Terry Ford

1: As you know, I ran against the incumbent in the primary election, and lost by a small margin. I was inspired to run again, in the general election as a write-in candidate, because I could not simply sit back and accept the flawed leadership that currently exists in the Sheriff’s Office. I want to develop programs that can better serve and protect the citizens of Bonner County including a School Resource Officer Program, more thorough investigation of property crimes, stricter surveillance and conviction of drug offenders, and a Citizens’ Academy. I am committed to bringing back integrity, professionalism, sound ethics, and professionalism to the Sheriff’s Office.

2: I have 35 years’ experience in law enforcement, first as an officer with Post Falls City Police, and for the last 25 years of my career as an Idaho State Police trooper, based here in Sandpoint. I was POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) certified, and retired as a Master Corporal, having been given supervisory responsibility of officer teams in North Idaho. I co-founded the Pacific Northwest Drug Detection Dog Association, and offered training for canine law enforcement teams across the Pacific Northwest. My work in this field over the years has contributed to a unique skill set in drug interdiction which I plan to bring to Bonner County in our fight against drugs. I have patrolled the roads of Bonner County for many years, and know them well!

3. A. Property crimes: Currently, property crimes are not being investigated as they should be. Citizens who I have talked to across the county describe instances in which they have called the sheriff’s office for help following a break in, and often receive no response at all. Or if they do, it is to say the best next step, after giving them a re- port number, is to contact their insurance company. In several cases, the criminal was film- ed and lic-ense plate numbers were obtained by the homeowner, and still there was no response. Criminals will not be enabled on my watch.

B. Patrol presence: Citizens, particularly in outlying communities such as Clark Fork and Priest Lake, complain about rarely seeing deputies patrolling their neighborhoods. They recall a time before Sheriff Wheeler took office when deputies could often be seen patrolling their communities, and when there was a corresponding lower crime rate. They want patrols back! I will be sure my deputies reach out to these communities, and travel in marked patrol vehicles to create a visible presence. This will not only serve to deter criminals, but will also keep them closer in case they are needed.

C. Community outreach: With a strong network of families, business owners, school districts, and neighborhoods, we will be far better positioned to communicate when the need arises. I will develop a School Resource Officer program, will regularly schedule “Coffee with Cops” opportunities so residents can talk to me in a casual setting, and strengthen the communication channels with other local law enforcement agencies.

4. A. Property crimes: My deputies and I will be responsive to calls for help with property crimes, every time. We will return calls, and investigate these crimes, which are often drug related. I will explore better ways for home owners to identify their more valuable belongings, so that stolen items can be traced and offenders arrested.

B. Patrol presence: Citizens want patrolling officers back! I will be sure my deputies reach out to these communities, and travel in marked patrol vehicles to create a visible presence. This will not only serve to deter criminals, but will also keep officers closer in case they are needed.

C. Community outreach: I want to be proactive in creating relationships with the citizens of Bonner County. I will develop a School Resource Officer program, will regularly schedule “Coffee with Cops” opportunities so residents can talk to me in a casual setting, and strengthen the communication channels with other local law enforcement agencies.

5. I would want the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office to exemplify the highest standards in service to our community. Our deputies and detectives will have a reputation of being responsive and thorough in their investigations. The Sheriff’s Office will have a strong and visible countywide presence All employees, including deputies, detectives, dispatchers, those working in the jail/detention, will feel validated in their work since they are respected, extraordinarily well trained, and given opportunities for promotion. The property crime rate and associated hard drug presence will have dramatically declined as a result of programs developed during my administration.

6. I respectfully decline to answer this question, as I believe that any citizen’s vote is precious and private.

7. No. Idaho funds students at a per capita rate lower than almost all other states in the country. I would like to see legislators come together with Idaho’s school districts to develop a strategic plan that increases the overall quality of education. Teachers do their best under the circumstances, and should be credited for their effort, expertise, and passion for teaching.

8. No. Our roads and bridges should be evaluated for safety standards, and budgets set to make repairs, setting priorities that resolve the most serious hazards. I would defer to the legislative candidates for comments regarding where the deficiencies in the legislative process currently exist. I am concerned, as a candidate for Sheriff, as accidents, injuries, and even fatalities can occur when roadways and bridges are unsafe.

9. Yes. I agree that employees need to do the job they are hired to do in order to stay employed. However, sound leadership in any department, including the Sheriff’s Office, is necessary to assure adequate training, re-training as needed, awareness of policies and procedures, and a path to promotion based on merit and experience. Employee turnover is not only expensive, but creates instability and deterioration in departmental culture. I look forward to taking on the responsibility for the well-being and performance standards of my employees in the Sheriff’s Office.

10. I agree with Commissioner-elect, Jeff Connolly, in that decisions regarding land use planning must be based in large part on the research done by the P&Z, and the recommendations that result. We have new Planning and Zoning commissioners who have recently joined the commission. My hope is that they will stand their ground, and work together to bring good stewardship to their role in making decisions that impact us all.

11. I am not prepared to answer this question at length. I would defer to the Commissioners-elect. Know that I stand ready to protect citizens in all areas of the county, regardless of their connection to specific land uses.

12. Drug trafficking and use in our county, relationships between citizens including our youth and the Sheriff’s Office, and the investigation of property crimes. Our current Sheriff has been in the headlines more often recently as a result of his own poor judgment, than as a result of successful crime prevention strategies.

13. In regards to the Sheriff’s Office, the biggest challenge is to restore strong leadership in the department. Employee engagement and retention, and service to the community depend on it.

At a time when we struggle to balance choices for land use (public access, economic growth, and residential property rights for example), collaboration among all stake holders is critical. Leadership lies with the County Commissioners and the Planning and Zoning commission. Maintaining this balance to preserve the reasons we have chosen to live here, is fundamental.

14. My integrity has never been questioned in the 35 years I have worked in law enforcement. The only criticisms I have heard are in regard to peoples’ understanding of my experience in administration and budget oversight. What the citizens of Bonner County may not know is that I managed my own business for over 10 years, and also co-founded and provided services to the Pacific Northwest Drug Detection Dog Association as a trainer and administrator. My responsibilities included business planning and budget oversight, as well as trainee recruitment and curriculum. I assure the citizens of Bonner County that I am equipped for the job.

15. In the context of the Sheriff’s Office, I will use my connections in local, state, and regional law enforcement to recruit and hire the best candidates for jobs in my department. It is my responsibility to retain the best talent through sound leadership. In doing so, I hope to grow the law enforcement community, and create well-paying jobs and sustainable positions for my team. I want them to come to Bonner County with their families, and stay because they want to.

16. What contribution will you personally make to the citizens of your “district”, which is both unique and of great importance?

In the Sheriff’s Office, I will provide strong leadership in all the ways in which “leadership” is defined. This includes honesty, empathy, listening, collaboration, and a strong hand in the face of a crisis. I will bring what I have learned over many years in law enforcement, and combine it with what we know about current trends and challenges in law enforcement. I will work hard to create one of the best departments in the area.