How should we choose when voting for the Hennepin County Sheriff (Minneapolis and suburbs) in 2014.
Rich Stanek has been the Sheriff since 2006 and has done a good job. Except for his political opponents, most people believe that Sheriff Rich Stanek is a pretty good guy who has done a pretty good job.
Eddie Frizell is a manager in the Minneapolis Police Department who has had several jobs. Except for his political opponents, most people believe that Eddie Frizell is a pretty good guy
So how do we pick?
The old boxing metaphor is "In order to be the new champion, you have to be better than the current champion." So let us see if Sheriff Rich Stanek is doing the job we elected him to do eight years ago.
There will be detailed posts on each of these topics later, but here are the highlights.
1. RUNNING THE JAIL - - safely, effectively, and honorably - - is one of the biggest jobs of the Sheriff. Rich Stanek and his team have won awards for his operation of the system from 2007 to 2014.
2. RESPONDING TO NATURAL DISASTERS - - is one of the most important jobs of our first responders. When the tornado hit North Minneapolis, Sheriff Rich Stanek's Emergency Control Center was on the scene within minutes to coordinate medical relief and provide for the public safety. The response of the Minneapolis Police Department and Hennepin County's back-up emergency relief command led to the replacement of the leaders of both groups.
3. RESPONDING TO OTHER CRISES - - is another key job for the Sheriff's Office. When the I-35W bridge collapsed, Rich Stanek and his team won awards for providing fast rescue efforts and sustained efforts io support the clean-up and federal investigation of the tragedy.
4. PROTECTING OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS - - is a crucial and sworn duty of our Sheriff. Rich Stanek has made this a priority for his administration of law enforcement in our county, and he has met that goal.
5. SERVING OUR WHOLE COMMUNITY - - is vital in the most diverse county between Chicago and Seattle, between Dallas and Winnipeg. Rich Stanek has reached out to every segment of our society in recruiting, promotion, consultation, and service from the first day of his service as Sheriff.
6. PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES - - is the job we care about most dearly. Rich Stanek has created and strengthened a new Warrants Division that sweeps up serious or chronic offenders who are dodging their punishment, before they can hurt our families again.
7. PROTECTING OUR STREETS - - is another key assignment for the Sheriff. Rich Stanek has renewed the commitment of the Patrol Division to watch for dangerous drivers and hazardous times on our highways, routes, and streets.
8. PROTECTING OUR SWIMMERS AND BOATERS - - is a focus in a county with three rivers (Mississippi, Minnesota, and Crow), thousands of miles of lake shore, and hundreds of swimming pools. Rich Stanek has dozens of deputies working on drunken boating, swimmer safety, and water rescue.
9. PROTECTING US FROM NEW THREATS - - is important in a county where most new dangers emerge before the rest of Minnesota notices. For example, Rich Stanek listened when Emergency Room doctors were saying they did not know how to respond to crisis patients who had overdosed on new versions of synthetic drugs. Rich Stanek went to the Legislature and got the laws tightened up against deadly new poisons.
10. PROTECTING YOUR TAX DOLLARS - - is essential when we entrust public treasures to public managers. Rich Stanek has been effective in studying past budgets, requesting responsible new budgets, and sticking to budgets that have been approved.
There are dozens of other reasons to return Rich Stanek for another term as Sheriff, without saying anything bad about his opponent, and those will be covered by this blog in detail.
But here is a good start when you are talking to your neighbors.
Sheriff Rich Staenek has run a safe, efficient, and honorable jail . .. .has responded well to natural disasters . . . has provided effective responses to other disasters . . . has protected our constitutional rights . . . has served our whole community . . . has protected our families from chronic criminals . . . has protected our streets from dangerous drivers . . . has protected our swimmers and boaters . . . has prepared for new threats . . . and has watched out for our tax dollars.
Talk to your neighbors about these points. You will make a difference in this local election.
