Potential candidates are putting their feelers out in a attempt to draw interest to their run for Sheriff. Some of the names tossed out by the deputies have been Sgt. Richard "Rich" Ferguson, Process server/ retired deputy Mark Fisher, retired deputy Jon Zeck, ISP Sgt. Mike Tarrah, Retired KPD Lynn Rudolph, Tom Dinardo retired KPD, Capt. Harold Vincent Jail commander and Major Steven Rogers.

Has anyone got any input, good or bad on these guys they would like to share. The election is 2010 but most of them will be starting the ground work for a campaign during 2009. So far I am hearing a lot of negative comments about six of these guys. The two I'm hearing the most positive things about is Major Steven Rogers and ISP Mike Tarrah.

Hopefully this time around the public will not fall for a lame sales pitch as Talbert used and the public will take a hard look a their past problems and credibility.

I will support the one that absolutly promises in writing NOT to let Marty be a part of the administration. Ferguson is the only one that I feel will keep him as far away from the department as possible.

Ferguson is two faced, dont let him fool you. He will promise you the world and he lies as much as Marr did, if not more. I do agree that when Marty's done we dont want him around us or the CJC.

I like Harold Vincent, he is a decent guy, with a lot of credibility.

Yeah right Tammy. Or is it Robin? May be Harold himself. All one has to do is look at his past and how poorly he treats his workers in the jail to see how he will treat the citizens of Howard County. He is dirty. Ask Jeff Bunce what he thinks of Vincent. Bunce will tell you the truth.

I would say that Mike Tarh is probably the best of the ones mentioned, but even with that said other than being a state trooper what has he done. People too often make the mistake of believing that if someone was a cop he could be sheriff. The truth is that being a cop does not prepare you for being sheriff, or chief for that matter. When you take the top job you stop being a cop and become a ceo, so what managment and administrative duties have you done to prepare you for that?? Most sheriffs and chiefs can hardly balance their own checkbooks, let alone prepare a budget. Most have never hired anyone, fired anyone, disciplined anyone etc....... Those are all needed qualities for the top guy to have. So with that said we need someone with a balance of:

1) Prior Law Enforcement Experience (prefer in upper management levels)
2) Higher Education ( College Degree- FBI National Academy-advanced schools)
3) Advanced training and specialties ( Not basic mandate schools but the real deal)
4) Experience in dealing with the public in an administrative way (Not saying do it or else)
5) Patience and Understanding of employee concerns and issues
6) Knowledge of Labor laws and civil process (keep us from more lawsuits)
7) Proven track record of dependabiltiy (long term wife, long term relationships etc..)

Anyone know anyone?? Im not sure there is anyone on the list now that meets even most of these....

Not one person on the list have these qualities? Ask Fisher, he will tell you that education isnt important, just common sense.

Folks,

This a great discussion but please bear in mind no-one, as far as I know, has announced a candidacy for this office yet. The election is still quite a way off...

Bringing up negative commentary about announced candidates is one thing... but throwing names around and discussing items we have no way of knowing are true is quite another.

If you want to promote someone, that's great. If you disagree with someone else's recommendation, that's great too.

Be fair, be honest, and above all be respectful. This thread will not turn into a trashing session for law enforcement officers across the region.

Thanks,

NIK

The names in the first post of this thread are people who have expressed interest in running. The candidates do this to get a feel for their potential in the race. No one will file until late 2009 and most will file after Jan. 2010.

Since these guys are canvasing people to build support when they announce their intentions, it's a good time to hear some honest suggestions of what needs fixed on the Sheriff Department and what the public and officers would like to see in a Sheriffs candidate.

Ferguson got more votes than Rudolph six years ago in the primary. Rudy is the last person Howard Co. needs to set us back even further! Think about this, Vincent and Rogers would bring Marty in and basically "switch jobs"? We do not want another leader like Marty???
Happy New Year.