Dave Kramer

1. My decision to run for Sheriff is based on my commitment and desire to continue to serve the residents of Boundary County. I have been involved with law enforcement in Boundary County for over 40 years and my training and experience will be used to make a positive difference in the direction of the Sheriff’s Office. My goal is to have a proactive, community-involved, professional Sheriff’s Office that serves all of Boundary County.

2. I have the proven leadership of serving as Bonners Ferry Police Chief for over 20 years and implementing several successful programs. I hold the Executive level certification, which is the highest level of law enforcement certification issued by the Idaho Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST). My training includes an 11-week law enforcement leadership National Academy, Executive Command College, and over 2,500 hours of POST approved training, with over 700 hours in law enforcement leadership courses. I graduated from the FBI National Academy and I have a degree in Criminal Justice from North Idaho College. I worked for NIC’s Basic Patrol Academy as the law enforcement coordinator and Acting Director. I also bring over 20 years’ experience as the Emergency Manager for Boundary County.

3. Drugs, especially Heroin, Meth, and prescription abuse are a large problem in our County and the majority of other crimes committed have a direct connection to drug abuse. Another major issue facing the Sheriff’s office is the fact that the jail has not met recommended standards for certification, which is a liability issue for the County and needs to be corrected. Boundary County residents have also voiced their concern about Federal overreach in our County, especially pertaining to the 2nd amendment.

4. Our efforts will focus on those that are selling drugs. We will stop the flow of drugs in our schools through the use of drug investigations, team work, certified K-9 handlers, and education as tools to reduce the drug problem. Getting the jail certified is a top priority. I will begin implementing changes as soon as I am in office towards accomplishing this goal. As Sheriff, I will uphold my oath of office to the Constitution. I will work with other agencies, but not allow them to override the authority of the Sheriff.

5. I don’t want to create a legacy for myself, but I would like to create a legacy for all those that serve and wear a badge, or work in law enforcement. I would like law enforcement to again be recognized as a noble profession, where integrity, trust, respect, fairness, honor, and service to others is the standard for all that choose to protect and serve. We need to rebuild public trust. That is what I want as your Sheriff.

6. Approachable, ready and willing to work with the other elected officials, employees and public. I have always been a working administrator. I will be in uniform and ready to respond to calls as needed to support my Deputies and not sitting back behind a desk. I look forward to being out in the communities. I will set goals and expectations for the Sheriff’s Office and delegate with trust in my employees to accomplish those goals.

7. Being part of a team of professionals and empowering them to be pro-active, and community involved. As a team I look forward to our partnership with the community in awareness and building the trust that all calls will be handled in a professional and caring manner. Being able to strongly support all of our First Responder and volunteer groups, so they know they will have the support and cooperation of the Sheriff’s Office. Making a positive impact on the challenges Boundary County faces.

8. We have a limited tax base and need to stretch resources farther.

I will be fiscally responsible in the decisions that I make such as a review of all the vehicles, and their use, and costs currently associated with the running of the office to see where we can save money without cutting services.

The drug problem is still a major challenge for our community and we need to be very pro-active with a focus on drug investigations holding dealers accountable for their actions.

9. The real details of who is the most qualified. I am certified at the Executive level, the highest certification awarded to law enforcement in Idaho, and have been since 1999. I have 20 years experience as an executive, actually running a local law enforcement agency, and over 41 years total law enforcement experience. I have a degree in Criminal Justice, and have been a criminal justice Instructor for NIC, along with serving as Acting Director of the North Idaho Police Academy. The write in candidate has said, “dare to compare.” I invite the voters to honestly compare his level of experience, education, and commitment to our community to mine.

10. My opponent has already accused me of being a “good old boy” because I grew up in Boundary County. I am proud of Boundary County, and that is why I want to continue to serve here, but my experience has not been limited to my career here. I have worked as an Intern in a Regional Crime Lab, been an Investigator for the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, attended the National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, been a Presenter at the National Rural law enforcement technology conference, been featured on law enforcement television network on management of a rural police department. I have a network of law enforcement friends and associates all over the world.

11. My decision to run for Sheriff is only out of my continued commitment to serve Boundary County and provide the best level of service to all the people that live here and visit here. This is my home and I want it to be a place that is safe and I want people to know that the Sheriff’s Office will do everything legally possible to protect our quality of life, and to reduce the drug and other crime problems. I have served as a volunteer on Boundary Ambulance, and continue to serve on the Search and Rescue Team. I believe in giving back to our community.

12. Are you running for this position out of ego? That is not why I am running. I believe in giving back. The opportunities I have had throughout my career have prepared me to lead the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office needs strong leadership and direction as we move forward in the new challenges facing law enforcement. I am excited to combine my leadership, experience and training with Rich Stephens who I asked to remain as my Chief Deputy as we move the Sheriff’s Office forward and meet those challenges.