wolverine

Sheriff Candidates Question and Answer Forum

St. Joseph County • Feb 21, 2008 8:59 AM

bbb I thought this web site was a forum to express views. Its true that I have discussed all the candidates and asked questions. If you notice I have also asked questions of the Undersheriff which were never answered. I thought this was to stimulate conversation. You make it sound like a person cannot express views unless they go in line with yours. Perhaps I have not made any commitment yet. THAT IS A TRUE STATEMENT. I am not the Undersheriff so please do not question my integrity. If anyone questions your candidate you go off your nut. I hope there is some forum in the future which will allow the candidates to address issues which effect the public they protect. I guess I am sick of all the rest of it. The next comment will be then why don't you stay off the site? That would be a good question. I am sure those people who respond are good people. Just a little sensitive.

Sheriff Candidates Question and Answer Forum

St. Joseph County • Feb 20, 2008 11:51 AM

Sorry one more comment. You will never convince me that the people that are telling stories about the various candidates are not known to the candidates themselves. All the candidates could say that they have nothing to do with the mudslinging. But who really believes that.

Sheriff Candidates Question and Answer Forum

St. Joseph County • Feb 20, 2008 11:48 AM

I think this may be my last entry regarding this issue. Here's a thought, lets all (supporters) quit playing these ridiculous games. I think that possibly we are getting away from the real issues. Who will be the best person for the job. I hope that at some point the candidates can face each other and let it all out. Lets face it both candidates are saying they are not running mud slinging campaigns. They are just having there supporters do it. I keep thinking about a comment made by someone who said maybe trooper Thyng is the answer. At least he was not raised by a former sheriff, related to an undersheriff candidate or former sheriff. I think there are some deputies that want Allen and Books out. But there are just as many who want them to win. I base this on the fact that no one has ever answered my question on the total number of union people supporting Balk. I am probably wrong and will get blasted for saying this but there is something deeper than two men running against each other. I think the campaign by both sides really boils down to the relationship between Allen, raised by the Balks and Balk and Lillywhite being uncle and nephew. It kind of reminds you of elections of the past. I am interested in seeing what kind of candidate Thyng actually is. He seems to have a decent running mate A Sgt from Sturgis who is well respected and experienced. Thyng is well trained and a State Trooper. You don't have to be an administrator to be Sheriff. Definitely worth looking into. Okay Blast away!!!

Sheriff Candidates Question and Answer Forum

St. Joseph County • Feb 19, 2008 11:47 AM

I just wanted to remark briefly on the law suits of former employees. It is my understanding that in all those cases the employee had union representation and the union, chose not to pursue these matters to arbitration. That is done when the union feels that there were grounds to dismiss the employee and they cannot prevail in an arbitration hearing. The union for all intense and purposes have agreed with managements decision. Remember any one can try and sue anyone for just about anything. I was thinking about these signs that some employees at the sheriff dept are placing on their vehicles while parked at the sheriff dept. My understanding is that the problem is with the large magnetic signs. I agree that everyone has the right to support and vote for whom ever they wish. There does have to be a line drawn at some time. I am not sure rubbing it in the face of your boss that you want him out would go over anywhere to well. Based on the theory that some employees should be able to put these signs up, could Allen with the consent of the Sheriff put up a huge sign in front of the jail saying support me. I don't think that would go over to well.

Sheriff Candidates Question and Answer Forum

St. Joseph County • Feb 5, 2008 11:15 AM

I agree that I may have gone off course. I did not intend to offend anyone. My comment regarding a secondary site was referring to the contributors not the administrators. Some time ago I asked a very simple question. Exactly how many of the 60 or so employees actually voted for balk regarding the union matter. Unless I missed something there has never been a reply. Deputy Balk does not participate in this forum (possibly he does) but his supporters harp on Allen's treatment of the men. I think the number of supporters is important in so far as it may not be as overwhelming as portrayed by contributors to the forum. I know its not everything but what in 17 years has Balk brought to the Dept in ideas actions anything. I know he was an evidence technician on the major crimes task force. What else? Specific contributions made to the dept or to better the dept? I know that he quit once and then came back to the Dept so I dont think he was being held back by a jealous administration. I know I keep harping on the support thing but to look at everything else there does not seem to be much of a comparison. Someone commented about the time Allen spends bullying his employees. Has there been union action, has there been any unfair labor actions taken against him. The Balk supporters ask for questions and these are questions I would like to have answered. I will in the future refrain from offending anyone. I am glad that I have the opportunity to contribute some thoughts on an important issue that effects all of us who live in St Joseph County.