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Doug, why do you want to be Sheriff of Mono County?
I want to be Sheriff because I know I am the right person to face and
overcome the challenges facing the Sheriff's Department now and during
the first part of this century. I bring a large variety of skills and
qualities that are necessary to serve the citizens and visitors of Mono
County. More than that I feel inside of me the desire to do more than
be on the sidelines watching the county struggle with the issues facing
us now and in the future.
Speaking of skills, what skills do you bring to the job of Sheriff?
I bring a large variety of skills and abilities learned over a lifetime
of learning and work. As a lifetime learner I continue to gain new skills
and learn from my experiences and that of others. One of my greatest
assets is the ability to listen and understand what people are truly
saying, to get to the root of the problem and develop a solution. Leadership
is another skill learned over time. The ability to make good decisions
fast when required is invaluable in law enforcement where sometimes
a split second is all you have time to make life or death decisions.
Many times there are no second chances; you have to get it right the
first time. My 24 years in the field has honed my skills razor sharp.
I know the difference between leadership and management and my skills
cover both spectrums.
What qualities do you have that are needed to be Sheriff?
Honesty, courage, moral character, integrity, optimism, knowledge and
dedication are just a few of the qualities I possess. Mono County is
in need of someone who can be a positive example in law enforcement
leadership. The sky is not falling but it is raining hard over parts
of the county. I am a consensus builder, team player, coach and mentor.
I certainly know that I am the total package needed now for the job
of Sheriff.
What issues do you see facing the Sheriffs Department and county
now and in the near future?
I believe growth is going to be our number 1 issue. More deputies will
be needed, as well as a detention facility in the south county. Finding
the financial resources to pay will be a challenge for all county leaders.
Affordable housing is another hot topic that will require long term
strategies. The Sheriffs department needs to be intimately involved
in the counties growth plans for adequate manning of Sheriffs department
personnel though out our communities.
Mono County is made up of very different communities all with different
needs, how do you plan on involving yourself and the department in knowing
the needs of each community?
I plan on ensuring that at all community events and meetings that could
impact the Sheriffs department will be attended by departmental personnel.
As Sheriff I will implement bi-annual community meetings, where we can
come together and address the issues and concerns of the community members.
I do want community members to feel free anytime to contact me to discuss
any issue of concern. My approachability and listening skills are an
attribute.
What problems in the Sheriffs Department do you see that will require
your immediate attention?
I believe that most of the problems I am aware of stem from a lack
of departmental focus. I have a plan to focus all employees toward a
set of common goals and measurable objectives. By utilizing a consistent
evaluation process related to each employee’s job, will ensure
compliance and compatibility with the goals, objectives and policies
of the Mono County Sheriffs Department.
Will there be an opportunity in a community forum to ask you questions?
It is my hope that someone steps forward in the Coleville area to host
a candidates night. I am available after 2:30 pm mon-thurs or anytime
on Friday or Saturday on my days off.
Could you tell me your views and perspective on what your role will
be as Office of Emergency Services (OES)?
We will continue to follow the State mandates and operating guidelines.
I would like your candid assessment of the current status of OES
in Mono County, and your vision for that function during your tenure.
I believe that there is always need for improvement in any job that
the Sheriff has been charged with. Since I have not been involved in
that role before it would be hard for me to give specific views on what
needs to be improved upon. But believe me when I am Sheriff I will make
that portion of my duties a high priority.
Could you tell me your views and perspective on the role that community
volunteers would play with respect to the Mono County Sheriff’s
Department and OES?
I am a strong believer in community involvement. I feel that there
are community members that have skills that are going to waste by not
being utilized by many county agencies. As sheriff I will reach out
to each community to find people willing and able to fulfill supporting
roles that will benefit all in the community and the sheriffs department.
But also as important I really feel that the sheriffs department and
each member needs to be more involved with their communities. 5. I would
like your candid assessment of the current status of collaboration and
cooperation between Mono County SO and the Mammoth Police Department.
What is your vision for the connection between those two agencies during
your tenure?
All relationships with allied agencies can be improved upon. It is my
belief that the best way to improve relationships between agencies is
to have relevant and meaningful joint training sessions. Building friendships
and professional relationships is extremely important to me. I understand
that communication between agencies ensure that a consistent flow of
current information is exchanged. This ensures that problems are solved
before relationships are affected negatively.
You mention the need for integrity and loyalty among your officers
and staff. I would like your candid assessment of the integrity of the
officers and staff. When you refer to loyalty, to whom or what are you
referring?
It is my expectation that all law enforcement personnel are held to
a higher standard than what we expect from the general public. I will
continue to set the example of integrity in my public and private life
and fully expect the employees of the Mono County Sheriffs Department
to follow suit.
Regarding loyalty, it is my expectation that all employees will publicly
and privately support the goals and objectives of the Mono County Sheriffs
Department, by doing so they fulfill their oath of office. It is also
my intention that all employees have valid input into what the goals
and objectives are.
If I intend to support your candidacy, can you tell me in what ways
that I can assist you to ensure your success, not only in gaining the
office, but fulfilling your duties and responsibilities?
Open communication is really the way to make positive changes and that
is my desire with the future of the sheriffs department and all our
communities.
I feel that I really do have the best platform and would really like
to get the message out to all interested parties so that they can make
an informed decision on June 6th. If you would like to arrange a candidate’s
night inviting me and any of the other candidates I would look forward
to that.
One of the best ways you can assist me in the office of sheriff is to
ensure that mistakes that were made in the past are not made again.
Constant rehashing of past mistakes can be counter productive to a positive
future. Positive solutions to problems will be my main objective and
lines of communication between the department and community members
will always be open.
No questions or suggestions are too large or small; just send
me a message or email me directly at [email protected].
To volunteer as a campaign worker and or donate funds please call the
campaign headquarters at 1-760-932-7310. Some campaign office leadership
positions still available in some towns within Mono County, apply today. |