One of the issues that I feel is the most important functions of a Sheriff, is connectivity to the citizens of the county. I have enjoyed years of outreach and public education through my role as Community Services Coordinator, and I intend to do even more to reach out and network with taxpayers and citizens through several new, inventive measures. (more...)
Initially, I have worked hard to improve current and initiate new rural neighborhood watch programs and openly see the value of administrating this effort more vigorously through the Sheriff's Office. By being more accountable to and accessible to the citizens of the county, I believe that we can be more responsive to their concerns and their needs.
I intend to take the template I created with the rural neighborhood watch program revitalization and apply it to simple "Town Hall Meetings" throughout Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Hudson, La Porte City, Gilbertville, Dunkerton, Elk Run, Raymond and Janesville. By being willing to stand in front of citizens, addressing concerns, receiving feedback and networking ideas and suggestions to improve our service and activities, I am confident that we can continue to use this spotlighted effort to improve the functionality and responsiveness of our agency.
Additionally, I look forward to establishing a Community Action Group for the Sheriff's Office and my administration within the first 60 days of my taking office. This group would have representatives from a strong cross-section of our communities, rural and metropolitan, agricultural and industrial, who are willing to serve their respective communities and interest groups. They will meet with me and officers from the Sheriff's Office to bring concerns and suggestions on a monthly basis, with the singular intent to constantly improve the service of the Black Hawk County Sheriff's Office. I view this group as an opportunity for me to vet issues and new ideas with concerned citizens invested in improving the safety and security of Black Hawk County.