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 am pleased with the progress that the Citizen's Advisory Council has made preparing to meet the needs of Black Hawk County Inmates and the Community. They 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. Ultimately giving the citizens of Black Hawk County more of a voice in the actions of our Sheriff's Office.