Power County is a strong community built on hard work, shared values, and people who look out for one another. But like many rural counties, we are facing real challenges that cannot be ignored. The people of this county deserve leadership that is honest about those challenges and committed to addressing them head-on.

One of the most pressing concerns is trust in leadership. When people begin to question the integrity of those in positions of authority, it weakens the entire system. The sheriff’s office must operate with complete transparency and accountability. As sheriff, I will ensure that the public is informed, respected, and never left in the dark. This office belongs to the people, and I will lead it in a way that reflects that.

We are also facing challenges with misuse of power and political influence. No office should ever be used to intimidate, control, or influence the outcome of an election or silence members of our community. That is not leadership. That is a failure of leadership. I will hold myself and my office to a higher standard, ensuring that authority is used to protect the people, not to control them.

Another critical issue is fiscal responsibility, especially in the face of a budget that has seen year-after-year deficits. This is not sustainable, and it requires disciplined, hands-on leadership to correct. As a business owner who has successfully managed multiple departments and teams, I understand how to identify inefficiencies, prioritize spending, and operate within realistic financial limits.

As sheriff, I will take a proactive approach to restoring financial stability. That means conducting a thorough review of current spending, identifying areas of waste or redundancy, and restructuring operations where necessary. I will work closely with county commissioners and financial officers to build a budget that is not only balanced, but sustainable long-term.

I will also focus on accountability within the budget itself. Every division within the sheriff’s office must be held to clear performance and financial standards. Resources must be tied to measurable outcomes, not just tradition or habit. If something is not working, it will be reevaluated and corrected. This includes taking a hard look at jail operations, staffing models, overtime usage, and equipment expenditures to ensure they are aligned with actual needs.

At the same time, fiscal responsibility does not mean cutting corners on safety. It means being smart with how we invest. I will prioritize funding for proper training, modern systems, and adequate staffing levels to reduce long-term costs caused by inefficiency, liability, or burnout. Preventative investment is often far less expensive than reactive spending.

I also believe in pursuing practical solutions that reduce strain on the system. Strengthening programs that address low-level offenses through accountability and community-based solutions can reduce jail overcrowding and operating costs. In addition, I will work to develop a Sheriff’s Labor Detail (SLD) program, allowing low-level offenders to contribute to the community by assisting in cleaning up our highways and roadways while earning reductions in their sentences. This approach promotes accountability, benefits the community, and helps reduce the housing burden and associated costs within the jail system.

Public safety and response readiness remain at the core of the sheriff’s office. Our deputies must be properly trained, properly staffed, and properly equipped to handle the realities of today’s challenges. I will focus on strengthening training programs, supporting our deputies, and ensuring we are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies across the county.

Finally, there is a growing need for community connection and visibility. Law enforcement cannot operate effectively at a distance. The sheriff must be present, accessible, and engaged. I will be a visible leader in this county, building relationships, listening to concerns, and working alongside the people I serve. Public safety works best when there is trust, communication, and mutual respect.

Power County does not need more of the same. It needs strong, principled leadership that is willing to step in, take responsibility, and fix what is not working.

I am committed to restoring trust, enforcing accountability, bringing discipline back to the budget, and protecting every citizen of this county with honor and integrity.

This is about the future of Power County. And together, we will get it back on track.