REBUTTAL: The candidates shoot back
In Thursday’s Press, Sheriff Ben Wolfinger shared his analysis of the four candidates whose names appear on the Republican primary ballot.
Today, they tell their side of the story.
RICK WHITEHEAD
Most of my career. and command positions, were at the county level and I have a full understanding of the Sheriff’s role. I first took the Oath to defend our Constitution in the Army and twice since. I have never rescinded that oath and continue to honor it today. I have had extensive training in our Constitution, and I agree that there is a lack of understanding, but it is not with me. As currently being demonstrated with the current “Stay at Home Order” by my friend Sheriff Wheeler, Prosecutor Boyd, local elected Representatives, and Sheriff’s across the nation. As cited by the Supreme Court, to paraphrase, “… the Constitution stands in war and peace and there exist no exigent circumstance to suspend it …”.
Regarding my Law Enforcement Training business, I have made it widely known that, I will step-out of my company once elected to specifically eliminate any perception of any conflict of interest. I currently train law enforcement leaders and design leadership training programs for agencies across the country, including KCSO. Collectively, after attending my training, Patrol, Detention, and Communications personnel petitioned to update their training model to mine, to be denied. Post Falls PD uses a New Supervisor training program designed specifically for them. To not bring this expertise to the position (free) and save Kootenai County tens of thousands of dollars would be shameful.
As far as giving back and knowing the community; I have been from end to end of this county since early 2018. I have met with every conceivable group and person that wanted to talk. I have listened to their desires for the future of KCSO and Kootenai County. They want a change and to see KCSO a “Destination” for professional LE and every employee as an “Ambassador” for the county.
BOB NORRIS
The allegations of my conduct are being mischaracterized. I’ve provided documentation and posted them on my website for all to see. The Deputy Association has looked closely into every claim and concluded that they are non-issues.
The real issue facing Kootenai County is irresponsible growth. It will lead to more government cost and lower quality of life. That kind of growth can be reduced.
I’m not aware of any Fiscal Impact Analysis (FIA) being done on the “affordable” housing projects being constructed. With such housing comes more police and fire calls for service, jail beds, and a lower quality of life. I spoke to a resident who watched this happen to her neighborhood. The community is now referred to as “Felony Flats.” We do not need more places like that popping up around the county.
I will make the case to the BOCC and City Councils of the hidden costs of approving such projects. I will be the voice of the citizen for responsible growth. None of the Sheriff candidates have discussed this.
The other point that is being overlooked is the steadfast defense of your rights. I came from a place where government systematically turned law abiding citizens into criminals. It didn’t reduce crime like they said it would. Instead, it empowered the criminals and criminalized the law abiding. That will not happen on my watch. Ever.
If the citizens of Kootenai County want to have a functional Sheriff’s Office, if they want a voice against the irresponsible growth, if they want somebody who will fight against building a prison in Kootenai County, and — most important — if they want somebody who will defend their Rights (all of them), then I ask for your support. That is my promise to you.
JOHN GRIMM
While I can appreciate Sheriff Wolfinger’s desire to give his perspective, as a career government employee, it’s not surprising he would promote keeping the status quo. Business as usual won’t solve problems plaguing the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff is the administrative head of KCSO — responsible for planning, organization, direction, and external relations. Upon him rests the final responsibility for determining policies. The leadership experience I bring from the private sector starts with overseeing budgets in the millions. For 27 years, as the owner and administrative head of two multi-million-dollar companies, I’ve met every obligation, keeping on or under budget, expeditiously and promptly responding to crises and weathering 3 economic downturns with resourcefulness and strong external relationships. Morale among staff was high and achieved through respect and organized teamwork. There are no other candidates in this race with this type of administrative experience, which is desperately lacking in the KCSO.
Current concerns with lack of transparency, budget shortfalls, low morale, and department inefficiencies, clearly show real enterprise experience without personal agendas is needed. Wolfinger used his opinion piece to endorse the status quo, maintaining his legacy of underperformance, while discrediting other candidates. His “fake news” accusation from my campaign during this pandemic failed to acknowledge what I provided was from Washington DC & Boise during a time when information changes daily, even hourly, as we’re still learning more about Covid-19. Much of the information I provided, in anticipation of a stay-at-home order, has come to pass.
The type of experience I’ll bring to this office will result in more efficiencies, employee retention, fiscal budgetary expertise, strengthening partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, enhance community protection and safeguard taxpayer’s wallets. The problems plaguing the Sheriff’s office haven’t been solved from within, nor will they be solved by electing another career deputy.
KIM EDMONDSON
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger recently wrote about the traits critical for a Sheriff to possess, those being: Integrity, Humility, Learn Your Role and the Role of Related Positions, Engage in the Community and Generosity. He outlined those traits specifically as they were identified, or not, in his analysis of each sheriff candidate. He identified my strengths as having served 28 years with the Sheriff’s Office and my knowledge of the operations within our organization as well as the contributions I have made in our community. The weakness he identified was related to my lack of experience as a patrol deputy.
Humility, as a character trait, is strongest in those who are self-critical. I have identified my limited patrol experience as a weakness. I plan to remedy that through the selection of an Undersheriff with the patrol experience necessary to provide balance in this area. Although I have not yet made a selection, I’m confident the Chief Deputy I select will do just that and will help to provide balanced leadership to our organization — leadership that is not weighted too heavily to one side or the other.
Learning the role of related positions is important. With the experience and training I do have in patrol, I demonstrated knowledge and necessary skills and was successful during that time, and was then promoted to Lieutenant and placed in charge of Detectives.
The administrative role and social function of a Sheriff are also important, as is fairness and good judgment, getting along well with people, and maturity. I am prepared for this role and my years of service throughout the Sheriff’s Office, knowledge of our organization and our community, my continued education, and my desire to serve are what I offer. I humbly ask for your vote. Remember, you must request your mail-in ballot.
