07/10/2026
I would like to take the opportunity to address a few things from the candidates forum tonight that I was unable to do so then due time constraints.
First, I am not a slick politician or a polished public speaker. What I say is from the heart. I don't sugar coat anything. I mean what I say.
If I say I'm going to do something, I do it. No BS from me.
Second, anyone who says or implies that I don't care about the employees at the Sheriff's office or didn't fight for them during my time as Undersheriff, is a damn liar.
When Sheriff Matthews took office the deputies had 1 taser to share between all of them, cages were not in vehicles, there were no in car cameras, the fi****ms were worn out and antiquated. Some bullet proof vests were expired. Not all patrol vehicles were outfitted with radar. Uniforms were updated to a more comfortable uniform. All of this was addressed as fast as funding allowed. We worked with other agencies as well to accomplish this task as well. Deputies for the first time in decades had their own issued equipment. The needs were met.
As far as raises and benefits we fought hard and worked with the county commission to get raises and benefit improvements every year and were successful doing so. It was me working with the county commission thay secured the county paying 100% of the Wyoming Retirement for Sheriff's Office employees.
Third, the horse trailer that was brought up. Yes we did purchase a horse trailer. It was primarily purchased for the Mounted Patrol Unit to transport horses. But it was also used to help stranded citizens hauling large animals or a person hauling large animals who had gotten in a crash. That horse trailer was not a frivolous purchase. We had six mounted units at the time of that purchase. Yes, the sheriff's office doesn't own horses or do they pay for anything to do with those horses. The deputies do. So all of the farrier services at over $100 twice a year, all vaccines, and vet bills are paid by the deputies. To and from events the deputies pay. The Evanston Police Department covers 95% of those costs for their mounted patrol unit.
We met with the Commissioners and were allowed by them to auction off our surplus vehicle and use those funds along with some money from the forest service contract (to purchase equipment) to purchase that trailer and take some of the burden off the deputies. No budgeted funds were spent on that purchase.
Fourth, yes I do make more that the current Sheriff at the moment. He failed to mention that elected officials pay is set, meaning it can not be changed for four years. That is set by statute. He also failed to mention he will be making with the Commissioners approval $120,000.00 annually which starts in January.
Fifth, yes, talk to the deputies both past and present, talk to all of them. The ones in the jail, the ones on patrol, the ones that work in courthouse. To the one that was fired after an in the line of duty injury, for not being released by a doctor to come back to work when the administration thougt he should be. If it was so great I wouldn't be running against the sitting Sheriff.
I am not interested in the bs, What I am interested in what's best for our deputies, our communities and our way of life. I love this place. I have devoted my entire life trying every day to make it better than it was when I found it. I will not mislead you. You deserve better than that. I have been and continue to run my campaign on the up and up not one speck of mudd has been thrown by us. Thank you for listening and thank you for your support. Have a great night! If you are interested in the truth, please share this.
