be successful when there is a bond of trust between the community and the officers who serve in it. My philosophy of community policing is one that promotes and supports organizational strategies, addresses the root causes of crime, increases a sense of safety, and improves quality of life through problem-solving and partnerships between law enforcement and the community. Law enforcement should never be viewed by a community as group of uniformed strangers. If elected Sheriff of Ramsey County, I will remain committed to community policing, both on and off duty.
Read full text (PDF)
Restore trust through fiscal responsibility
Fiscally responsible leaders recognize that leadership is not rank, privileges, titles, or money; it requires a deep sense of responsibility. Fiscally responsible leaders also have a vision for cooperation versus competition with other public safety agencies. Cooperation leads to efficiencies of scale, streamlining of operations, and budget savings through innovation. I have successfully managed multi-million dollar budgets and I consistently achieved the mission and goals under budget. I understand our current economic difficulties, so if elected Sheriff of Ramsey County, I will commit to freezing the budget at the 2010 level for at least two fiscal years.
Read full text (PDF)
Collaborate with local law enforcement
Collaboration in law enforcement requires an understanding that no public safety agency is capable of meeting all of its community needs without assistance from other law enforcement partners. A spirit of cooperation, trust, and mutual respect is vital to effective public safety initiatives. I have worked closely with public safety leaders in Ramsey County; their professionalism and commitment to service and community safety have impressed me tremendously. Collaboration does not cost more in tax dollars, yet it provides vastly improved services and increased community safety. If elected Sheriff of Ramsey County, I will continue to collaborate with my public safety partners to improve our services.
Read full text (PDF)
Encourage diversity to reflect the community
Diversity within an organization is fundamental to its success, and once law enforcement is disconnected from the community, there is a ripple effect of distrust that can extend to every level of government. Diversity requires actions, not only words. I believe that I can be effective because of my determination, collaborative leadership style, progressive approach to law enforcement training, ability to build partnerships, and dedication to diversity allows me to be a highly effective. If elected Sheriff of Ramsey County, I will remain committed to innovative recruitment and to the encouragement of diversity within all its ranks.
Read full text (PDF)
Improve service through technology
Technology is a tremendous tool which can be used to increase community safety. The more reliable the information, and the more access to this information, the better the service that can be provided by law enforcement. Accurate and timely data not only provides helpful information to the community, it facilitates information sharing between law enforcement agencies as well. If elected Sheriff of Ramsey County, I will be eager to continue working with the community and our law enforcement partners to meet challenges, solve problems, and become more effective and efficient through innovative technology.
Read full text (PDF)
Connect with youth to build for the future
Connecting with youth is an essential part of building relationships between law enforcement and the community. I am dedicated to the fundamental principles that a great education and positive relationships last a life time. Spending a significant amount of time with our youth and educators has given me a renewed hope for our future. However, I realize that true community relationships also need to be developed after normal work hours. If elected Sheriff of Ramsey County, I will continue to find ways to connect with youth. Each opportunity, whether it is in my neighborhood or abroad, helps me to become a better husband, father, teacher, coach, and law enforcement officer.
Read full text (PDF)