Boomer that is like saying "Hey you don't sweat much for a fat girl"

Good point, LOL.....

Would I vote for him if I lived in Miami County? Yes I would..

He has the necessary experience in ALL areas of the department to make him a successful leader. My point on "looking good on paper" comes from experience with some of the past Sheriffs who twisted, turned and embellished the facts the public see's to paint a picture of the perfect candidate.

I believe in asking the people who work with him about his job performance, history of favoritism and work ethic. Too many times voters are quick to vote based on a newspaper article. Take time to get to know the candidate has always been my theory.

I can tell you that he is everything that he is on paper. I worked for him both when he worked as a supervisor, and when he was the chief of police. He worked very hard to secure nearly $1 million in grant money in his time as chief. Vanbaalen is responsible for bringing his former department to the leading edge of technology at the time that he was chief, and was able to do so without spending much if any taxpayer money. As both a supervisor and chief, he was very up-front and honest with the people that worked for him. As both a former employee, and as a taxpayer, my vote will without a doubt be with Vanbaalen.

Wish there was another like him for Howard County. Sounds like just what the Dr. ordered. The lazy crazy crowd at HCSD would hate to see him coming!! Might have to go back to work and stay off their cell phones, the honest hard workers would love him.

Yea right, we would run him out of town just like we did McKillip. He's Miami countys problem not our.

I think we all agree that we could use a "problem" like this one. Reading this thread I cant help but wonder why anyone would want to "run" a candidate like this out of town????

This reads just like the candidate's web page: Dave asks Dave a question and Dave answers Dave. Does anyone remember the "letters to the chief" column in the paper?

I remember those guest columns and they were awesome. We got more insight into the real issues with the police department than any time in the past or present. We can only hope that we see more transparancy in the future of our police departments

Ok maybe Im slow, but what the heck is "letters to the chief" and what does it have to do with this page?? And what does it have to do with us??

I went to visit my cousin this week in Miami County and we watched a parade and festival. Vanbaalen had a huge group with him in the parade and then at the festival. Miami county seems united at this point. I know things can change with new candidates getting into the race but for now a sure front runner is visible. We will see how Howard County shapes up over the next month or so.