Terry Ford

1. Leadership, honesty, integrity, and professionalism.

2: Honesty, integrity, experience. I believe in the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics and I live my live by that same code. I take responsibility for the things I’ve done, even if they are wrong. I learn from my mistakes. I treat people like they want to be treated. I will never demand respect or trust but I will do my best to earn both, not only from my employees but the citizens of Bonner County. I want to know the concerns of the citizens. I have had a total of 35 years law enforcement experience to draw from. I have worked in supervisory positions and have experience working with the Legislature.

3. I want to make the Bonner County sheriff one of the most professional department in the state. I will do this by pursuing accreditation through Idaho Chiefs of Police Association. I will work with other agencies to set up a citizen’s academy to help bring information regarding concerns of the people. I will have an open door policy for em- ployees and the citizens of Bonner Coun-ty.

4. First I will do a complete audit of the sheriff office and take care of any issues that arise from this. I will talk to each employee personally and try to address their concerns and ask for suggestions on how to make the office run better and more efficient. There are many employees at the sheriff’s office with many great ideas and suggestions. I if a person does not tap into these resources then he is missing out.

5. I believe it is the rampant drug use and influx of narcotics into the county. The property crimes and domestic violence cases are also up due to the drug use.

6. My plan is to implement a drug interdiction program. Train the deputies on what indicators to look for on a traffic stop, utilize the drug dog teams we already have to work this program. Listen to the citizens when they tell you that they have traffic on their road all hours of the day and night and cars are only there for a few minutes and leave. If the citizens are willing to give this type of information, then we need to check it out. Work with other agencies in the surrounding areas and build a database for the drug information. Look at starting a multiagency task force again to work the drugs.

7. I do support constitutional carry. The main reason it is legal to carry concealed in the county when you cross into the city limits you are in violation. The law needed to be the same for the whole state, not just the counties.

8. Busy. First catch up on the previous night’s activities. Proceed with the day by working to better the department. I will work hard to make the department the best it can be. Start implementing some the programs I’ve talked about.

9. Getting to know the staff and listen to their concerns and suggestions. Fixing problems and building trust and respect, working with the citizens of Bonner County and building back the trust and respect with them also.

10. Some of the challenges are fighting the war on drugs. Building the trust of the citizens which has been lost, and working hard to fix what is broken. This will be done through communication and cooperation of not only the citizens but the sheriff’s office.

11. The fiasco with Undersheriff Hale. It appears that both Wheeler and Hale are thumbing their noses at the county commissioners and the citizens of Bonner County. When asked about it Wheeler says he can’t talk about it. He misled the citizens when he said Hale had resigned leaving them to believe he was gone, only to find out later that he is still on the payroll. Does this show honesty or integrity?

12. I believe my harshest criticism would probably be about my stand on the constitutional sheriff. I have been asked several times by several people if I am a constitutional sheriff. When I asked them to describe what a constitutional sheriff is I have received several different descriptions. My beliefs are I am a very strong believer of the Constitution of the United States; It is what America was built on. I will abide by and enforce the laws of the Constitution as written.

Other questions I have been asked would I stand up to the federal government if they tried to illegally take our guns. Yes, I would. If there is no due process, then there is no law. I will go one better I will keep in touch with our legislators and representatives and watch for backdoor legislation. Sometimes they try to slip gun control legislation in with other laws that has nothing to do with the Second Amendment. I will work with the sheriff’s association to correct this and also let the citizens know in time so they can start their private campaign with their legislators.

13. Bring back honesty, integrity, and trust through leadership.

14. When you take the oath of the sheriff, will you abide by the Peace Officers Code of Ethics and be honest with the citizens.