1. Is there a lack of community trust for the Sheriff’s Office? If so, what would you do to change that?
2. This question concerns the integrity issue that has been raised. Has the Sheriff’s Office shown favoritism in whom it chooses to arrest or charge with a crime? Please be specific.
3. Have the outlying areas of Blaine County been short-changed with police coverage? Please be specific. If so, what would you do to change that?
4. Is there a communications problem between the Sheriff’s Office and other police or emergency services in Blaine County? If so, what would you do to fix the problem?
5. Why are you the best man for the job?
Larry Clark
Age: 51
Education: Two years at Boise State University in general studies. Idaho Police Officer Standard Training advanced certified. Several leadership and management Navy courses.
Current employment: Bellevue marshal.
Why running: I believe that the best communication starts with listening well, to the community and the deputies on the street. By keeping open lines of communication we can better serve everyone in the community and make our community safer and stronger.
Government/public service: Twenty years Navy, Desert Storm/Desert Shield veteran, four years with Sun Valley Police Department, 4.5 years with Hailey Police Department.
Party affiliation: Republican, running as a write-in candidate.
1. No, I do not believe there is a lack of trust. I do believe that our trust in the community must be earned. I believe all law enforcement departments need to be more visible. The more we can be seen, the more approachable we become and then the community trust will always be there.
2. I do not know of any specific cases where favoritism was ever an issue. I have worked with the majority of deputies at Blaine County and they have always been equally fair.
3. Yes, listening to calls on the radio all day I do hear deputies making traffic stops close to or within the cities of Ketchum, Hailey and Bellevue. The cities are already covered with their own police departments. I would instruct the deputies to patrol in Carey, Picabo and all outlying areas.
4. Yes, I would make sure I spoke with all the police chiefs, marshal, prosecutor, probation and fire chiefs on a routine basis. The line of communication is very critical in Blaine County. This would help deter crime and prosecute criminals in our valley.
5. Because of my experience as a leader in both the military and as the current Bellevue marshal, I would be able to open the lines of communication between all. I listen to the people working with me, around me and for me. I believe every idea should be heard and explored.
Steve England
Age: 37
Education: Two years of college at Idaho State University and College of Southern Idaho. Certificate in law enforcement from ISU. Advanced, supervisory and management certificates from Idaho POST Academy.
Current employment: Hailey police lieutenant.
Why running: I am fully prepared to bring my law enforcement experience and community-minded knowledge to the next level. When I am sheriff, there will be a much-needed and enhanced connection with law enforcement, community and the residents that we serve.
Government/public service: Fifteen years law enforcement in Blaine County, three years in the Navy and a volunteer with several nonprofit organizations throughout Blaine County.
Party affiliation: Independent.
1. Yes, as is the case nationwide. I will lead by example and continue my community-minded approach of interaction with the residents of our county. I will also implement a Neighborhood Watch program in the county and always have an open-door policy.
2. It is a political position and integrity becomes an issue. An approximately 40-word limit is not enough to go into specifics of unethical/questionable behavior by the elected position of sheriff. With me, I will treat everyone fairly—rich, poor or indifferent.
3. With the research that I have, the residents (Carey, Indian Creek, East Fork, etc.) will tell you they don’t feel they are adequately patrolled. Again, I will implement Neighborhood Watch and your Sheriff’s Office will patrol the county for which we serve.
4. Communications in general is not an issue. However, I would implement a community policing representative position so the residents have enhanced communication with their Sheriff’s Office. Communications could only become a problem pending the outcome of how the dispatch issues are remedied.
5. I have 15 years of current law enforcement in the busiest section of Blaine County and I am heavily involved within our community. I am prepared to lead your Sheriff’s Office for four years and beyond. Therefore, you do not have to worry about turnover.
Gene Ramsey
Age: 63
Education: Wood River High School, Idaho Post Academy, Idaho State University, FBI Command College, North Western University School of Police Staff and Command.
Current employment: Blaine County sheriff.
Why running: I am developing a professional legacy of teamwork, employee development and interagency cooperation and communication. I am providing a voice for Blaine County at federal, state and local entities and I stand on my record of success.
Government/public service: Four years Air Force Military Police, Vietnam War veteran, two years Hailey Police Department, 33 years with Blaine County Sheriff’s Office.
Party affiliation: Republican.
1. The Sheriff’s Office consistently hears it is the most trusted law enforcement agency in the valley. Our commitment to excellence, professionalism and transparency is unequaled and the citizens of Blaine County know we are here to serve their needs.
2. The Sheriff’s Office does not selectively arrest anyone. My own son was arrested by this office and not shown favoritism. We also do not prosecute anyone; my opponents should know this. “Restore Integrity” is merely a political slogan without any foundation or meaning.
3. The sheriff covers all 2,600 square miles of our county. From Smiley Creek to Lake Walcott, and Carey to Moonstone, we cover everything. We don’t shortchange anyone. Never have. We have a substation in Carey and have nine deputies residing in outlying communities.
4. We have excellent communication with emergency response agencies. Managers meet regularly through the local emergency planning committee, technical advisory committee and chief’s meetings. The recent marijuana bust was an example of top-shelf interagency communication.
5. I am the only candidate with the experience to manage all the aspects of the Sheriff’s Office. I have demonstrated my leadership and financial management skills by the results my team has delivered. I stand on my record of 34 years of experience.
