PRINCIPLES AND PRIORITIES
For the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

In considering whether to run for Sheriff of Hennepin County in 2005, my first steps were in deliberate outreach across the County: meeting with folks with very diverse perspectives to determine residents' needs, and to consider the resources available to the office, including relationships with other local law enforcement agencies and leaders.    I can truly say that in this past year, I've engaged in conversation about the Sheriff's Office over at least a thousand cups of coffee.   My purpose was to gauge community support for my candidacy, and to discern for myself what I believed I could contribute and accomplish.   The result is the framework of an agenda for the Sheriff's Office.   It is, and will continue to be, a working document; its sole use is to assist with focusing and facilitating improvements and advancements in the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.

Reflect the Community We Serve: Improve the diversity of the workforce throughout the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, and focus on providing community-sensitive services to the residents of the County.   The Sheriff is responsible for balancing the interests of public safety and individual rights on a daily basis.  

Be Accountable And Resourceful: Coordinate with local law enforcement agencies, and state and federal agencies to enhance public safety; maximize the financial resources available at all levels of government.

Fight Crime: Develop dynamic and innovative partnerships with the business community, residents, and other law enforcement agencies to confront repeat offenders and reduce violent crime resulting from the lethal combination of guns, gangs, kids and drugs.