As I reflect over the last year, I think about the election, I think about the economy, I think about the time that I spent in many communities around Lake County. In some communities, kids have parents, coaches, mentors, and others to support and encourage them in making good decisions. Then, in other communities, you see kids who seem lost. They don't fit in. They don't know where to turn. So they turn to the places where people pay attention to them - to drugs and to gangs.

I then open the paper and read about many of the problems where the role of Law Enforcement needs to increase. Drug involvement is on the rise, not only here in Lake County, but in the surrounding counties in Northwest Indiana. While the number of drug arrests has increased, the number of deaths and homicides due to drugs is also increasing at alarming rates. Enforcement of the law is only one part of the solution. In order to effectively combat this problem, we also need to implement programs that focus on prevention and intervention. Through a combination of enforcement, prevention, and intervention, we can effectively decrease the drug problem here in Northwest Indiana.

There are serious ongoing problems that exist within the Lake County Jail System. Overcrowding continues to be one of the major problems. This has led to an increase in the amount of violence within the Jail. The General Health as well as the Mental Health needs of those incarcerated are often not fully addressed. The spread of infectious diseases has increased as well as the rates of suicides. These are issues that need to be directly addressed by an experienced, professional Lake County Sheriff.

With the economic downturn, we need a Lake County Sheriff who can work with the Lake County Council and Lake County Commissioners to reduce the annual budget wherever possible without reducing services. This means that we need to not only be seeking additional funding/resources from outside (i.e., State, Federal, and Private grants) but we also need to be utilizing tax dollars more efficiently.

It is for these reasons, after much thought, that I have decided to seek the office of Lake County Sheriff. This is the only elected office I have ever sought because it is through this office I feel I can best serve you and the rest of Lake County. As Lake County Sheriff, my focus will be on serving you, the Citizens of Lake County, not on serving myself. I see this Office as a position where my experience and qualifications can be utilized to directly make a difference for all of those touched by crime and its lasting effects. The Citizens of Lake County deserve a qualified and experienced Law Enforcement professional serving as Sheriff, not a career politician.

With 2009 well on its way, I hope you have been able to take some time to reflect over this last year and count your blessings. Although we still face many tough days ahead, think about the possibilities that 2009 and 2010 holds. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to meeting with you to further discuss issues that you may have as well as my goals and ambitions.

Together we can make a difference in Lake County!