Sheriff hopefuls grapple with tough questions

PONDERAY - The five-way race for the Republican sheriff's nomination entered the homestretch Thursday with candidates emphasizing their message to voters and grappling with some tough questions.

More than 80 people crowded into the end of the Bonner Mall for the Ponderay Community Development Corp./Daily Bee forum in which candidates were allowed to introduce themselves before being bombarded with questions about everything from deputy salaries and law enforcement philosophy to corruption perceptions and qualifications.

Some of the questions came from the audience, while others were prepared and sealed in envelopes. Both varieties had a distinct edge in numerous instances.

Incumbent Sheriff Elaine Savage, who is tangled in a lawsuit from a former deputy alleging prevalent misconduct within her ranks, brushed aside the corruption claims and defended her disciplinary decisions. Some contend Savage has treated some harshly for relatively minor transgressions and others lightly for more serious offenses.

But Savage said she's the only one that has a 360-degree view of a disciplinary action, which are closely guarded affairs.

“I'm the only one that reads all the facts as they're presented to me,” said Savage, who pledged to keep pushing for pay raises for deputies and detention staff.

Candidate Daryl Wheeler has made calling for an independent investigation into the corruption claims a plank in his campaign platform. A probe would put the issue to rest and prepare a new sheriff for what's in store, he said.

“I believe the incoming sheriff should know,” said Wheeler, who painted himself as the GOP race's moderate candidate.

Other candidates cautioned against turning over rocks without justification, but ultimately agreed an investigation should be done if it's necessary.

Chip Roos, a candidate who's logged 12 years as sheriff here, said he successfully withstood an investigation into his ranks. Candidate Geoff Rusho, a former deputy, said investigations should be prompt and entirely justifiable.

“It needs to be a very important issue if they're going to bring in an outside investigation,” Rusho said.

Rusho was accused in the pending sheriff's suit of misappropriating confiscated alcohol, something he steadfastly denies doing. Rusho, who has stated that records back up his assertion, said his accuser was throwing as many allegations as he could against the wall in the hope that some might stick.

Roos, meanwhile, was questioned about his motivation for regaining his post. Some suspect he's running to improve his retirement benefits. But Roos said he's fine financially and cracked that county benefits aren't exactly a golden parachute.

“It sure couldn't be anything impressive,” Roos deadpanned.

Rocky Jordan, a deputy who has been running a vigorous campaign, has cited past experience as a highway patrolmen in Arizona, although the state's police academy has no record of his certification. Jordan told the audience that's because he was certified before that state's Police Officer Standards & Training Academy was formed.

There is a perception inadequate pay is causing the department to lose deputies to more well-heeled jurisdictions, but Jordan said money is only part of the story.

“I do feel that that's not the biggest reason they're leaving,” said Jordan, who contends morale and leadership are flagging under the current administration.

How to address youthful offenders was also discussed at the forum. All five GOP candidates basically said a certain degree of compassion and discretion is necessary to steer kids onto the right path and keep them out of the system.

But empathizing with another person's position is a two-way street, according to Rusho, who is campaigning on restoring trust in the sheriff's office.

“Any time we can show we're human, there is a connection,” he said.

The candidates differed on which arm of county government should operate the dispatch center, with Wheeler and Rusho in favor of making it separate from the sheriff's office. Roos and Jordan's responses were basically neutral.

“I do believe it belongs in the hands of the primary users of that system,” said Savage, who would rather see the center under the sheriff's purview.

Larry Hanna, a pilot, musician and business owner, is running as a Democrat in the primary, but also took part in Thursday's forum.

Hanna is campaigning on improving the department's working conditions and relations with other agencies, applying Idaho law without prejudice and making “to protect and serve” more than just a slogan.

“I will be a fair and objective sheriff,” he said.