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Lewis County voting informationIt’s not too late to register to vote. Although the deadline has passed for registering prior to the May 27 Primary Election, prospective voters can still register at the polls. For more information on same day registration please call the Lewis County Auditor’s Office at 937-2661.
Absentee Voting Absentee Ballots are available at the Lewis County Auditor’s Office. A ballot may be mailed upon request or voters may come into the office and vote there. Absentee requests are available on the county website at www.lewiscounty.us. Then click on the Auditor/Recorder link and then the election link. If you are not registered and want to vote absentee, you can visit the courthouse and register and vote at the same time.
Read the rest of this story in the May 8, 2008 issue of The Clearwater Progress.
Lewis County Courthouse closureThe Lewis County Courthouse will be closed from 12-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14 for the Employee Appreciation luncheon. Normal business hours will resume at 1:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
by Baxter Black, DVM Grass vs. grain fed beef
I was at the Governor’s Ag Conference in Dover, Delaware recently. My column runs in the Delmarva Farmer. Bruce, the senior editor asked me…well, here’s how he put it: “A debate is raging here about which tastes better, grass or grain fed beef. What do you think?”
Read the rest of this story in the May 8, 2008 issue of The Clearwater Progress.
Lewis County Commissioner District 2
Name: Carroll Keith Age: 57 City of residence: Nezperce Education: Nezperce High School 1969, Lewis-Clark State College – BS in Secondary Education 1973 Family: Wife Charlene, two children, four grandchildren Length of residence in Lewis County: Lifelong Employment history: Jacklin Seed until 1986, then became co-owner of Hillco Technologies Current occupation: Co-owner/CFO Hillco Technologies, Nezperce Political party: Republican
Why do you want to be a Lewis County Commissioner? I believe that the office of County Commissioner is a grass roots level position where an individual can have a direct impact to better conditions for the people who live in our county. I enjoy working with people to solve problems and believe I can have a positive impact to help better conditions in Lewis County.
What qualifications do you have to be a commissioner? I have spent the previous 3½ years as the Lewis County Commissioner from district 2. Before that I served on the Nezperce School Board for nine years, the last seven as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. In both those positions I worked closely with budgets, and have developed skills and knowledge that are important in financial management decisions of public entities. As co-owner and Chief Financial Officer of Hillco Technologies, in Nezperce, I work closely with budget and finance issues as they pertain to private enterprise. I have also served in leadership positions in St. John’s Lutheran Church, Nezperce Credit Union, and Clearwater Lutheran Parish. I currently sit on the Board of Directors of Nezperce Ambulance Association and St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. Each of these positions, whether elective or volunteer, has given me experience and allowed me to gain organizational insight and strengthened my leadership skills. I also work and play well with others.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? I hope to continue to keep the County on firm financial footing. This can only be accomplished by closely working with the other elected officials in the County to maintain a lean budget and look for avenues to trim expenses without adversely impacting services to the people of the county. Lewis County has benefited from receiving several grants over the past few years. This has allowed the county to upgrade vehicles and emergency equipment at virtually no cost to the taxpayers of the county. However, we are currently in a cycle of reduced availability of Federal and State funds for grant purposes. If this trend continues, the county must implement long range plans for equipment and facility maintenance and replacement. We also need to explore options to capture the grant funding that is still available. Lewis County also needs to team with other political subdivisions where regional grants may have a better chance of success to provide funding for projects important to our county and surrounding counties.
What are the three most important qualities of being a commissioner? Why are these important? 1. The ability to work with people on projects and issues where there are divergent points of view. This is important because a commissioner often is engaged in meetings and situations where the interests of his county may not be the prevailing thrust of the meeting. It is essential that a commissioner can disagree without being disagreeable. 2. Having a good understanding of and background in budgets and the budgeting process. This is important because the State of Idaho has mandated that all counties work on a balanced budget, and restricts budget growth to 3% per year. As inflation increases, and funding from grants become less accessible, it is critical that those in charge of the county finances have a clear understanding of the budget process and can identify possible areas of concern and facilitate plans to minimize potential threats to the county. 3. Making sound decisions in stressful situations. Commissioners sit as the chief financial and operational officers of the county. It is often difficult to not be able to promote a project that may be beneficial to the some group in the county, but to do so would take funds away from elsewhere. Such decisions should never be made lightly or without giving consideration to all points of view.
What challenges face Lewis County? How do you plan to address them? Let me see, where do I start? Lewis County, like all other counties in the state, is facing rapidly growing costs of dealing with solid waste. Our problem is compounded by the fact that we transport our solid waste by semi-truck to either Missoula or Payette. Both routes travel along scenic rivers. The county, as well as the solid waste contractors who provide service to the county, are required to carry insurance policies in the event that a truckload of solid waste wrecked and went into one of the rivers. We currently carry an insurance policy that we believe is adequate to cover our portion of the liabilities in such an event. Because of these and other reasons, the five Central Idaho Counties are currently exploring locating a solid waste facility in our region. With the rising cost of transportation and the looming possibility of a major spill into a scenic river, it would appear to make good economic sense to have a facility in closer proximity to our county. This is only in the study phase, and public input is required before any action would be undertaken. I will be pursuing information from the private enterprises who have successfully established such facilities in other parts of the state and country, to see if such facilities could be beneficial to the people of Lewis County. We could also be faced with the same situation that Idaho County recently experienced with the retrial of a convicted murderer. Several counties are working to establish a fund that would help pay the costs of expensive retrials in the event that a capital case was returned to a small county. A county as small as Lewis County cannot afford the expenses such trial would require. It could cost as much as ½ of our yearly budget to fund this type of trial. We, however, are not alone in this circumstance. Almost every county in the state has someone on death row with an appeal pending before a court. It is of mutual interest to all the counties of the state that a fund is established to help with the crippling costs of such a retrial. A fund based on the model of the Capital Crimes Defense Fund or the Catastrophic Health Care Program would be a benefit to all counties in the state. I will be working closely with our area legislators to move this fund forward and hopefully mitigate the threat that this event would pose. The county is also experiencing substantial growth in its budget for indigent care. The state requires the counties be responsible for medical costs if a person is deemed to be unable to pay their medical bills. The state has stepped in to assume some of the responsibility for payment of amounts over $10,000 for those cases categorized as catastrophic. However, the counties are still left to shoulder most of the expenses in the majority of cases. I would like all costs for the program to be paid by the state, and relieve small and large counties alike of the state imposed financial burden. I plan to work with state legislators to see if such a program can be implemented. I believe I have served the people of Lewis County very well during my first term as County Commissioner. I have established good working relationships with the other Commissioners from Lewis County, the other elected officials in the courthouse, as well as the Commissioners and Legislators from the area. I have fulfilled my promise to be frugal with the tax dollars entrusted to the county, and act in a responsible manner. I have the experience, desire and dedication to continue doing a good job as Lewis County Commissioner from District 2 and would ask for your vote in the general election of Nov. 4.
Name: Roy Hill Age: 47 City of residence: Nezperce Education: Nezperce High School 1978, Bachelor of Science Business Administration LCSC 1982 Family: Married to Shannon, one son (1987-2003) Length of residence in Lewis County: Born and raised in Lewis County, returned in 1988 Employment history: Business owner since 1998 Current occupation: President Nezperce Construction LLC Political party: Independent
Why do you want to be a Lewis County Commissioner? Lewis County is my home and I wish to keep it a viable part of Idaho so future generations can have the same excellent community which I have enjoyed.
What qualifications do you have to be a commissioner? A county needs to be managed as a business, it is financed with the hard earned money of its taxpayers. I believe I have the business background to accomplish this.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? In today’s economy, extreme care must be used in the use of Lewis County’s hard earned tax dollars. I pledge to make every dollar count and every office head accountable for each and every dollar spent.
What are the three most important qualities of being a commissioner? Why are these important? Integrity, honesty and accountability, because we are dealing with taxpayer’s money.
What challenges face Lewis County? How do you plan to address them? Rising property and personal property taxes, they must be addressed by strict spending control at the county level. I pledge to hold everyone spending taxpayer’s money to an accountability they have not yet felt. Also to be open 24-7 to any concerns of the residents of Lewis County.
Lewis County Sheriff Vincent Frazier did not respond to a Progress questionnaire.
Name: Joe Albright Age: 54 City of residence: Kamiah Education: 1972 high school graduate, some college, ISU, 1998 Family: Married to Rose for 25 years, three children, eight grandchildren Length of residence in Lewis County: 11 years in Lewis County, four years in Idaho County (Kamiah) Employment history: Self employed last four-and-a-half years, Kamiah Marshal’s Office, Idaho County Sheriff’s Department Current occupation: Custom bullet maker Political party: Republican
Why do you want to be sheriff of Lewis County? I want to be part of bringing back trust and faith in the Sheriff’s Office. As Sheriff elect, I am looking forward to bringing back and strengthening our search and rescue volunteer program. I will reestablish communication between the people, business owners, surrounding agencies and staff of Lewis County Sheriff’s Office. My wife and I have a daughter, son-in-law, and 5 grandchildren living in Kamiah. I want Lewis County to remain a safe place for all of us to raise our children and grandchildren.
What qualifications do you have to be sheriff? I have seven years experience in law enforcement in the Kamiah area: three years as deputy at Kamiah Marshal’s Office, two years as an Idaho County Sheriff’s deputy and two years as Chief Marshal at the Kamiah Marshal’s Office. As Chief Marshal, I attended the FBI Executive Command College held in Washington State, as well as other management and leadership classes. My working for these agencies has given me experience in City as well as County Law Enforcement. Having lived in several parts of the country I understand cultural differences. Other trades I have worked in have given me life’s experiences from a perspective other than Law Enforcement. Being a small business owner I have had to budget and look for creative ways for my business to grow.
If elected sheriff, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? 1. Restoration and strengthen of our search and rescue by contacting of previous members and others interested in joining, utilizing available equipment and emphasizing, enhancing volunteer skills and knowledge to benefit Lewis County. 2. Rebuild communication, citizen’s confidence, and the reputation of Lewis County Sheriff’s Office by making myself available and being in the community, by mentoring officers and leading by example, seeking feedback from citizens. 3. I want to encourage officers and families to be part of the community, by participating in community events.
What challenges face the sheriff’s office? How do you plan to address them? With the possibility of fewer grants suited for our area and tighter budgets. If available, continued use of suitable grants. Looking for available online training, contacting larger metropolitan agencies for equipment they are replacing as well as networking with other agencies.
What are the three most important qualities of being a sheriff? Why are these important? Honesty and integrity: Having people know that what, and when I tell them something, it will be accomplished. Leadership: Need to guide and direct the department, staff, and setting policies. Need the ability to motivate and mentor, using common sense, and foresees consequences. Communication. It is important for the exchange of information between the staff, citizens, and other agencies.
How do you plan to attract and retain quality officers and staff? Seek applicants that would like to live in, and appreciate what this area has to offer. If possible, applicants that are diverse in age and experience. Treating employees in a manner that encourages growth personally and professionally. Encouraging employees and their family to be part of the community, giving them a sense of belonging.
What, in your opinion, should be the greatest areas of emphasis for fighting crime in Lewis County? Drugs have always been a problem that continues to face our communities. This type of activity is often connected or leads to other crimes. Communication and contact with juveniles. Work to build a relationship that they feel comfortable around the officers.
In regard to policing in Kamiah, what role should the sheriff’s office take? The sheriff’s office has a responsibility to patrol all parts of Lewis County. County and city need to work together to maximize manpower and service in this area.
How do you plan to address the rift created in the county by the recall efforts of Sheriff Phil Steen? I will rebuild the search and rescue teams. With time and proper treatment of people, rebuilding trust and faith in the sheriff’s office and staff.
What is your plan for keeping an open line of communication with the local communities? I will be more visible by making myself personally available, by being out in the communities, at activities, as well as periodical press releases. I will have the officers more approachable. Officers and I will be stopping in to visit people, business owners, and at City Halls periodically.
How do you plan to inform communities of accidents, hazards, arrests, the implementation of new programs with the sheriff’s office, and successful projects or awards received by the department and/or staff? Radio, press releases and community meetings.
Experience: It is important to have experience in Law Enforcement. It is also important what one does with that experience. I have learned to take that experience, and apply it with common sense to have a positive outcome in situations and solutions that benefit the citizens and or county. I believe that my appointment by the City of Kamiah as Chief Marshal, having 5 years experience, demonstrates my ability to be Sheriff. Considering, traditionally, half the calls for the county are from the Kamiah area, I already have had experience serving half the citizens in our county. The people and business owners of Kamiah know the quality of work done, and how they were treated while I was with the Marshal’s Office. We had a good rapport with the people and businesses and will continue to provide quality service to Lewis County residents. Based on my lifelong experiences, I look forward to serving the people of Lewis County as your Sheriff. I would appreciate your vote May 27 as your Republican candidate for Lewis County Sheriff.
Name: Brian Brokop Age: 42 City of residence: Kamiah Education: 12 years private Catholic school (grade school and high school), three years of community college, study general education, 5½ years San Diego State University; Majors in English and Business. Family: Married to Julie for 14 years Length of residence in Lewis County: 9 years Employment history: 1984-1993 worked for three construction companies in San Diego and Los Angeles, Calif. as bookkeeper, accounting, laborer, carpenter, concrete finisher, Lead Carpenter, Production Supervisor and Job Manager; 1993-2000, ran my own construction company in Los Angeles and Kamiah; 2000-2003, Deputy Kamiah Marshal’s Office; 2003-present, running my own construction company, Kamiah Current occupation: General building contractor with over 25 years of experience, I have operated my own construction company for over 15 years. Political party: Democrat
Why do you want to be sheriff of Lewis County? I can make a positive difference. I care about people, I care about the community, about honesty, integrity, justice, and doing what is right. I can maintain all of the gains that Steen has made, and continue with future improvements. I will bring a different philosophy to the sheriff’s office, a different personality. I believe in being a Peace Officer first and a Police Officer only when necessary. “To Protect and Serve” is the motto I live by. Being sheriff is a serious job and I do not take it lightly. I have said that I want to bring a little of Mayberry back to Lewis County, that is a metaphor for community policing. In today’s world we deal with serious crimes, and serious situations even here in Lewis County, life and death on an almost daily basis. However, we should know our cops and they should know us, friendly service on a first name basis. This is the different personality I referred to. I believe in training and modernization, yet keeping a country charm. I want to see a better relationship between the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and all the police agencies and emergency services in and around the area. I have the creativity, vision, experience, personality, leadership ability, and drive to be the next great sheriff of Lewis County.
What qualifications do you have to be sheriff? I have a well-rounded background in Police Services, Business, Personnel Management, Public Relations, Accounting, and Service to the Community. I worked for the Kamiah Marshal’s Office as a Reserve Officer before being hired full-time and working for three full years as a Patrol Officer and Investigator. I graduated from the State of Idaho Police Officers Standards and Training Academy with a grade of “A” and received two awards and special recognition for excellence in marksmanship. I have completed over 542 hours in training, along with a college course in the ‘Supervision of Police Personnel.’ I worked as a supervisor for over six years for two different general contractors, where I managed several jobs and 15-30 employees at the same time, along with subcontractors, inspectors, vendors, and clients. My job involved budgeting, scheduling, accounting, personnel management, public relations, and hiring and retention of employees. Having been a Supervisor for many years, and running my own General Construction Company gives me the experience to run the business side of the department, and my experience working as a police officer gives me the balanced experience to be the sheriff. The LCSO is not just a Police Agency it is a business which provides a service for the public, and that service must be maintained as one of excellence and of the utmost quality. Because of my experience running several successful businesses, managing and supervising many people, and coordinating countless large projects, I have the business experience, reliability, and responsibility to run a successful department. The sheriff is the CEO (chief executive officer) of the company which provides law enforcement and emergency/safety services to the people who live in, visit, or are traveling through the county. The sheriff is not only the CEO, but is a human resource manager, a financial planner, a program coordinator, a counselor, a peace officer, a family man, and a friend. I am currently on the board of directors of Burkhart Homes, holding the office of treasurer. I am also the current vice president of the Kamiah Kiwanis Club.
If elected sheriff, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? I hope to accomplish much more than what is covered in this article. Each person I speak with has different concerns, compliments, complaints. I know what it is like to work as a police officer, and I am also a citizen like everyone else. I know what I want for police services in the community I live in, and have been listening to the public for several years as a police officer, a citizen, and a candidate. I have what it takes to bring these things to fruition. I will make a positive difference, both inside and outside the department. I want to personally build relationships with the citizens, businesses, Search and Rescue, EMS and fire departments. I want to better serve the EMS by officers assisting on as many ambulance calls as possible. Officers make the scene safe for the EMTs, get an early assessment to the EMS staff, and can prepare the scene for faster transport of the patient. I want to “Protect and Serve” the community as I want to be Protected and Served myself. I want to change the image of the department to one that I think is better fitting to our county, while never reducing or compromising the professionalism that already exists. I want to create a work environment that not only retains quality employees but also attracts quality applicants. I do not like seeing job ads in the paper for weeks on end. I will work to improve the service to the community. The people of Kamiah need a different service than do the people of Winchester, same county different needs. I will strive to meet those needs, and implement programs and services geared toward the specific communities.
What challenges face the sheriff’s office? How do you plan to address them? There are numerous challenges that face the sheriff’s office on a constant basis, and new challenges develop quite frequently. The main and constant challenges are financial ones. This is nothing new to the sheriff’s office. With current fuel prices those financial challenges are strained even further. Society is changing, new people are moving into the area, businesses are cutting back, cost of living has skyrocketed out of control. This puts a lot of stress on everyone. When the state of the economy changes like this, the crime rate statistically increases. I think that things are going to change very quickly. The sheriff needs to have his finger on the pulse of the community, keep an open communication with the public, and personally earn the confidence and respect of the people he serves. This is why Lewis County needs a sheriff with not only a law enforcement background, but one with a business and accounting background, a public relations and personnel management background. This makes for a more diversified and capable leader. I will prove myself to be a responsible grant manager and continue to make advances and improvements within the department. I bring to the office creativity, experience, leadership, and a personality that will not only retain and attract quality employees, improve the community’s view of the department, and bring back the community policing that Lewis County once had. Another challenge is that LCSO is like most other departments, it is short staffed. I want to start a reserve officer program. Many community members have already expressed an interest. A program like this gets the community involved, and like the Search and Rescue, plays an important role by adding value to a department without the cost to the taxpayers. The Search and Rescue is another issue that needs to be addressed. The S&R is an asset to the county, not just to the LCSO but to the people, and other departments. I think that the S&R is a priority and that the community is just waiting to get it back fully staffed and operating in full swing.
What are the three most important qualities of being a sheriff? Why are these important? Integrity, honesty, and communication skills. Integrity lends to stability, strength, and dedication. Integrity is the code of ethics or the standard of values that one bases his beliefs on. Without integrity difficult decisions cannot be made and one cannot stand up for what is right. Without honesty you cannot have integrity. Honest to yourself, your staff, and the people that you serve. Honesty and integrity lend to professionalism and dedication. The Sheriff must be dedicated to the job he has chosen to do. Dedication with honesty, integrity, courage and respect. The sheriff must be a people person, and he must have outstanding communication skills. With the ability to communicate, honesty and integrity just show themselves. One cannot promise to just magically become a great communicator if he is elected, the skill must be inherent. Communication is not just verbal it is also shown by actions. I am now, and have been involved with the community by volunteering my time for the betterment of others and the community, through active membership in civic, community, and international community service organizations. People want to know the sheriff and see that he actually cares about the community. As sheriff I will continue my active involvement and service to the community.
How do you plan to attract and retain quality officers and staff? My administration will attract quality people seeking to work in a great environment. I have already been approached by officers from other departments asking to be considered for employment if the sheriff’s department has a vacancy, they have worked with me in the past and share my philosophies and policing style. Through quality leadership, establishing a good reputation is job number one. Lewis County already has quality officers and staff, I will work tirelessly to gain their trust, confidence, respect, and maintain a great working environment.
What, in your opinion, should be the greatest areas of emphasis for fighting crime in Lewis County? Community relations are one of the key elements for fighting crime. An officer’s job is a difficult one especially when no one wants to help or cooperate. With great community relations that job will be just a little easier, the public will be more receptive. Officers need to have positive contacts with children, as they are our next generation. If children have a positive attitude toward Police Officers then our next group of young adults will be less likely to get into as much trouble. I want to have officers visit our schools and become active in the community. Educate the public. If by education, some crimes can be avoided, then this is an avenue that will be used to lessen the crime rate. Continued training for officers is imperative. The war on drugs is a given. Lewis County is no different from any other place. If you think there are no drugs here, think again. It may not be as prevalent as on a street corner in downtown Spokane, but it is here. If it is not a few local people that are the problem, it may be people passing through, visiting, or targeting our county by coming here to commit crimes. There are two major highways in Lewis County where drug traffickers bring their products through.
In regard to policing in Kamiah, what role should the sheriff’s office take? The sheriff’s office should take the same role with KMO as with any other agency, work together, and keep open communications. KMO is the city police department and concentrates its service to inside city limits. KMO and the LCSO share the same goals; maintain the peace, offer security to the citizens, and bring to justice those who victimize. The sheriff’s department still has other business within the city, performing duties for the county that the city department is not responsible for, such as serving papers, and intermittent patrolling as the sheriff deems necessary. During celebrations and parades for example, the city department obviously needs assistance and it should be given. The LCSO department’s main emphasis is not Kamiah, because Kamiah has its own department, but mutual cooperation should be a given. It would be irresponsible of me to make any other specific commitments or political promises to the City of Kamiah or KMO, without first having access to the sheriff’s office scheduling and other pertinent information.
How do you plan to address the rift created in the county by the recall efforts of Sheriff Phil Steen? I will never forget it! The recall process is basically the public’s vehicle for policing the police. It is a good system and it shows that no one is untouchable. The recall brought out a lot of emotion and passion from the community. Individuals voiced their opinion, each for a different reason. It provided a means for people to vent their frustrations and show that they are not happy. The effort impacted just about every member of the community, the LCSO employees, and people for miles around. Whether the cycle was completed or not, it should be a wake up call to all those who hold public offices. I think the county will take awhile to heal, but Lewis County will be better for it.
What is your plan for keeping an open line of communication with the local communities? Starting with the City Councils, I intend on attending meetings on a periodic basis and keeping in touch with the mayors on a more frequent basis. Local businesses are also important to touch base with periodically, so that concerns, questions, suggestions, and complaints can be addressed as needed. The sheriff must be a people person, a person with an open mind, easy to talk to, and easy to approach. Public relations are key for keeping the street officer, management, and the public with an open line of communication.
How do you plan to inform communities of accidents, hazards, arrests, the implementation of new programs with the sheriff’s office, and successful projects or awards received by the department and/or staff? The best vehicle is the local media. The sheriff cannot reach more people at one time than through a radio announcement or a newspaper article. The public should be educated and reminded of things, such as renewing their driver’s license or new changes in the laws. I would rather educate the public, and have them take corrective action themselves, than to issue a citation. Each way gets the job done, but the former is a more positive and proactive approach. I will utilize the media to promote a positive image of the department, publicize the achievements of the staff, and the successful impact my philosophies will have with the public.
Lewis County needs a young energetic sheriff, with good morals, progressive ideas, common sense, police and business experience, and personal community involvement. We do not need another one term sheriff. I want to be the sheriff for the next 20 years. I will make one campaign promise: I will never have nor allow a citation quota or incentive program in my department. I am also a member of the NRA, the Kiwanis Club, City of Kamiah Chamber of Commerce, active in my church, and a contributor to the Idaho Police Officers Memorial Fund. Please visit my website www.brokopforsheriff.com
Name: Brad Mittendorf Age: 52 City of residence: Winchester Education: Lewiston High School graduate 1973, Lewis-Clark State College, graduate Cum Laude (Bachelor’s Degree Criminal Justice), Advanced Law Enforcement Certification, Idaho Peace Officers Standards & Training Family: Married, four children, two grandchildren Length of residence in Lewis County: Born and raised in the local area Employment: Retired Lewiston Police Dept. (20 years); Lapwai PD (approx. 7 years); Kamiah Marshal’s Office (approx. 2.5 years); Councilor, City of Winchester, Chairman Lewis County Emergency Planning Committee; Lewis, Idaho, Nez Perce, and Clearwater Counties EMS member; EMT Winchester and Craigmont Quick Response Units (3 years); EMT and Training Officer Culdesac Quick Response Unit Political party: Republican
I made this decision after becoming a Deputy Marshal for the Kamiah Marshal’s Office. My goal is to bring professionalism and mutual cooperation to the relationships between law enforcement agencies and emergency services within and surrounding Lewis County.
My entire law enforcement career has been in our local area with 20 years with the largest area agency, Lewiston Police Dept., retiring as a Patrol Supervisor. Chief of Police for approx. seven years and currently Kamiah Marshals Office deputy marshal. A Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and an Advanced Law Enforcement Certification from Idaho P.O.S.T. Additionally, I have over five years as a K9 Drug Detect Officer. I also served as Captain and Company Commander of the Idaho Army National Guard 116th Engineers.
My goal is mutual cooperation between law
enforcement agencies and other emergency services within and surrounding
Lewis County utilizing my experience and leadership background. My desire is
to bring professionalism to the position of the Sheriff of Lewis County. All
residents of Lewis County are entitled equal service from office of sheriff.
In addition to resolving the mutual cooperation and equal service issues, addressing budget limitations while providing proactive law enforcement and meeting the communities’ needs are of utmost importance. I plan to address the latter by creative budgeting and grant writing to fill vital needs. I began actively writing grants while I was Chief of Police. I have written and secured numerous law enforcement and emergency services grants over the years.
A sheriff must lead by example and must be dedicated to the ethical standards of humanity, humility, fairness and respect. A sheriff must be a proficient and an effective communicator. Leading by example, performing the duties according to the laws of the State of Idaho regardless of race, religion or social status. There is no substitute for law enforcement and leadership experience for the office of Sheriff, which is the chief law enforcement officer for the county.
Having worked alongside several of the deputies and staff of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, I am pleased to continue that relationship if elected sheriff. Continuing training and education is vital in maintaining professionalism for all members of the department. Additional responsibilities, such as school resource will be offered to interested department members along with training necessary to perform these services. As a past President of Police Explorers introducing 14-18 year olds to law enforcement, my goal is to found this type of organization in Lewis County. I will strive to implement a strong reserve program, recruiting department members from the rank of the reserve force. In this way, locals will be hired who also have their roots in the community. This program would be useful for staff retention with a better understanding of local issues and needs of the citizens of Lewis County.
The majority of crimes are related to two problem areas: drug and alcohol abuse. These lead to crimes committed to support the abuser’s habit and/or while under the influence. Devotion to proactive enforcement by the sheriff and deputies is imperative to effectively combat the devastating results of such abuses.
It should be the goal of the sheriff’s office to support the Kamiah Marshal’s Office to secure its success for the Kamiah residents. Marshal Newman and I have discussed in detail how the Marshal’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office will work in cooperation for the betterment of both agencies and the citizens of Lewis County.
I have steadfastly refused to become
involved with the recall, pro or con. If elected sheriff, professionalism,
accountability, integrity, trust and commitment to the job will be eliminate
such problems in the future. I have already started to open lines of communication. I have accomplished this by my door-to-door contacts with the public while introducing myself as candidate for sheriff. I have also attended numerous professional and civic meetings while meeting the voters. I have indicated if elected sheriff I will continue contact with by periodically attending these meetings. I have invited them to stay connected by feedback on the services provided by the sheriff’s office to better serve the communities.
The sheriff’s office needs to develop a working relationship with the local media based on trust and professionalism. Press releases are very effective in informing the public of routine information. However, time sensitive safety situations and hazards should by accomplished by immediate notification from the sheriff’s office. This is often times best served by law enforcement personally contacting the media immediately.
Idaho County Commissioner District 2 Shelly Dumas did not respond to a Progress questionnaire.
Name: Dorothy Walker Age: 58 City of residence: Grangeville Education: High school diploma (Salutatorian), Institute of Children’s Literature diploma Family: Husband Butch Walker, three children, one granddaughter Length of residence in Idaho County: Lifelong Employment history: 40 plus years in private sector Current occupation: Co-owner of Walco, Inc., co-owner of Central Idaho Post and co-owner and manager of Camas Prairie Recycling Center Political Party: Republican
Why do you want to be an Idaho County Commissioner? I would like to use the knowledge and experience that I have accumulated over the last 40 plus years to help Idaho County through the economic downturn and possible major recession.
What qualifications do you have to be a commissioner? For the last 40 plus years, I have been working jobs in the private sector. I have been an employee and an employer. I have 40 plus years experience in budgeting and all aspects of bookkeeping. I was a bonded secretary-bookkeeper for a lumber mill. I have co-owned and managed a very successful upholstery shop. I am currently co-owner of Walco, Inc., co-owner/editor of the Central Idaho Post and co-owner of Camas Prairie Recycling Center. I have spent many years working with the public.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? Bring order back to the county. (Give the County back to the people.) Have the Open Meeting Laws enforced. Keep the public informed and give them a chance to voice their opinion and actually be heard. Help Idaho County plan for a recession and loss of major funding. Figure out the best Solid Waste program that fits the individuality of Idaho County.
What are the three most important qualities of being a commissioner? Why are these important? Honesty, Knowledge, and Integrity. If you tell the people the truth and keep them informed then it is a government of the people. In order for people to believe in their government they need to trust the people they have elected to office. Knowledge is gained through experience, study and communications with others. Integrity is firm adherence to a code or standard of values. Governments obeying the law is a must.
What challenges face Idaho County? How do you plan to address them? Solid Waste – First, we need to go back and address current program issues. Can it be fixed or reformed to still service all Idaho County residents equally? Yes, if the right program is in place and I have knowledge and experience in this area. Roads – Maintaining roads without funding need to be addressed. With the possible loss of Craig Wyden Funding, we need to look for alternate funding BEFORE RAISING TAXES. Open Meeting Laws need to be strictly enforced so the public knows the problems facing our County. It is very important to bring the Idaho County Jail up to standards, so Idaho County does not have to pay other facilities to house our prisoners.
Name: James M. Rockwell Age: 47 City of residence: Grangeville Education: Grangeville High School, University of Idaho (one year), Seattle University (one year) Family: Wife Laurie, five children Length of residence in Idaho County: Born and raised in Idaho County, retired 1997 Employment history: EK Riley, Ragen McKenzie, First Allied, VATICO Current occupation: Registered Representative (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) Political party: Republican
Why do you want to be an Idaho County Commissioner? Did not respond
What qualifications do you have to be a commissioner? Former chairman of the Idaho County Republican Party, former treasurer and current committeeman of the Idaho County Republican Party, former president of the Grangeville Lions Club, former treasurer and current member of the Grangeville Lions Club, former board member of the Grangeville Chamber of Commerce.
If elected, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? Did not respond
What are the three most important qualities of being a commissioner? Why are these important? Did not respond
What challenges face Idaho County? How do you plan to address them? Did not respond
Idaho County Sheriff Larry Dasenbrock did not respond to a Progress questionnaire.
Name: Doug Giddings Age: 62 Residence: White Bird Education: BA Sociology, AS Administration of Justice Family: Married to Marilyn for 29 years, five children, five grandchildren Length of residence in Idaho County: Resident since 1999 Employment history: Idaho County Deputy Sheriff, Bonneville County Deputy Sheriff, school district investigator/detective, high school Resource Officer, Santa Maria Police Dept. Police Officer, State Dept. of Motor Vehicles, US Air Force Military Police Current occupation: Corporal, Idaho County Sheriff’s Dept. Patrol area, Slate Creek south Political Party: Republican
Why do you want to be sheriff of Idaho County? I have several areas of grave concern about the service provided by the current administration. I believe that the people of the county deserve more positive and professional law enforcement, visible and active leadership, and more efficient management of the resources entrusted to the sheriff. I have the necessary leadership skills, the knowledge, and a clear vision for the improvements that need to be made. I care about my neighbors, and the citizens of the county. People are important. I have arrived at a time in my career when I know that the right thing to do is to step up and serve in a more significant way. I believe that I am the right person with the right skills to make a positive difference in our county’s law enforcement.
What qualifications do you have to be sheriff? I have over 37 years of various law enforcement experience. Although the office of Sheriff does not require law enforcement experience, it is certainly desirable to have a knowledgeable administrator who can answer questions from the public and also lead the department professionally. Above any other qualification, I believe the Sheriff must be honest and ethical in all transactions of which I am and will always be. In addition, I think it is critical to the job to be able to communicate clearly with people—especially in speaking and listening. I am a people-person by nature and have the ability to establish rapport and trust, yet I have no difficulty with straight talk.
If elected sheriff, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? Most of my goals will not be difficult to accomplish, but do require a clear understanding of operational procedures and the ability to work with people. Here are a few of my key goals: I will establish positive working relationships with citizens, elected officials and government agencies. I will seek dialogue and interaction. As issues arise, the Sheriff’s department will have a well-established reputation of being ready and willing to solve problems in an efficient and effective manner. All employees will be trained in working with the public and how to be service oriented and helpful. I will expand drug law enforcement and apprehension of criminals – especially those who sell and manufacture/grow drugs in Idaho County. Drug abuse is not a victimless crime! Under my administration officers will be systematically trained for drug enforcement and be prepared to actively pursue drug criminals in every community and throughout the county as needed. I will carefully monitor and supervise spending of department funds. The focus of every dollar spent will be to directly benefit the people of Idaho County. With the current price of fuel and the level of taxation, I have an obligation to the taxpayers to spend wisely, carefully and make our money count for the tax payers who provide it. I will enforce clear spending procedures for all department employees. I will promote professional standards within the department to provide the best quality services to the public. I will provide practical and regularly scheduled training, gradual step promotions, meaningful job evaluations, and clear job expectations. I will put an end to random and arbitrary promotions. This is an important step in providing job satisfaction for current high quality employees and for attracting qualified applicants to our department. I will develop a program to encourage better rapport between youth of all ages and local deputies. There are over 2,000 school age children in Idaho County and they count just as much as the adults of the county. I will encourage officers to participate in various youth activities and show support as positive community members. Simply knowing an officer’s name, and recognizing a friendly face can often encourage young people to make wise choices. Even when disciplinary action is warranted, officers will be better equipped to administer appropriate action when they know something about the young person. Parents want to know that their children are safe while out in the community and a positive relationship between youth and officers is essential in protecting them.
What challenges face the sheriff’s office? How do you plan to address them? Our County Jail is outdated and ill equipped. Maintenance is long overdue. Either a renovation of the current jail or a new facility is warranted. This issue needs to be investigated thoroughly and presented to the public by a task force committee. A new policy manual needs to be written for the Sheriff’s department to reflect the changes and direction toward community service, officer safety, and employee promotion guidelines. I will head up a committee that will include community members, deputies, dispatchers, office staff, and jailers. Equipment needs to be inventoried and entered into a system cycling worn out equipment and scheduling replacements as necessary so that the department is not left ill prepared or stranded in times of emergency. Also, as employees leave the department, it will be known what equipment was assigned to them and will be turned in. Clear records will be kept of equipment, its condition, and who is responsible. Repairs or replacements will be provided in a timely manner so that all officers are adequately equipped to do their job. Special Training needs to be expanded to include more deputies. Currently, the public often must wait too long for services to be delivered because only one employee has the knowledge or expertise. If he/she is not on duty, is swamped, or is on vacation then the situation is delayed for much too long. Training and expertise should not be focused on one individual or one community, but rather spread more evenly over the county. This can be resolved by appropriate management practices.
What are the three most important qualities of being a sheriff? Why are these important? Clear vision for law enforcement with the leadership skills and energy to accomplish the job. Without any one of these, the county law enforcement is random, unpredictable, and weak. Honesty and high moral standards (and the courage to maintain them). We don’t want a fox guarding the hen house! The public has a right to expect justice and fair treatment. A good understanding of human behavior and a willingness to deal with the complications of people’s lives. A sheriff has to be the nicest guy you ever want to meet and when necessary, he has to be tough as nails. This is important because a sheriff has to deal successfully with a wide variety of people.
How do you plan to attract and retain quality officers and staff? We currently have an alarming turnover rate and have not been fully staffed for quite some time which adds to the employee frustrations. It is expensive to POST certify new officers only to have them leave soon after. Dispatchers who can multi-task are hard to come by and it takes time to teach the important details of the job. It is very poor management to allow this bail out to continue. Pay rate is not necessarily the main issue for attracting and maintaining staff. Employees want to know that (1) what they do matters to the boss, (2) that their work is important enough to make a difference, and (3) that they have a chance to improve and move up. These issues are the foundation of job satisfaction. The Sheriff’s Department desperately needs to be revitalized with a positive work environment where people can enjoy their work and be proud of their accomplishments. I know how to accomplish this change. Once a positive work environment is established, word travels. I will also actively seek out already qualified applicants for vacancies.
What, in your opinion, should be the greatest areas of emphasis for fighting crime in Idaho County? The emphasis will be on drugs, thefts, and physical injury. However, an important aspect of fighting crime is through preventative programs, public awareness, and educational campaigns so that the criminal has less opportunity to harm well informed and prepared citizens.
What is your plan for keeping an open line of communication with the local communities? I believe that it is an important part of the Sheriff’s job to be available to the people. I like people and want to be visible and approachable when traveling around the county. Also, I WILL respond to email correspondence and telephone messages. Within the department, I will conduct regularly scheduled meetings where officers, who are positive extensions of the community, will be expected to report about community activities and concerns. This will often enable me to prevent issues from escalating and allow me to direct my attention to the community where there are immediate needs.
How do you plan to inform communities of accidents, hazards, arrests, and the implementation of new programs with the sheriff’s office, and successful projects or awards received by the department and/or staff? There are numerous opportunities for the Sheriff to communicate with the citizens if he is out and about the county. I believe the public wants to know what is going on in county law enforcement and it is the Sheriff’s job to keep them informed. As Sheriff I will be a frequent attendee of community meetings (city councils, emergency services, school boards, service organizations, etc.) in order to stay in touch with the needs of the county. These meetings are important in the two-way dialogue. I will be there to share and talk as well as listen and learn. Without such contact with the people, a sheriff is too isolated from the pulse of the county. Also, the various local newspapers have distribution to almost every home in the county and are a priority choice for general communication. Another option for technology buffs is the Sheriff’s page of the Idaho County website which will offer more sophisticated information than it currently does and will be kept current with alerts, fire information, most frequently requested information, useful law enforcement matters, jail dealings, statistics, contact numbers, special department projects, employee recognition, application procedures, job openings, new hires, department vision and goals, sexual predators, and much more.
Name: Carlos Martinez Age: 30 City of Residence: Kooskia Education: Clearwater Valley High School – 1995 Family: Wife, Melanie Length of residence in Idaho County: Lifelong Employment history: City of Grangeville (1999-2000) – Animal Control & Police Officer; Idaho County (2000-2005) – Patrol Corporal & Detective; Dyncorp International (2005-2007) – Senior International Police Adviser Team Leader assisting the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq Current occupation: Taking the year to run for sheriff Political Party: Democratic
Why do you want to be sheriff of Idaho County? I want to be sheriff because I see problems in the way the department is being run and several people have contacted me complaining about issues they’ve had with the Sheriff’s Office. I believe in leading by example and inspiring deputies to do their best jobs by providing direction, training, and support. I also want the Sheriff’s Office to be more involved with and available to the communities and people they serve. In talking to the people of Idaho County it is my understanding that they want the same things. Public service is something that is very important to me. I believe that I can provide better direction and training to the deputies, jailers, and dispatch staff, be more actively involved with and available to the citizens of Idaho County, and inspire others to act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism. Giving the people of Idaho County a Sheriff’s Office that they can trust and believe in is what motivates me.
What qualifications do you have to be sheriff? I am an Idaho POST certified police officer and former corporal, detective, firearms instructor, and SWAT team member of the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office. I hold several advanced training certificates, including: Advanced Homicide Investigator, Undercover Narcotics Investigator, Arson Investigations, Advanced Interview and Interrogations, First Line Supervision, and Field Training Officer. I have also served as a Kooskia City Councilman and on the board of directors for Communities Creating Connections. In Iraq, I served as a team leader and project manager, directing 32 US police advisors in assisting the US military all across Iraq, as we built a 27,000 man National Police force from the ground up.
If elected sheriff, what do you hope to accomplish? How will it be accomplished? I will work to bring stability to the Sheriff’s Office. Idaho County is a revolving door agency that hires and trains new officers only to lose them to other higher paying agencies. I will actively work to eliminate the high costs to Idaho County taxpayers associated to such a high turnover and make pay more competitive so we can retain more officers to provide more experienced, highly trained, and professional law enforcement to the citizens of Idaho County.
What challenges face the sheriff’s office? How do you plan to address them? Pay and overtime issues are one of the obvious challenges that face the sheriff’s office. This issue will require looking at the budget and seeing where we can save money in order for the pay to be adjusted. It will also require working with the county commissioners in order to fully solve the problem. Another issue is that of public trust. The citizens of Idaho County want a sheriff and deputies that they know and trust. The only way that is accomplished is for the sheriff and deputies to be an active member of their communities. All too often the only time people see or talk to the sheriff or deputies is when they are in trouble or if they are a victim of a crime or accident. I would encourage all deputies to become active members of their communities and to establish relationships and bonds with those they serve. I would also work with the local schools and businesses to get the local deputies involved in helpful ways such as providing classes on safety, crime prevention, and other services.
What are the three most important qualities of being a sheriff? Why are these important? Honesty, Integrity, and Strong Leadership. Honesty, integrity and trust are the principals of law enforcement and the sheriff should set the example and ensure that each of his deputies, jailers, and dispatch personnel adheres to those standards. If just one person in the office in any way violates those standards, the whole office loses the public’s trust. Without that trust, it is almost impossible to provide quality service to the people. With strong leadership, a sheriff should set the standards and enforce them, but most importantly, he should inspire his staff to want to do their best to serve and support the citizens of Idaho County.
How do you plan to attract and retain quality officers and staff? I plan to find a way to increase pay and provide continued training to officers and support staff. Also, by encouraging community involvement and working to build strong relationships and camaraderie with fellow staff and the people of Idaho County, officers will find they are valued and naturally wish to stay.
What, in your opinion, should be the greatest areas of emphasis for fighting crime in Idaho County? Narcotics, hands down, are the biggest problem for our communities. Methamphetamines have been a major problem for quite some time now. The use and manufacture of meth leads to other problems such as theft and burglary from businesses and homes, as well as assault and battery. It creates other social problems, as well, such as the abuse and/or neglect of children and the enormous cost to taxpayers for uncovered medical costs of drug abusers, prosecution and jail costs, and the high rate of unemployment and public assistance that meth users and manufacturers incur. In order to combat this major problem it is going to require multiple agencies and members of the community all coming together. The formation of a multi-agency narcotics task force involving officers from Idaho and Lewis counties as well as the local city police departments and the Nez Perce Tribal Police is a step in the right direction. This would allow for the sharing of information and help combat drug trafficking and manufacturing within all jurisdictions. The more focus and attention we put into drug investigations the lower our overall crime rate will be due to the reduced number of drug related criminal offenses being committed.
What is your plan for keeping an open line of communication with the local communities? I plan on personally attending a city council or community meeting in each city at least once a quarter. In addition, I would travel to each of the Sheriff’s Office substations and conduct my business from that location at least once a month. This would give the citizens of each area the ability to talk with me in person without having to travel to Grangeville. I would also make it known that the people of Idaho County can call me personally at any time. Being available to the public that I serve is very important to me.
How do you plan to inform communities of accidents, hazards, arrests, and the implementation of new programs with the sheriff’s office, and successful projects or awards received by the department and/or staff? I plan to keep the communities informed through press releases in the local papers, radio announcements, an up-to-date Sheriff’s Office webpage, and regular communication with all city, county, and state officials.
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