A New Sheriff For Porter County Indiana

Here in Indiana there is a big push from the Democrats to regain the balance of power in the state legislature. The push is so big that many "smaller" races and issues are being given the brush-off. In fact, while attending a political meeting this past week, one of the participants suggested limiting the invitation of candidates to events to those races at the statewide level, citing the lack of significance in other races.

It bothers me that people do not understand what the late Tip O'Neill, long-time Speaker of the US House of Representatives, knew as an essential part of the political process: "All politics is local."

In the case of Porter County one the more important "insignificant" races is that of Sheriff. While some may dismiss this race as being less important, it is because they do not realize how important a sheriff can be on the county, state and national level. Sheriffs participate in statewide associations that influence and initiate legislation regarding law enforcement, drug treatment, educational programs, welfare spending, housing, taxes, and more. Additionally, sheriffs set policy, budgets and practices for county jails, courthouses, evictions, tax lien enforcements, home foreclosures, as well as setting precedents for other law enforcement departments within their jurisdiction. Often, it is the Sheriff's Department that is tasked with leading, connecting and/or coordinating inter-jurisdictional task forces.

A good sheriff can make a major impact upon the safety, security and quality of life in any given county.

Here in Northwest Indiana, in Porter County, there is a race for the office of sheriff between two existing officers within the Porter County Sheriff's Department (PCSD). The Republican candidate is Susan Resteau, a sergeant specializing in handling transportation of prisoners within the PCSD. The Democratic candidate is David Lain, the current Chief Deputy for the PCSD.

A review of each candidate's resume reveals that Lain, the Democrat, is vastly more experienced, has achieved a whole lot more in terms of his career path, and has been recognized for outstanding leadership and work in law enforcement. While Resteau can claim achievement in that she is an instructor at the statewide law enforcement academy, she lacks, in my view, any significant achievements in terms of providing the bona fides for taking the reins of the PCSD.

Then there is the politics offered by each candidate. If you read Resteau's literature, press coverage, past campaign ads, and interviews, you see that she wants to mold the PCSD after the model of Sheriff Joe Arpaio in Maricopa County, Arizona. She wants to use many of the same tactics for treating prisoners: austere settings, limited food services, humiliation, disrespectful interpersonal treatment, and quite possibly tent cities. She has opposed everything involved in the new Porter County jail facility, sought the closure of the Pines Township substation, and seems to present the voters with little in the way of positive ideas. My attempts to contact her directly have been resisted, and her campaign seems to be in a state of conflict and chaos. Additionally, because of the fight for control over the state legislature, her own party seems to be fractious and conflicted, leaving her with limited support and resources.

Reading Lain's literature and materials, one gets the impression that he understands something that Resteau doesn't... "It's about service." Lain actually made that statement during one of his campaign events in the primaries. Meeting Dave Lain leaves the impression that he genuinely cares about people. He listens to what you have to say and seeks out input and feedback. Discuss the issues with Dave and you learn a lot. He is grounded in facts as well as a perspective that dealing with people requires a committment to mutual respect. He understands that being a leader is not just about doing the tasks assigned to the roll, but about communicating with people in a meaningful manner.

Lain's roll as a former lieutenant within the Valparaiso Police Department and as the Chief Deputy of PCSD provides him with a lot more experience overseeing budgets, programs, investigations, supervising civilian and law enforcement personnel, community policing, and dealing with the general public in presenting a positive image of the PCSD.

Resteau's roll remains somewhat of a mystery, but unconfirmed reports have come to my attention that she has had her share of conflicts among colleagues, subordinants and supervisors. While I understand that there are a great number of reasons for such conflicts to occur, one has to question the matter when the conflicts arise.

I have chosen to actively support Dave Lain for Sheriff based on his resume, his record of achievement, his understanding of the community, his professionalism and his ability to genuinely care for his community. His party affiliation has little to do with the decision. I chose not to support Resteau because she is basically inaccessible, presents as being cold-hearted, and doesn't seem to understand the community that is Porter County.

It is my hope that the people of Porter County will recognize the importance of this race and turnout for the vote... and of course, vote for Dave Lain.