EPISODES
2024 Kootenai County Sheriff Primary Candidate - Mike Bauer
Mike Bauer, Republican Kootenai County Sheriff candidate has a background in law enforcement and evaluates the current office's performance as a 'C', pointing out critical needs in recruitment, training, discipline, retention, and professional development. He emphasizes that effective leadership and staff satisfaction are more essential than salary adjustments. With degrees in Public Service Management and studies in government and political science, he brings comprehensive academic and field knowledge to his candidacy.
He advocates for enhancing recruitment strategies, instituting fair and competitive promotions, and equipping staff with advanced training and tools, aiming to make Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department a top career choice in the Northwest.
Addressing illegal immigration, he supports humane law enforcement and operational flexibility to handle community safety and disasters without succumbing to political pressures.
He commits to maintaining open communication lines with constituents, prioritizing transparency and ethical conduct, separating his sheriff duties from political activities to ensure focused community service.
Criticizing the current sheriff's campaign tactics, he promotes his candidacy based on higher experience, maturity, and ethical standards, urging voters to recognize his qualifications and moral integrity over his opponent.
April 30, 2024
2024 Kootenai County Sheriff Primary Candidate - Bob Norris
Bob Norris, a Republican candidate for Kootenai County Sheriff, brings a rich background in law enforcement to the table, having attended Cal State Long Beach and graduated from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Academy. With extensive training in middle management, supervisory leadership, and executive management, Norris has been a Kootenai County homeowner since 2013. He assesses the current sheriff’s office as needing expansion in volunteer opportunities and services within the community.
Norris highlights the growing challenge posed by illegal aliens in Kootenai County, noting an increase in foreign national inmates and the frequent need for interpreters for non-English speaking individuals involved in legal processes. He advocates for additional resources to be allocated for handling potential future criminal activities by both illegal and legal residents.
On the topic of constituent communication, Norris emphasizes his commitment to accessibility and responsiveness, stating that both he and his command staff diligently return all citizen correspondence. He distinguishes his role as more focused on policy and direction, leveraging his experience to merge community needs with effective law enforcement strategies.
Norris positions himself as a visible and proactive figure within the community, arguing that his leadership style and experience make him a suitable candidate for the role of sheriff, capable of enhancing service delivery and ensuring community safety.