Platform as written by Rick Fuller:
   

MY PLATFORM 2008

 

 

I want to gain the respect and cooperation of every citizen in Kalamazoo County to make our neighborhoods safer.  I want anyone committing a crime to know that when they do so a highly trained and well-equipped Sheriff’s Department and every citizen will be looking for them and will make them pay for their crime.

 

I believe that we can ultimately reduce the number of inmates in Kalamazoo County.  One by implementing a youth outreach program like never before.  We need to get back into the schools with a D.A.R.E program or similar that will help youth understand the dangers of drugs.  We need to work closer with the youth through programs that will foster education and understanding.  This will serve as a means of preventing youth of ever coming to jail.

 

We also need to get back to a rehabilitation program in our jail that will assist people with addictions or behavior problems.  By addressing some of the current issues with education and counseling we will reduce our jail population, eliminating some of the need for a bigger jail.

 

I plan on actively seeking more funding for the Sheriff’s Department through state and federal grants or gifts, that will allow Kalamazoo County citizens more service than they have come to expect in recent years.

 

I pledge to commit to fiscal responsibility.  There are many situations in government that will allow us to join with other agencies to purchase like products at a reduced rate.  This will allow everyone to save furthering the money they have to serve the community.

 

I will work closely with the Kalamazoo County Deputies Association to re-arrange the shifts in order to provide more than three deputies a midnight shift.  This will allow us to protect and serve the 90,000 citizens in the outlying areas of Kalamazoo County better.  There will be a re-configuration of the districts to better utilize the road patrol according to the crime statistics on a yearly basis.

 

I will ensure that all employees are treated in a fair and professional manner.  All employees will know that they will be able to bring to my attention areas of concern that they feel need be addressed.

 

The citizens of this county will know that their Sheriff will be looking out for them and their concerns as well as the those of the people that serve them.