(submited by user: vintageport3935)
“I’ve been surprised to not find a posting on here for discussing the upcoming election of the Bonneville County Sheriff. Has anyone noticed who the candidates are? The primaries are approching soon. I would love to give some insight into the upcoming candidates for Sheriff. Lets discuss it and bypass all of the misinformation.”
Thank you, Vintageport3965, for submitting a great topic of interest!
Chief Deputy Paul Wilde recently took over as the new Sheriff for Bonneville county. He took over the position from Sheriff Byron Stommel – who had worked with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s office for over 40 years and Wilde was said to be finishing out the last of Stommel’s term.
I think it is an important question. With the new the term coming to an end and the election coming up, who should take the seat of Sheriff?
I would love to hear from both officers and citizens as to how do you think Paul Wilde has done as Sheriff so far? What have been his strengths and his weaknesses in the role? Also, who are the other candidates and what are their qualifications?
Popularity: 87%
. Plus that leaves me a day to spend money elsewhere, so yes, there is money to be made on Sunday.
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An issue I feel of importance with the sheriff’s office is pertaining to the (national) increase in the use of tasers. It has been my understanding that a tasers purpose was to be a last resort before use of lethal force. However, at the city council meeting where Wilde assumed his current position I inquired as to the tasers place here in Bonneville county. He told me that my view was incorrect and that a taser can be used by an officer any time he feels there is uncompliance. (Those may not be his exact words as I am not lucky enough to have a photographic memory.)
Could this not be defined as “pain compliance”?
If you do not feel taser use is an issue just google the words “taser & death” and see what you find.
Am I making much ado about nothing or does anybody else find these tasers alarming?
Top ↑Every and I mean EVERY tool or hands on technique the police use is based on the theory of pain compliance.
The idea of hitting someone with a baton is cause them enough pain that they don’t want to get hit again.
The idea of using an arm bar is to cause enough pain in the arm that you’ll give up to stop it from being twisted.
Same with pepper spray.
Even a gun is pain compliance.
Tasers are just another tool only they work much better and usually work the first time. You can hit someone twenty times with a baton and not get much effect.
Furthermore injuries to officers and suspects have decreased dramatically where tasers have been implemented. And thats because tasers work about 99.9% of the time when applied properly (a missed shot with a taser obviously doesn’t work). Other tools have a success rate of about 10-15% and nearly always end up with officers physically fighting with suspect and one or the other usually ends up hurt.
Also, there has not been one single death nationwide attributed to the taser. People are ASSUMING causality when a suspect who later dies was tasered. But the autopsies have failed to link a single one to tasers. And in almost all cases the person who died is found to be massively high on drugs and died of a drug overdose which medically is called excited delirium. You could just as credibly argue that the person died because they breathed air that night, because they ate food, because they drank water, as you can that they died because a taser was used. Tasers are just a coincidental thing that happened to them before they died. Someone may cite the Canadian airport case where an unruly passenger died after being tasered. There is a video but you’ll notice that if you watch the video that the mounties accidentally smother the guy to death. You can even hear the guy taking the video talking about how the tasered man can’t breathe and is being smothered.
Basically my feeling if you can’t tell is that if Wilde is arguing for a relaxed use of tasers then I applaud him for putting the safety of the both the suspects and officers first.
Top ↑what about sheriff,s response v/s actual tasing no increased usage is noted.
Top ↑In the Chatbox today Guest 2858 provided a useful link here: http://www.co.bonneville.id.us/elections/Sample_Ballot.pdf a sample ballot laying out who is running.
Also, for those interested, here is a news report of Paul Wilde running for Sheriff: http://www.kpvi.com/Global/story.asp?S=7964384
It appears the only person opposing Wilde is Terry Kerr for the primaries. The local PR recently ran a story titled “Race issues the crux of candidate’s campaign.” The story says Kerr “is a retired father of two who is married to a black woman.” and that the reason he is running for Sherrif is because of race descrimination against his family. The artlicle also states Kerr doesn’t think he’ll win, nor does he want to be sheriff. He said he’d ask his cousin from Montan to run the department if he wins.
The winner between the two of them will be running against Democratic candidate Laun Cook. Does anyone have any information on Cook?
Top ↑Was/is Laun a deputy Sheriff with Bonneville County?
Top ↑I would like to ask the Sheriff how he will reform the jail. Why do inmates get so much commisary? They shouldn’t get all the food luxuries they get now….but it pads the Sheriff’s Justice Fund. It would be a trade off, but I think they should also get rid of the Cable TV (they charge inmates for this)….the Sheriff should also charge more for medical services (many inmates have alot of money on the books….they should have to pay for medical services first and nachos and candy bars second, IMO).
I would like the PR to ask Sheriff Wilde if he intends to continue the policies of Stommel in this area. Wilde should take the lead from Sheriff Joe Arpaio of Maricopa County, AZ.
Top ↑Personally I think more officers need to be trained in actual “hands on” take down techniques. I can understand sometimes when someone maybe high on drugs and have a little more strength then normal or the perp may have a knife or whatnot and a taser or pepper spray is needed. But the fact is there are way too many out of shape officers out there that can’t stand up to one man (OR woman for that matter) Case in point on the news last night, it took 5 cops to take one lady into custody yesterday. There are a number of easy “take downs” utilizing pressure points and certain wrist grabs that will immediately take a person to the ground without any outside help from fellow officers, yet for some reason law enforcement just doesn’t seem to know about these techniques, or they’d rather take the easy way out by using a taser or pepper spray. I think today’s officers need more “close combat” training and we wouldn’t have people dying left and right from taser injuries.
Top ↑It’s pretty sad when a single officer can’t subdue a woman on his own. How embarrassing.
“Personally I think more officers need to be trained in actual “hands on” take down techniques.”
I know you ment it serously, but it made me laugh seeing that next to your screen name. Of course it would be James Bond who would encourage more hand to hand combat training.
I think the physical fitness of the officers should be manditory for the job. And we should be paying our officers than we do as well. If we want top notch officers, we need to pay to recruit and maintain them. “If you’re only willing to pay K-mart prices, you’re probably going to get K-mart quality.” I think we have a good police force overall (you “can” find the officers who are the exception to that). But that can change over time if we don’t ensure our force has good equipment and good pay.
Currently I think the physical fitness depends on the individual. I’ve seen some impressively in-shape officers around town, but there are a few carrying around a spare tire or two. I hope the higher-ups are talking to those not staying in shape. And I hope we are providing adequate physical weight training facilities for the officres as well.
Top ↑fit doesnt always mean smart ha ha ;0.o0
Top ↑Again I’d challenge anyone to post an article where it shows a death caused by a taser. You won’t find one. What you will find is many articles where someone was tasered and died later that evening. But in EVERY SINGLE ONE of these cases the autopsy found that the person died of other causes, usually a drug overdose. The fact that their adrenaline got going because they were fighting with the police and high on drugs at the same time caused a state caused excited delirium is basically just a fancy term for drug overdose. The fact they got tasered was coincidental and had no more causal effect on their death than their breathing air that night did. What caused their death is they got high on drugs, they fought with police, and their system overloaded on the drugs and adrenaline. There is a whole slew of anti cop literature out there claiming tasers cause death but you’ll see in every one of them they are ASSUMING a causal relationship while ignoring the actual results of the autopsy. They then claim a conspiracy to cover up taser deaths. This conspiracy apparently includes every pathologist who has ever done an autopsy and all the police involved and the code of silence amongst them is apparently extrordinary since they never break ranks.
As to the hands on comment. There will always be people bigger and stronger than you out there. Its ridiculous to expect a 5’10 180 lb cop to go hands on with a 6’4″ 270 lb biker, even if the cop is in shape and the biker is not. Size matters and it matters a lot in fights. And going hands on is risky because hands on techniques do not work on everyone. And injuries to both suspects and officers are massive while using these techniques compared to things like pepper spray and tasers.
Top ↑OMG….are you kidding me Anonymous? I’ve heard of a number of deaths that were related to people being taserd. But just for arguments sake I googled it and came up with a few links.
Now granted, some of those that did die, were high on drugs and/or already had heart conditions. Clearly cardiac arrest is what the usual cause of death was in these cases. However, these people would not have gone into cardiac arrest in the first place if it wasn’t for them being tasered. You and I both know that a taser puts major stress on the heart and it clearly should not be used as frequently as it is. Many of these cases, the person was tasered multiple times. You can’t tell me the taser had nothing to do with these peoples death.
As of november of last year: Amnesty International has reported that, since June 2001, more than 150 people have died in the United States alone after being subdued with a stun gun/taser. The organization has called for police departments to suspend use of the devices pending study of their possible risks.
http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/11/18/taser.death/
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/12/earlyshow/main648859.shtml
There are literally dozens of articles regarding this issue….
As for your other statement about somebody being bigger or stronger, you really should look into this a little more. I’ve taken a few different self defense classes over the years and leared a few moves that anybody can learn to put anyone else, no matter the size on the ground in a matter of seconds. My wife (who’s 5’4″ 105lbs) can put a man over 6ft and 200+ pounds on the ground. She’s done it to me a number of times.
Anybody that knows anything about self defense will tell you that size has nothing to do with it as long as you know the correct moves,techniques and/or pressure points. And i’m not talking about complicated taekwondo or jujitsu moves that take years of training. In all reality, you can have years of martial arts training and more often than not it won’t help you in real life self defense. Martial arts utilizes your fine motor skills which is why people need to train for years to become proficient. But the fact is, as soon as you’re in a real life “defending your life” situation, your adrenaline kicks in and you lose control of all your fine motor skills. I’ve always assumed i could handle myself with all the years of training in different martial arts I’ve taken but I never needed to use it in a real life situation. About 4 years ago a friend of mine turned me on to close combat training. You can find a number of articles about it online, but I was given information on a man called Captain Chris. He’s trained a number of people over the years from all walks of life and can show you some simple moves that are easily learned which would enable anybody (no matter the size) to put another person on the ground in a matter of seconds. I was hesitant at first because I thought I knew it all and could handle myself, but I ended up purchasing this guys training package and my wife and I studied it from top to bottom. I’m telling you, I wish I had known about this before all those years and money spent on martial arts training. My wife is petite, 5’4″ and 105 lbs and after just a couple weeks of training, she was able to put me on the ground with no problem. (and I’m 6ft 200lbs) Simple education and some short training would be all it takes to educate the police who are there to protect and serve the public. This guy actually goes around the country and trains many police departments on his close combat training course.
The fact of the matter is most cops these days are too afraid to confront a perp face to face, mainly because they don’t have the confidence or the knowledge to put a person on the ground. They’d rather whip out their taser or baton instead. (or pepper spray which usually ends up blowing into the cops eyes anyways.)
I would urge anybody who’s looking for some simple techniques to learn how to be able to defend themselves and their family from anybody at anytime, to seriously look into this course. I actually purchased the complete course a few years ago, but the course is offered now for a try it for free for 30 days deal, which a co-worker of mine mine did last November and she sent it back after 28 days and didn’t pay a dime. I paid 200 bucks for the course almost 4 years ago, but my friend said when she called customer service to get an RA # to return the product, they offered it to her for 99 bucks. Which is a great deal for all the knowledge this guy offers. http://www.closecombattraining.com/cctraining/index.php
Granted there are hundreds of other close combat books, videos and online material out there, but but for 99 bucks, this guy offers a dozen easy to follow dvds and a couple illustrated manuals. It’s well worth the money. And even if you don’t want to spend the money, just order it and return it within the 30 days and only pay 9-10 bucks for return shipping charges. My wife used to be afraid to go out at night by herself being that she’s so petite but not since she learned these moves. This course also shows you numerous techniques on how to disarm and incapacitate someone that’s attacking you with a knife or gun.
I know I sound like a salesman for this company, (sorry about that!) but ever since my wife and I studied this course, we’ve loaned it out to all our friends and family. I just can’t begin to explain the amount of confidence it’s given my wife, myself and everyone we’ve loaned it to.
And the great thing is, you don’t have to be in great shape or really strong to be able to utilize these techniques. Anybody can learn them.
Ok, enough advertising.
Its just that I get so excited to talk about this program when I hear people say things like, “he/she have no chance of defending themselves against somebody thats twice their size or twice as strong.” Thats simply not true.
Top ↑If that link doesnt work, just google Captain Chris Close Combat. Ask cr67 what he thinks about it too. (not that his opinion matters… j/k CR!) As some of you know, he an I work together and I’ve loaned the program to both him and Slim and they both enjoyed it. I’m telling you, knowledge is power, strength and size have absolutely nothing to do with defending yourself.
Your comment doesn’t really work for me. If you put up two guys who have had this training you are talking about, then what? A fight to the end (like death or severe hurt)? If you and your wife have both had the training, how is it that she can take you down?
And how many times have you heard the terms “excessive force” and “police brutality”? These are usually used when the police have taken someone down by force. For some reason, the public does not look favorably upon the police when someone gets physically hurt.
Top ↑So just use tasers in correctional facilities (at least ones where inmates can’t buy drugs) and shoot the people who are high on drugs (in the knees, of course). LOL JK!!!
Top ↑Don’t sweat it bond…..people would rather dismiss your claims than actually look into to it for themselves to see if it’s valid or not.
Top ↑I agree though, cops use tasers way too frequently.
one more thing…..I guess tasering somebody and having them die as a result….no, that wouldn’t be considered “excessive force” huh? Ok.
Top ↑http://wcco.com/local/taser.death.minnesota.2.719111.html
Interesting article on the use of tasers by Minnesota State Patrol. A guy died after tasers were deployed. No charges filed. Albeit the guy had some cocaine and prescription drugs in his system. Sad story but tasers should remain in use….but kind of like a bean bag gun, a supervisor should be involved to activate deployment.
Top ↑I also think they should remain in use, I just think their used too frequently.
Top ↑“The fact of the matter is most cops these days are too afraid to confront a perp face to face, mainly because they don’t have the confidence or the knowledge to put a person on the ground. They’d rather whip out their taser or baton instead. (or pepper spray which usually ends up blowing into the cops eyes anyways.)”
The REAL Fact of the matter is the officer doesn’t want to get hurt if he doesn’t have to. Here’s a requirement in police work. You have to be at 100 % health. If you get hurt to where you’ll never be at 100 % health then goodbye to your career. If you get a broken arm, or even a sprained ankle, you’re no good on the street until you are healed. How many jobs out there have this requirement? Not too many.
Police brutality is easier to claim by going hands on than it is using a taser. If you have an effective device that will not only keep you from being harmed, but also the person wanting to fight you, then why not use it? The police are trained to be one level above the aggressor. So if someone wants to fight “hands on” then of course they are going to use the taser, baton, or pepper spray. Let’s keep one fact in mind too. None of these devices gets used when a person cooperates.
So how exactly does your super training hold up to people on Meth or PCP? Have you ever fought a person cranked up on these drugs? If so you would know pressure points don’t work. That’s why these two drugs have the nick name of the superman drug. I saw a video from a friend of mine who works for the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office. On the video was male cranked up on Meth. You see the male actually pull a traffic sign out of the ground with the cement still attached to the bottom of it. If I hadn’t of seen this video I would have said yeah right. I doubt your 5’4”, 105, wife would have been able to take that guy on. It took 9 cops just to bring him down.
Also how good is close quarter combat going to be when you’re facing a 6’5” or taller person? Close quarter combat is merely that. You have to factor in the reach of this person. You may not even get a chance of getting close to this person without taking a few hits before you even get close. And that’s saying if you were able to get in close amongst the punches being thrown at you.
Top ↑its obvious theres no debating with anonymous, she’s always right so theres no point.
Top ↑and your right, i have a hard time believing somebody pulling a sign out of the ground with the concrete still attached. I did meth back in the day and it doesnt give you “super strength”, yeah it gives you a lot of energy, but it doesnt make you “stronger”. seems somebody has been watching too many propaganda films.
now….can’t we all just get along?
Jamison,
First of all I am not a female. Second of all that was not TV I was watching. As previously stated it was from a Canyon County Deputy’s Video Camera. I saw the video that he had recorded from that night. So this was no TV trick.
Obviously Meth can give people more strength than the average person due to the fact the guy pulled the sign right out of the ground. But I’m sure you have a perfectly good explanation for that one don’t you? Also don’t try and tell everyone to get along when you are blatantly accusing people of being “always right”.
Top ↑police should never engage in hand to hand combat[fighting].to much risk of losing then what? to late to tase.[tase me bro!]
Top ↑How did the topic of the Bonneville County Sheriff election turn into a taser discussion. Find some information on use of force and then use some common sense.
Lets discuss our candidates for Sheriff. Who are these men and what are their qualifications? Does the public of Bonneville County know?
Top ↑Thats the problem when there is more than one “Anonymous”. Those with screen names “Anonymous” should label themselves Anonymous-1 , 2, etc.
Top ↑It gets kinda confusing when somebody thinks their replying to one person when its actually another.
just a thought.
“How did the topic of the Bonneville County Sheriff election turn into a taser discussion.”
It is my understanding that a County Sheriff aides in the guidelines and standards that are used inside a county. As I stated in my first comment (comment #1), personally, I feel this IS an important issue in the sheriff’s race. How better to learn about the candidate than to understand their views on important topics. I feel that tasers are an issue. As such, I took the time to attend a precinct meeting where Wilde was sworn in and took the time to ask his stance on an issue. If you do not like the topic of tasers, great, think it out, research it, and call up the candidates to ask them there stance on the issue of importance to you and post about it here!
Anonymous, in comment # 2, you stated, “Every and I mean EVERY tool or hands on technique the police use is based on the theory of pain compliance.” Article 8 of the Bill of Rights states that no cruel and unusual punishment shall be inflicted. Certainly, there are instances where I too feel a taser is beneficial; however, I have becomed alarmed at the level of increased usage of tasers in what I feel are un-threatening circumstances. A few examples:
1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMaMYL_shxc
In this YouTube video you will see a young father being tasered simply because he disagrees with the officer and refuses to sign a ticket. The father (non-violent) walks away from the officer and gets “tased”. Was this really necessary?
2) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqAVvlyVbag
Even if you think the students questions were inappropriate, rude, etc., does it justify tasering? Notice that Kerry’s first response (at about 1:35 seconds) is, “That’s alright, let me answer his question,” yet the officers, pull the student aside and we end up with the now infamous “Don’t tase me bro!”
3) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g7zlJx9u2E
How about this crazy video from UCLA where a man is tasers over and over and over again! Is this really neccessary?
I see instances like the above and I fear that officers in our country are using tasers as a first reaction that I feel constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.
I understand some of you feel that tasers cannot and do not cause death. Are you aware that Taser, Inc. has a huge legal council which has recently won a ruling stating that corinors (sp?) cannot use the terminallagy of “taser” in their autopsy reports? (See: http://www.infowars.com/?p=2022). How about we let the doctors perform their autopsy (sp?) and let a jury decide as the constitution dictates?
This link is an archive of 2004-2005 unusual taser incidents: http://www.infowars.com/subject_archives/ps/tasers_archive.htm
A study by Amnisty Internation on tasers: http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/usa/Taser_report.pdf
Another site with numerous articles and videos regarding tasers: http://www.amnestyusa.org/countries/usa/Taser_report.pdf
Obviously, I have my own opinion on law enforcements taser usage. I feel this is an important issue for our Sheriff’s office. Obviously, I would rather a man be tased than shot & killed; but, I fear that tasers are becoming a first result/reaction that can and has let to death in some instances.
Thanks for all the good comments/responses!
Top ↑I want to apologize to all the participants in this topic for my mostly anonymous name. I have some first hand experience with the candidates in this up-coming race and I hoped to promote a discussion based on truth about each. Because of my close proximity and the fact that I have a good job and bills to pay, I have chosen to post under this name.
I have heard and read some things by some of the candidates that are untrue and misleading. I would hope to shed some light and gain other’s perspectives through this forum.
Top ↑I only know Paul Wilde, and that’s good enough for me.
That’s how I’m rolling!
Top ↑Clarification –
I do not know Wilde except for my one experience asking him a simple question when he was made Sheriff. I do not know the other candidates either. I do not think Wilde believes that tasers are the answer to all problems. I was just shocked to learn that my interpretation on the use of tasers (that of being a last resort before lethal force) was wrong. I have nothing against Wilde. I just thought this might be a healthy place to discuss taser use, and also thought we might have a good discussion of how we can influence our county Sheriff in their usage where we live. The last thing I want is to get tasered in a “speed trap”.
Top ↑lol I hear ya T!
I also think there has been a lot of instances where tasers have been used unnecessarily. Remember that college kid who was trying to ask one of the candidates a question and the cops tasered him? I mean C’mon! That was not even called for. Point i’m trying to make is, instances like this one happen all too often imo.
(just to clarify for crystal and others who like to bash my comments: sorry if I don’t know the gentlemans name, date of birth, location of incident and what date it happened….I’m merely stating my opinion)
for entertainment purposes only.
Top ↑Side effects to include but not limited to, rash, skin irritation, upset stomach, rectal itching, blurry vision, lupus, chocolate consumption or a sudden urge to gamble, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to sound, fear of hamsters, extreme dry mouth, incontinence, dry feet, wet knees, and dizziness. Please do not operate machinery while reading my comments.)
that should about cover it!
CR67,
The video of the instance you are referring to is the same instance I refer to in my post # 24, point #2; the speaker was John Kerry. As a side point, today I heard the story of the Hungarian studnet who threw eggs as Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer (watch the video here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=mtBQ4UCXQeo ). Isn’t it interesting that Ballmer received the triple-egg-throw treatment, yet there were no police officers on hand to “tase” the kid. I can only imagine if this happened at one of our universities. There would have been 15 cops on the scene within .25 seconds of the first egg throw. By the time he threw the second egg, they would have tased him. By the thrid egg, they would have been pounding the kid to death with their clubs. Hmmm . . . interesting . . . What would our Sheriff candidates say? Does egg throwing constitute a good tasering?? Wilde, are you available to give us your answer?
Top ↑“Don’t taze me bro!”
This is a sad example in America today of how someone violates someone else’s rights and then claims police brutality when the police step in and they resist arrest.
The guy obviously went there to cause a scene. He even took his own video camera which he handed off for someone to record for him so he could get his moment of fame on tape.
Wikipedia has a pretty detailed report on what happened. It says:
“it was announced by former Ambassador Dennis Jett, a University of Florida political science instructor and the forum’s moderator,[9] that one more question would be taken from the microphone on the right as seen from the stage. Meyer then grabbed the second microphone, on the left, which had been shut off, and loudly demanded he be allowed to ask a question. Meyer reportedly yelled, “Why don’t you answer my questions, I have been waiting and listening to you speak in circles for the last two hours.” “These officers are going to arrest me”, “You will take my question because I have been listening to your crap for two hours”.[10] When an officer intervened, attempted to cut Meyer off, and attempted to escort Meyer out of the hall, Meyer then broke away and continued to shout. Kerry then intervened and requested that Meyer be allowed to ask a question. Meyer was then brought back to the microphone with police officers on either side of him.[11]
Meyer then handed his camera to the woman who was standing in front of him in line (later identified as Clarissa Jessup) and requested that she record him. Kerry then finished answering a previous question, Meyer was then recognized by Kerry to ask a question.
…
After Meyer used vulgar language in one of his questions his microphone was cut off. Steven Blank, ACCENT chairman, said, “We make it clear that any profanity and vulgarity by anyone asking questions will result in a cutting off of the mic.”
You can see a video of the actual events here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7Qef8oPmag&NR=1
After the profanity, just off to the right of the camera you can see the person moderating who was working with the officers instruct the A/V tech to cut the microphone – at which point the officers stepped in to escort Myers out.
I find it interesting that several other videos, including the one by Myers himself, have the portion deleted of Myers resisting arrest by trying to escape the officers and run away down a side isle after being escorted to the back of the room.
It was only after this that Myers was pulled to the ground and asked to turn over so they could handcuff him. And only after resistance of that that the officers finally used a tazor. In the video you can hear the officer warn him if he does not comply that he will be tazored.
When someone is at an organized event, and another person tries to disrupt the event I’m glad we have the law enforcement available to help the event continue as it was organized. And I find it ludicrous that someone who takes action like this throws their hands up in the air and shouts “why do their have to be consequences to my disturbing is event.” Then while resisting arrest, they get upset for the consequences of resisting arrest.
By the way, I don’t think the Microsoft guy would have been tazored. He was complying in leaving. The reason Myers got tazored is because he refused to leave. Watch the video. It’s all very obvious as to why it happened.
But what the Microsoft man did was assault. I hope they throw him in jail for as long as they can. These same people could have set up their soapbox anywhere and shouted whatever they wanted to shout. That’s free speech! But disrupting other people and is uncalled for.
I applaud the officers for how they handled the difficult Myers this situation.
Top ↑Whats with the tazer issue?
Have we ever had anything like you have described happen in this community? Have you ever taken a stun from one? Much of what is said is misinformative and wrong.
Now, Sheriff Wilde is one of the republican candidates on the ticket in the primaries this next tuesday. I have the utmost repect for Sheriff Wilde and I can give many examples of my reasons for this.
The other republican candidate on tuesdays primary ticket is Mr. Kerr. I know very little of Mr. Kerr but I will say that his accusations toward the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office in the area of prejudice are grossly mis-stated. A candidate who runs for office and at the same time says he doesn’t want to be in that office heeds little respect. Not to mention he says he knows nothing about being a Sheriff and would have his brother run the office. What????
The third candidate who is running and apparently flying the Democratic colors is Mr. Laun Cook. He is a Deputy for Bonneville County and has been for probably seventeen years. If you haven’t, go to http://www.launcook.com and read his platform as a candidate. I would like to read some input from all of you about this web site before I make any comments as there are many things there that I find sadly incorrect.
Top ↑Vintageport – Thank you for pointing out who the other candidate is and the link to his website. What is incorrect? I agree that we need a cyber crimes unit. Those of us who don’t work with BCSO don’t know what’s correct and what isn’t. It is my understanding that they aren’t funded to hire more deputies, is this accurate? If not, what can be done about it? I would like to see increased patrols in the outlying communities as well but I understand also that outlying communities aren’t really working with the Sheriff’s office on this. So how does Paul Wilde intend to help resolve this problem? What does Paul Wilde intend to do different/better if elected? His name is known but beyond the fact that he’s been with BCSO for a long time and Stommel wants him to take over his seat, I don’t know a lot about him. Another thing I’d like to see is better communication between BCSO and county residents. Does Paul Wilde have a website address we can visit?
Top ↑And one more question sorry, but what do Paul Wilde and Laun Cook consider to be their greatest strengths/weaknesses? That question was asked early on but we haven’t gotten any response on that either. Thanks.
Top ↑Now is the time for both candidates to address this forum and let the public know what they intend to do if they are elected. Frequently in these type of positions it is the person who’s name is known that will get elected, rather than the person who has the ability to do the job and do it right.
Having worked with both candidates they both have admirable traits and both could do a good job. But we as a public need someone in the position that will excel and do an excellent job for Law Enforcement and the community.
You can argue that Wilde who was taken under the wing of Stommel might possess some of the same traits that Stommel possessed. Many were glad to see Stommel leave as he had poor relations with many of the Mayors, Council Members of the Cities and was frequently known for pushing his weight around.
Cook could be described as a road officer who has some background in the basics of Police Work, however from reading his resume on his web page does not have anything that would assist him in Administrative Duties.
There is concern from the officers of the BCSO about wages and morale. Too many think that throwing money at the situation will make it better. Frequently officers who are happy and have support from their leaders will work at a lower wage due to the treatment. However during Stommels tenure many have left to go to other agencies due to mis-treatment and poor conditions.
Again as a member of the public we have to ask why is the Sheriffs Office making purchases of large SUVs for a large part of the Department. These are very expensive to initially purchase, equip and then nearing 4.00 a gallon of gas it is very expensive to put gas in. The public will be told that they are needed for the back country deputies which is correct, but when you see the Ammon Contract Officers and the Dog Catcher having these type of vehicles when other Departments purchase vehicles that are less expensive and conserve gasoline. We all want to save dollars, maybe the candidates can give us an idea of what the yearly expenditures are for salaries, vehicles, equipment, jail, training and some of the more common areas?
I would like to see the candidates talk about some of the problems that they have encountered with problem officers and how they corrected the issue. There are many things that go on that the public does not know about that are solved by civil litigiation that the public has to pay for.
Does either candidate intend on bring together local tasks forces to address the DUI/Traffic Problems, Sexual Assault Cases, Drug and Narcotics and so forth. Many other jurisidictions have programs that are extremely sucessful and have high praise from the public. Unfortunately too many Law Enforcement agencies heard Stommel say stay out of my county. He did not like the idea of multi jurisdictional programs and as a result Bonneville County has one of the highest traffic accident and Death rates of a County of this size. Does either candidate endorse Stommels way of suggesting that his officers only give warnings on traffic violations. This is an easy way to say do not rock the boat because an election is coming up. As a result many people have been killed in traffic accidents in the County and many more seriously injured due to the lack of attention placed on enforcing the laws. Complete statistics can be located at the Department of Transportation Site.
Lets hear from the candidates and encourage all three to discuss in this forum and others what they stand for and how they can make a postive change in Bonneville County.
Top ↑My concern is that Stommel was quick to endorse Wilde. I won’t suggest that Stommel was all bad and he definitely did a lot of good things as Sheriff. He also made a lot of mistakes and could not bring himself to admit to those. His attitude towards others was certainly a stumbling block for him. As I recall one example was with the elections for council and mayor of Ammon; he literally and publicly threatened the voters into voting for whom he would be willing to work with and made it abundantly clear that he would not work with Ammon residents if they voted in such a way that he considered unacceptable. Another was when Livesay left and Stommel publicly denounced him. This was highly unprofessional no matter how you view Livesay. I don’t know Wilde personally and know little about him, but as Stommel was quick to point out, he “groomed” Wilde and I’m not convinced that’s a good thing. Stommel had the ability to see a barney where a mere mole existed with citizens as well as with situations among his peers and the communities he was elected to serve. To suggest he threw his weight around underestimates his actions. I have heard rumblings of bigotry existing in the office as well. If this is correct, what will be done about this? My question is what changes will Wilde bring to the table? Is his general attitude similar to Stommel’s or will he strive for improvements and work with the public and not just whom he deems worthy? Along the same lines, what will Cook bring to the table? Experience is certainly helpful, but not all that is needed.
Top ↑Sheriff Paul Wilde is not Byron Stommel and it is unfair to even suggest the comparison. I can say that for the first time in a long time I truly feel that the door to the Sheriff’s Office is open to all. Sheriff Wilde has open ears and open eyes. He has a positive “move forward” attitude that is apparent at every opportunity one has to speak with him.
Honestly, I had to look up the definition of bigotry and can say that it in no way relates to the current Sheriff. Don’t get me wrong, Sheriff Wilde will point out mistakes that his people make but he is fair. Yes, he has been with Bonneville County for many years and in those years, he has fulfilled many assignments professionally and capably. He has worked patrol, detectives, neighborhood watch, public relations officer, Detective supervisor, jail administration, chief deputy and now Sheriff. Not to mention others. He has many positive plans for the Sheriff’s Office but like all things, change does not happen over night.
Topics:
The Sheriff’s Office meets and exceeds state required correctional facility requirements. The staff there is exemplary.
Laun Cook – Candidate. (Bigotry?) I have a lot of heartburn over his web site and the things he claims there. It is true that the Sheriff’s Office has lost several officers over the years. There was a tremendous negativity that ran through the office for a time which was mainly caused by a few individuals who are no longer employed there and some who still are. It was mostly over wages. This is not a quick fix and is something that Sheriff Wilde has said he will continually work on.
Cook claims that the Sheriff’s Office used to be a place where deputies went to work proud and eager to being a department where the morale is as low as he has seen it. I still go to work proud after a lot of years because I know that I serve a great community. I think every uniform we have is proud of the job they do and the service they provide even if they do make a few dollars less than an Idaho Falls City police officer. I don’t agree with his claims of poor management. I will say that I have seen a lot of negativity from Cook and I have seen him lower morale in groups of deputies he worked with.
Don’t get me wrong, Cook is a very capable patrol officer and I have never seen him shrink from responsibilty but many employees have found him difficult to work with and extremely negative in his attitude and demeanor.
His claim that deputies dont have time to follow up on their own cases is untrue and unfair to some of the deputies that work very hard to do so.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has always done effective law enforcement and to say we need to get back to it, is a black eye to everyone who works there.
Traffic enforcement – The Sheriff’s Office works very hard at this. Many straight forward and fair traffic citations are written every month by road deputies. You may not get a ticket for driving 5 over the speed limit as you might in the city of Idaho Falls but deputies focus on this problem. The traffic division deputy works incredibly hard on this and there have been several aggressive driving task force hours worked.
We operate with the same amount of narcotics officers as we did 17 years ago – false.
To say that the Sheriff’s lacks experience in investigations is wrong. The office has several experienced, dedicated and talented detectives that took this statement very hard. Cook has NEVER been a detective. Property crimes not worked like they should be? He should walk into the Detectives office and tell them this personally and see the response he gets. The statements he makes about cyber crimes and sex crimes, I would say he is quoting one man’s interests there. There is a task force on sex crimes, there is a task force for narcotics and traffic offenses are a priority.
The Sheriff’s Office has several four wheel drive patrol vehicles with questionable mileage. You have to take into consideration what is available and what can really do the job that law enforcement does on a daily basis when you consider this. The public wants capable service and the Sheriff’s Office stives to provide this with personnel and equipment and this includes vehicles.
Cook says things are not well with the Sheriff’s Office. He is wrong. Things are changing for the Sheriff’s Office and I beleive for the better.
He states that the Sheriff’s Office has declined under ineffective leadership and hints towards the current Sheriff Wilde. Sheriff Wilde is a leader and is not affraid to roll up his sleeves and dig in right along with his people from my experience.
Cook is not a motivator. He is good at pointing out the negative and tearing people down. He says he will hire more people to place in many task forces and divisions. If this was so easy, it would have been done. Money for the Office is an issue but it is strangled by the noose of the county justice fund.
Cook won’t walk into the office and clean it up like Dodge City even if he says so.
Top ↑That’s good to hear and I thank you for sharing your information.
Top ↑I am Sheriff Wilde and I have approved this message. (comment 35)
Top ↑lol Guest House. And I too, say thanks Vintageport. Locally, this is one of the most important issues on the table as far as I’m concerned. I appreciate you shedding some light on the subject.
Top ↑Guest House is like one of those kids in high school that never had anything intelligent to say but loved to make fun of those who did. Come on, you remember them.
Top ↑I didn’t take his comment as making fun of anybody. It appeared to me that it was only a joke, which is what seems “why what” thought as well. Geez, lighten up a little.
Top ↑Just when I think things have calmed down a bit. The extreme sensitivity of some posters just amazes me. GuestHouse directed no rude comments towards anybody, yet a joke (which was pretty funny to me) still managed to bother someone. Incredible. I honestly don’t know how some of you make it in the real world.
Top ↑I think the poster that didn’t like the joke was one of those kids in high school that ran home and cried to mommy everytime somebody teased them on the school bus, you know the ones I’m talking about.
Facts the Readers should know:
[Content removed by moderator - this forum has a history of allowing anonymous posts. Attempting to reveal the specific identity of an anonymous user is not appropriate.]
I thank him for his service, his opinion, and for bringing up a very important topic, that of the election of Sheriff. It is very important for a democracy to have choices. There has been no choices in the Sheriff’s Office for a number of years. Appointing a Sheriff is not the democratic process by which our elections are supposed to work. I wish to preserve the democratic process. I offer a point of view and a choice that is not administrative.
I gather from his comments, that vintageport supports the appointee, Paul Wilde who is also a very fine administrator.
Vintageport … is not law enforcement certified. He has never done any law enforcement. He has never supervised Cook. He has never worked with Cook. He has never so much as had more than a brief conversation with Cook.
As officers, we take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. One of our basic rights as citizens, is to run for public office, and freedom of speach. I sincerely apologize vintageport if I have offended you by running for office.
Statements on my web site that vintageport claims are untrue are a matter of public record.
I do believe this message is approved by Laun Cook
Top ↑Wow, Mr. Cook, you burn the candle at both ends, for sure!
Thanks for commenting, I’ll have to check out your website, now.
Good luck to you on your race.
Top ↑The Sheriff of Bonneville County is a very important position and not one that should be taken lightly. I would like to know what prepares you for this position Mr. Cook? We’re looking at the responsibility of the safety and well being of some 100,000 people if I’m not mistaken. Two people, Chief Roos and the Sheriff, are responsible for this. Except for pointing out the identity of Vintageport, which I’m not convinced was right, I still haven’t seen it. What do you mean by law enforcement certified? Where do we find these public records? I want to know I’m making the right decision when I vote as I’m sure we all do. I don’t mean to sound harsh but I believe this is a serious issue and the voters need accurate information.
Top ↑I did take Guest House’s comment as a judgemental jab. If someone supports a candidate and has postive things to say or vis versa, let it go at that and add something useful to the conversation.
Mr. Cook, you are wrong. I make less per pay check than you do. I avoid giving my identity for the reasons I explained several days ago. I wish to avoid conflicts that ocurred during the campaign for Sheriff between Stommel and Gallup several years ago. Tell the people the truth and dont make false accusations from your negative point of view.
Top ↑Vintageport: I stand corrected. My sincerest appologies to [removed by Moderator] Vintageport is [removed by Moderator].
She has never supervised Cook. She has never worked with Cook. She has had very limited conversation with Cook. She is not law Enforcement certified. She has never been on a police call of any sort with Cook.
[Note from Moderator: Laun Cook, many of us appreciate your discussion here, however your attempts reveal the identities of anonymous posters is inappropriate. You have now "guessed" twice at what the identity of Vintageport is - this is not professional nor acceptable. If you continue this rule I will ask Joe to have you banned.]
Top ↑Why What How: That is a very excellent question. Why I think I am qualified to protect you and the other citizens of Bonneville County is because for the last Decade and 1/2, I have been working in the field taking police calls, physically protecting the citizens of Bonneville County. The administrative option you have has been doing administrative work during this time period. It is your job as a voter to determine which is better qualified to protect you.
What is meant by “Law Enforcement Certified” is a certification by POST (peace officers standards and training) A link to POST is provided in my web site. However, my certification which is a “Master” law enforcement certification is not listed on their web page. A master cetification is above an “advanced” if you want to go to that link and look at the certifications. These certifications are based on years of experience, training, and education.
Under the freedom of information act, the sheriff’s office is required by law to release information to you and anyone else who requests it. Very little information is exempt from this. You can go to the records office and fill out a simple form and they have if I recall about 5 days to give you the information.
When you go to my site and read “Lets get back to doing law enforcement”, maybe you should consider all the non certified staff, and staff with very litte field experience we have running the sheriff’s office and it will give you a new twist on my thoughts of “getting back to law enforcement”.
Top ↑Vintageport, you have made some very pro-Wilde statements, and you’ve attempted to paint a very negative viewpoint of Mr. Cook. Your information comes across as very insider oriented. I did read the info on Mr Cook’s website and it does sound as if he is identifying genuine problems and wants to fix them. I saw no bigotry there. I didn’t see a site for Mr. Wilde or I would have read it, too.
Mr Cook, I don’t think I approve of the way you’ve now commented and identified two individuals as Vintageport. When you identified the first one, I assumed it was because that was a known fact and you were sharing it so we’d know from whence the bias in those statements. Now it appears you are only guessing from what you’re reading, and to tell you the truth, we all do that and we usually are quite wrong, so take from that what you will.
If this post degenerates into a mud slinging contest between the two camps, then Mr. Ker is looking better to me even though I know nothing about him.
Just a thought for the regulars here…do you notice who made the innocent-sounding suggestion for this post in the first place? Vintageport3965. Yet that same individual appears to be an insider who is very well connected to Sheriff Wilde. That seems disengenuous and smells kinda funny to me, now that I’ve read the comments.
Top ↑Why What How: Google Idaho State Statutes and find Idaho Code 31-2202 and it list the duties of Sheriff. My opinion is that the majority of those duties listed there are “Law Enforcement” verses administrative.
I don’t claim to be a perfect candidate for Sheriff. I simply offer a different choice for you and the public. It’s your job to decide what qualifies any candidate for office.
Top ↑Nemesis: You are correct, I should not have guessed. I stand corrected.
Top ↑I am not close to Sheriff Wilde. I work for him. I have known Cook for a long time. The reason I make the comments that I have is based mostly on Cook’s web site. He wants the public to believe that he knows what he is talking about because he works for the Sheriff’s Office. Well, so do I and I have said this before when I apologized for not giving my real name. I’ve been through as many police calls as he has and some with him. I want the public to know that they have a great Sheriff’s Office that works for a great community.
The things that cook says on his web site paint a black cloud over an office I have worked with for a long time as have many Deputies. There are a lot of great people that work there who make sacrafices every day for their careers and the people that they are sworn to protect. Things are good at the Sheriff’s Office. The pay isn’t what It could be and that is a fact.
I am pro Wilde because I have watched him do many tough jobs and supervise many people. I have watched him as a Deputy and I have seen the way he treats people with respect.
I am not pro cook because I have also watched him as a Deputy and I have seen the way he treats people. You don’t just put on a tie one day and decide to run for Sheriff after some of the train wrecks he has caused.
I completely respect his right to run for office if he so chosen. I do not respect the negative things he says about the office I work for and the people who work there. Staff at the Bonneville County Jail are not “Jailers”. They are correctional Deputies who have a tough job and work hard at it. Every Deputy in the Sheriff’s Office is not inexperienced. True some are new but show me a law enforcement entity that does not have new people. They are the future.
I don’t want to sling mud at anyone but I cannot in good consceince stand by while Cook publicly announces that the Sheriff’s Office is not doing their job or can’t do their job. I want you the people to know both sides.
His “master” certificate in law enforcement means that he has worked in law enforcement for 15 years and has earned enough P.O.S.T. training hours to apply for the certificate.
My apologies if I have offended anyone thus far.
Top ↑Vintageport 3935, in #51 you make some great statements and they sound much more reasonable on the whole than the ones you made before.
You are saying that you believe Laun Cook’s website paints a more negative view of the Sheriff’s Department than you share, and you feel that it tars the workers themselves with the negativity.
I can see that you feel passionately about that. However, I can also see that his website says, the workers deserve more leadership than they are getting (not just more money/more personnel) and he believes he can offer them more. He seems to feel just as passionately about it as you do.
When both of you are speaking this way from the heart it seems about even, and I don’t see the same negativity in each of you that you are each seeing in the other.
But then, I’m an outsider who doesn’t know Mr. Cook, and I’m pretty sure I don’t know you, either. So my viewpoint is both more uninformed and more John Q Public because of that.
Top ↑Laun Cook, I am not finding Idaho Code 31-2022 on a google search nor on a search of the Idaho Statutes site. Do you have a direct link?
Correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t Wilde have a great deal of experience as a patrol officer too? If he’s worked in all of the departments noted above, it sounds like he has been in the trenches.
I still don’t think that anybody’s identity should be revealed here unless the poster chooses to reveal it him or herself. I don’t think there is a perfect candidate for this position or any other. I just want to make a vote that is as informed and accurate as I can make.
Top ↑Post #52, thank you. I just ask that the readers consider what I am saying and understand that I have nothing to gain from this. If you call 911 or report a crime or are involved in an automobile crash in Bonneville County, don’t for a moment beleive that several well trained proffesional law enforcement officers wearing a Bonneville County Sheriff’s star won’t come to your aid. Be it lights and sirens, Investigations, public relations, search and rescue, water-ways, back country patrol, or the correctional staff that manage our citizens who are incarcerated.
Top ↑Something that people should keep in mind in this thread. This happens any time there is a sheriff’s election and that is that political lines get drawn. Sometimes employees are forced into supporting certain candidates whether they want to or not. Employees who back the wrong horse sometimes get fired before or after. The last few Bingham county elections for sheriff have been particularly bad this way as there have been employees fired for merely backing the wrong person either before or after the election. If you don’t believe this can happen I’d suggest you look up what it means to be an “at-will” employee which is what most people working in law enforcement are in Idaho. It literally means you can be fired at will by the employer without cause. Some places have enacted their own policies making it a bit harder, Idaho Falls PD for one, but they aren’t required too.
Knowing this I’d take anything said here or elsewhere by anyone currently working for the sheriff’s department with a grain of salt. Because you don’t know if its their real opinion, one being foisted upon them by Wilde or an administrator trying to curry favor with Wilde, or if the employee is trying to curry favor.
Top ↑If everyone should take what is said here with a grain of salt than why do we bother? A deputy can’t be teminated without just cause. Opinions are not just cause. I am not in cahoots with anyone at my office. I just do my job and tell it like I see it. If the readers here would rather I didn’t, then I can stop. I believe this is a forum for open discussion on topics be it good or bad. People need to know both sides to sort through the propaganda. I would air much of this on Cook’s web site but his chat section is yet to be up and running.
Top ↑Merely stating the truth. There was a deputy in Bingham county in the 2004 election who was fired for no other reason than posting signs in his yard for the candidate that ended up losing. So while things could be true that are said about either candidate one must seriously look at the source especially if ones continued employment may well depend upon a certain candidate winning.
I personally have no stake in this. I don’t work for the sheriff’s department and while I’ve met both Wilde and Cook on many occasions I’ll be the first to say I have no clue who is the better candidate.
I do feel qualified to bring up the issues though and the issues people should be talking about are as follows:
1) Bonneville county has a huge employment problem right now as the Sheriff’s department has lost countless good officers to better paying agencies. The IFPD for instance has 20-30 former BCSO deputies from patrol or the jail working for them that all were hired in just the last five years. The #’s balloon to over 40 officers if you go back ten years. Conversely the BCSO has exactly ONE former IFPD officer and thats a bit of anomaly since he quit the IFPD to go overseas for a few years and when he came back the IFPD didn’t rehire him so he was forced to go to the BCSO. The question should be asked how does each candidate propose to deal with these recruitment and retention problems?
2) Under sheriff Stommell the policy existed that a deputy who left the jail to work as a patrol deputy had to start completely over on the payscale. Many deputies take jail jobs just wanting to get their foot in the door on their way to their ultimate goal which is working the streets as a regular cop. But with this policy in place many deputies from the jail saw no reason to stick with the sheriff’s department when they would have to take a paycut to work as a street deputy. Especially when instead of a pay cut they could get a huge pay raise going down the hall to the IFPD. Will the current candidates continue this paycut policy of moving from the jail to the streets or will they get rid of that in the hopes of keeping good employees. I’ve heard many current IFPD officers who used to be deputies say they wanted to stay with the sheriff out of loyalty but bills came first.
3) How do you feel about the idea of going metro by merging with the IFPD? I saw this question asked of Paul Wilde a few months ago and he sidestepped the question by saying he didn’t think city leaders would let it happen. While that is probably true its an evasion of the question. My impression was that he is in favor of going metro but didn’t want to risk upsetting some of the IFPD officers who were present when it was asked since the endorsement of various IFPD officers could be crucial to either candidate.
4) When the new jail was built the plan was to house state prisoners to make money. That hasn’t panned out nearly as well as had been envisioned since the jail was quickly filled with Bonneville county prisoners and you can see that soon this jail will be overflowing. What kind of future do you see for the jail? Expansion? Trying to limit the # of inmates being booked by discouraging agencies from booking anyone as was the case back in the old jail days when only felony arrests got booked.
Top ↑20 to 30 to 40 people have gone from the county to the city? I can think of about ten in all the years I’ve been around. The issue of correctional people moving to patrol. I guess that would be up to the Sheriff as to how he manages his work force. Remember the old correctional facility. It filled up too and there was a jail before that one and so on and so on and so on.
Top ↑vintageport, in comment 56 you stated that you just “tell it like you see it”, that’s still considered “your opinion”. Even though you work for Wilde, that still doesn’t make “your opinion” any more or less valid than anyone elses, even when an “opinion” is coming from the oposing side.
Top ↑I agree with WhyWhatHow’s statement 53 in where they note “I don’t think there is a perfect candidate for this position or any other. I just want to make a vote that is as informed and accurate as I can make.” Thats also how I feel. (excellent comment)
I do however appreciate everyones opinion and I think this is a great discussion.
Thanks
Anonymous-
Thanks for your comments. I would like to address your concerns. It would make no sense at all to fire anyone given the severe turnover rate. Your figures are actually low however all of those people did not go to IFPD. A list of names which will total over 50 (in the last 3 years) not including those who retired, can be obtained by way of public information through the office. We desperately need every one we have. If I were elected I have no intention of firing anyone at all. Vintageport is correct in her assesment of the employee’s wether they be from the jail or patrol. The subordinates are exemplary employees and quite frankly they are what’s keeping the department afloat.
Vintageport-
Since the jail administration has chosen to weigh in on the election, I will address the jail. I apologize for using the word jailer on my web site. I was unaware that was a no no. I guess that’s like calling a patrolman a cop. You are very defensive about the jail and seem to think I am somehow against the jail. I don’t recall saying anything about the jail other than what’s on my web site. If you go there and re-read it you will find that I am all for the jail.
Historically, the administration has been against the “correctional officers”. A good example of the poor policy I refer to on my web site is the policy under Sheriff Stommel and the continueing policy under the appointee is that a correctional officer must resign and take a severe pay cut to come to patrol. You don’t want to admit it but this is a large reason for the tremendous turnover in the jail. And I will point out that there is a larger turnover in the jail than there is on patrol. If I am elected, every new hire will start in the jail and eventually, based on seniority and merit, be moved to patrol. Everyone who is there at the present time will be given the opportunity to go to patrol post. Including yourself. I completely understand that they do not have a pleasant job. I spent many hours on overtime working in the old jail back in the day. What you and the rest of the administrators do not understand is that the correctional officers do not see a clear career path with the department and that is why they are leaving. Another thing I will do for the correctional officers is I will stop the frivilous investigations of complaints on the correctional officers by their administration.
I am very much aware that anamosity exists from the jail administration towards me. I admit however that I do not know why. Maybe you could enlighten me in that regard. I have allways thought highly of you (except that you can’t keep your warrants in alphabetical order
I am disappointed however, that you claim to have worked patrol with me. We both know that is not true. You don’t know me very well at all either.
Please know that I have no animosity towards the appointee Paul Wilde. I respect him and I know his intentions to improve the department are sincere. We simply are going to disagree on some policy and the extent of the problem. He brings to the table approximately 30 years of service, the large majority of it in administration. I bring 17 years with the large majority field experience. I believe I have more insight than he does on the problems that plage the department because I am subordinate. Because of this insight I believe I can make the place more employee friendly, increase moral, and increase productivity. This will allow us to retain people. Further more I think there should be a choice. Our administators don’t think anyone has the right to present another choice to the public. The public will have to decide what they want for a sheriff.
I think other administators comming onto a public forum such as this attempting to discredit me, makes my statements on my web page more credible. And thanks so much for letting everyone know about my web site.
Any further clarification on my platform the readers would like, I would be happy to continue to answer their questions at laun@launcook.com as I confess I am not much of a blogger.
Top ↑Thank you Cr67, and this is a great discussion. I would really love to hear from Paul Wilde, his views, what he’s considers important, what his plans for the immediate as well as distant future are as Sheriff, etc. Along those lines, I would like to hear what issues both candidates don’t believe is important. I really wish he had a website.
Top ↑Before you leave Laun, I mentioned earlier that I can’t find that Statute. Do you have the link?
Top ↑All Idaho statutes are here: http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/idstTOC.html
It’s more helpful to have the correct title and chapter when looking something up.
Top ↑Thank you reader. The link for those wanting it is
Top ↑http://www3.state.id.us/cgi-bin/newidst?sctid=310220002.K
CR67, Post 59. Thank you and I agree
Top ↑Cook, stop guessing, it makes you look silly. I would tell you who I am but I am sure you would start a fist fight in the hallway with me. I’d hate to see me buy a day or two off. Tell me how you intend to make the Sheriff’s Office a more positive employee friendly, High morale place to work considering what your attitude has been for so many years? I have seen you tear down more people then I have ever seen you help. This would include back stabbing and full frontal attacks. I’ve watched you make life pretty much hell for some supervisors and some people you worked with. Sorry, I know, I’m slinging mud but the way you want to suddenly put yourself off because you are running for Sheriff amazes me and I think that people should know.
Top ↑vintageport3935, #66 is really over the top. You’re right that he looks silly by guessing who you are.
However, you have a personal agenda with Mr Cook that may or may not be valid, but it sure as heck isn’t reasonable for you to be anonymous and him to be out in the open, if you’re making accusations on a public website. He’s running for office but you’re clearly for his opponent, and it’s getting more muddy as you go.
I am asking Joe E or CR67 (moderator) to take out those personal attacks and leave in the first sentence, along with the one part that is a valid question in #66…”Tell me how you intend to make the Sheriff’s Office a more positive employee friendly, High morale place to work”
Please stick to the issues, and leave your personal agenda off this post.
(I’m more curious than ever as to why you REALLY suggested this post.)
Top ↑I agree with post #67. There seems to be some history with these two.
Top ↑I am tired of the attitude of many of those at the Sheriff’s Office which assumes that because you are honest about the present conditions you are somehow disloyal or unfaithful to your duty to serve. Those who actually care about the people of Bonneville County are the ones who are brave enough to REALLY call it like it is. How will the problems ever be fixed if everyone pretends to have Pollyanna glasses on? Although I am newly aware of Cook and his platform, I am very pleased with his honesty about the state of the Sheriff’s Office. This honesty leads me to believe that he will fix the problems.
Laun, you have more support from the “jailers” (not a big deal) than you realize. And to Vintage: for being so highly sensative about your identity you would think you’d be more thoughtful of those with the guts to give out their name and stand behind their service (ex. Cook). While it is true that putting yourself out there can complicate things (hence my Anonymity) it would be nice if you would stop alluding to alleged unprofessional service by Cook without really backing it up.
The word “negativity” is thrown around the Office like some secret key word. If you use it, everyone is supposed to just shut up and smile and assume that SOMEBODY, ANYBODY is going to be honest and fix problems, right? Is it negative to want Deputies to have a positive outlook about their role in the Office and their place within it? Is it negative to expect that taxpayer dollars are not used for ridiculous, newly-purchased DARE vehicles sitting on a back lot? Is it negative to ask for the safe and correct number of deputies to be put on the streets and in the jail? Is it negative to ask that an Officer be paid a livable wage to put their life on the line? Is it negative to encourage more communication within and without the Office? I ask you, Vintage what negativity do you specifically see in your good friend Cook?
Top ↑There is lot of negativity with the “Office”. Both canidates have a huge task in bringing the sheriff office back to “Greatness”. Pay is not everything, i enjoy what i do but being “Backed” would be a improvement.
Top ↑It sounds like there is more turmoil within the Sheriff’s office than most of us are aware. Again, I would be interested in hearing from Paul Wilde. He may gain a lot of insight as to what the officers and public want from reading this thread. Whoever wins this election has their work cut out for them and some pretty tall expectations that hopefully, they are prepared to take on.
Top ↑I would like to hear from the sheriff, also. Because with friends like vintageport3935, he doesn’t need enemies, that’s for sure.
Getting his own words out there, discussing the issues and not slinging mud, would benefit his cause greatly.
Top ↑Why What How:
I too appreciate the tall order that the new Sheriff will have to take on. It is not for the faint of heart. Mr. Cook will have a lot to come up against with the political landscape of the County overall, but I have a good feeling that he is up for it. I do not believe Wilde is an evil villian, nor do I believe he is the solution to the problem. While he is a step up from Stommel, Wilde seems to have too many of the same political connections and patterns of thinking to really be effective in seeing the problems clearly and changing them.
I do not care to guess who Vintage is nor do I care to make any personal attacks upon him or her, but I would appreciate at least some explanation for the hateful speech aimed at Cook. For all this talk of a highly successful, perfectly sound Sheriff’s Office it seems like a lot of personal drama has been silently building up under the surface in this particular instance. I respect Cook’s desire to risk it all to tell us what he really thinks and will continue to give him the benefit of the doubt unless and until Vintage has something more concrete to base his comments on.
Top ↑Anonymous 2, I respect Cook’s desire to take this on too. It is a clear indication that all is not well and John Q Public may have gone blissfully unaware had he not spoke up. It is a fact of life that when the employees are unhappy, they are less productive and we can’t afford that. This county is growing by leaps and bounds and the budget constraints aren’t allowing the sheriff’s office to grow as quickly. I certainly hope that whoever wins, has the insight and the ability to make the changes needed both within and outside the office.
Top ↑I would also say that there is alot of positive with in the “Office”. Our County is the best equipped County in the state. There is not another county in the area that has the equipment we have . We are about to get a upgrade on our radio equipment (over 3 mil). Sheriff Wilde had a big part in the grant writing for that project. Sheriff Wilde also has the experience to run the jail, since according to idaho statuets, Civil paperwork and the jail are his main responsibility. Not to take anything away from Laun Cook but the Jail is another world and take alot to understand how it functions. Sheriff Wilde has a good understanding.
Top ↑Personal attacks? Cook claims that the Sheriff’s Office is in trouble and goes to great length to point out what is being done wrong. He says negative things about people who are important to me. As an employee there I think I have the right to strongly disagree with him.
If you don’t like my opinion of him, THEN DON’T READ IT!!! It isn’t the only one like it. Don’t be dazzled just because he doesn’t hesitate to talk negatively about the Sheriff’s Office. He’s been doing it for seventeen years.
This seems to go no where as there are so many conspiracy theorist here it is hard to weed through. Maybe I’ll just put a Wilde for Sheriff sign in my front yard and take a nap.
Top ↑Oh, and I suggested this post hopeing for an oppertunity to refute the alligations Cook makes on his web site as his chat blog does not work. I’ve said this before. I hoped to draw him into this conversation so he could explain some of those things. I accomplished some of what I set out to do.
Top ↑Vintageport3935, you are entitled to your opinion. I’m asking you to stick to the issues.
If you believe that Mr Cook has been negative on his website, that is a valid opinion.
But bringing your personal coworker issues to this site to air doesn’t help us, because we have no way of knowing if they are true in any way. And the things you said in #66 are mudslinging, just as you admitted there.
Throwing out nasty accusations, then telling us not to read them if we don’t like them, is not okay.
Instead of attacking Mr Cook, tell us why Sheriff Wilde deserves to be elected this fall. If you want to reference Mr Cook’s allegations, tell us why the things he says are not as bad as he says they are.
Provide us with things we can understand, and don’t tell us that you and he have had a bad relationship as coworkers, because I work with some people I don’t like, either, yet they make fine supervisors and administrators.
Top ↑Nemesis,
This is a difficult situation here. I have asked all the moderators to lean towards free speech and allow comments to be made unless they are attacking or violate other rules. I had not given any instruction on protecting identities, but if the previous posts gave names or specific identified users then I support the removal of that information.
For comment #66, I do find the comment to be on the attacking side of things. We are talking about someone running for office, however, and someone held to a higher level of scrutiny than the private individual. Because this is someone running for an elected office I will allow the opinion to stay; and note that Vintageport is probably damaging him/herself and their reputation by how he/she is acting. How the Mr. Cook responds to it tells a lot about himself and his abilities to handle tough situations.
As for anonymity, some have choosen to be anonymous. Mr. Cook has chosen to reveal himself publicly. I respect that and think more highly of him for it. If he acquires office he will be in a position of more power and authority and I can understand someone feeling at risk for revealing themselves if Mr. Cook is elected. Vintageport may have made a good employment decision in remaining anonymous.
I agree that it is best to stay on topic and not be so attacking to guests who come by. Mr. Cook has been professional in openly sharing his thoughts and ideas with us. Let’s all remain respectful to each other – and especially of guests.
I also hope Mr Wilde will stop by and share his views.
Top ↑Thanks, Joe E.
I’d like to see some more substance from those in the know…what do you want to see done differently in the sheriff’s department?
Top ↑You say equipment, I say waste. Vintage, there is no conspiracy, only the reality. I have eyes to see and ears to hear. I find it amazing that you seek to shame into silence anyone who lets the public know about the poor stewardship of the current administration. You do not speak for the entire Sheriff’s Office. We all have a legitimate claim to our own opinions.
It is true that there’s plenty of good in the Sheriff’s Office. But the problem is that too many have lost sight of what is the County’s greatest asset…it’s people! No equipment grant can take the place of hearing those on the front line and considering THEIR needs and priorities. It’s good to invest in new technology and resources but to buy and let sit is WASTE!
Cook and others have been providing very real statistics for the public to consider. I don’t care who you are, you can’t ignore the numbers. The turnover at the jail is absurd and to be honest, dangerous. You can either dismiss all those people who have left as undedicated and/or greedy OR you can acknowledge that when that many people bail out it is time for a reality check.
I have no beef whatsoever with those who put the needs of their family first and decide they must leave. As for those who are still with the County, they deserve HUGE respect. Let’s not shut down these same dedicated individuals when they want to speak up and make a difference and a change for the better.
Top ↑Nemesis,
Very good question! A wishlist for change:
A safe number of deputies on every shift, reasonable pay, more OPEN communication with administration, scheduling improvements, no idiotic penalty for moving to patrol from jail, improving community relations so the job carries more respect with it, no more wasteful spending, buying the most practical (not the most stylish) equipment, better training opporunities, better opportunities to move up in the ranks, eliminating nepotism, etc. etc. etc.
I was very pleasantly surprised to find Mr. Cook’s website as I prepared to vote, because in my opinion, he is taking on everything that matters.
Top ↑Post #79, 5th paragraph. I have stated these things and then I was quickly accused of being a Sheriff Wilde lover. Several readers illuded to the reason I was saying these things is because I will run to my boss and say, “guess what, I’m Vintageport3935″ hoping to get a pat on the back. He probably wouldn’t be too crazy about it.
When this is all said and done, I will still have my career just like I have had for some time. I will still go to work and do those things that the people in Bonneville County pay me to do. I will still do all I can to promote a positive attitude toward my fellow deputies and the public. As I’ve pointed out before, I see good things happening and I hope they stay that way. As an employee with several past experiences with the Democratic candiate (I’m now afraid to mention his name) I don’t see that happening if he takes office. Just a small opinion from someone who works for you, the public.
Top ↑That is a awesome wish List!!!!!
Top ↑On average the Sheriffs Office has 14 a year since ’04
Top ↑14 Deputies, Some to the city,some to the site and some that just needed a change of pace.
Top ↑Anonymous 2, that sounds like a very reasonable request.
Liter of Cola, that’s a large number. That many deputies leaving would certainly indicate a real problem to me primarily, low morale.
Top ↑Cook validated my point about the # of deputies leaving. Wilde may recognize the same problem. Point is that it is a problem, despite what vintageport may claim, and whoever is the next sheriff must address this.
A list of recent officers who have left for the green and better paying pastures during Stommel’s term. And I’m no doubt missing many as I don’t work for the BCSO and am always fully up on things.
To the IFPD:
Steel, Storer, Proctor, Morgan, Murdock, Deede, Whiting, Olivias, Siddoway, Schwict, J Miller, and B Miller. Siddoway and Proctor were supervisors and it was still a pay raise for them to go elsewhere.
To other places:
Schiffler, Franco, and Raymond. Raymond was a supervisor. Schiffler and Franco were K-9 officers and losing them is a six figure loss in training dollars as getting a new K-9 officer up to speed is expensive.
And there are a number whose names I don’t know who have left or are leaving. I just heard one is quitting this week to become an ISP trooper.
And if you consider the officers who have merely applied elsewhere you’ve got a list that would triple those who have left. A correction on my earlier claim. When I was saying 40 or so deputies had gone to the IFPD I erred. Thats how many have applied.
Cook gave the first sensible approach I’ve seen to this retention problem and that is all deputies start in the jail and get promoted to patrol. That way you don’t have supervisors from the jail quitting, as Proctor and Siddoway did, in order to work for the IFPD since they couldn’t afford the paycut to work patrol for the county.
Top ↑Vintageport3935, if you are an officer in the BCSO, then I am very glad that you enjoy serving the public and that you like your job and you like your boss. Those things are very positive aspects to being a public servant.
As I said before, I’m reasonably certain that I don’t know you, and I definitely don’t know Mr. Cook. But it appears that the two of you have pretty different viewpoints about what works well, and what does not, at the BCSO.
Anon2 in #83, this wishlist appears similar to Mr Cook’s issues on his website. I’d like to know what was the sheriff’s response, when these issues were made known to him as problems?
Top ↑While I would like to get more specific about Wilde’s response to a couple of these issues, I feel that I should not. Therefore, I will answer with generalizations. Although I genuinely believe Wilde cares about Sheriff’s Office employees and their families, I believe the difference is in the approach. If he is concerned about that entire wishlist I would be happily surprised because it seems that communication is very stiffled in the current environment. Although this communication issue may be part of Stommel’s aftermath, there is still a fear to speak up overall because of reactions such as Vintage’s (the whole “you are not part of the team unless you are always sunshine and flowers” attitude).
Wilde has made an effort to improve communication. That said, it seems that he is trying to please County political figures as much if not more than he is trying to improve things for employees. There is always a chance that Sheriff Wilde has not had enough time in office to smooth over all ruffled feathers and get the right people on his side, but its the overall attitude of denial and/or political savvy that frustrates those who are weary of the same problems for so many years.
BCSO employees aren’t stupid…they realize there will be a process involved in turning it all around. Yet, what Wilde seems to lack and Cook seems to get at the end of the day is 1) a sense of urgency to move forward and start the process of change and 2) a fearless and blatently honest look at what is happening. Getting behind Wilde would be much easier if he were to speak up about these problems with clarity (without so much political smooth talk) and if he were to convey to Sheriff’s Office employees that he AND his staff were really open to blunt communication and cooperative effort.
Top ↑Post #91 was from Anonymous 2, just for clarity’s sake.
Top ↑Sheriff Wilde has spoken up about these problems with clarity. He has spoken to the employees since taking office. He has spoken in training groups for weeks and one on one with as many as he has been able to in the short time he has been Sheriff, Scheduling meetings with each employee.
There was a six percent raise a short time ago for the law enforcement division and sadly only a three percent for the corrections division. This ocurred under Sheriff Stommel and was misfortunate at best for those that work in corrections. It will take a very long time to make up the losses that have been suffered by employees because of the jail situations that have gone on for over fifteen years. Many years ago, the county commissioners asked Sheriff Stommel for lay offs because of the tight budget caused by the jail situation. He refused to lay any of his people off.
Of the names listed above, only three came from the law enforcement division. Cook, Steel, and Storer. Each of them were a greatly felt loss and I completely agree that they did what they needed to do. I respect each of them.
Franco was not a K-9 Deputy when he left. He was an SRO. Schiffler went on to bigger and better things with Boise P.D. and Raymond went to fly airline planes which I think is something he always wanted to do.
But you know, in their wake, the Sheriff’s Office has hired many outstanding new Deputies that are doing a great job. I can only say it over and over. Things are not as bad as some people make it sound. The “sunshine and flowers attitude” mentioned in post 91 is interesting and would make you laugh if you knew me.
Top ↑Your just not getting it vintage.
It matters not whether those deputies came from the jail or patrol. Those are still highly trained and qualified people that the BCSO are bleeding to other agencies. The BCSO flushed tens of thousands of dollars in training on each one of them only to see them take that training and experience to a better paying department. Patrol or detention you still go to an academy (thats many weeks of paid wages and benefits) and you still go through a training process (more weeks of wages and benefits). And you try to minimize the loss of Franco, Raymond, and Stiffler like somehow its less a blow because the IFPD weren’t the ones to snatch them up. They still left for better paying jobs elsewhere.
And do you think the IFPD and other agencies are done hiring BCSO officers away? The current IFPD hiring roster is like a who’s who of notable BCSO deputies including a certain person running for sheriff but then again thats understandable since he’ll need a job if he doesn’t win the election. The BCSO is and will continue to be a feeding place for better paying agencies to snatch up officers who already have training. This will continue to happen until BCSO wages and benefits become competitive. I don’t know where the BCSO ranks statewide in wages but I’ve got it on good authority that the IFPD is only in the 20′s statewide and the IFPD pays about four to five dollars an hour more than the BCSO so what does that tell you? The time is long past to just talk about is as you say Wilde is doing. Its time is to do something about it.
Again I don’t work for the BCSO. I work with them though on occasion as you might be able to surmise given my demonstrated knowledge on who has been hired away.
And again I support neither candidate as I really don’t know either well enough to say who would be better. But right now I must say having seen Wilde talk a few times its apparent he is much like Mayor Fuhriman in that he talks a good talk but your left wondering if he actually plans to do anything. Cook at least is talking directly about the problem instead of talking around it.
Top ↑I should say first that I am not employed in law enforcement and I do not pretend to speak for anyone else who is. As I read Laun Cook’s web site, I am left with several questions that hopefully he will answer at some point.
Top ↑1. Experience. Mr. Cook seems to have no administrative experience. How does he plan to make up for this?
2. Jail. Half of what a county sheriff does is run the county jail. Mr Cook does not address the jail in his web site; it talks about changes he wants to make in law enforcement. Also, on the experience side, he seems never to have worked in a jail. What are his plans for the jail? How will he run the jail if, as he says, the current jail administration is hostile to him?
3. Money. Mr. Cook’s proposed changes will take a substantial increase in the Sheriff’s Office operating budget (at least it looks that way to me). Where does Mr. Cook propose to get this money?
4. Relations with the County Commissioners. I suspect that the only way for Mr. Cook could get enough money to implement his proposed changes would be to ask the County Commissioners for a budget increase. Yet he has pointedly disrespected them in his web site (under the area of “Republican mismanagement”). How is he going to get the Republican Commissioners to play ball with him?
5. Politics. I understand that Mr. Cook initially approached the Republican Party about running as a Republican. Now he is running as a Democrat. Which is it? Politically, is Mr. Cook a Republican or a Democrat? What does he stand for?
6. Interagency cooperation. Sheriff Wilde and Chief Roos are close personal friends. How does Mr. Cook envision interagency cooperation?
7. Support within the Sheriff’s Office. It is my understanding from talking to a couple of the deputies that Sheriff Wilde is quite popular. How many deputies within the Sheriff’s Office support Mr. Cook? How many support him publically and what percentage support him privately? Have any of the deputies who left the Sheriff’s Office to work elsewhere pledged support for Mr. Cook?
Ernest, I think some of those questions were already answered by Mr. Cook on this thread.
As far as Roos and Wilde being friends, I don’t think it should be a popularity contest. One of the problems as I view it from reading this thread, has been the good ol’ boy system. I think it’s been made clear that some of the problems that have been created, have been created due to exactly that reason. Everyone needs to be heard not just a select few. If their concerns are not being taken into consideration, that’s a problem. I don’t know Roos well, but I think he has the abililty to get along with most people.
It sounds like the turnover at the Sheriff’s office has been pretty dramatic. That does cost a lot of money, I think more than has been suggested here on this thread. I doubt that is in the operating budget. It’s my understanding, that it takes a full year before a newly hired employee in any job compensates his/her pay due to training. That’s a lot of money in the garbage if the turnover is as high as has been stated here.
I am still quite undecided and will probably continue to be until we hear from Wilde. But it seems pretty apparent that their are problems with in the office that need improvement. They can’t be brushed aside or made excuses for. The people of Bonneville County and law enforcement staff are at stake.
And for the record, I don’t know Wilde other than a shaking of hands and I’ve never met Cook.
My hope is that Wilde will read through this thread as Cook did, and respond to the many questions and concerns that have come up.
Top ↑Every employee that BCSO loses costs them a minimum of $50,000 and could cost over six figures.
Think about the numbers:
A new employee must either go to a ten week law enforcement academy or what I believe is a six week detention academy. All those weeks the employee will draw a paycheck but do nothing for the county. Then those employees must go through a training program where a senior officer must train them. So you now have two officers filling one role. This training program can be ten to twenty weeks depending on how well the officer responds. So your looking at approximately 6 months of wages+benefits paid before the new hire ever actually fills a vacant role (remember during training your losing an officer because one must spend time training the new guy).
Now consider the loss in training and experience. Take former BCSO K-9 officer Jim Schiffler who left for the much better paying Boise PD. To be a K-9 officer who must go through a several month long training program just to learn how to handle the dogs. Then you must spend weeks in training with your new dog before the dog is certified to be on the streets. Then every K-9 officer spends one full day EVERY WEEK in training with the dog to keep it certified. Thats a huge investment in one officer and a crushing blow to lose.
And I haven’t even talked about the wages and such of the administrators and detectives who have to deal with the hiring process doing interviews, background checks, etc.
Then lets consider that the last few years the county has had to reconsider applicants they initially rejected simply because they were desperate for warm bodies. Some may have turned out okay but do you feel comfortable knowing they are having to make risky hires?
It should be obvious that the county could save a lot of money by simply retaining its existing employees. And it should be obvious that the candidate for sheriff should be giving solutions to this problem instead of just acknowledging the problem exists. One current candidate has suggested a solution while one has just admitted there is a problem.
Top ↑Ernest,
What Why How and Anonymous are right on the money, literally. But to make sure your questions are addressed clearly for anyone else who happens upon this blog here’s what I think:
1. Experience: Mr. Cook has the experience that counts in my mind. Less time in politics, more time with citizens and fellow deputies. In fact, the last I looked I have never met a deputy that didn’t have some leadership ability/potential in them. Further, Cook’s leadership in the Military for so many years counts big with me. By the way, a blessed Memorial Day to all you veterans!
2. Jail: Mr. Cook DOES address the jail in his website and on this blog. MOST of those in the Jail Administration are well-qualified, professional individuals, and I am sure they will do a good job working with the next Sheriff, no matter what their differences of opinion. Hopefully Mr. Cook is beginning to see that not all the Jail Administration and staff are opposed to him.
3. Money: Mr. Cook will have to get the funding from the same place every other Sheriff has had to—the County Commissioners. Have they made it easy on Wilde or anyone else—NO! Have they invested properly in those who give so much—NO! Nevertheless, somebody has to hold them accountable. I hope that those of us who are trying to shake things up will also hold the Commissioners responsible for their actions as well. Look at how much revenue for Bonneville County must be coming out of Ammon alone! It’s not as if the money to make things work isn’t there!!! It’s a matter of prioritization as always, and it takes someone with guts to keep on the County Commissioners until RESULTS are to be had. Cook’s independence from the Commissioners can only be a GOOD thing in my mind! With no one to impress, he can say it like it is and form healthier relationships with them as he goes forward.
4. Relations with County Commissioners: As a long-time Republican myself, I would like to think that the Commissioners wouldn’t be so hypersensitive that they would shut down working with a new Sheriff just because he called them out about some issues. Further, the face of that Commission can change just as easily as the Sheriff’s position can. Those Commissioners are accountable to US! If they want to stay in their positions they will of course be responsive and effective in order to keep this beautiful county safe and strong.
Top ↑5. Politics: I don’t CARE about what party a Sheriff belongs to. Protect, Serve, and Defend…if a Sheriff knows that much, his politics are good in my book. There is no separate rule book for Democrat and Republican Sheriffs. Mr. Cook has made it abundantly clear what he stands for, like it or not. On this blog we have been calling for Mr. Wilde to give us more information so that we can understand him and his concerns. He deserves a fair shake at this too…he might have a better vision and understanding of things than we’re aware of. Unfortunately, he has pretty much remained silent at this late date in the election calendar (at least to those of us who aren’t “in the know”). If he does remain silent up until tomorrow, then his silence will speak volumes to me. It doesn’t have to be on this blog, but a webpage, a public statement in the news, a mailer, ANYTHING at all would be a help at this point in really evaluating his plan of action.
6. Interagency cooperation: I can’t believe this is even an issue! What does a friendship between the current Sheriff and the City Police have to do with anything? Last I checked this was one area where there wasn’t a real problem (considering that a large portion of IFPD was trained in BCSO). Either those in leadership positions are professional and focused on the good of the people or they’re not.
7. Support within the Sheriff’s Office: I am sure that there are many former and current co-workers of Wilde and Cooke that appreciate them both on a personal level. Those personal feelings aren’t really what matters right now though. I am sure that the Law Enforcement of this county will rise to the occasion and work well with either candidate. However, I highly doubt you will get any of the numbers/percentages that you request since this typically a very sensitive time for all those involved to be officially airing their political preferences. That being said, if you would kindly refer back to post #83, I believe almost all BCSO employees would appreciate the aforementioned changes. If Wilde is on the job in one or more of these areas, please let us know!
Top ↑Anon2, you have laid out responses to quite a few issues really well. We’ve heard from Mr Cook, now I’m also looking forward to hearing from Sheriff Wilde.
We’re all asking for Sheriff Wilde to respond, but we don’t even know that he knows who we are or what this site is all about. I’d give him some time to figure it out, and not put such a short deadline on it. Plus he may have gone away on vacation, as some folks actually do during this particular holiday.
Those of you who are in BCSO, or know Sheriff Wilde, it probably would be a good thing to clue him in, so he is aware that we are hoping to get a response from him.
On the other hand, seems a candidate that is trying to stay on top of the issues would either be searching the web for these kinds of discussions, or would have a staffer who does that for him. So as to not get caught off guard, in this day and age. So, I can’t imagine but what he’d respond sooner than later.
Top ↑I will say that some things that have come up here aren’t issues that are special to BCSO.
1) Shortage of good staffers because other places pay more, or have better benefits. Idaho has a low unemployment rate, so it’s a workers’ market…folks can go where the money is.
2) High turnover costing efficiencies and wasted payroll/manpower with new training. Common in private and government jobs, when the budget is tight and someone else is willing to pay more.
That being said, they are still serious issues and need to be taken care of.
I am probably in the minority, but I’m willing to pay higher property taxes if that means I get well trained, well paid, stable and happy law enforcement officers in my county. The county commissioners bear some of the responsibility here, they can’t just hide their heads in the sand and pretend everything’s going well so they don’t have to futz with the budget or raise taxes.
And with all this going on they can’t just accept the word of a ‘yes man’ who promises he can do better with the same old budget as before…they should be suspicious instead of grateful…
Top ↑WOW! A lot has gone on here since I left. I am sorry for stirring up such a hornets nest, but what a fantastic discussion! Now only if we could have discussion like this in the Sheriff’s Office.
If you would alow me to make a few further comments, I would like to.
JOE EAGLE- First I would like to appologize for identifying someone. I am not a blogger and I was unaware that was not acceptable until I read back later what had been written. I didn’t even know what a “moderator” was. But I learn quick. I came to this site because I was informed by someone else there was a discussion about the Sheriff’s election. My intention was to expose what Anonymous talks about in #91. The department uses intimidation to silence people. However, Anonymous explains it better than I could.
My suggestion for ignorant visitors such as myself is- you should put a tenth guideline where you make comments- #10-don’t identify users.
VINTAGEPORT- My list of Patrol officers who have left just in the last three years is much longer than what was discussed here. Enough said.
The raise in #93 you spoke of- I would point out that even though it was not department wide, it was a good thing for employees. Now when a “Correctional Officer” comes out of the jail to patrol, maybe he/she can break even instead of loosing so much! I will also point out that my understanding of the raise you speak of, was suggested by the County Commissioners and was taken on by an administrator that was not Sheriff Stommel or Chief Deputy Wilde at the time. My Idea of leadership is that it ain’t about how long you’ve been an administator, it’s about what you do while there. If you are in that position you should have been the one screaming for the pay raise. I wish to thank the lower level administratior who got us the raise. However, the raise ain’t near enough.
As far as my chat on my web site you have mentioned several times. My web site is far from complete. As you know I am not contested in the primary. It’s a long time to November 4th. There is more to come. And please keep telling everyone about it. You appear to support the Appointee Paul Wilde, but you are very good advertisement for me. Maybe I could put a sign in your yard?
Sorry, maybe it’s my sense of humor you don’t care for.
For all those calling for Appointed Sheriff Wilde. I suspect like me, he does not know about this site. I doubt the other Republican candidate Terry Kerr does either. I would like to hear from him as well. Maybe one of you should let them know.
ERNEST- You bring up some excellent questions that I am going to comment on in a bit but I gotta go do chores, I will be right back.
Top ↑Post #97. Don’t think that the Sheriff’s Office makes risky hires. I cannot beleive how unfair that is to the new people that are working hard to become public servants.
Post #102. Intimidation in the office to silence people? I’ve never experienced that and I don’t believe you should allude to it in hopes that people who don’t know will believe it. I have seen it tried by a deputy who I cannot mention cause we aren’t supposed to name names but I think he posted #102.
Tell me who else has gone to the IFPD? We have had several leave for better career oppertunities and retire. People tend to do those things. I didn’t get into law enforcement for the great pay or I would have become a great novelist or maybe a doctor. Fair pay is the issue but you and I both know about the justice fund cap which is not just a Bonneville County problem but a state problem. Do you plan to start new legislation to get this changed?
I Love to tell people about your web site. It’s good for people to read it and decide for themselves. Try not to beat up the people that could possibly work under you and the ones who have been doing the job for a long time. I can be as sarcastic as you and possible even more so. Sorry if you don’t like my sense of humor.
Top ↑ERNEST- Besides what Anonymous 2 said in #96, I would comment on
1- The lack of Administrative experience is my weak point. To make up for this, I need to surround myself with people who have that experience and whom are more intelligent than I am. This is precisely what I mean on my web site when I talk about an advisory council from both the officers and the public.
2-Jail- I need Vintageport and others like Vintageport who posess the technical knowlege required to run a jail. My big concern reguarding the jail at this point is that we are in the process of adding onto the jail. (By the way, I support the Joann Wood pilot project) This addition will require 30 new Detention Deputies. We cannot keep what we have now staffed how can we expect to staff the new addition? We need to figure out how we are going to staff 30 more. The jail currently has three separate budgets that take up a large part of the roughly 16 Million dollar budget for the Sheriff’s office. I would expect this new project will require an additional budget.
3- Money- we need to continue with some of the ideas our previous financial officer has of creating Sustainable, Adequet and Dedicated funding. Alot of his ideas were very creative. Much of what I am proposing on my web site would not require hireing additional people but rather restructuring what we got and putting some retired on duty personal to use.
4- Relations with the county Commissioners- It is my understanding that at least one of the county commissioners has come out and ridden with Deputies and has expressed interest in attending police training. That’s the kind of leadership I am talking about. And I will point out that the Sheriff’s office is not under their management. A Sheriff is and elected official and he manages the office not the commissioners. They simply control the purse strings. As I mentioned in my previous comment, I am under the impression they are the ones who suggested the recent pay increase for patrol. Having said all that, I think it would still be good once in a while for the public to have another choice on the ballot. I don’t see any reason why I couldn’t get along with them providing they didn’t mind me hounding them all the time to bring wages up so we can retain people.
5-Politics- Your understanding is not correct. I have never been to any Republican Party meetings or contacted any Republican Party officials about running for sheriff. I have talked with numberous Republican’s who support me though. Until recently, I have never been involved with Politics. When I decided run for office, I did alot of research about the different political parties. I was drawn to the Democratic Party largely due to their values of equal opportunity and social and economic equality. The Democratic party is genuin about looking out for the little guy. I was not attracted to the Republican party largely due to their claim to being conservative. On a national and local level that does not appear to be the case. I don’t see where they have been conservative in their spending. Now having said all that, the office of Sheriff has nothing to do with partisan politics. It’s about law enforcement. And I want to get back to doing law enforcement.
6- Interagency cooperation- I will not comment on the relationship between the Chief of Police and the Interim Appointee because I don’t know. I will say that based on what I know of Chief Roos, I will get along with him just fine.
7- Support of the Sheriff’s Office- I have decided not to ask any employees to publicly support me because quite frankly I fear for their livelyhood if they do. I think it would not be appropriate to do so. I am aware that a large portion of this audience is from the law Enforcement community. You included, seem to have alot of insight. Quite frankly I know this is a long shot for me. If I had everyones support it would still be a long shot. It would have been nice had some more qualified folks stepped forward. I have said before, I am not the perfect candidate. However, I think I have better insight as to what the employees need at this point.
Top ↑Thank you so much Ernest.
Vintageport DOES NOT work in Corrections. I am a certified Law Enforcement Officer for the state of Idaho. I have no idea what the issue is with the administration there. It sounds like it could be interesting reading though.
Top ↑For anyone who has truly worked either in the BCSO or in the surrounding agencies, there is no surprise to know that in the past especially under the Administration of Stommel that intimidation tactics were used.
I do not know under the new administration if this still occurs, however anyone who works at BCSO and supports anyone other than the interim Sheriff will not have an easy task of going to work. Policy indicates that members of the Sheriffs Office are not allowed to be involved in Politics at work. However if your boss or one of his Adminisrators comes to you and asks you for personal support or financial support, what are you going to say. If you say yes, then you will be looked at as supporting the current administrator without problems. If you say no, then there is the possibility of your next evaluation having marks that are less than what you would expect for supporting the administrator.
One of the problems that these type of elections create is the fact that the person elected does not answer to County Commissioners or someone who has authority to correct problems that they see with the Sheriff. Many will say that the Sheriff answers to the public, however you do not have to look too far to see that is not totally true.
Look at recent events in surrounding counties where Sheriffs were involved in illegal activity. DUI, Theft of Government Property, Sexual Offenses and many others. Many of these Sheriffs were kept in office until their term was finished while the investigations which are frequently lengthy were completed. Also remember that per statute that only the coroner is allowed to arrest the Sheriff within the county. Another elected official.
If you have a complaint with the way the Sheriff’s office is run, you go to leadership in the Sheriffs Office and address the issue. If the Sheriff’s Office does not respond, you go to the County Commissioners, who then tell you that he is an elected official and they have no power to correct problems within his Department. If you go to the Attorney General they will only look at the case if Law Enforcement has referred the case to their office for investigation.
It is very important to understand that the position of Sheriff is a critical part of this county. It is also important to understand and review the past and current actions of those within the Bonneville County Sheriff. You might want to ask some of the following questions:
Did Paul Wilde support Sheriff Stommel when the Idaho Sheriffs Association placed larges amounts of revenue into defeating term limits? The public had already voted twice on term limits and the State Sheriff’s Association was one of the main reasons the publics wishes was reversed.
How do the candidates propose to providing coverage to the areas within the County which do not see a deputy on a frequent basis?
How do the candidates propose to address the rising cost of gasoline and how was that addressed in the budget that was submitted to the County Commissioners.
How do the candidates propose to address concerns with the public regarding negative contacts with the Sheriffs Office.
How do the candidates propose on building cooperative agreements with local law enforcement, fire, ambulance and local cities?
I know in the past that Joe Vandal had a question and answer period on this site with the former Chief of Idaho Falls. Maybe this might allow some who frequent this site to ask questions of the candidates and allow them to answer.
Top ↑Guest_541 : Stommel was a very poor sheriff. But, kept getting re-elected time after time. Either candidtae would make a much better sheriff right from the start than (commet edited by site moderator due to “personal attack”) Stommel was!
Top ↑Guest in Post 106, excellent questions! I would like the answers too.
Vintageport Post 111, considering the questions and comments that have come up, I think Stommel has a lot to do with it. And I will say that the way you are responding to posters here, sounds like some of the comments we have heard regarding Stommel. This is the very attitude some of these people want changed. That said, I’m not sure it’s helping Wilde’s cause.
If your effort is to benefit Wilde, maybe you should put this link in front of him and let him respond himself.
Top ↑Why What How……..
Whenever I say something even slightly negative toward Mr. Cook or someone who has slammed the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, you tell me that I am not aiding Sheriff Wilds’s cause. Guess what? I’m not here to aid Sheriff Wilde’s cause. I am here to negate all the negative claims that the Sheriff’s Office is going down the tubes. It is incorrect. I would love to have a positive, capable, professional person take the office of Sheriff for Bonneville County. Sheriff Wilde is the closest thing choice we have.
Top ↑anonymous 2,
I didn’t see anyone asking for your name…..???/ what’s up with that??
Top ↑It looks like the stats from yesterdays primaries are a postive step in the right direction.
Top ↑Laun Cook, thanks for responding to all these questions. That’s the kind of politician I like. You sound honest and capable. The only other one I can think of is that somewhere on here you mentiond cutting back on frivolous internal investigations. Would you elaborate please?
Other than that I promise I won’t ask more questions at least until after we’ve heard from Paul Wilde.
Top ↑Where has Mr. Cook Gone??? He says that there is waste at the Sheriff’s Office but he still drives his County car home at night. He should take a stand and make a statement. I don’t think that an “extradition deputy” is on call 24/7. He could probably leave it at the office and drive his own car if he is so outraged.
Top ↑This post was removed by the moderator a few days ago. I cleaned it up a bit and now I am re-posting it.
So why doesn’t someone call guest 541 on the carpet for post #107? I certainly faced a great deal of flack for giving my personal opinion of Cook but I guess defaming our recent Sheriff is ok. I totally disagree of your assessment. Byron Stommel has done our community more good in one day *******************************************8
Top ↑Vintageport3935 you have made a suggestion to Cook to leave his county issued car home to make a statement. As you have stated in your previous comments that you are an employee of the State of Idaho, I would have to wonder if you are also issued a State Take Home Car. I for one do not see the reason that nearly all State and County Law Enforcement Officers have a reason for a take home car. With the cost of Gasoline as tax payers we are paying for some employees to drive great distances to go to work each and every day. I agree that those who are on call such as call out detectives and some supervisors might need the vehicles for immediate response. However too frequently those within the Department justify these luxuries to have one or two callouts per year when in reality the tax payers are paying for the remainder 363 days per year. There is ample waste that needs to be addressed at many levels in both County and State Government, I would like to see some discussion talking about the purchase of equipment that is never used, buying expensive vehicles and equipment when other options are available and so forth. When you get your yearly tax bill on your house, consider the fact that we the public are paying for these things and need to speak loudly and ask for reform.
Top ↑Vintageport3935 has asked Cook about a take home car. I would have to agree that this is an area that needs to be looked at in reference to cost savings for the taxpayer. At the same time Vintageport3935 previously stated that he was employed by the State of Idaho. Does he also have a take home car and has he offered to save the tax payers money by leaving his car at the office and then driving to work.
Too frequently in State and County Agencies we allow these perks which are costly to the public especially as gas reaches 4.00 a gallon. The public needs to be informed how our governmental leadership plans on reducing these type of costs.
How many times do you see a police car at local fast food stop during the officers lunch, idling with no real purpose.
How many times does the tax payer foot the bill for equipment that sits in a locker or closet.
I understand and agree that officers need good equipment for safety reasons and fully agree with that. However why do we purchase 600-900.00 ballistic vests for officers that never wear the vest and leave it in the trunk of a car, then after 5 years get a new one issued?
What about a 3,000.00 radar that is placed in a patrol car, but is seldom used by the officer because the previous administration did not want to rock the boat and make the public upset about receiving citations?
The list goes on and it would be interesting to hear from both candidates how they intend to reduce the waste as the public is paying for it. Just the other day the Sheriff in Bannock County said that he was going to be over budget for approximately 60,000 in gas and even more for the food that is given to the prisoners. What is going to be the overrun for Bonneville County and how are the candidates proposing to take care of the problems?
Top ↑Guest, actually I kind of like having a marked vehicle in the neighborhood especially since our area isn’t patrolled much. I have no problem with them taking it home especially if nobody else is going to use it anyway.
As for stopping at fast food restaurants, the grocery store, etc. I don’t see an issue with that if it’s on the way to their destination, on lunch break or what have you. It wouldn’t seem right to drive it clear back to the station, get your own vehicle, and drive back to a restaurant. It probably shouldn’t be left idling at the price of gas though. And I don’t think that they should be used for a bunch of personal errands.
I do have a problem with the wasted spending on items that sit around and rapidly become of no use. And I fail to see why vests would sit in the trunk considering that we hear of officers involved in shootouts after pulling someone over. I understand they probably are hot to wear and uncomfortable, but maybe they need to be worn at all times.
Top ↑Frankly officers don’t let their vehicles sit and idle when having lunch. When they are actually inside the restaurant eating their vehicle is turned off except for K-9 vehicles. They are the only exception for having to have the vehicle run while the K-9 is inside of it.
Yes, you will see an officer in his vehicle at times eating while the vehicle is running. Why is that you may ask? It’s because they do not get official lunch breaks like the rest of us do. The officer could be eating one second and get a call while he’s trying to eat.
I would find it hard to believe the officer is intentionally trying to cost the county gas by keeping his vehicle running all the time.
I am curious to know who you think it is who’s not wearing these expensive vests. The only people I can think of are the ones that are in the office all day. I guarantee you won’t find an officer out there working the streets not wearing a vest.
In regards to the equipment such as radar units. Being Sheriff is a public office which means you guessed it political games. Come election time the Sheriff wants as many voters as possible. Sad to say but this is where ticket counts probably go down to get political support. For example the recent Speed Trap Forum. You’re not going to win those supporters by writing them tickets.
Top ↑Also I’ll inform you that Bonneville County Deputies only drive their vehicle to and from work. I’m sure you could ask any of their neighbors that they would hate to see the patorl vehicle leave just to have it sit in a lot.
Top ↑I do drive a County owned vehicle home. It is a great advantage to be able to respond to an emergency from my home. If a crisis arises, the public benefits from a rapidly mobilized Sheriff’s Office to respond. County Deputies are not allowed to use their vehicles for personal use as are City Officers who pay a certain amount each month to be able to do so.
I just ask that people running for political office aren’t hypicritical in the issues. Don’t claim waste but then continue to take advantage of that self proclaimed waste when it is against your platform.
Don’t just take what some candidates have to say as gold because they want to portray themselves as some kind of Maverick. You have to look at the real person and what it is they stand for.
Top ↑There are also significant cost savings to take home vehicles for police that many don’t realize. There are expenses too like gas but you need to look at the whole picture not just the gas which is what most citizens get uptight over. I don’t know at the end of the day if its overall a cost saver but its going to be close to even at the very least.
Examples:
1) A take home car will last 5-6 years longer than a fleet vehicle that is shared and driven 24 / 7.
2) Likewise a take home car has lower maintenance.
3) Officers on their way to work can take calls that come in 10-15 minutes before the start of their shift thus eliminating all the overtime an officer on the prior shift would get handling the call.
4) Off duty officers driving their cars sometimes are closer than on duty officers to calls. Real example: an off duty IFPD officer was the first to arrive at a shooting a number of years ago.
There are more as well. And obviously beyond gas there is the simple expenses of more vehicles and equipment in them. But its not nearly as expensive as some think once you consider everything.
Top ↑Just a quick question for Vintageport 3935. Maybe it is the way I read the response in Post 105 which states that you are a Certified Law Enforcement Officer for the State of Idaho. In Post 119 you state that you have a Take Home COUNTY Car. So I would have to assume that you are employed by Bonneville County, but have certification with the State of Idaho as a Peace Officer and Do Not work for the State itself?
Top ↑I’ve heard and read some complaints about official vehicles taken home for twenty years now. I’m glad folks perk their ears and brains up enough to question things, but overall the many important positives always seem to outweigh the few nitpicky negatives on that issue.
I like to see folks paying attention and questioning the status quo, but I wish they would try applying that same inquisitiveness to other things that really need to change.
Top ↑I know both Candidates. One has been Good ole boy systemed and the other is hard working, against dishonesty and doesn’t play the games that Vintageport3935 is protecting, and how the office operates still, even since Stommel left. Job security is the Good ole boys system. Mr. Cook would make the work like it should be, which would make the public safer. I am not going to debate with Wilde’s employees that feel secure with this lifestyle. Most Americans were raised different. Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office needs to return to that, it’s way overdue. Past and present conduct from Administration would make the public quiver. I admire Mr. Cook, and I know he can most definately do the job better. This is a one time comment that I don’t need to defend. Just thought some of you wondering would like to hear facts, not Good Ole boy comments forever to make Mr. Cook look bad and build Wilde’s campaign. Personal sacrifices and time for public is what it is all about to make a good leader to get things on the right track again. Let’s change the future for better and loose that negative system that only works for those in charge!! Fear holds several at bay to speak out against this, but some of us are like Mr. Cook and love to see David take on Goliath and WIN!! I would like to think that if I had a child want to be a police officer they could be proud to work there someday. It won’t ever happen unless we do something. Let’s start now. Good Luck Mr. Cook!!
Top ↑Facts and Truth hit it on the head. Not too long ago IdahoFallz.Com was indundated with comments about the Idaho Falls Prosecutor and how could a crime such as this happen. Many identified the fact that the Good Ole Boys system was in play.
I have personally seen the treatment that was given under the Stommel Regime and felt it was very unprofessional. Currently there are a number of civil actions pending against Stommel. I also saw how he treated the Mayors and City Council Members from the various Cities. The attitude of Get out of my County was very prevelant under his command. His continual bragging that no one challenged him during the various elections and the puffing out of his chest to the public about this fact. His threats of retiring and then moving into Idaho Falls so he could run for a City Council position so he could get rid of the Idaho Falls Chief. He was excellent at twisting the facts and blaming it all on the Idaho Falls Chief. Then after Livsey left, Stommel bragged about how he hand raised Roos and was very happy with the choice.
Facts and Truth is absolutely right, we need a change. The public would be extremely upset to see some of the things that occur and have occurred that need immediate change. To speak out would result in immediate hardships from those in charge. To support the challenger would mean that your assignment is likely to be changed.
Yes there will be those who are comfortable within the jobs at BCSO. Those are the ones who speak the loudest. It is those who try and correct those problems that still exist that are in danger.
If you read the Post Register article the other day one of Stommels former Lieutenants was making 48.00 an hour after he left the direct employment of the Sheriffs Office and still was not happy with the new contract that Wilde issued.
It should concern the voter that many questions have been asked about cost reduction and saving the tax payers money, but yet there have been no official responses from Wilde. Does he feel that it is below him to come onto this site and give the public a feel for what his vision is. I have to say at least Cook has made an effort to do that.
Can either candidate address the high turnover that BCSO experiences. Having worked with both candidates I know for a fact that wages only amount to a small picture of what makes these people leave. The majority leave due to the poor treatment that they receive at the hands of those that need reform the most.
Top ↑Fact and Truth (maybe some myth) – Post #123
I respect your opinion but disagree. Here we go again, yet another opinion much like Mr. Cook’s that claims that the Sheriff’s Office is not doing their job or can’t do their job. What do you base this from? You sound like you have been through a situation that has left you frustrated by politics.
What kind of fear holds people at bay? I don’t go to work afraid and I generally don’t hold back with my opinions. Things are not negative at the Sheriff’s Office. THINGS ARE GOOD AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE despite the claims of conspiracy.
I would like to think that if any of us have children that need the Sheriff’s Office at a crucial time or even perhaps elect to work in law enforcement there, they will find an agency run by qualified, dignified, respectful leaders who have their eye on the whole picture.
I agree that we should wish Mr. Cook good luck. I hope he gets that IFPD position he tested for.
Top ↑Post #124
Poor treatment? Is there a poor treatment club at the office that I am not aware of? I haven’t seen it on the e-mail list. Does the club have a president? From reading the above posts, it must be a busy group but for the life of me I can’t think of that many I would put into such a catagory. I can think of several incidents where the Democratic candidate treated people poorly though. As you say, your observation, my observation, potato, potaato.
What do you mean by comfortable in their jobs? If it means holding down a job and doing the best at it you can then you are completely correct. The vast majority of Deputies and support staff do just that and are very good at what they do.
Top ↑Vintageport, we have heard a lot from you but still have not heard from Paul Wilde. Did he assign you as his personal representative? Is there a reason why he won’t post here? Haven’t you told him about this thread and that perhaps he should come on here defend himself? At this point, I would think that is the right thing to do unless there is some reason why you fear giving it to him.
Top ↑election over, any comments here would be debated and twisted to fit any agenda which would hurt him next election, so it would be wise not to respond.
Top ↑Tuff Guy: Wilde only won the election between the Republican runners. He still has the election coming up between he and the democratic runner. To say that it would not be wise to talk is unbelievable. We want to hear what he plans on doing, and if as you suggest he is not going to respond to questions from the public, then that might suggest what kind of leader that he is or plans on being. This is the problem that was experienced for years with Stommel. We need someone that will develop good relationships and good law enforcement practices.
Top ↑excuse me I see your point ,I am just tired of beating a dead horse,the 5-6 deputies I know seem to like it fine ,beat on.
Top ↑should the sheriff be an elected position???
Top ↑Is that like saying 5-6 people under President Bush like how the nation is being run just fine? I’d like to hear from the other side too. He’s missing an opportunity to enlighten those of us who know squat about the sheriff’s office other than what we’ve read here.
Top ↑post #127
I didn’t relize that we had to be assigned as a personal representative for someone to state our opinions here. Tear it down, kick it around and take from it what you want. I’m not a good old boy and I don’t do politics very well. I know what is right and what is wrong. I don’t pretend to speak for other people
Top ↑Then would you ask Paul Wilde to speak for himself?
Top ↑Post #134
I don’t suspect it is my place to do that and it seems like an odd thing to say. Why don’t you call him and ask yourself. I know his number is in the phone book under BCSO.
Top ↑How is that odd?
Top ↑I agree with the “how is that odd” statement whywhathow posted.
Top ↑What harm could it do for you to mention this site/discussion to him and let him decide if it would be something he’d feel comfortable particpating in? If anything, I think it would completely enhance the overall discussion as well as show the voters he’s not afraid of participating in a format such as this to express his views, opinions and intentions. And perhaps even garner some votes.
There’s certainly nothing “odd” about that.
But that’s just my opinion for what it’s worth.
leave well enough alone vintageport
Top ↑I myself have been disappointed in finding no comments from Sheriff Wilde. It feels like we’re being ignored, that our questions and concerns are of no concern to him.
Whereas his opponent has a website up and has participated, and even been personally attacked by supporters of the current sheriff, on this site. In fact, I suspect that a forum from which to make those attacks on the opposition was the real reason that the sheriff’s supporter suggested this post in the first place.
Do you suppose the Sheriff feels no need to campaign? As if it’s cut and dried, and he’s a shoe-in, without the need to sully himself by mixing with the hoi polloi?
I’ve got no beef against the current sheriff, at all. I just don’t want this to be like George W Bush, who took Idaho’s votes for granted and never bothered to campaign here. Is that ( R ) on the ballot enough to assure the win at the sheriff’s level, too?
Top ↑I’m with Nemesis. What was the real reason for creating this article? If it was in fact for attacks on the opposition, it apparently backfired. I think only Paul Wilde has the power to turn that around. I also agree that he shouldn’t assume he is a shoe in due to the (R) by his name. I find that insulting.
Top ↑As I’ve said before. I hoped to shed some light on the FALSENESS of the democratic candidates claims on his web site. Yes, that is part of the reason I started this post. It’s not a secret. Also as I’ve said before, I don’t plan to run to my boss and say “hey, guess what??”. I doubt many of you would either if in the same position. I will not even entertain the thought of discussing this at work.
Have you noticed that the democratic candidate has not been back to this discussion? I wonder why? Have you noticed how many people he suspected of posting these comments? That should tell you something.
If the democratic candidate can make claims of the current condition of the Sheirff’s Office because he works there and has been “in the trenches”, well, so can I. I realize after being envolved with this discussion since the beginning that a postive attitude is not a popular thing to have here.
I’ll say it again. Don’t beleive what is posted on his web site. It is his opinion and NOT shared with the vast majority of those who are or have been “in the trenches”.
Top ↑Jury awards $6 million in Taser suit
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 4:30 a.m.
Last Modified: Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 6:23 a.m.
SAN JOSE — A federal jury in San Jose has awarded $6 million to the family of a Salinas man who died after police officers repeatedly shocked him with Taser stun guns.
The jury on Friday found that Taser International of Scottsdale, Ariz., was responsible for the death of 40-year-old Robert Heston Jr.
He died on Feb. 20, 2005, a day after police officers shocked him with tasers as many as 30 times while trying to subdue him at his father’s home. A friend had called 911 to report Heston was behaving violently.
The jury found that Taser International had failed to warn police that its stun guns could be dangerous when used on people under the influence of drugs or in conjunction with chest compressions.
An autopsy found that Heston died from a combination of methamphetamine intoxication, an enlarged heart due to long-term drug abuse, and Taser shocks.
http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20080608/NEWS/806080467/1350&title=Jury_awards__6_million_in_Taser_suit
Top ↑I have to agree with Nemesis in post 138 that there is concern that Sheriff Wilde has not responsed to the questions here.
Previously a Lieutenant from BCSO came here and discussed many issues brought out by the public against Stommels administration. Even through some of the responses were to protect Stommel, I felt that at least the public was being addressed. Neeless to say his contract with BCSO was not renewed under Sheriff Wilde.
Vintageport3935 is obviously a loyal servant of the current Sheriff. He has addressed some of the concerns that he has for the democratic challenger. However when others address concerns about Sheriff Wilde, he takes offense at the questions being asked. In this type of election we need honest answers from both candidates. The Democratic Challenger sees things from is experience and Vintageport3935 sees things from his perspective. Each will have different amounts of expierence from different levels.
We have to remember that the Sheriff is an elected position by the public. He is not appointed by the Mayor and has to answer to the public. Previously Vintageport3935 has indicated that Wilde has talked to the members of the BCSO about his goals. That is good, however the public and other members of Law Enforcement would like to hear what his plans are with the office of Sheriff.
Without that the public is at a loss as to his visions to the future and how he is going to change some of the things that did not work in the past. Some would like the public to believe that nothing needs changing within the Office and that everything is fine.
Anyone who has had any contact with BCSO knows that changes are important to make this agency a cooperative group that will work with others to keep the public safe. Without hearing some type of response from Wilde, we are forced to believe that it will be business as usual and the pitfalls of the previous administration will continue without change.
Top ↑Guest.
I am a servant of the public. Loyalty? Yes, to those that deserve it and I am not blind. Say anything you want about the current Sheriff, I just ask that you see and learn the truth about the democratic candidate and the way he is willing to twist facts in order to make people believe that he is the man for the job. He isn’t and that is just my opinion from you know, “the trenches” where we so desperatley need to “get back to law enforcement”.
That little statement he makes on his campagn signs is such an insult. You know, we were doing law enforcement friday and saturday and today and we will be doing it tomarrow and the day after and the day after that. Maybe the democratic candidate should get back to law enforcement and actually go the extra mile for once in his career.
Top ↑Still nothing addressed by Wilde?
Top ↑I work down the hall from the BCSO if you get my drift so I think I have better inside knowledge of the BCSO than 99% of the citizens of this county. There are some real problems in the agency that MUST be addressed. Most notably the retention of good officers – we’ve hired away around ten from them in just the last two years. Their replacements may turn out okay but they are rookies who will make rookie mistakes and many of them will also soon bolt for better pay. And rookies are unknown quantities – some will become good cops and some will be horrible. And you always run the risk of getting one of the power hungry abusive types. And your risk of picking up one of these types is greater when your applicant pool shrinks because many of the good candidates are taking jobs at better paying agencies. Most police agencies can count on losing at least 1/3 of their candidates due to problems with their backgrounds or psych profile. But that doesn’t mean these types quit trying to get police jobs.
What I’d like to see is both of the candidates actually address solutions to the issues instead of just acknowledging the problem and then forgetting about it. And I’d like to see their cheerleaders tone down the character attacks and instead focus on the issues and explain how their candidates will solve those problems. I’ve seen some of this from Cook in his posts that I’ve read here today. I haven’t seen any such thing from Wilde or his camp.
Instead we are getting personal attacks on the candidates characters and that of Stommell. I personally liked Byron in the time I knew him but I also could see that he had his head in the sand a lot too when it came to the problems the BCSO had.
I don’t know who I’ll vote for at this point. I know both of them well enough to say hi if I pass them in hall but thats it.
Top ↑What we don’t need are any more power hungry abusive cops. I agree that we need both to address solutions to the problems. Looks like Laun Cook has done that. Is there someone who can inform Wilde that he should take a look at this thread?
Top ↑You can bet that Wilde has already been informed of this thread. It is too bad that he doesn’t take some time and address the concern’s of the public. Unfortunately this is typical of the political office when the politician believes that he/she is too busy to talk to the public that they serve and answer questions pertaining to the oversight of his department.
Top ↑I worked with Laun Cook in the National Guard when we were both in our early 20′s. We see one another occasionally as life marches on. Laun is the same hard working, straight talking, honest, trustworthy, committed individual that I’ve always known. His 17 years of committment to the County Sherrifs office speaks volumes about his integrity and ability to remain committed to his goals. Not many years after his joining the Sherrifs department as a deputy, he told me he thought he had found his place in life. He is good at what he does. In fact, many, many years ago, a former Bonneville County Sherriff stated that “Cook is a solid Deputy”.
Top ↑If you are looking for a straight shooter with integrity and someone who can remain in touch with the average citizen, then Laun Cook will be a great choice for Sherrif.
Think about crop rotation folks. A simple yet effective technique that ought to be a larger part of our political landscape.
Thanks for the testimonial, Rider. It’s good to hear from many sources.
Top ↑I know both canidates and know that both have good qualities. I would like to say that I will be shocked if Sheriff Wilde is not aware of this site and the comments that have been said here. Due to the fact the the Jail Administration reads other discussions on this site and speaks to him about them.
I know that there are obviously issues at the BCSO that have been discussed here. One issue is the comment ref “the good ole boys”. I believe that some of the current administration works that way, especially at the Jail. I also believe that “intimidation” is used at the Jail and that the current Sheriff is aware of this. So far, I have not seen him do anything to change their ways.
I have confronted Sheriff Wilde ref the above and told him that it is my opinion that due to these actions, this lowers the employees’ morale and this is why they find better jobs. His response was that it is not his responsibility to build or change the morale of the employees.
From seeing how Sheriff Wilde has changed since he became Sheriff, I have lost my respect for him. Many employees I have spoken with have become distraut and feel like they don’t matter and are easily replacable, since he has become Sheriff. Which is just more tax dollars for the public.
I realize that the employee, whether it be certified or non-certified deputy, is not the only issue of this election. Although, I believe it is a very important issue that the public needs to be aware of. Especially because many of the deputies don’t live in Bonneville County, so they can’t vote for their next boss.
I am not anti Paul Wilde. But if he wants to be elected Sheriff, he needs to step it up and stop relying on the fact that Republican Party is backing him. So to those of the Jail Administration that read this, please forward to your boss. The public wants some answers.
Top ↑It is very much his job to improve morale. If he determines that it isn’t, then he needs to assign the job to someone else and make sure it’s accomplished.
Top ↑Faith in post 152 is absolutely correct that Wilde is aware of what has been posted here. She has placed her job on the line by bringing this forward. Too Frequently politicians have forgotten the importance of communication with the public. However it appears that in this case the communication within his own department is lacking.
His job as Sheriff is a very important one. If he does not think it is important to make sure that morale is good within his Department he is costing the taxpayer 50-100,000 dollars in training for each officer that he looses. This costs goes way up when it is an officer who has been with the Department for a period of time and has gone to speciality training and the like.
As a taxpayer I am concerned that Morale not only affects those who work in the Department but those in the public who might need to call upon the Officers of BCSO to investigate a crime. I want an officer who is focused and trained properly, not one that is concerned with lack of support from his administration and is pre-occupied with keeping his/her job.
If Wilde believes that his only job is to be loyal to the Republican Party, he is falling into the good ole boy pattern and will quickly find he will fall the way of many others before him.
Top ↑Yeah, I have absolutely no idea which of the two candidates are better at this point, but I’m about to throw in the towel and go with the one that bothered to visit the site and comment. The fact that the current Sheriff chooses to deliberately snub us bothers me greatly.
It does strain belief to pretend Sheriff Wilde is not aware of this site (after all, it was introduced to me as a site comprised mostly of police and sheriff’s department commenters…)
An individual’s morale is their own business. But the morale of the Department IS the business of the boss. And I’m not seeing morale there as positively as the one commenter here insists it is. And while the election may not be about the employees, they are usually a pretty good indicator of a good/bad boss.
Top ↑Nothing would improve morale like a $5.00 an hour pay raise to bring the deputies pay up to a level comparable to that of other agencies their size. I know one FORMER BCSO deputy who said he would have loved to stay with the BCSO except he couldn’t pay his bills on what they paid him. So instead he walked down the hall and took a $5.00 an hour pay raise to work for the city.
Top ↑A pay increase is an obvious need, although even the highest paid person hates to go to work if they are feeling harassed by their employer. What is purpose of making money if you don’t enjoy your job. Also the majority of deputies or cops that I know don’t go into law enforcement fo the pay.
Although it would sure be nice to have a boss (Sheriff) that would fight for their pay and stand up for his employees.
Top ↑Being happy in your work is important. I know of many officers that worked for a lower wage when they felt they were appreciated and acknowledged for doing a good job.
I do not work for BCSO but have worked with the agency many times in the past. One of the main things that really struck me was how supervision treated the subordinates. It was poor to say the least. In Law Enforcement you are supposed to be professional even if it means showing the best that your department has to offer. Instead under the past and apparently the current administration they have failed to understand how important each employee is.
Without a vision to the future and without the second candidate expressing what his goals are, I would have to believe my vote would have to go to the candidate who has taken the time and effort to address the goals that he intends to seek if elected. Maybe he can come back and talk about how to get the morale of the department where it should be. I know for a fact that the current sheriff has been informed of the posts to this section, but has chosen to ignore the pleas of the public for his side of the issue
Top ↑Faith,
I feel that your opinion is shallow at best. In what way has Sheriff Wilde changed in the past 8 months that has caused you to lose respect for him and his 30 year plus career with the Sheriff’s Office?
I’ve heard the word intimidation thrown around a lot here. What does that really mean? Maybe some folks should grow up and learn to intimidate back. It might help.
I have to say that Sheriff Wilde saying that morale is not his problem is as likely as a pig flying to the moon. My opinion but take it for what it is worth.
Guest on #158,
I’ve survived some less than favorable supervisors. Anyone who has ever worked a job has done that. The BCSO currently has some of the best supervisors in position that I have experienced since I first started. Good people doing a good job.
Idahofallz.com is not a life altering information source. I don’t think it is the pulse of the County or City. It’s a place where people share opinions and try (mostly in vain) to set some facts and falsehoods straight. I’ve done my part. It’s someone elses turn.
Top ↑From reading this thread I am just guessing that vintageport is one of few who seems to think things are well.
Vintageport, you state that one should grow up and intimidate back. That isn’t really your idea of grown up is it?
You go on to state that Idahofallz.com is not a life altering information source. Yet, I’ve failed to see these issues addressed anywhere. Can you tell us where is the life altering information source? Or does he simply not care about the public opinion? Our opinion?
You further state that morale not being an issue to him is as likely as a pig flying to the moon. Why then are these folks telling us nothing has changed?
I can tell you that I would have voted for him, but given this information, and his lack of response, I am changing my thoughts on the issue.
Top ↑Hmm,
Good for you!! That is how our system works. Some tell you things have changed and are good, others say they haven’t. Some who want office will say anything negative about the current office, it’s people, it’s administration and it’s work ethic.
Tadah!!! It isn’t magic, it’s politics which is the worst part of law enforcement. People will always complain, no matter what the situation or the conditions. I’ve been there a long time and I can see the forest for the trees. I know who I will vote for and I honestly know why. Even through all of the attacks I have taken here for my postive opinion of the current workings and my views of the negative political statements of one candidate.
Good luck people of Bonneville County! I hope you make a decision that we can all work and live with. My opinion.
Top ↑That’s just it, vintageport, you are in a position where you can say “I know who I’ll vote for and I honestly know why”.
That’s great! But we’re the public, and WE DON’T KNOW. Which is why Sheriff Wilde, when he ignores us despite our requests for him to respond, is not doing himself any favors. We have heard several viewpoints and would like his input, as a candidate.
You’re right about “that’s how our system works”. Someone else sees what they think are problems, feels they can do a better job at fixing them, and runs for office.
I think it’s wonderful that you like your job, and you like working there, and you like to work for Sheriff Wilde.
But there are others who have said things are not as hunky-dory as you say (at least for them) and there is a candidate who has commented here who says the same kinds of things.
Since we’re not important enough (as his constituents on this non “life-altering” website) to address, I have decided I’ll not be voting for Sheriff Wilde, even if Mr. Cook drops out of the race. Sometimes it’s how a candidate treats the “little people” that says more about them than the words of a loyal employee can counter.
Top ↑Well said Nemesis, thanks.
Top ↑Well said Nemesis, thanks.
Top ↑I agree….very welll said Nemesis.
Top ↑Nemesis you hit the nail on the head. If we are seeing this type of demeanor before the election, imagine what will happen if he is voted into office. We all want an office where we can call with concerns that the public sees. Currently if you call to talk to him you find that others will run interference for him. Recently I had a concern about a Deputy and when I called Dispatch, rather than getting a supervisor, the dispatcher notified the Officer in question. Wouldn’t it be nice to discuss the issues about the officer before he has been given the heads up and allow him to do damage control?
If this is the type of administration that is running the department I would concur with the others on this thread that I would be looking at the alternative candidate.
Vintageport gets upset about others bringing these things up. However we are taxpayers and we pay the wages, benefits and equipment that is used by the Sheriff’s Office. The public votes for the position of the Sheriff and should have some response back from the candidate who currently holds the office. Vintageport says that this thread is not important, but he keeps coming back anyway. He never did answer the question about which area was valid for the public to go to for information.
Many have asked some very important questions in this thread and the current Sheriff has not answered them. I for one am curious about how he plans on addressing the Gasoline Cost. We are now over 4.00 a gallon and many of the vehicles that BCSO has are gas guzzlers. Is he going to downsize the vehicles, how is he going to handle the budget that was authorized a year ago with costs for gas over a 1.00 a gallon less. Is he robbing Peter to pay Paul, is he taking away benefits of the hard working officers in his department etc….
I have got to acknowledge Chief Roos of the IFPD. He addressed the issue of his officers living outside of the City and take home cars. He told the public what he was going to do, unlike the current Sheriff who is silent on all of the issues that have been brought forth. He is falling into the footsteps of his predessor real good.
Top ↑And well said Guest. Our current sheriff is rapidly losing my respect.
Top ↑I have alot of contact with BCSO as a citizen and an employer working closely with there deputies,they are always enthusiastic about there employer and leadership,I do see a large% of young employees in the department as well as leadership which shoots down “good OLD boys “theory.GOOD JOB and thank you BCSO.:) vin3935 nuf said imo :0
Top ↑Comment #167, you are correct, their are a lot younger deputies and supervisors. I see the “good ol’ boy” treatment at the Jail more so than from Patrol.
I think that there are some of the best people I know that work for BCSO.
Vintageport, ref Wilde’s change since he has become Sheriff:
I thougt very highly of him, when I found out that Stommel was going to suggest Wilde for the position to the Republican party. I thought that he was the best for the position at the time. Althugh, since he has become Sheriff, I have heard from many employees that when they have made complaints ref Jail admin in particular, he sees no problem. The Patrol administration is even aware of how the Jail administration deals with things, like te “good ol’ boys. Yet why is nothing done about it?
Obviously, that is not a question that you can answer. That is something that needs to be answered by the Sheriff. So far I have not heard any his ideas how to deal with it, yet I have heard Laun Cook’s ideas.
I respect the fact that Laun sees that changes need to be done and has stepped to the plate, sice nobody else has. I feel that Wilde sees the employees as replaceable. Although, I truly hope that I wrong in my opinion. Because none of them are replaceable. We have a great team and I do agree, many of the supervisors, especially on Patrol are the best choices that we have had for many years.
Top ↑If Vintageport would be so kind to give us the length of time that he has worked in Law Enforcement it would be helpful in evaluating his comments. The reason I ask this is due to the fact that some who say they have been around a long time think 3 to 5 years is a long time. When others suggest 10-15 or 20 years.
I know from personal experience some of the things that are being discussed frequently do not affect the newer officers. When you have worked in the position for an extended period of time, many within the agency or from the public will start to provide you with information about issues that need to be changed within the Office.
We all know that there are double standards within BCSO depending who you are. Why is one supervisor slapped on the wrist for having an affair with a female subordinate, while another in a different division is given a different punishment. Why are certain officers railroaded because certain members of the administration do not like them. Each member needs to be treated equally and fairly. This is where the issue of the Good Ole Boy Network concerns many in this field.
We would all like to believe that there are no problems within the agency that each of us works for. However you cannot pull on the blinders and say everything is good when in fact there are many things that need to be changed.
In a position such as the Elected Office of Sheriff, It should not matter what political affiliation each of the candidates has. When members of the BCSO are told not to issue citations because an election is near is totally irresponsible. Bonneville County Has one of the highest Injury and Fatal Collision rates for it’s size in the State. Are we placing the public in jeopardy so the Sheriff can win a few votes. I know of many times officers have been told to look the other way so as not to upset the public during an election year.
Each employee see’s different things. If you work patrol you might not see the problems in the jail. If you work the jail you might not see the problems in records and so forth. This is one of the reasons this forum is good for those who can speak up and ask for a change. At least the public is asking for the Chief Law Enforcement Official of the County to answer some of the many qeustions that have been posed of him at this time. I would hope that he comes forward instead of being silent, as I know this will affect how I and those I associate with will vote in the upcoming election.
Top ↑I honestly dont think that Sheriff Wilde considers any employee as “replacable”. I know that he has plead with employees to keep the faith since he took office and has made a sincere promise that things wiill get better.
What has Cook done? He says he will change everything although he has zero experience as an administrator and a poor reputation as a people person within the office. I’m not making this up as I go folks. OK, lets give correctional staff a clear career path toward patrol. Sounds good to me but lets ask how many personnel have recently done just that? A large number in my estimation.
Is Cook going to strole in and lay down the law according to Cook? That is what his platform elludes to. Ask about his Sister that was a patrol deputy for a time. She came over from the correctional staff and I personaly believe she was a good deputy. She worked patrol for a time but had the great misfortune of working under a certain supervisor that cared little for others careers as much as he did his own. That supervisor no longer works for BCSO. He did some damage no doubt and failed to supervise new people who needed help as we all do. Unfortunatley, she went by the way-side and her errors were misplaced upon her instead of being ultimatley placed where they belonged, with her supervisor. I think that Cooks campaign is somewhat driven by this injustice and if so, I cant blame him. I’d fight back for my sister too.
If this is true, lay blame where blame is due. This ocurred under the old administration and not the current one. A certain supervisor caused this problem and fortunatley he is no longer with the BCSO nor is the chain of command that exsisted above him.
I dont see that Cook has layed out any plans. He hints toward this and toward that but I havent heard anything that I would consider earth moving.
For all those that say they havent heard Sheriff Wilde’s views. Perhaps you are listening in the wrong circles. Perhaps he is making his intentions know in other areas. Keep your ears and eyes open, PLEASE!!!
Top ↑VintagePort when you say the Sheriff is making his intentions known, the public hasn’t heard much from Wilde. I put the name into Google and the top hits are High Speed Chase and Shooting, Budget, Public Notices, Being Sworn In and Bonneville County Having the Highest Car Accident Fatality Rates.
I read the local newspapers on a regular basis and watch the news or review the news on line for Idaho Falls. Since the time he has announced his intent to run there has been nothing to indicate what his “Platform” is. If he is talking he is talking in Law Enforcement Circles and the public is left to second guess what the future of the BCSO is.
Again as many have spoken in the past why can one candidate come here and speak of his intentions while the other will not. Please provide us with a source where we can go to see where he stands and what he plans on doing. This has been asked for in the past without a response. Many are left here to wonder from your previous comments that Idahofallz.com or idahofallstoday.com is not a mind altering source of information. If that is the case please give us a link to his website or other sources that tell us what he is doing or going to do.
You also spoke of experiences with some less than desirable supervisors. If Cooks sister had problems and from comments that you indicate about your experiences, what is being done to make sure that the officers and the public only have the best trained and responsive people in these positions?
Top ↑One thing I do want to speak on is Laun Cook as an officer.
Top ↑A few years ago, My 4 year old son saw someone in our backyard. he thought it was our neighbor kid. It was late, about 11:30. The neighbor kid had been breaking into garages and stealing stuff.
I called public safety, 529-1200, I explained that it was a non-emergency (had it been, I’d have dialed 911). Anyway I told them the kid was sneaking around, and my son was scared. They said they would send an officer out shortly. I told them, ” I would sit on my front steps and wait.” I also told them, “for my protection I would keep my baseball bat with me.” I told them I was sure I wouldn’t have to use it unless I was being harmed.
Anyway, I watched from my steps as Laun Cook turned the wrong way down my street. When he turned around and saw me, I stood up (the bat was down at my side, in hand. A Mt. Dew can in the other.)
Laun drove passed slowly and said something to me. His window was rolled down approx. 2″, so I couldn’t hear him. I yelled to him my name and said ” I am the one who called you”. He drove passed my house about 2 more houses. He turned his car sideways in the street, he jumped out of the car and drew his 45 cal. pistol. He screamed, frantically “drop the bat!” I immediately dropped the bat!
Now my 3 sons were in the front window watching all of this happen.
After I dropped the bat I kicked it away from me. I yelled, “I am the one who called you, please don’t point your gun at me! You are scaring my kids!” Laun was approx. 200′ from me, with his weapon drawn he approached me. I asked him again to either stop pointing the gun at me or holster the damn thing! As i turned to see my kids crying, I then told Laun Cook I was going to press charges on him! I turned to walk back in my house and call public safety 529-1200. As I did this Laun shouted “If you do I will arrest you for fictious 911 calls!”
I called the operator and told her i wanted to press charges against the officer, and why. She said a sergant would be pulling up soon and I could file the complaint with her.
As soon as the other car pulled up, I went outside and headed for the car. When I did this, Laun approached me and said, “Your under arrest!” He cuffed me and put me in the back of his car. He drove me to the jail, the entire time calling me a “F**king Meth-Head”! He called me a druggie and yet after searching me and my $200,000 house found nothing. I took a drug test and came up clean.
I told my lawyer I wanted his badge! This cop is a Psycho! He endangered me and my family that night! On top of that he insulted me and scared my kids! My lawyer pleaded with me not to file charges, and that my charges were dropped anyway, along with my bail money returned to me.
Laun Cook, I hope you read this, you are a (comment edited by site admin due to personal attack) ! Oh yeah, You aren’t getting my vote either, you (comment edited by site admin due to personal attack)!
Seems like a far-fetched story to me.
It’s obvious you’re only out to smear this mans good name.
Top ↑And what does the price of your home have anything to do with all of this?? I’ve known “coke-heads” with half a million dollar homes so what’s your point?. The price of your home certainly doesn’t make you immune to any illegal activity.
But thanks for sharing your story, I got a nice chuckle from it..
I can’t help it, #173, if this had happened to me, no attorney in the world could keep me from filing charges. Your story just sounds too horrible to believe.
And even if you dropped the charges, how is it that the Sheriff didn’t bring up disciplinary charges? Unless by you dropping the charges he became innocent again…
I guess I agree with Guest_House #174.
Top ↑Yeah, I find that one hard to believe too. But it would make a great story for National Enquirer!
Top ↑I’ll try to answer both questions. 1st the cost of my home, was I guess saying that most Meth addicts don’t live in nice neighborhoods or are able to afford nice houses, at least not for long anyway. My point was that Laun Cook obviously handled that situation with ill intent. 2nd. I never filed charges. When I tried the first time I was arrested. After I got out, on bail I had the chance. I regret not doing it. Because he deserves to be held accountable for what he did! (and this is my way of holding him accountable)
Top ↑My son is 9 now and he still has bad dreams, sadly he has to fall asleep in my room many nights, due to what happened.
And what makes you say that Laun Cook has a good name to smear?
Just because he is a cop does not mean he is a good person.
But yeah, okay, I’ll bite?? Tell me why he has a good name?
Tell me how he ever “served and protected” the public?
I don’t usually vote or give two bits for the sherrif election, but I saw a sign with his name that said Launcook.com and thats how I found this forum.
Trust me, I obviously don’t like him, but I am not a liar. I wrote a 5 page detailed report and my 13 year old son wrote a 3 page report, that recorded exactly what happened that night. Laun Cooks police report was 5 sentences. My lawyer was a child custody lawyer (a good one too) so she couldn’t handle that kind of case, or so she said. However at the time I really felt like I could’ve at least got him suspended. Something, anything? I wonder if it’s too late to file charges? I was persuaded by my lawyer not too?
I made the mistake of not filing charges against Laun Cook! I have to live with that.
However, I do believe this, we are accounable for the things we do to people in this life. Laun Cook abused his right as an office of the law. He hurt my family! And if this simple little forum is the place where I get to get even, so be it.
In my book, Laun Cook is a bad person! However, if he were to get on this forum and apologize to me, I ould forgive him. Sincerely, Rev
Thanks for responding, Rev…and understanding that we needed more than you initially gave us.
If this truly happened then I hope you do press charges, it sounds outrageous.
Top ↑Well I don’t know when this happened. But if it’s true, would it have been sheriff Stommel or Wilde that should have taken appropriate action?
Top ↑I retract, you said a few years ago which would have made it Stommel. I would like to hear Cook’s response to this allegation. I can say that if I were a cop and someone was holding a baseball bat when I pulled up, I’m not convinced I wouldn’t have more than a few concerns. But I would like to hear from Cook.
And it still does not convince me that Wilde shouldn’t be responding to the concerns on this board. At this point, if he were my only option, I wouldn’t vote at all.
Top ↑So, who did you turn your written statements into? The prosecutor? The sheriff? Your attorney? Besides pressing charges did the internal affairs guy check into it?
I have a hard time believing that your attorney would recommend against filing a complaint…..unless you were intoxicated or outside holding a baseball bat waiting for a confrontation with the would be burglar………perhaps she thought that wouldn’t look too good in a child custody hearing with your three boys? Perhaps that might have raised questions about your judgment and given fodder (fair or not) to your ex?
Top ↑This is for Bundy,
Top ↑First off, I was married at the time and still am. I was not in a child custody case concerning my 3 sons. She(my lawyer) was involved with a case concerning my 4th son. That case was done and over with when the event took place.
i also said that I took a drug test, which came up free from all chemicals. So no worry of intoxication.
As far as all of my documents, they were never turned in to anyone. However I have kept the file containing everything I collected during that time, including police reports, drug test reports, and my statements. Like i said, my lawyer advisde me not too. I was flabberghasted? And kind of hurt by it. It might have been because my Mother & Step Father worked for the County, who knows?
From that point I had no idea which direction to go. So i quit pursuing it. I thought I would be okay with it, but it turns out that i wasn’t.
Hope that helps.
Sincerely Rev.
When you called Dispatch and you told them about the bat, how many times did they tell you to put the bat down and that an officer would arrive shortly? When he drove around the area do you think he was looking for the subject that you called about? Maybe you could get a copy of the dispatch recording and put it on this site so we can read what the conversation was and how you handled yourself. After charges were filed against you did you plead guilty or take a reduced charge? If I was innocent, I would take it through the Internal Affairs Division, Court and so on.
Top ↑I recall the last couple times that someone came in here with a wild accusation like this against the police they came out looking very foolish when the recordings of the events were released. Don’t know if there is such a thing in this case but it would be good for everyone to remember these incidents.
Top ↑I hardly think your son’s nightmares are a result of this incident that happened 3 or 4 years ago. But whatever, it’s your story and youre entitled to it. However I often find with stories such as this one, that the person who was offended or got their feelings hurt in such a manner as you claim, tend to overexaggerate the facts because their still so upset over the ordeal. It’s obvious you have a grudge against this man from the comments you made about him that had to be edited. I saw said comments before they were removed and it’s quite obvious the disdain you feel for this man even after all these years.
Top ↑The fact is If it really happened a complaint should have been filed, plain and simple. I just don’t see any attorney (child custody attny or not) telling you not to file a complaint, unless there’s something in your past they thought might come out and end up damaging you in the process.. Personally I think you’re leaving some things out of your story that would shed some light as to why this officer acted the way he did. I just don’t see an officer arresting you like that unless something else happened that you’re leaving out of the story. But hey, it’s your story so whatever you say. It’s not worth arguing over. You don’t like the man, fine. Lets move on.
Well, I guess my take is, that if you call for help with a prowler, and the cop responds and sees someone sitting on the porch of the home the call came from with a bat in one hand and something shiny in the other, could the officer maybe think YOU were the prowler? Isn’t that reasonable? Especially since you didn’t put the bat down when you saw the cop arrive…….
He probably assumed you were the prowler…….I too would love to see the official report on this……..care to share it?
Top ↑Good point Easterner, I was thinking the same thing.
Top ↑Thanks, CR67…….one other fact I think was mentioned in the original post: wasn’t it also the middle of the night? So the cop responding to the prowler call is walking in blind……….needs to be on guard for anything suspicious at that point, I would think…..
Top ↑Easterner-
I remember well the ninja’s on the roof call. The account given here is not accurate. Feel free to go to the Sheriff’s office and request the official report. It is public information.
The incident described occurred on 2/24/05. It involved three separate calls the first at 0304 hours and eight officers. I was on the day shift and handled the last of the calls.
Any trauma to children depicted here may very well be related to a separate case in which this individual was charged with injury to a child.
It would be inappropriate for either myself or the Interim Appointee to engage in any type of debate on here with criminals. I would assume that the Appointee doesn’t come on here for this reason. When any anonymous person can say anything they want on here, it put’s this forum on the same level of a tabloid. Furthermore, anonymous statements don’t require accountability. It might very well be that this is not a legitimate news source.
Top ↑#188 was by Laun Cook
Top ↑Thank you Mr. Cook. I for one appreciate your coming on the site to tell us your side. The “regulars” here have all come to understand that we can’t always believe all of the statements posted on this site, but for the most part I believe the majority of us try to stay factual with our comments. Or at least inform each other when we express our “opinions” on a topic. I sincerely hope this one incident doesn’t deter you from posting here more frequently. Thanks again & have a great night!
Top ↑thank you, Mr. Cook……just as we thought, there was much more to the story. Thanks for the input.
Top ↑And I thank you too.
Top ↑Thank you Mr Cook. I also knew there had to be more to that story than what was being told.
Top ↑Hope to see more comments from you in the future.
I concur!
Top ↑I concur!
Top ↑CR67-
No, I am not teterred at all by comments made on here. I simply don’t have the time to be a regular. Your average reasonable person can see things for what they are well enough. I also knew and accepted the fact before I ran for office that not everyone was going to like it. I make you a guarantee if I am elected, the criminals will not like me as a Sheriff. I am not here to please them. I did not expect all the Deputys to like it either. Vintageport knows for certain there would be change. People by there very nature are resistive to change. The question the reasonable person needs to consider is does there need to be change?
The point I was trying to make was give the Interim Appointee Paul Wilde some slack in that it may not be best to comment on an anonymous blog. By doing so it opens a politcal figure up to a whole lot of scrutiny and the comments made may not be accurate and there is no accountability when they are anonymous. I for one don’t mind. Nearly my entire career is on public record. I don’t claim to have done everything exemplary but am willing to put everything on the table. I have only had one formal diciplinary action in 17 years. I got a letter in my file in approximately 1992 for being involved in an accident in a patrol car. Although the other driver was cited, it was determined I didn’t follow policy regarding running code. The difference here is that someone who’s been in administration most their career, their actions won’t be on public record. And when either of us talks about experience, we are talking about entirely different types of experience. You need to decide which type is more valuable for the Office of Sheriff.
What I got out of most of the comments here that are apparently from anonymous officers, is that there are indeed problems. I am running for office because I want to address these problems. There is indeed a certain level of denial with some of the current aministrators. I spoke with one today after work who attempted to explain the enormous turnover as a “national trend”. I don’t think they are bad people because of the denial. However, sitting around holding hands, playing the ucalele, singing cumbaya, and saying we are a “team” over and over won’t fix the problems!
I describe myself as progressive. Progressives for those who don’t know are more interested in doing something about a problem than talking about it.
It has been my experience “in the trenches” that where there’s ninja’s there has been or is Meth. I would like to comment on the serious meth problem later.
Vintageport-
What you describe in your comment #171 is called a “Management Crisis”. You validate my remarks on my web site and on the literature I am handing out. Thank you! Are you shure you won’t join the committe to elect Laun Cook Sheriff?
Top ↑There is a national trend of turnover for law enforcement. That is undeniable. But, I actually am siding with Laun on this issue, is that whats happening is that law enforcement agencies are poaching trained officers from other agencies. Right now Boise PD will pay experienced officers something like a $5000 to $10000 signing bonus just to hire on. And lets also consider that the Boise city council recently passed an ordinance requiring the Boise PD to ALWAYS be the highest paying agency in the state. Should any other agency pass them then Boise PD automatically gets a raise the next day of 1% higher than the other. Contrast that to Bonneville county who pays near welfare level wages, gives no signing bonuses, and has lost 10-20 good officers in just the last few years while gaining few experienced officers. That is the difference. There is turnover and its all officers going from the agencies who don’t care for their officers to agencies that will bend over backwards to hire you and then keep your salary high enough to retain you.
Top ↑Oops, couple of typos up there but I think you get my drift.
As has been stated here a few times look at how many officers the BCSO has lost to just the IFPD in the last 5-6 years: its 10 give or take one or two. Now consider how many the IFPD has lost to the BCSO: zero unless you count the one who quit the IFPD to work overseas and when he came back there wasn’t a position available at the IFPD so he settled for the BCSO. The turnover by in large is officers going from poor paying agencies to better paying ones. Statewide the IFPD pays poorly too but when compared to the BCSO they look golden.
Top ↑Ha! Nice to see all the comments!
For one, Mr. Cook, I am not a criminal. The injury to a child case was dropped when I agreed to let my 15 year old son go to live with his mother, who i felt wasn’t fit to care for him. Read through the Doctors report that was taken after she made the false acquisation….. And by the way, all is worked out as far as my family goes. Mommas’ fine, Daddy’s fine and the kids are great too. The relationship with my son and his mom has also been resolved!
Nice ‘SWING’ right back at me though….. It looks as though you have looked up any record that I had….Did you also notice that I was a volunteer at the “Jail” as well?(at the time) Maybe a bad driver, but hardly a criminal!
You never did find any Meth where the ninjas were hiding either? You should’ve been the one to request the drug test! But you didn’t? Why not? Later that day I was the one who volunteered it.
And correct me if i am wrong, because I very well may be.
last time I checked, 529-1200 was public safety? And not 911? So how could you charge me with fictitous 911 calls? You never evened read me my “Miranda Rights”!
When did that become okay for an officer to not read/recite the persons “miranda rights” to the person being arrested?
Is that the kind of Sherrif you’ll be?
My point was that even when you knew that I was the “caller” and unarmed you stil kept pointing your gun at me!
Here is a quote from your site………………………..
“The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has become a reactive instead of proactive force. Deputies run from call to call and there is no time for them to follow up on their own cases.
Replacements take six months to train. It takes another six months to a year before they can work independent. It takes a minimum of 2-5 years before they become comfortable working alone or are able to train others. While doing their training, the new recruits are accompanied by what’s left of the experienced officers. While they train, the experienced deputies are unable to do effective police work. This is very expensive and unproductive.”
Does this explain the lack of communication that happend between calls that night? Or maybe you were just trying to prove a point?
I have visited your site as you can see, and I have to agree with “vintageport” when he or she, (which by the way is none of your business or mine!) says, that you are very negative about the BCSO. It’s my belief that you are extremely “right winged” ! Sorry fellow Rep.
Why not tell us what the solution is to the problem, before you get elected? Instead of just pointing it out?
The financial problem is just that, “the financial problems.” The whole country is in bad shape! The BCSO gas bill is going to be outrageous because the price of gas is!
I am not the only citizen who feels safer, knowing that my neighbor is a “Police Officer” or “Sherrif’s Deputy”! As a taxpayer, that is not only a benefit to the officer,……. but to the whole ‘gosh darn’ neighborhood! It just makes everyone (excluding Roof Ninjas) feel safer! I am happy if my tax dollars can go to those kind of things.
And the Morale amongst Officers & other staff, just how do you plan to fix those problems??? When was being a “cop” an easy job?
And you say in comment # 43…”As officers, we take an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution. One of our basic rights as citizens, is to run for public office, and freedom of speach”
“…and freedom of speech!”
“…and freedom of speech!”
“…and freedom of speech!”
Mr. Cook, I have every right to be here, on this forum! I have every right to say/ type what ever I will! Whether it be anonymous or not! You don’t even respect our choice to be anonymous. That choice amongst the people in this forum! Referring to “vintage port” & myself!
You said earlier (in a May comment) that you would speak on the METH problem in Bonneville Co.at a later time….
Tell me what you think of the ‘Idaho Meth Project’? Are you a supporter? have you been to any of the provided ‘family forums’ at the hospital? With your children? What will you do in the future to help with this crisis?
Again, I am not running for Sherrif, but I have every right to question why you should be elected!
Thanks, Rev.
Top ↑Roof ninja or whoever you want to call yourself tonight, you lost all respect coming on to this site spouting off lies and by trying to discredit an officer of the law. So pretty much anything you say from now on will undoubtedly be taken with a grain of salt imo.
Top ↑Have a great night.
“guest of a guest”
Top ↑I don’t need your respect. But I’ll retort, when I’m called a criminal!
And if ya don’t like it…… You really should just nevermind it!
However, if you feel like conversing with me, I’ll respond. Whether your polite or not.
Rev.
Just an FYI
Miranda is only needed for in custody interrogations. Despite what you see on TV, Miranda does not need to be read after an arrest and most of the time is not.
Top ↑“Anonymous” comment# 200
Top ↑Thank you, for setting me straight on the “miranda rights”.
Appreciated, Rev
One thing Rev has failed to address is the fact that at ast Cook is answering questions is site. The public has begged for the current Sheriff to announce his intentions and still no answer. His name sake Vintageport who was the Sheriffs mouthpiece still has not responded back about the concerns that are listed here. Lets hear from Wilde andome answers.
Top ↑Great discussion. I’m impressed Mr. Cook has been open and willing to address everyone. Thank you for the information.
Top ↑Rev-
Top ↑I think based on some of your comments here, that maybe some of your resentment and hostility may be explained by a lack of understanding about police procedure. Unfortunately I don’t have the time to explain alot of it to you. As you quoted from my web site, it take six months to train a new officer.
I commend you however for getting things straight with the family and for your volunteer service to the community. I wish more people would get involved. No one questions your free speach, please continue.
Thank you for your question about the Idaho Meth Project. Although I feel its about 10 years to late, I love what they are doing. The commercials on TV are fantastic. They are by no means over exagerated. I think education is going to be a key element to this social problem. The State of Montana has shown some promising statistics as a result of theirs.
I support the Joan Wood pilot project. We simply from a financial point of view cannot continue to warehouse people with substance abuse problems. This hasn’t been working. When something don’t work, ya gotta try something else. It makes sense to me to get the people crowding our jails with substance abuse problems out of there so we can lock up the ones who are trafficking.
Speaking of doing the same old thing, since I started, our narcotics division has simply moved the location of their supervisor but has not added anyone to their ranks. I intend to add another officer so we can be more effective going after those trafficking.
Furthermore, on the education end of the deal, I think it would be beneficial to directly involve some people who have had first hand experience with Meth on a citizens advisory panel that I speak of in the “wish list” #3.
I intend to expound on the wish list on my web site later on in the election so make shure you visit again for updates.
Mr. Cook,
First I would like to Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.
Second, your absolutely right about my resentment. This brief discussion in this forum has made me realize, that you had a job to do, and did it to the best of your ability. So I sincerely apologize for being disrespectful in any way.
As for the Joan Wood Pilot Project. I also thank you for that introduction. I have had the opportunity to do some research on it, and have friends who are involved with it. I too agree with the I.M.P. being 10 years to late. I recall being in Montana a few years ago, and seeing the bill boards for thier M.M.P. I was thinking why aren’t we doing this too? At the time I was very angry that we didn’t have an I.M.P. As of now, I am just grateful that it is here.
So thank you again for the information. I believe we are on the same side when it comes to making this community a safer place for our children. I am trying to focus on our similarities rather than our differences. I think that kind of attitude is one that will keep us, as a community together, rather than being seperated.
One other thing happend I thought was ironic. Now it may not apply, however. I was telling my wife about the sherrif election and the forum. I was being very general in what I was saying, I mentioned your name and my 9 year old said ” My friend has that last name and thier Dad is an officer!”
Top ↑I of course thought of you. It really made me think twice about my behavior on this site. i don’t know if it was your child that my child was talking about. But at that moment…. Any resentment or ill feelings were gone! I realized that I was grateful to have you addressing topics on this site, and I need to focus on more important questions. Ones that will actually benefit the future of our community. So again Thank you.
I do realize how busy you are and I hope to hear more from you on this site. It is of great value to many who have questions that only you can answer!
Have a great evening and take care!
Sincerely, Rev
Nice note Rev. I was reading and waiting for the ball of sarcasm to drop…but it didn’t. I like that.
Top ↑I agree too, very nice.
Top ↑I’m so touched… Oh wait….nevermind. ooops.. my bad!
Top ↑Ahhh, I knew someone would drop that ball.
Top ↑Dear Hmmm,
Actually it was the “bat” That was dropped!
I’m sorry, I couldn’t help that one. Tee Hee hee!
Good night all, and if I offended anyone else in this forum with my previous posts, then I apologize. I would also like to thank you all for letting me “air my dirty laundry” here. I realize it may not have been the appropriate place to do so. However, it helped me work through an old resentment, and I appreciate that!
So what has happend to “vintage port” the topic starter? I rather enjoyed reading his/her posts?
Top ↑Cheers, Rev
Good morning all,
I thought I’d drop a quick line and let everyone know that the Sheriff’s Office is hiring 7 to 10 new patrolman, some who are already working hard on their FTO training. Things are good and getting better which is exactly what the citizens of Bonneville County deserve. Increases in wages has also been slated on the up and coming budget. Great changes don’t happen over night.
Laun,
I wouldn’t say that we have ever had a “management crisis” at the Sheriff”s Office. You generally disagree with most everything, mainly just to disagree and draw attention to yourself. Do not alude in any way that I validate any opinion you have. Please let me do that for myself instead of trying to speak for me. Thanks.
Are you sure you won’t “reconsider” and put your energies into the great office we work for instead of spending the next three months tearing it down?
Top ↑These are additional hires or replacements?
Top ↑They are replacements. The fact they have to hire this many is a sign of the bleeding the BCSO is going through. Hopefully most of them work out and hopefully most stay with the BCSO and don’t bolt for better pay. I’ve heard the BCSO is now requiring two year contracts be signed by all new officers to keep them from immediately leaving. And it will be interesting to see how much of a raise is given as the BCSO has a long way to go to catch the IFPD whom themselves are well below state average.
Top ↑I met Laun Cook today, he and his family were at the Democratic Party ‘booth’ at the river. Nice people, really personable. I appreciated the opportunity.
By the way, my kids looked for the Republican Party booth, couldn’t find it…anyone know if they had one or where they were?
Seems they had to have a presence there, because otherwise they’d get a reputation for taking the voters for granted…and that is a very unfortunate perception these days, even in eastern Idaho.
Top ↑Some are replacements some are not.
Cook alludes to all his years “in the trenches”. Honestly, this makes me laugh. Cook wants people to think he has so much experience as a Deputy Sheriff. Actually, it is limited.
Cook has been a patrolman. He has worked as a school resource officer at Bonneville for a short time (maybe a year) and created a great amount of tension in that position. Cook was a resident Deputy for a short time where he also created tension.
Now cook is a transport Deputy and has been for a few years. Cook has never been an investigator. He has never worked the tough cases that he wants everyone to believe he has. Cook has never been a supervisor and has never been involved in a public program, other than his recent envolvment in the Democractic party. Cook has no idea what really goes on in the inner-workings and investigations in the Sheriff’s Office. Yet, he thinks he is qualified to manage it. I’m not a doctor but I play one on tv.
OK, before some of you ask the question, Sheriff Wilde? Yes!!! He has done all of the before mentioned things for years. He has been a servant of the people. He has been an investgator, a supervisor and a suporter of numerous public programs.
I’m tired of Cook’s reference to the “trenches”. I’m tired of the black eye. I’m tired of him trying to make a mockary of the Sheriff”s Office and I’ve had enough of him telling the public that we can’t do our job because of inexperience or discouragment over low pay.
As a Sheriff’s Office, we do our job and we do it well. We try hard as an office to keep our promise to the citizens of Bonneville County every day.
Bring on the rebutles as u wish………………………………….
Top ↑Of course you’re entitled to your opinion, I just dont think too many people are buying your “anti cook propaganda”.
Top ↑I agree with anoneemouse, your sole purpose to starting this post seems to have been to publish quite a bit of anti-Cook stuff. And without this post, you wouldn’t have had a forum.
I can appreciate your loyalty to Sheriff Wilde, and I think that’s great. I also am very loyal to my employer, even in the midst of much grumbling by other coworkers. But I do not think their grumbling is invalid, nor do I think they couldn’t do as well or a better job if they had the chance.
And I certainly wouldn’t feel compelled to launch a negative campaign against them. I’d merely tout my position and challenge them to do me one better.
If you hadn’t been the one to suggest this post in the first place, I guess I might not be so suspicious of your motives.
By the way, I got a chance to meet Mr. Cook and his family at the duck races last week. Very nice man. Whether he’ll be good at being Sheriff, I haven’t decided yet. But I feel the more vintageport says negative things, the more I almost want to vote for Cook, because there seems to be a desperation, and that smacks of something rotten that wants to stay hidden.
Top ↑Excellent comment Nemesis. I couldn’t have said it better myself!
Top ↑Vote and vote often……….don’t be blind.
Top ↑I recently had lasik surgery so I’m good to go!
Top ↑You notice how 99% of vintage’s post are for the purpose of bashing Cook instead of saying how Wilde will improve the existing problems.
Top ↑You’re right Anon. I think ‘mouse” said it right as well, “anti-Cook propoganda” is all it is. Vintage hasn’t posted in any other topic but this one and is only out to smear Cook. He/She seems intelligent enough to realize that “smear campaigns” usually end up backfiring on those doing the smearing.
Top ↑It’ll be funny if vintageport single-handedly looses this election for Wilde because of his negative campaign agaisn’t Cook. LOL
I’ve met both Wilde and Cook on a number of occasions and on the issues I have no idea whom I should vote for. But Vintageport is really making me want to vote Cook.
Top ↑I’ve never met either man, but the way Vintagepoint has been slamming Cook for the past 2+ months, I’m more apt to vote for Cook just out spite.
Top ↑Vintageport has been asked some important questions regarding Wildes position in the past. He has not responded to those tough questions and one has to believe that he/she doesn’t know the answer answer but is devoted to Cook Bashing rather than supplying a web site that we can go to and learn of the current Sheriffs positions. I for one believe that a change is needed and to continue to wait for Wilde is like going back to the days of Stommel.
Top ↑I agree with all of you. If Wilde can’t even plug in here and talk to us and all we’re going to get is Cook bashing, my vote will go to Cook.
Top ↑It seems the only thing Vinatage is promoting Wilde over Cook is “more experience”. That just isn’t enough for me personally.
Top ↑Seems to me if Vinatage has such good “inside connections” with Wilde, they would be able to get Wilde to come on the site and share his views with us and give us some examples or feedback if you will, as to why he thinks the good people of IF should vote for him over Cook. At least Mr.Cook was kind enough to come on the site (a number of times mind you) and talk to the good people of Idaho Falls. To me that alone speaks volumes and I for one will be voting for Mr. Cook.
One would think a candidate would want to talk and interact with the community as much as possible. (like Mr.Cook has done) After all, this is a great forum for which to do so.
Maybe Wilde is taking the advice from Jim Risch and sitting back in the “Bunker” awaiting election day and hoping to win because he has an (R) by his name.
Top ↑you’re probably right Bundy
Top ↑You know, I wish we had a way to remove the ( R ) or the ( D ) by the names…then you’d have to vote based upon the person, not the party.
Since I think many people do actually vote party line, rather than research to see who would be the best candidate, that’d be a kick in the pants to see what happened.
Sigh.
Top ↑I well respect everyones opinions here and some may call it bashing I guess but isn’t that politics?
On the other hand, what if vintageport is right???
Top ↑I have a question for the sheriff candidates since they would run the jail operations and commissary: Would you support prisoners having access to e-mail? (They already get cable)
Check out this link. Federal prisoners are getting e-mail access.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,405124,00.html
Top ↑I would like to know the candidate’s positions on jail vs. rehab for drug offenders- the users, not the dealers.
A buddy who lives in Montana, but is from here, came by the other day and we talked about this. Montana now sends chronic meth users to rehab instead of prison, even if they have been convicted of stuff like petty theft and other crimes that go along with addiction. Montana once had very serious problems with meth- one of the most serious in the nation. They jailed ‘em right and left until the court system was clogged, but a couple of years ago began intensive rehab. If an addict gets out of rehab and fails, it’s back to rehab, not jail, over and over until sobriety sticks.
My pal said it was a lot cheaper than jail time, and the recidivism has drastically declined.
Makes me wonder how our local law enforcement candidates think about this. We are still locking them up by the truckload.
Top ↑Interesting, boomer. Why did we look at their system and adopt only one part of it (the commercials) ?
We said we liked what their results were. But they didn’t tell us the results were from multiple attacks on multiple fronts, just from running these dorky commercials…
And I don’t know how I feel about email for county prisoners, yet. I’ll have to think about it for awhile. I am interested in hearing the candidates’ positions…thanks, Bundy, for bringing it up.
Top ↑I am not sure if some of the posters here, who disagree with ‘vintageport’ are serious when they say they will vote for cook “out of spite”. Simply because they don’t like what “V.P” has to say about Cook isn’t a good enough reason to vote for the man? In my opinion, it doesn’t seem to be an informed opinion about the candidate.
Top ↑Nemesis makes a good point about removing the (r ) & (D) by the names. However, even if you voted for Cook because you were a Democrat, that would still be better than if you voted out of spite!
You’re certainly entitled to your opinion. If you go back and see that this whole topic is about Vintage bashing Cook and promoting Wilde you would understand why some folks feel that way. And the fact that Wilde refuses to come on the side and speak “to the people” about the issues and Cook has. I know I’ll be voting for Cook. You’ll find that many times people will vote for the best candidate for the job and not just because he has an “R” or a “D” next to his name. (well, liberals don’t do that but everyone else does) JUST kidding Libbies….don’t get your panties in a twist!
Top ↑Now we’re getting somewhere! lol
Top ↑Hi, Nemesis…
I don’t know how much Idaho adopted from the Montana drug program. Obviously, the graphic drug ads worked, but that was only the first step for Montana.
Hi, Bundy…
As long as the jail (or prison) has control of the computers and servers, email is a more secure way than conventional mail for convicts to send letters. The Fox article mentioned this. Regular mail, written on paper, can be doctored with drugs in a number of ways, and there are several easy and available ways for convicts to write with invisible ink.
If the purpose of prison is rehabilitation, anything that can help preserve a convict’s family bonds with spouse and kids is going to help. Email is free, but a postage stamp costs about 50¢ now, and it’s hard for convicts to scrape up money for envelopes and stamps.
Lastly…
The Sheriff is the Chief Executive of the Dept. I want to know how good a manager the candidates are, and their managerial experience. The Sheriff has to manage his people, the needs of the Department- vehicles, equipment of all kinds, etc.- vs. the constraints of his budget.
Since the Sheriff’s Office is the only agency in the county that provides law enforcement, rescue, search, and all the other vital needs of this big and populous county, I want to elect the guy who won’t get flustered, can work with other County officials, the public, and the personnel. it doesn’t matter to me if the candidate’s former jobs were as investigators or vehicle managers. They need to show me how well they can lead,
I want to know if a candidate is looking forward with new ideas and approaches to some of our long-standing problems, too.
I don’t have a problem with Wilde’s appointment. Former Sheriff Stommel thought he was the best interim replacement, but now, he’ll have to step up for himself and tell us about what his plans, objectives and philosopy on law enforcement are. Since we already have a major candidate that’s bunkered up, I don’t want to vote for another I know nothing much about.
Right now, I don’t know who I’m going to vote for, but I sure will by Election Day.
Top ↑regards,
Boomer (who forgot to log in)
Boomer: You can write invisably with email too. Simply color your font white, the reader scrolls over it, Voila!
Top ↑243:
what a great tip; I must try that……
Top ↑Anonymous in post 234, Maybe George Bush is right and $4/gal gas and 4000+ soldiers in body bags and billions$ tax money spent in “rebuilding” to be blown up again is just a figment of our imagination?!!!!!!! It’s all about perspective dude.
Top ↑oh, and just so you don’t get the anyogy here, just because you got all the experience like McCain, and your backed by the out going cheif, doe’snt make the new commer, Obama wrong!!!!!!!
Top ↑Nemesis- Thank you and it was very nice meeting you as well. Maybe we can talk more later.
Vintageport- Your comments in 218 left me depressed. To hear you tell my career, I came to work for 12 hrs a day for 17 years and stood facing the corner. I have not done a thing! I am not loyal (even though I’m still there) I am a lowly good for nothing worm. Clearly you do not value me as an employee.
Hey! I just got an idea! Maybe that’s why everyone is leaving is because they don’ t feel valued as an employee?
You keep bringing up the promotional process so I will dicuss it.
Top ↑I dont know why I have never been promoted. I think it may be lack of charisma! You would have to ask the interim appointee Paul Wilde. I can tell you this though. I have taken the Sgts exam several times and passed every time. What I found odd was that the written exam only counts for 40% of the overall score. The other 60% is subjective. Never was anyone’s personel file opened or considered. The 60% is a good ol boy popularity contest. It’s a you don’t fit in our click, and yes vintageport, you are part of that click. Not only do they not consider merit, ability, reliability, discipline etc, the recommendation of the current Sgts are disregarded. The last time I tested, the person promoted was done against all recommendation of the current Sgts at the time. This person was about 9 months later demoted and disciplined. I am aware of at least two lieutentants who have been promoted to that rank and totally skipped Sergeant. One of those could never pass the Sgts exam. I have passed it every time I took it. I have never been formally diciplined. Many of our supervisors have. You yourself in comment 171stated we have had bad supervision. And yes you continually validate what I say. So you and the appointee need to explain why myself and many of the fine people who left have never been promoted? Better yet, I am beginning to agree with most the folks in here that the interim appointee Paul Wilde needs to start running his own campaign instead of you. Or maybe this all is comming from the top because that’s how we opperate. In 17 years I can count the number of conversations I have had with Paul Wilde on one hand and they have all been very brief. And you lied when you said he spoke to all the employees. He started and then quit after just a few. Maybe he didn’t like what he was hearing? You lied when you said he was begging people to stay. I was at the session of block trainging and heard it with my own ears. He said just the opposite. He said “I will not beg anyone to stay”. All of the problems we have can be traced to lack of communication between “the trenches” , poor choices in some cases of promotions, and poor management.
If elected, I intend to totally restructure the promotion process and base it on Merit, Ability, Reliability, and yes I intent to crack open some personel files and look at a persons record. I also intend to involve the lower level Sgts and actully go by their recommendations. I will insure the best people qualified are promoted and the “click” will cease to exist. Charisma will no longer be the number one criteria for promotions.
Top ↑Hey, I just had another idea! maybe this is what I am talking about on my web page when I say “folks can’t see a clear career path”?
Top ↑Thank you Mr Cook for commenting. Your willingness to come on this site and and talk to a few bloggers about your intentions and whatnot is very refreshing and is much appreciated. By taking a few moments out of your busy day it shows that you really care about this community and it’s people.
Top ↑Now if only your opponents could do the same.
Thanks again!
‘Actually ‘Anoneemouse I have been here on the forum for a while. Sometimes leaving comments and somtimes challenging Mr. Cook.
If I vote for Laun Cook it isn’t going to be because someone is bashing his name! Nor wll it be because I am a Democrat. It will be for reasons such as Laun Cook taking the time to be approachable about issues that the people have! Also the fact that he is wlling to be up front and take on challenges that come his way, even on this forum!
If you remember in a few posts back, I wrote about “Being Arrested by Laun Cook”! I was ripped to shreds by most of the posters on here for what I wrote! However the situation was resolved by Laun Cooks responses and I learned that we actually share a lot of the same opinions.
Top ↑I have a lot of respect for the man now and am grateful he is taking part in this forum! Does he get my vote? Possibly. However I would really like to hear Paul Wildes side of the story. I am not sure that he is aware of this forum and that is probably why we don’t hear from him.
Does anyone know if Paul Wilde has a web site where he discusses his campaign? And “Vintage Port” could you make him aware of this forum, if you are close enough to him to do so? If “Vintage Port” is not the one to do this, hopefully someone else here can? Perhaps email him and invite him to debate with us and Laun Cook. Laun seems willing and able to do this, and the people here seem to want it to happen, including myself!
Thanks again, Rev
I was witness to your “being ripped apart” and personally I think you only backed down because people didn’t believe the line of garbage you were selling and because Mr Cook “called you out” and knew who you were. It was rather amusing because you immediately changed your tune as soon as you found out he knew who you were. All of a sudden you became real “respectful” towards him. Just seemed kind of odd to me, but whatever. You changed your handle and know you’re a “new person”.
Top ↑Good for you.
I feel poorly that Mr. Cook has not been promoted in his job because he is not part of the “click”. I would guess it is for many other reasons as I know some of the sargents with the Sheriff’s Office and have not found them to be “clicky” sort of people. I think Cook has been picked on.
Top ↑We should pat Cook on the back and tell him what a good job he is doing with his negativity.
Top ↑I remember that too GH! First he came on as Anonymous spoutin off this ridiculous story about being arrested and treated badly, then he changed his name to “roof ninja”. He was being very disrespectful and personally attacking Mr Cook (which has since been edited) Only after Mr. Cook told him he knew of this situation and this individual and that his story was a load of garbage, did he back off and change his story. All of a sudden (it was like night and day) he started apologizing and being super nice to Mr. Cook. It seemed odd to me also. Now he refers to himself as “The Rev”.
Top ↑Yeah, I remember that well. Funny how “being called out” will make a person change their tune. It made this guy do a complete 180. lol
Madashell, over and over and over again, VP has created little more than an anti-Cook blog. Yet you state that Cook is running a negative campaign? I might ask you to note that his is the ONLY campaign as near as most of us can determine. Where is Wilde’s campaign? It’s been stated he has no website, no promotional brochures, no nothing anyone can find. Where is he? Or as has been suggested, that (R) is enough for him in this county? How pompous is that?
Some of the posters here really need to consider the person, the potential, what the candidates propose (in Wilde’s case nothing?), and quit looking at the (R) or (D) whichever it may be and regardless of what they may be running for. You may not like everything about Cook, but the reality is that he is speaking to us and hearing our concerns.
Top ↑I want to thank Cook for addressing some of the issues that have been brought forth. I know both candidates personaly and they both can serve in this position if elected. However having a background in Police work I must say that Cook is telling it like it is. The good Ole Boy network and cliques still exist. This was very prominent in the Stommel reign and it appears that not much has changed.
The public deserves the best qualified, best trained and the best officers available. If there are problems within the hiring and retention of these officers we as taxpayers pay for the revolving door in which officers are trained and then go to other departments.
We need someone that is not going to create turf wars with other law enforcement, but instead work together as a team to catch the bad guys. We need someone with new ideas as the old ones do not appear to be working.
The Sheriffs office needs a fair promotional board that takes into consideration the experience, knowledge, work ethic and testing scores of each applicant. No more promoting those who don’t rock the boat, but sit at the local coffee shop failing to do the job that they are sworn to protect.
With the Good Ole Boy network, we have recently seen how a local prosecutor went for an extended periof of time committing felony violations. Many were aware of what was going on, but looked the other way. This type of activity needs to stop whether it is the prosecutors office, sheriffs office or any pubic position.
Again as many have said before lets hear from Wilde and see if he plans on doing anything to make sure we do not have have a repeat of the Mason incident.
Top ↑Thanks for your input GuestToday. It’s nice to have a different perspective from somebody that knows both candidates.
Top ↑I too wish that Wilde would post some comments on this blog and perhaps answer some questions or even some misconceptions that peope may or may not have towards him. It seems like a great platform for him to utilize and speak his mind. Especially in this day and age when so many people get their news and information online.
Laun Cook, you are great!
As I have written before, I know both canidates personally and have worked with both. But Laun’s comments in 248 nailed it!
From working there personally, I have seen the current administration choose to promote people that haven’t deserved it, especially when they have had others that do deserve the positions apply or test for them. . Even though the majority of employees, including Sargeants have not recommended the chosen people. So then why even ask for their opinion, because obviosly they don’t listen.
From what I can tell, if you stand up and say that you disaggree with the administrations actions, you will not be able to be promoted. Also they will hunt you reference internal investigations until they push you out. That is atleast the feeling of many current and past employees. I am sure that Sheriff Wilde is aware of it, because employees have told him. That may be a reason why he has stopped with the “15 minutes interview” that he had promised all employees when he originally was appointed to office.
Please don’t get me wrong, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office has many good Sgts and Lts. Although I know of one Lt at the Jail that due to that promotion, it caused not only a very good Sgt to leave, it also caused many good deputies to go else where as well.
I was not in the training that Laun speaks of ref Sheriff Wilde saying that “I will not beg anyone to stay”. Although, Laun Cook is not the only deputy at that training that has told me about it.
Vitageport can say all he/she wants to about Laun Cook. Unfortunately for Sheriff Paul Wilde, it is not helping his campaign.
I used to think, when Stommel had advised the employees that he would be retiring and appointing Paul Wilde, that was the best idea. Although he is beginning to prove me wrong. I realize that change cannot happen over night. But since Stommel has retired, I think that morale has dropped.
I respect both Laun Cook and Paul Wilde. But unless Paul Wilde is able to step it up with his current employees, I believe that Laun Cook would be a great asset to the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. Whether Vintageport believes it or not, Laun Cook has already been a great asset to us all.
Top ↑Faith,
Top ↑I think you have some good things to say but I think you are damaging his campaign by showing so much of your passion for him.
To Guest House & The Artiste:
What is your Point?
Not that I care what you think of me. Obviously you’ve called me a liar in a round about way. It’s funny because you don’t even know me! Seems like you are pretty quick to judge someone you have never met!
I knew when Cook read my post that he would know who wrote it. In his last post to me (#207) He seemed sincere about what he wrote. He wasn’t attacking me and he anwered my questions, in a polite way. In my reply to him (#208) I apologized for my behavior, because I was out of line.
I chose to ignore some of the B.S. posts from the people who weren’t there when it happened. I almost chose to ignore your last comments, but what the heck. Why not, huh?
Never did I “back down”, but I sure wasn’t going to try and convince the ignorant posters otherwise. Their minds were already made up.
In my opnion everything worked itself out fine. I’m over it, and Mr. Cook is still on here and communicating with the public.
So again, were you trying to make a point, or just being rude?
=)
Top ↑Have a nice day!
Rev. (Reverend)
“rev”,
I think the point is one with a lot of meaning on this site: people are incredibly rude and insulting, then turn apologetic (and almost syrupy). . . you aren’t the only one; it is hard to take such flip-flop posts seriously…..maybe it would be better to weigh what you plan to say first and then post?
just a suggestion. I am sure I will get my “thumbs down” vote for daring to suggest, once again, that we all treat each other in a more civil manner, especially when we disgaree. Isn’t that the point of this discussion blog, anyway??
Top ↑People love to take things out of context. One person with a positive attitude will hear somthing completely different in the same words as one with a negative attitude.
Click this and click that. Some people can’t live with being talked to like adults. I think Cook hears and sees everything in a negative manner.
You can beat a dog when you are training him to sit but he just might bite you when you turn your back and justly so.
Thats Cook’s style if you read his negative web site. I wonder what the majority of the employees at the Sheriff’s Office think about him casting a dark cloud over them??
Top ↑I find it funny he calls himself a “Reverend”. (guess it’s better than roof ninja) LOL
Top ↑And I second comment 262.
Comment #264 is rediculous. I Don’t think a posting name has anything to do with the content of what someone is saying. People here need to stop trying to run others out when disagreeable things are posted. OPINIONS! I think its funny I call myself Anonymous LOL. Please
Top ↑I agree with Easterner’s comment # 262. Roof Ninja or Revrend, you came on the site and literally bashed Mr. Cook all the while telling a story that had more holes in it than a pound of swiss cheese. As soon as Mr. Cook said that he knew you and your story was bogus, you completely backed off and started apologizing. So no, I didn’t take your “syrupy” apology serious. But that’s the beauty of America, this site, and freedom of speech. And now you want to be called “The Reverend” like you’ve been born again, writing comments to Mr. Cook completely kissing his ___. Nobody is taking anything out of context here, just calling it as we see it. All we can do now is hope lessons were learned here and those “flip-floppers” will think first before they write derogatory comments. Another poster on this site does this regularlly but I digress. I ask you, how can someone like that be taken seriously?
Top ↑Good evening Idaho Falls Today Readers,
Bear with me because I am going to write a few sentences here as I have been called some undesirable things, such as a liar since last I visited.
First of all, Spiteful voting. People that would give their vote away simply because of another person’s opinion is confusing for me. Why would you give something away as precious as your American right to vote because of something vintageport wrote? If that suits you than knock yourself out but I think as a citizen of Bonneville County, you deserve better.
People that threaten to vote for Cook because I have said negative things about him, o.k., knock yourself out too. How do you decide who to vote for in any election if that is how it is done? If you hope to silence me by these threats, don’t hold your breath. I will tell you what I have seen for the many years I have worked with the Sheriff’s Office. You can read it if you so choose but don’t call me a liar and don’t call me a Cook hater. I’ve witnessed many of his, what I would call “issues” but I would never hesitate to back him on a call or assist him in his work because he wears a Sheriff’s badge. That’s not waffling for those of you who want to jump on that band wagon, that is integrity.
Now, Mr. Cook, working for the Sheriff’s Office for years doesn’t necessarily make you loyal. The negative and disgruntled soap box is where you have spent much of it. I’ve been there and I’ve heard it from you practically since the day I started with the Sheriff’s Office. I am your co- worker so you are right when you say that I don’t value you as an employee. I don’t think that is my place. I can tell you that as your co-worker, I have felt weighed down at times by your comments and constant bashing of the administration, the people, and our policies. It has scared me in the past knowing that our new people were listening to you as well and possibly taking some of it to heart.
I know several of our Sergeants as well as lieutenants that aren’t in what you call a “click”. I guarantee that I am not in a “click”. I would classify myself as the Anti-“click”. I can think of one law-enforcement Sergeant that was formally disciplined a few years ago. I wonder how the rest feel about you eluding to the world that they have been disciplined and blemishing their good reputations?
I don’t see how writing on Idaho Falls Today constitutes me running Sheriff Wilde’s campaign as Mr. Cook claims. Mr. Cook posted his web site and gave all the people that I work with as well as myself a black eye. He claimed that we were inexperienced and incapable. Sorry, I started this discussion to refute the falseness of those statements. I HAVE SAID THIS BEFORE!
Now Mr. Cook, you have called me a liar. Naughty, naughty, naughty. The interviews with each employee have been a work in progress. He has done several and I know several more have been scheduled. I’ve had mine and I probably said some positive and some negative things. Being the Sheriff appears to be a busy job and we have had some serious incidents occur since he first began the interviews. A lot more goes on in the Sheriff’s Office than just prisoner transports.
I believe that you took the comment that the Sheriff made at the beginning of each recent training session out of context. You really shouldn’t do that. The Sheriff was very positive when he expressed that they were working for more money for employees. He said that if people were able to make more money elsewhere, he couldn’t beg them to stay. I believe the Sheriff knows full well that people have to do what people have to do. As for me, I make a pretty good wage. It’s better than I could make elsewhere in our community unless I worked for IFPD as you have applied to do or the State Police. I think the environment with the Sheriff’s Office is much more family oriented and agreeable.
Please don’t call people liars here. Perceptions and opinions sound so much better.
Faith,
I’ve disagreed with the administration on some things and I’m still here. The internal investigation gorillas haven’t hunted me down in the dark of night. Because you say that I am not helping Sheriff Wilde’s campaign does not really affect me. Just because you don’t think it does doesn’t mean that others feel the same way.
Things are Good and Getting Better at the Sheriff’s Office.
Top ↑Thanks for taking the time to read this.
If you’re such an influential part of the Sheriff’s Office, why is it you can’t get Wilde to come in here and comment for himself? A simple suggestion would be all it takes. That way the people can judge for themselves instead of trying to decide whether or not to believe somebody that has personally set out to discredit Cook since day one.
Top ↑Ha Ha! Hmmm?
Okay , I will have to agree somewhat with #262 comment. And #263, And especially “Vintage Port’s” Comment.
Apparently there will always be self-righteous, ignorant people who will knowingly continue to violate this communities Guidelines …..(this means you ‘Artiste”)….
“4.No personal attacks, name-calls, put-downs, or baiting other guests, races, genders, or religions.
5.Express opinions, facts, logic, and reasoning; just don’t argue for argument’s sake”
Now you can call my comments “flip flopy” and say I am Kissing A__! “Artiste” even calls me a liar! That’s your opinion, that is how you have percieved things! You are entitled to your opinion. It doesn’t make it a fact.
I came on this forum being very disrespectful with my first post, not realizing it would come back ten-fold! I certainly didn’t get what I bargained for.
Where I come from we apologize when we are in the wrong! So I apologized to Mr. Cook for my behavior. Whether I think he is wrong or right is irrelevant. I take responsibility for my part!
When it comes down to the Idaho Meth Project, and trying to better our community, I believe that Laun Cook and myself are on the same page. Call it A__ Kissng if you want! I would much rather have a positive attitude and try to be a gentleman.
I came here angry and bitter. I should’ve thought more about what i wrote to begin with. A good friend once told me “Kill ‘em with Kindness!” I think sometimes that works. Other times it’s better just to ignore simple minds!
Top ↑=)
Have a goodnight!
Rev
just as I predicted. . . .I got 2 thumbs down. . . for post 262, in which I simply suggested, once again, we all treat each other nicely, even when we disagree.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. I think I will posit a little test of the “thumbs” system. . . . .
Top ↑TESTING
The earth is round.
Top ↑Don’t feel bad Eastnr….I got thumbs down in the Olympic post for making a positive comment about how great the US is doing in this years Olympics. As well as thumbs down on almost all of my other comments. LOL Ya just have to laugh because obviously nobody is taking it serioius. Personally I don’t understand why it was added to begin with, it’s just going to be one more tool to put down a guest you dont agree with.
Top ↑l’m just going to take it as a compliment because that person or persons took the time out of their day to give me credit for my comments, whether good OR bad.
Have a great night E!
btw…I gave you a thumb up on that comment. (it’s a disfigured thumb, but a thumb nontheless.)
Top ↑“Comment # 266 by The Artiste’ on August 21, 2008 @ 2:00 pm Vote: 1 4
I agree with Easterner’s comment # 262. Roof Ninja or Revrend, you came on the site and literally bashed Mr. Cook all the while telling a story that had more holes in it than a pound of swiss cheese. As soon as Mr. Cook said that he knew you and your story was bogus, you completely backed off and started apologizing. So no, I didn’t take your “syrupy” apology serious. But that’s the beauty of America, this site, and freedom of speech. And now you want to be called “The Reverend” like you’ve been born again, writing comments to Mr. Cook completely kissing his ___. Nobody is taking anything out of context here, just calling it as we see it. All we can do now is hope lessons were learned here and those “flip-floppers” will think first before they write derogatory comments. Another poster on this site does this regularlly but I digress. I ask you, how can someone like that be taken seriously?”
Artiste,
Top ↑First off, the apology was not made to you!
Secondly, what makes you think I take what you say or even question, seriously? Your a negative entity here in this forum. I wonder how you would act in a round table discussion, instead of hiding behind your keyboard? Would still be so disrespectful?
FYI…I am a Reverend, thus the handle, “Rev”. Get it.
=)
Hey Rev, your bothered to respond to him didn’t you?
Top ↑You’re a reverend and you spoke to an officer of the law like that? Wow! Do tell, what church do you preach at? I’d like to check out a “sermon” or two see how you speak to your congregation.. (But I doubt you’ll tell us)
One more thing….he’s no more “hiding behind his keyboard” anymore than your were when you posted your comment 173 and swore at Mr. Cook and called him a few choice words I can’t repeat. Why don’t we just drop it and get back on topic since you don’t care about his opinion anyway.
Top ↑To CR67,
I didn’t bring it up? I will drop it though, and maybe I will just ignore the next rude comment I get from the ones who still want to bring up my comment #173.
I am not saying that you were rude either.
I don’t think I was anymore out of line with ‘Artiste’ than they were being with me? Nor did I swear at him/her?
Or were you refering to my comments to Cook?
Same thing with Guest House. In fact I think I was even more polite!
But Apparently the “Good ol’ Boy” click is alive and kicking in this forum. And not just on this topic either.
When I made my post #251, I was way past my issues in post #173. It was over as far as I was concerned!
Go look at post #252 and #255 and again in#266. There was no point in what they wrote! They were doing nothing but being rude and baiting me with insults. Maybe they felt I deserved it? It was still pointless, rude and caused even more worthless arguements. Was it an attempt to make me leave the forum? It felt like it? If t was just say so.
Honestly CR67, If you area church goer and want to discuss anything to do with religion. Then I suggest you do as the guidelines for this forum suggest….
“7. No religious discussions (for or against). Go to http://religiondebates.blogspot.com for religious discussions”
As I am sure this is not the place to discuss it. Sorry friend.
=)
Top ↑Goodnight!
Rev
thanks for my thumbs up, CR67…………:)
disfigured is right…………..why only 4 fingers? is it a Simpson’s thumbs up???
Top ↑Shocker!
Vintage reappears with another hit piece on Cook and not a word about how Wilde will do good things. This is the problem Vintage, you never post anything about what Wilde will do to fix very obvious problems at the BCSO. Instead you do your best Baghdad Bob and deny the problems exist and start atacking Cook again. All your anti Cook rhetoric does is make me feel like Wilde has no answers thus he and his surrogates (you) simply attack Cook. How about a post from you telling us how Wilde is going to fix the problems that exist. Tell us about his vision, his goals, etc. And do it without mentioning Cook.
Top ↑Last I checked, I’m not too influental, just honest. I can tell you second or third hand information as far as the Sheriff’s plans. It’s not my job to do that as I have said many times before. Although I have been acussed of running the Sheriff’s campaign, I wont take the bait.
I have explained my beleifs in regards to both candidates. I have given you a run down of both of their careers to the extent of my knowledge. Read the entire thread before asking people monotonous questions.
Top ↑I have to agree with V.P. I have read the entire thread. I have limited knowledge of Sheriff Wilde’s career but I can see that Wilde has been preparing himself for years. What has Cook done other than throw his name in the hat?
Top ↑I value each of our employees including vintageport. I think it is everyones place to do so. I am begging all of the employees to stay. I sorely miss those who have moved on. I see some issues need fixin. I have alot of good ideas I think could make things better. I think I can fix alot of the problems. I think we can do better. I really like my job even though vintageport attempts to degrade what I do. It is a necessary function for the office. I like it very well and my current supervisor thinks I do a good job. I intend to stay with the Sheriff’s office as long as possible. I think all of the employees deserve some in put regardless of their current assignment. I don’t consider myself negative, I consider myself very direct. For those of you that see negative, I respect your opinion. I agree with Rev that opinions can change based on new information. And by the way, I was never offended by him. I am certain if we ever had the chance to sit down for lunch or something we would like each other. Vintageport why don’t you just admit you just plain don’t like me. And for those who do keep getting way off track, the topic is people leaving the Sheriff’s office. Or at least me being a candidate and all, that’s the topic I have chosen. I will be back with some new startling statistic for ya a little later.
Top ↑Hey “Rev”, I never said I wanted to “discuss religion”. All I asked is what church you preach at. Then I can come (and I’ll even see if the artiste’ will come) and we can disucss religion there. But you’re dodging the issue so I’m calling your bluff and I don’t think you’re a “practicing Reverend”. If you were, you wouldn’t have any problem giving me the name of your church. You could even email it to the site owner and he could forward it to me. But again, I highly doubt you’ll do that.
Top ↑Have a great day!
Better yet, why don’t we meet http://religiondebates.blogspot.com here and you can tell us what church you preach at. This way we could “keep to the code”, as captn Jack Sparrow would say.
Top ↑And as CR & JS would say….Savvy?
Cook,
Top ↑I thought you said statistics only look good on a spreadsheet. R u going to drag out your spreadsheets now? U value people at work so much but you are well known for not talking to or even acknowledging people who have disagreed with you.
To CR67′
So……… I never said I was a preacher at a church or spoke to a congregation??
You CR67, were the one who suggested that! Not me! Not once!
I did say I was a Reverend though! I did this to explain my handle, which is ‘Rev’! And why does my handle matter to you and Artiste anyway? What does it have to do with anything?
Now I have explained my handle to you. So what does “CR67″ stand for? And why do you call yourself the “Artiste”? Just out of curiosity? Why don’t you share that one with us?
I have shared more about myself than you have in this forum. If you aren’t going to share anything about yourself, then I won’t oblige you with anything more about me! I think that is fair.
Honestly you two, at least I can admit when I am out of line. I admitted I was being negative and harsh. Now I am caught up on this stupid debate about my handle and why I apologized to Laun Cook??? It makes no sense to me at all!!??
So what do you bring to this forum in regards to the Sheriff’s Election? Do you work for Bonneville County? Better yet, do you live in Bonneville County?
And If you don’t want to answer my questions; then I wil respect your anonymity and your privacy. But when you call me out, expect to be a open about yourself too! And respect my anonymity and privacy as well.
In fact I am a registered Minister with the ‘Uniersal Life Church’ based out of the State of Washington. I have never had a conggregation or been a preacher at a church. Which still isn’t any of your business, and is totally irrelevant here on this forum. My reasons for being a Minister are personal and that is all I will share with you =)
Laun,
Thank you for your comment about me! I agree with you too. I also look forward to more of what you are bringing to his forum. You definetly get a thumbs up from me. Ha Ha =)
Vintage Port,
I have enjoyed alot of what you have brought to this forum. And I do hear what you are saying. I also see that you perceive Laun Cook to be really negative in his campaign. It’s just his perception of how things are at the BCSO. But he did ask “If you just don’t like him”. I look forward to your answer on that one. Ha Ha!
I also take it that you are not Paul Wilde and can’t speak for him or force his hand to write on this forum! Yo also get my thumbs up!
So please people! Give “VP” a break already!
Everyone have a great weekend!
Top ↑=)
Rev
Reverend dude, you need to relax! I can see how someone would questions your “reverend-hood” by the way you talk to people and from your first post when you swore at cook. If you’re a revernd fine, but you sure don’t talk to people in a reverend type of way.
Top ↑And if you don’t want anyone to know your business than dont bother telling them. Instead you tell them and then 1 sentence later tell them its none of their business. You see where I’m going with this? I’m pretty new to the site myself, and I have to say, all this petty arguing is quite childish.
I’ll pray for you and hope you have the strength to be the stronger man.
Have a happy day
Dave
Thanks Dave,
Top ↑Honestly I am done with it. There is way more important stuff to talk about than me. I thought we were passed it? But it seemed like every time I put out a post, I was attacked! At least that is the way I took it.
And really if the issue is dead then we won’t hear anymore about it!
If we do wanna continue it then someone should start a whole new topic! HA! Just kidding!
Have a great weekend,
Rev
Thanks, you have a great weekend as well!
Top ↑What does likeing Cook have to do with anything? He is running for Sheriff of our county. Is he capable is the question. I don’t care if V.P. adores him, obviously he has pointed out some things that would make me think twice about Cook.
Top ↑I have been reading through these comments and have found one underlying tone, it is not about the issues at hand, it is about bashing each other about comments made and making an attempt to campaigne on a blog site. As well as trying to stick up for various kinds of use force tactics, well my friends these topics have nothing to do about why Mr. Wilde or Mr. Cook should be Sheriff. If you want to vent your frustration about being a law enforcement officer, which is what I am hearing, start a new blog. This site should be about the pros and cons of each candidate.
It is obvious that the majority of people writing in have a chip on their shoulder about how things have been run in the past and are blaming the current administration for it. I have done some independent research on the changes that have taken place since Sheriff Wilde has taken the helm. I am impressed at the changes he has made considering the mess that he was put into. The stream of waste that Stommel left behind is and incredble mess to clean up and I am seeing that it IS being cleaned up. Maybe not as fast as some would like but it is going in the right direction.
I think that the place to campaigne is where it does you the most good, Mr. Cook thinks that this blog is a place for him to campaign and Mr. Wilde doesn’t. If you want to find out how Mr. Wilde sits on issues, go to where he as decided to campaign and ask him instead of a passive aggresive style of bashing him behind his back in an environment that he doesn’t even frequent.
As for changes that need to be made in the BCSO, I have heard alot of things that are wrong but very little about what is going to happen to get them changed. I am however seeing , by action, that Mr. Wilde is putting a plans into motion to correct many of the problems that the Sheriffs Office is facing. It takes more than talking to fix a problem, it takes action. Since this a place where Mr. Cook has decided to campaigne, there a some questions I would like answered prior to me voting this fall. First: What is your plan to solve the personnel issues that you have identified as a concern and what are those concerns. Second: What is your plan to bring the budget into line with what you think it should be. Third: What kind of training needs do you think that the patrol and jail personnel could receive that would make the office run better and more effeciently and provide a better County to live in. Fourth, are their clicks within this offce and if so what is your plan to bring all of the personnel together and get them to work as a team. And finally: What are areas that you see need to be changed within the Sheriffs Office and what is your plan to fix them.
When it comes time to vote in November, these are the questions that I want to have answers to.
Top ↑Porter- Very interesting and excellent comment, I agree with much of what you say. I should point out however that this blog was started by Vintageport who is clearly a Paul Wilde supporter. I would assume it was not with his approval. It was clearly started as stated by Vintageport, in response to my web site. Your perception is interesting in that requard. I came to this blog to dispute Vintageport’s claim that what I was saying on my web site was false. Vintageport has maintained all along that there are no troubles in the office and that’s what I get by reading this blog. What’s so incredibly interesting about your comment is you state the Interim Appointee has inherited a mess which would indicate there are indeed problems. Clearly you are a Paul Wilde supporter as well which is a good thing, but you have a different view reguarding the “mess”. I would point out also that the Interim Appointee Paul Wilde was part of the previous administration and but for one new Lieutentant which by the way was a good choice, we still have the same administation. It would appear to a rational person at this point that the problems discussed here were not fabricated as Vintageport states. It’s extremely interesting to me that for the first time I am aware of, someone from the Paul Wilde camp agrees we have problems. I have not heard it before from Paul Wilde or any of his administration. Maybe had he taken that approach from the git go, I would have not felt the need to run for office. I couldn’t agree more that we need to concentrate on fixing the problems. The first step to fixing any problem is you have to acknowlege there is one. I agree completely we need to discuss the issues. Many of your questions I have answered on this blog several times over. It’s interesting that different people pick up on different things reading the same material. Having said that, It does not bother me to comment here or anywhere else for that matter. I will take advantage of any avenue available to me to campaign. I’m pretty shure that’s what your supposed to do when running for office
Top ↑Mr. Cook, thank you for your response. I do need to make a couple of things clear to you though: First I am not from Mr. Wilde’s camp. Your presumption of that is almost rude. I am a voter that is looking into the best candidate for the position. SecondIy: You said, “I came to this blog to dispute Vintageport’s claim that what I was saying on my web site was false.” If you have only come to this blog site to dispute claims made against you, why are you referencing this site in your web page? It is obvious that you are using it as a campaigne tool, which I might add, there is certainly nothing wrong with doing that . I just don’t understand why you are defensive about it.. Thirdly, He did inherit a mess, the prior Sheriff, although he did many good and wonderful things for Bonneville County, did some things that have left some areas of concern for me, a voter in Bonneville County. Those messes that mainly concern me are the jail, personnel turn over, budget issues, moral, and policy issues concerning the Administaration of the jail. And finally, although you have addressed my posting, you failed to address any of the questions that I have asked, which for me need to be answered. I would think that if I have those questions other Bonneville County residence would have them also. Instead of merely acknowledging that there is a problem, it would be nice to have the candidates that are running for this office address the way they plan on fixing them.
In posting #104 you did mention some things about questions that Earnest in posting #95 asked you. The problem is that you adresesed the questions and expounded on them but I don’t see anywhere you have given any solutions.
And please don’t just assume that because a voter asks some difficult questions of you about your platform, he or she is from the Paul Wilde camp. it might mean that they are truly concerned about the issues that face the Bonneville County Sheriffs Office.
Top ↑Porter,
Thank you for your comments. It was refreshing to hear someone civil, direct and to the point!
Hopefully the senseless arguing is past us and we can continue to focus on the issues at hand. Obviously we may never have both candidates here on this forum, which is frustrating for some! As hearing both sides from each candidate would be extremely valuable to the voters! Luckily we have one.
I have asked this before, but I will again….
Does anyone know if Paul Wilde has a site where he is campaigning
Maybe you have already done this, but if you read through this whole thread, some of your questions (maybe not all of them?) have been answered earlier on. I could be wrong though? Maybe I just heard the same questions asked before. Ha Ha!
=)
You all have a great weekend!
Top ↑Rev
So that is the thing. Cook doesn’t explain himself, he only talks in cirlcels. He lists problems but doesn’t give clear and consice answers for solutions. I think anyonw can do that.
Sheriff Wilde is giving answers through action. New hires, an honest attempt at scraping more money for salaries, and a postive team attitude.
Top ↑So, I’ve been asked by Cook to admit that I don’t like him. Rev has asked for an answer to the question posed. Cook refers to the good old boy system a lot in previous posts but then asks me to admit that I don’t like him. Isn’t that the basis of the good ol’ boy system? Should it matter when it comes down to real ability and qualifications? I don’t believe that it does.
Cook says that he values all of the employees. Please don’t be fooled by this. He wants to do a 180 on his image now that he is running for the office of Sheriff. It was never that way before. I don’t say this out of spite or dislike. I say it out of common knowledge. I don’t like many of the things that Cook has said in the past or the way he has treated co-workers in the past. I dislike the attitude that he has portrayed for so many years. I dislike the way he wants to put his boot on the back of the Sheriff’s Office and push us into the mud to create his political platform. Are there some issues? Hell yes but show me an organization that does not have issues. If it is so bad, why do the rest of us stay? Why does Cook stay? It’s not because we are dying to be poor or miserable. It’s because in the big picture, its not that bad. Things are good at the Sheriff’s Office and getting better.
Do I just not like Cook? I’d say that I don’t believe that he is qualified nor the right man to be the Bonneville County Sheriff. He lacks experience, command presence and knowledge for such an important position in our community.
Truth be known, so do I. I would never dream of running for such a demanding, high profile, public chair because I know that I do not posses the necessary traits to fulfill the duties of Sheriff successfully. I think Cook should reevaluate his motivation.
Top ↑V.P. Maybe if u don’t posess the traits to run for Sheriff yourself you should reconsider your motives. You have said many things on this post, some good, some bad. It would help if other people with your same experiences with Cook would post here and back up your claims instead of us taking one persons word for it.
Top ↑I am led to believe that Vintage Port and Porter both work for BCSO or maybe just for Bonneville Co. Obviously in some way they have had direct dealings with Laun Cook? At least this is my impression.
Top ↑I for one value their opinions because they are not strangers to the Sheriff’s office! And I think this forum is the appropriate place to express opinions.
I very much agree with the last 3 posts that speak about actions speaking louder than words! And I feel Laun Cook needs to be more direct about why he should be Sheriff and how will bring about change to the current administration.
Goodnight all!
Rev
Porter- lm just going to be real blunt. In my limited experience as a politician, I have discovered that a normal concerned voter who wants to ask a legitimate question will email the candidate, ask in person, call etc. I state in big bold letters on my web page E mail me laun@launcook.com. You chose to ignor any communication that would keep you from remaining anonymous, went straight to the “chat”, didn’t read any thing I outlined on my web site that would fix the problems, didn’t like the answers I had previously given to most of your questions, said everyone in here has a chip on their shoulder, that I was attempting to use this blog for my campaign, that all the frustrated cops need to go somewhere else, and Paul Wilde is fixing everything. And now lets ask some tough questions for Laun. Let’s be real, you work there and you came here like Vintageport to badger me. You allready have decided your vote and we both know it. I suppose I sound defensive to you because you are patronizing me. I am calling you out to prove me wrong, email me, give me your address, and I will come to your house and give you as much time as you wish. I have a volume of things I can do to improve the Sheriff’s Office, specifically the jai! I’m sorry your not satisfied with what I have provided thus far. I do like your question reguarding training though. I will address that on my web site. You ask me if there are clicks like we didn’t just barely talk about it #248 I went into great detail which unfortunately probably caused some more hard feelings. Sorry if I struck a nerve. 90% of ya here are cops, we all know it and your just like a bunch of sharks in a feeding frenzy, ya just wanna see some blood. Porter, this is a blog site, an anonymous, dirt slinging, crap talking blog sight that you yourself degrade and you won’t even email me. Sorry I offended you, evidently I didnt communicate very well on my last post. The only point I was trying to make was that we have an independent source besides myself who admits we got problems in the sheriff’s office and Ya gotta know what the problem is before you can fix it. I work at the Sheriff’s Office and I am here to tell you that no one, I repeat no one else that works there has publicly stated we got problems and had gahonies enough to put their name to it. And now you come along acting like your a normal citizen saying Paul inherited this big “mess” and it’s public knowlege. Just be real. I have told ya several times now what makes me the better candidate. I can see the “mess” clearly. And a change in administration is what’s going to clean up the “mess”. If you believe we had no mess or that the appointee is fixing it, there would be no reason whats soever to ask the other candidate anything. It makes no logical sense. The only reason you could possibly have is to bait, belittle, badger, or sling mud. I would encourage you to vote for the Interim Appointee.
Top ↑Madasshell many have asked that Wilde come here to answer some of the same questions that you have posed. As a public official he owes it to the public to provide answers to some of the questions that they have.
For those who work at BCSO you might have some idea as to what he is going to do, but the public doesnt have the ability to sit in on internal meetings. If you go back through this site you will see that repeatedly members of the public have asked for answers and none have been received.
Some of the public has chosen this forum to seek answers, others have chosen other methods. He owes the public equal access due to his status as Sheriff. Does he only go to Ammon City Council Meetings because of the revenue, or does he also listen to Ririe, Swan Valley, Ucon and others?
We are sill open to what he has to say, as long as he makes some effort to talk to us. Maybe we are too far out in the County and deserve little protection because we have chosen this site to obtain our information?
Top ↑Mr. Cook,
You said:
lm just going to be real blunt. In my limited experience as a politician, I have discovered that a normal concerned voter who wants to ask a legitimate question will email the candidate, ask in person, call etc.
Reply:
I am doing exactly like you asked from you web site and visit this blog . And if you can’t answer me here why? I was looking for some additional clarification on points I had concerns about.
You said,
“Let’s be real, you work there and you came here like Vintageport to badger me”
Reply,
I am very real, I have never worked for the County in any form and never will.
You said,
“I am calling you out to prove me wrong, email me, give me your address, and I will come to your house and give you as much time as you wish.”
Reply,
What? This is a public forum like it should be . Why would I want to work behind the scenes so that no other voters might have the chance to see where your positions are. Why in the heck would I give you my address. That is the most inappropriate thing to ask for while you are campagining that I have ever heard. What are you going to do if asked to reply to my same questoins in the Post Register or in a face to face debate? Threaten people that ask the questions to email you instead or invite yourself over to their house
You said,
“Porter, this is a blog site, an anonymous, dirt slinging, crap talking blog sight that you yourself degrade and you won’t even email me.”
Reply,
You are right about it being a blog site. I find very usefull information on blog sites about issues. That is what they are used for, information. I will call peoples crap where ever it is and there is some on this blog. It is my right to experess my oppinion. And you sir will not suppress that. The email thing is nothing more than a way for you to communicate in a one on one situation so it can all be a little more secret. I could be wrong but that is how it feels.
You said,
“The only reason you could possibly have is to bait, belittle, badger, or sling mud”
Reply,
Asking questions on points of interest is not baiting, belittlling, badgering or slinging mud. It is asking questions to a man who is running for a public office, that is going to represent the leading law enforecement office in the County. Mr. Cook, this is the second time you have answered me and still have failed to address any of the questions that have been asked before. Not only that, you have done in a manner very aggresive manner that is very inappropriate for not only a candidate but for a public servant as well. You have encouraged me to vote for the appointee, well that is exactly what I am going to do and will be taking all of this information with me to influence other to do the same.
Thank you for your time!
Top ↑I think Cook’s last post on #299 is a pretty good example to everyone of the kind of communication skills Cook has.
It shows you first hand what I have been saying all along. I’m not being snide or sarcastic here and I’m not trying to be funny.
Top ↑Vintageport, I’ve said many times that you apparently started this whole post with the intent of bashing Laun Cook. I still believe that.
However, your comment # 302 was the wisest thing I have read from you on this thread.
Maybe, because this is an opinion post blog forum, it really is a good thing that candidates refrain from commenting, because they can get dragged down to our level pretty quickly (they are human, too).
Mr. Cook, I would suggest you concentrate on your own website and stop wasting your time here. If we want to get a response from you, we can go there.
Now. Does anyone know if Sheriff Wilde has a website? The last time I looked, there wasn’t one.
Top ↑Its my turn to ask the questions. vintageport and Porter you both have made claims that the interim appointee is fixing the “mess”. You have not given any specifics at all. Whats been done? What is the independent study? Why have’nt the rest of the employees been told anything. Doe’s he even think we have a morale issue? What does he think about everyone leaving. What specifically is he doing about the pay? I asked him a question a year ago in block training as to where he stands on the policy the Sheriff’s office has of level pay and I didn’t get an answer. What did he do as a chief deputy to improve pay? What does he think of the job analysis study done by the county commissioners? Why didn’t he lay out his plans when he was chief deputy so as to unite the troops then? What does he think of our promotion process? Why has he addopted the failed policy of making jailers resign before they go to patrol so they can be put back on the bottom of the pay scale? What does he think about the turn over in the jail? Why has he not appointed a cheif deputy? Why have we never staffed our traffic unit? why do we not have a cyber crimes unit? why is our internal investigations unit growing more quickly than our narcotics unit? Why don’t we have an advisory board? Does he think everyone in here just has a chip on our shoulders? Why does it take so long to hire new replacements? why are we not proactive and have a standing list at all times? Why did he stop the 15 minuet interviews? What does he think about all our office staff driving pickups? Why are the majority of our best and most experienced field training officers in swan valley and other places. Have they been asked to come back temporarily to the street to train all these new people? Why would you train with newer empoyees? What is his long term plan to keep people here?
Top ↑I don’t know why Nemesis would suggest to Mr Cook not post here. That’s not fair and it’s not very nice imo. He has every right to post here and to stand up for himself that you do. And for you to tell him to go somewhere else to post is just downright rude and mean imo. His comments aren’t any different than anyone elses in that if you don’t like what he has to say, then you don’t have to respond. But it’s not your place to tell ANYONE not to post here imo.
Top ↑Thank you.
I got a question for Rev- Why is it your the only one that picked up on Porter being from the office in your comment 298? I have changed my opinion of Rev. he is very perceptive, and he is real. He comes on here mader than a wet hen, shows real emotion which is real. He gets some information and changes his mind a little and say’s, ya know what maybe this guy does have one or two good idea’s. He’s at least being real. And then here come the sharks to attempt to tear him apart. And now we are shocked that Laun just calls is like it is and identifys another shark.
Nemesis- I am on your level, never tried to put myself out as anything but a normal guy. I really like this blog because it exposes better than I could ever articulate the sharks comming from the Paul Wilde camp (no doubt without his approval) to silence Laun.
CheekyMonkey-thank you, I couldn’t have said it better.
Top ↑Now what about my questions in #304???
Okay, the reason I made my suggestion in #303 was that it seems Mr. Cook is not holding himself to a higher standard, one that I would expect of my sheriff.
Instead, he is down in the trenches slugging it out with anonymous weirdos, and that just seems very undignified to me. I was hoping he’d get the hint and stop before he does any more damage to his cause.
But it’s certainly his decision to take the high road or allow himself to be easily provoked. That kind of response, more than anything vintageport or porter will say about him, will tell us voters about his character.
So, feel free to continue to comment, Mr. Cook. But if you continue in this vein, you will likely lose some of us as potential votes.
Enjoy your day.
Top ↑I work in the law enforcement arena though not for Bonneville County. As such I’ve had many opportunities to work with Bonneville County and I know many of the deputies personally. Let me be blunt: there are SERIOUS problems in the BCSO right now. Anyone who says differently is lying. Be it the high turnover, poor wages, creative accounting by Bud Langerak thats left the budget in a shambles, or the good ole boy system it cannot be denied the problems are real.
Its obvious to me there is a strong anti Cook faction here. And its obvious to me that Cook isn’t always the most eloquent at responding. But in this long thread Cook has been the only one to admit the problems and give solutions. I saw many posts ago where he gave a suggestion to solve the turnover problem as being the elimination of current policy which forces jail deputies to start over on wages if they go to patrol. I’ve seen Cook throw out other ideas too. I’ve heard nothing from Wilde supporters except silence on the issues and attacks on Cook.
So right now I have a choice of a candidate who seems to be content with a campaign based solely on the (R) next to his name and a sometimes brash candidate who at least is telling us what he wants to do and has given many examples how in this thread if you go read it all.
Top ↑Laun,
Top ↑Thank you for your comments in #306. And yes you are right, I was full of emotion when I first came here. However that emotion blocked me from seeing things for how they were. I did get some new information and my opinions did change. The last time I checked it was still okay to ‘change your mind’. And some people had a hard time with that?
To answer your question in #306; The quesions and concerns that Porter had led me to believe he was at least affiliated with the BCSO? Apparently by his last post I was wrong! Now I wonder if he works for the City of Idaho Falls. Which doesn’t really matter to me. He/she is a voter in the county and I appreciate hearing from the people who are truly concerned with making positive changes in the BCSO.
That being said, I also disagree with Nemesis. I do appreciate you taking time to come here and participate in this forum. I had some issues navigating on your web-site? So I have not been back for a while. I will stop back by ad check it out again. Hopefully i will have better luck this time? =)
Thanks again,
Rev
Nemesis, seems to me you’re right there in the trenches as well by calling posters “weirdos” for stating their opinions or point of view.
Top ↑And for somebody that is always scolding other posters for name calling and the like, perhaps you should practice what you preach. Cook has every right to defend himself in any way he see’s fit. He’s a grown man, I’m sure he doesn’t need us to tell him “which road to take”.
Just my opinion fwiw.
Mr. Cook,
Why are you asking me about what Mr. Wilde is doing or what his stance is? I came here to ask you some questions about what your stance is on a few issues. Your habit of redirecting the communication and ignoring the true issues at hand provides alot of information on how you would treat serious issues that the Sheriffs Office would face if you became Sheriff. I can only speak for myself, but I am not campaigning for Mr. Wilde. Why or how would I know what his stance is. Confront the issues with Mr. Wilde directly not through some (again I say it) passive aggresive style. You seem to gravitate towards emotional types of communication as you have pointed out in your post #306. Emotion is good, but when it guides and directs your every action a person becomes out of control. You being a Law Enforcement Officer should know that better than anyone. Because of the actions and behaviors that I am seeing from you through your communications on this blog, I question the stability, that the Sheriff’s Office needs in their Commander, that you could provide.
Thanks again for this opportunity to speak out on some of the issues that are facing our County this coming fall election.
Top ↑Nemesis- I suppose you are correct. This thread has become redundant. I will take my leave. What I hoped to accomplish by comming here has been accomplished. I could not sum it up better than Local in #308. So I will leave you with his/her comments.
Top ↑My name isn’t Nemesis, that’s an anonymous weirdo screen name that I choose. So I’m also referring to myself in comment #307.
But hey, I’ve decided to withdraw my suggestion, as Mr. Cook didn’t think my advice was sound. I haven’t changed my mind about the ramifications, however. Since it’s Mr. Cook’s campaign to win or lose, I’ll keep my nose out of it.
Top ↑My comment #313 was written before I saw #312 (posted while I was writing).
Good luck to you, Mr. Cook. Hopefully many will visit your website and your public appearances will bring useful information to those who are undecided.
Top ↑Good luck Mr. Cook. I don’t know if you will come back to look at this blog site again but I hope you do. In post #304 you have listed so many points of concern that I have more questions now than I did before. I would certainly support an open debate sponsered by our local T.V. stations or even the Post Register News Paper and have each one of those concerns asked to both candidates. There have been a couple of comments about me being an employee of the Sheriffs Office or the IFPD, I can assure you that I don’t work for any form of government, State, County City, or Federal. I am an interested voter making an attempt to answer some serious questions I have about how the different candidates are going to handle the office that they may be appointed to. This is a concern of mine because I want the absolute best law enforcement for my family and myself.
I have never voted party and I never will!!! I will vote for the person that I feel is the best qualified to run the office in which he is running for and how they will represent best the people who have voted them into that office. I never expected the response that I have received in asking a couple of important questions concerning this office. I have been accused of being in the camp of Mr. Wilde, working for the County and the city, of baderging and belittling etc. WOW! I would hope that if Mr. Cook is voted into this office that he will treat the public, that he will be serving, and his co-workers, that he will be leading, better than he has treated me. I have legitimate questions and they were each turned around and used against me in an accusatory fashion. The questions still exist and so do all of the issues that Mr. Cook has identified. The only thing I don’t have a good grasp of is how the Democratic Parties Candidate plans on correcting them. I do and will expect the same from the Republican Parties Candidate.
I hope that all who may read these exchanges will have a better understanding, within themselves, on who the best candidate is and will best serve the community. If most of you that have posted here are involved in law enforcement I want to thank you for the service you give. You do a wonderful job and I wouldn’t trade you for any others in our Nation. But it is a concern to find out that there is so much contention within our Sheriff’s Office and Jail. The individual that is voted in to this office had better be the best individual and most qualified so that he can pull this great team of Officers together and provide me, my family and this community the great service we need.
Top ↑I like the fact the Mr Cook has come on to this site to express his feelings and try to answer some of the questions the people of IF have. I hope that won’t change. Good luck Mr Cook!
Top ↑My vote is for Porter! He sounds very “dignified”. You talk a good line of bull for sure. You said in your first post here that you did “independent research” and that it sure was a mess Paul Wilde was handed, and you were impressed at the changes he had made. and now your singing a different toon. Theres allmost a desperation in your tone to shift the subject from issues to personality. It’s real laughable but hey,your sure a smooth talker. My vote’s for you lol!
Top ↑Porter did you just challenge Cook to a public debate after he directed a whole bunch of question’s to you as if you were______ man that’s freaky!!!!!!!!!
Top ↑Thanks, I just try to stick to the issues at hand.
Top ↑No I didn’t, I thought that it would be interesting to see Mr. Wilde and Mr. cook in an open debate. Read a little closer instead of being so combative. Thanks though.
Top ↑I think Cook just QUIT. He doesn’t answer questions and redirects us to other writers posts. Hmmm. I wonder if he will quit any job when he feels pressured and cornered for answers?
Not Sheriff material for Bonneville County in my estimation.
Top ↑I’ve just spent a couple of hours reading through this blog post. And it’s been kind of like ‘real life’ … sort of difficult and messy with some good stuff and some not-so-good stuff.
For what it’s worth, these are my thoughts:.
- Overall, I’ve found most of Mr. Cook’s comments to be logical, well-reasoned, non-reactive and thoughtful (with a couple of exceptions). I, for one, can cut him some slack for getting hot under the collar a couple of times, given how some folks have been on an anti-Cook campaign. And why is it, anyway, that we expect our elected officials to be anything less than human?
Mr. Cook has certainly demonstrated to me (in this blog) his willingness to put himself out there, open himself up to personal attacks, listen to criticism, be direct, not pull his punches, and all the while remain (mostly) respectful. I like that. I am impressed by that. That said, I know Mr. Wilde, sort of (his child went to school with my child). He seems like a decent guy. I called him once because I had a concern about something. He called me back right away and we had a good and candid conversation. I respected his promptness (he’s a busy man) and well as his candidness (he didn’t say only what I wanted to hear). I would be delighted if he would come on this forum (like many have asked) and answer questions and tell us why he’s the better candidate.
- Regarding Reverand: Personally I didn’t find myself jumping to the conclusion that his original story was made-up, fishy or embellished. He was obviously traumatized by an event that happened to him and his family. He was angry and emotional. Does that mean it’s inconceivable the event happened? Perhaps my reaction was quite different than some others because of a personal experience. Case in point: a few years ago my husband and I (who have been law-abiding, respectful and respected citizens in this community for 20+ years) had an event occur with the IFPD that was pretty traumatic for our family. Without going into all the gory details, there were a lot of mistakes made by the officer involved and a lot of faulty assumptions and flawed logic. That particular officer turned out to be one of those power-hungry and abusive types referred to in an earlier post. He put us through hell, threatened us repeatedly over a period of days and then finally realized he had no jurisdiction because we live in the county and not the city of IF (perhaps he was one of those rookies that was hired when a more reasonable, experienced officer went on to greener pastures!). In any event, the matter was turned over to the BCSO, who listened to us, reviewed the facts, and immediately dismissed the whole thing as an embarrassing mistake on the part of law enforcement.
My point is mistakes happen, people do dumb things, and stories get told. And no story gets told that is ‘ABSOLUTE’ reality, because we all have our own life experiences and the filters that go along with that. And in my opinion is that it’s rather uncivilized to start calling names (e.g. liar) and dismissing people because we have a knee-jerk reaction that their story sounds far fetched. That’s precisely the time to ask more questions and gather additional information — not a time to rush to judgment.
Anyway, as I read through the posts I found myself gaining respect for both the Rev & Mr. Cook as they both demonstrated their willingness to listen, learn more, ask questions, provide answers and resolve their differences.
I say BRAVO!
Top ↑Local,
There we go again, someone else calling me a liar. Why do people have to sling that word? You don’t work there right? I don’t appreciate you saying such things about the office I work for.
The Sheriff’s Office is the best law enforcement organization in this valley. We do it all! From traffic to investigations of every kind to water ways, service calls, high mountain rescue, corrections, DARE, and school resource officers.
I don’t believe that people who live in glass houses should throw stones. That is a “SERIOUS” problem. The Sheriff’s Office is the best of the best and my head is not in the sand. Morale is good and Sheriff Wilde is moving forward to work on the other concerns that we have.
For those that want to say that I with the Sheriff Wilde camp. I will say this, I am with the Sheriff’s Office camp. I am for what is best for the Office and for the citizens of Bonneville County.
Top ↑Vintge Port,
I agree with you! Again Local speaks on perception! So don’t take it too personal.
“Calling all Hypocrits”
I love the handle you have chosen! It’s perfect for this forum! As much as I appreciate your comments, I wish that they were made earlier when the ignorant comments and name calling were happening.
Anyhow it was nice to hear some one being openminded. Although I truly empathize with your situation, it’s nice to know I am not alone. Hopefully these kind of situations are far and few between.
The majority of our Law enforcement in Bonneville Co. are good people who do a hard job! Sometimes mistakes will happen and poor judgements will be made. However we are making progress, throughout Bonneville Co. in general and the people seem to have a positive attitude about the growth of this county!
So to all the members of law enforcement in Bonneville Co. who are attending this forum, Thank you for the job you do. You are very much appreciated!
Top ↑Have a great day! =)
Rev
Hi Rev,
I kinda wish I’d been reading this forum when all that went down, too. The kidos just went back to school today and I (sort of guiltily) took a day off and read some of this stuff on Idahofallstoday. What a hoot.
And I agree that most officers are good and decent hard-working folks I’ve known Steve Roos for a very long time and have great respect for him. That said, sometimes mistakes are made and when that happens and you are the object of the mistake it is a very scary and vulnerable feeling. At that point the officer has all the power. And there are some who abuse it.
Be Well.
Top ↑I don’t buy the comment the interim appointee had a pot of woe ‘dumped’ on him. The Stommel/Wilde administration goes back how many decades? They both had spoons in this witches brew.
Now Paul Wilde has had the sole responsibility for the helm since last Christmas, what has he actually done? Show us specific policies he has changed, programs he has addressed, or assignments he has made. He must have accomplished something in the past eight months.
What makes him qualified to be actually ‘elected’ Sheriff, beyond the word OCCUPIED on his door.
Mr. Cook as taken a fist-full of slings and arrows to expose a growing mess. And he is the only one to even suggest any corrective action other than full-out denial. That’s the leader in my book. The wannbe is apparently just quietly hoping this will all blow over.
Top ↑Segrue needs to go back and read some of the posts that V.P. has written. In those posts, he names several attributes that make Paul Wilde QUALIFIED to be elected Sheriff. Read the prior posts before venting your frustrations.
I think the saying, ” it is better to let people think you are a fool than open your moiuth and remove all doubt” fits pretty well with many of the posts I have read here.
I don’t think anyone lies in these posts. I think they are just filled with different perspectives on the same topics.
Top ↑Anonymous, so far the problem is not that we don’t think Wilde is qualified, nor that most of us do. The problem is that we aren’t seeing a campaign anywhere. Cook has been here speaking to us, he has a website, he’s telling us his intentions. Wilde can’t seem to be found stating anything. So how exactly do we know? Should all of Bonneville County call him and ask him so that we know what his intentions are? I’m sure he’d appreciate that given that he’s so “busy” he can’t even log in here. .
Top ↑I have read the rest of this thread. What I have seen are innuendos, hopes, and assumptions about Mr. Wilde’s actual performance in the office. Consistently facts not in evidence are assumed and attributed to him, or he is just given the benefit of the doubt outright.
If he were an elected Sheriff , who had a smooth running department, we would rightly make those assumptions. But, as has been verified by several posts, this department is in trouble. And Mr. Wilde, at present, is just an appointed caretaker who had good connections. Given that background we owe it to ourselves to be very critical of each candidate’s qualifications for our trust and confidence.
We are hiring the person to solve this mess. Assuming no one person is going to be the perfect candidate, we have to demand honesty and accountability from both the candidates and ourselves. We have to ask the tough questions about what qualifications they bring to the table. Not which skills they lack, because each lack something. Still, we have to make our selection from just these two on the ballot.
I ask again. What has Paul Wilde done in his first eight months to solve the career employee hemorrhaging? (Paul, this is where you or your team get to brag.) Show us verifiable evidence of Mr. Wilde identifying the cause of these symptoms; and the programs, policies, or practices he has started to offset the trend. And have they worked?
All I am seeing is a continuation of buying replacements by the dozen. This makes me ask if he is up to the task.
Practicing democracy is always more of a test of us than of the candidates. Are we diligent enough to demand the facts and then can we evaluate carefully and make the hard decisions? If we don’t get the answers we need here; start writing letters to the editor asking for those responses, or call a reporter and ask them. Maybe, just maybe, the mass media reporters will wake up and start digging instead of giving this race a yawn.
This is too important of an issue to let it just become another toy of the good ol’ boy system of politics.
Top ↑Segrue,
I’m not sure where to obtain the editors email address? I would be happy to shoot him an email and let him know there are a lot of questions that need answers for the voters of Bonneville co.
I am really shocked that Paul Wilde isn’t running a campaign? No one can seem to get anything out of him, in regards to the upcoming election!
many times I have read here in this forum, people asking if he has a web site or where is he campaigning? I have read the entire thread here and no one has answered those questions!
I don’t see how Paul Wilde expects to become elected in Novemeber without a campaign?
Laun Cook has made himself available in this forum, and on his site, and in Public! He has addressed issues that he feels need taking care of. He has continued to express his feelings and ideas about how to improve the BCSO. As far as I can tell Paul Wilde has not even has not made any sot of Public address whatsoever!
It’s really too bad because at this point he isn’t showing us (the voters) anything worthy of our votes!
I would be happy to look up the editors email address and let him know of this forum. Would it be okay if I copy & pasted your last comment and sent it to him?
Top ↑Have a great day!
=)
Rev
Roger Plothow, Post Register Editor and Publisher rplothow@postregister.com
NEWS
Top ↑Dean Miller, Executive Editor dmiller@postregister.com (208) 542-6766
Rev, as the bard said, “Lay on, McDuff, and damned be him who first cries ‘Hold, Enough!’”
But in reality, does it seem to you that, like Anonymous said in #327, we may already have his best response?
Top ↑Segrue,
Top ↑Ha Ha Hmm???
As eloquent and amusing your last post was. I am sad to admit, I had some trouble understanding it in full.
Please my friend, give it to me in laymens terms.
=)
have a great day!
Rev
Porter, I still see nothing on your “independent” study or your personal knowlege of changes?
Top ↑You are right, and you probably won’t either because the information is going to be for me and my vote. It is a bit to obvious that any information that is brought to this particular thread would just be used as an opportunity for a bashing . No thanks! I will stay clear of it. Thanks for trying.
Top ↑Porter,
Top ↑Nice spotting the basher before they could do what they do!
However, I am interested in what you learn?
It has been frustrating not knowing much about the interm apointee! I guess you have to work with him to know anything about him. In my opinion if he has no public campaign, he will not get my vote and probably lose many more votes! It’s not fair to the voters of Bonneville County! That is just my opinion though! I for one, am not happy about it!
If I am wrong about Paul Wilde not having a campaign or even speaking to the public, about why we should vote for him, ‘PLEASE someone, maybe even Vintage Port’ let US know!!!
I am not out to sling mud at the man. (as I have done in the past with other candidates) =)
I really just would like to get an idea about him!
Have a nice day!
=) Rev
I concur….great reply Porter!
Top ↑Thanks 007 and Rev. I like the way that you both carry yourself in a respectful and dignified manner on the net and I truly thank you for your polite manner.
The only items I have been able to come up with at this point is Mr. cook’s Web site, Mr. Wilde’s Resume that was turned in at the time of his appointment to his current position, and this thread (which proved to be a very poor source of information in my opinion.) I am hoping that as we all get closer to the actual election day, there will be more activity from both candidates.
Rev, I agree that the lack of a campainging will cost Mr. Wilde some voters. I hope that lack of campaining that will not continue so we can all know and have a better understanding of who our candidates are. I will keep looking and will be happy to post areas where I have been able to locate campaigne information. The Resume and qualifications for Mr. Wilde were given to the Republican Central Committee and to the County Commssioners. It can be located there. I of course will not post that on this thread due to the fact there will be to many individuals that will make an attempt at debating me on what Mr. Wilde needs to be debating. I will provide the location of the information so that interested individuals can perform their own research and make their own decisions. Good luck to all and I hope that we can all get to the root of the issues, make sound judgements, and vote accordingly as to who OUR next Sheriff should be.
Thanks again.
Top ↑Porter,
Thank you! I appreciate you sharing what you have found out so far about the candidates. So all that is needed to run for Sheriff is a resume and qualifactions? I wonder if all that suff is online somewhere, or if I just need to go talk to Roger Christensen and ask him what he knows? If I learn anything, I will be glad to post what I find here, good or bad, if it is of value and meaningful to the election. I will post facts, and maybe my opinion. (I will clarify as to what is what.)
This thread is what we make it. When people get on here and argue for the sake of arguing. Name bashing and flat out just acting ignorant, will continue to make this a place that no one will take seriously!
Don’t get me wrong! I will be the 1st to admit that I am guilty of all those things!
However I do believe that we can disagree without being disagreeable, and just agree to disagree! There is no reason to direspect anyone here who would like to participate in this forum! All opinions are welcome! However the more polite and diplomatic you are the more seriously you will be taken. Also choosing a handle other than “anonymous” is important if you plan on being here for a while. You can still keep your anonymity, its just hard to tell who is who? (that is my opinion)
It sems like most of the people who picked me apart, have backed off. And I hope it stays that way. For the integrety of this forums sake.
Besides Myself, “VintagePort”, “Porter”, Laun Cook and a few others have been extremely disrespected by a few people who don’t really seem to care about the election anyway? In my opinon they’re (VintagePort”, “Porter”, Laun Cook) the people who have brought the most valuable info to this forum! (again, I stress, that is my opinion!)
(Mr. Cook, I hope you read this)
One thing I need to say about the candidate Mr. Laun Cook, that I hope people will realize is this…..
He has made some good points! He has brought up many issues on what he would like to see change in the BCSO. He has answered some questions here and on his site. He has ideas that he strongly feels will work to better the BCSO.
He, like Vintage Port are both very Passionate about the place they work and the jobs they do. Although they disagree on a lot, and have even been offended by one another. They still want whats best for the BCSO. The truth is, is that the road to change is a long one. Some of Laun Cooks ideas and plans to fix the issues he feels need attention, may have to be altered.
It would be pretty improbable to say “I got the answers to all of the problems that come my way!” In my opinion he hasn’t said that! Instead he has said, “These are the problems I feel need attention, and if elected I will do my best to find a solution that will result in positive change!”
Now obviosly I can not speak for him. And that was not a direct quote from Mr. Cook. It is simply my interpretation of what he is saying!
I could be wrong? So Laun, I would like to ask you to come back to this forum and either validate what I am saying, or set me straight. (If you have the time to do so of course.)
I know you feel that this Forum has become redundant and I would have to agree with you, for the most part.
however, you did say at one time that you had more to bring to the table and I for one am interested in hearing more.
So hopefully this post will have some sort of effect on those who choose this place to debate!?
A good friend once told me “Attitude is everything!”
Goodnight all! I have a 5 day weekend!!! Yee haw!
Top ↑=)
Rev
When there is an appointment made, such as happened with the Sheriff, It is a bit more involved than just turning in a resume. There is a nomination process, that includes a number of individuals, who in turn are then asked if they would accept a nomination or not. Once that is completed the nominees are required to produce a resume stating their qualifications for the position to be filled. . If I am correct, I believe that there were three nominees and Mr. wilde was the one that was voted in by the Commissioners and the Central Committee members. I think that Mr. Christensen, Mr. Staker or Mr. Radford would be able to provide the information on where that resume is.
Thanks!
Top ↑Once again, Thanks for the info Porter!
Top ↑Have a great day!
=)
Rev
If a person were to to look at the history of Sheriff appointees, you will find that it is common practice to retire at such a time that you can recommend the next interim Sheriff. The weight that is given by the former Sheriff is substantial to those who will sit on the board who make the final decision. You can look at the history in East Idaho and find many examples where this has been a common practice for a very long time.
The retiring Sheriff has to plan it in such a manner to meet the time frames or loose the possibility of not being able to make this recommendation. This is a long practice held amongst Sheriff’s and is talked about at the State Sheriff Association meetings.
I would also remind the readers that a number years ago the public voted to have term limit’s, not once but twice and it was the State Sheriff’s Association that put financial backing into overturning the law that the public voted on. As a result you get a very “Political” office that often times is more concerned about getting elected or re-elected that they forget their main duty to the public is Law Enforcement.
As others have said in the past there is great weight put on party affiliation and friendships. Without that your resume can say almost anything, but in the right circles you might get appointed to the position of Sheriff even though others with equal or more experience were not placed on the list.
Top ↑The fact that Sheriff Wilde is not campaigning at all says to me that he figures he has it in the bag. Why would that be, I wonder?
And then I remember that little R by his name.
This post/thread takes 30 seconds just to load, so I won’t be revisiting it. I hope to find some campaigning being done, or it’s clear I will be voting for the guy who did bother to try to reach me…Mr. Cook.
Top ↑I see that Nemesis has promised not to return.
Segrue, Sheriff Wilde has done several things in his short time in office. They have hired several talented people and have been busy reorganizing some of the divisions so that things run smoother. I’ve commented several times in the past what his qualifications are. I have also been accused of being a Sheriff Wilde lover. The term “hemmorage” has been used to describe some of the employees moving on to other employment. Let me say, that the City Police have had multiple new hires also for several different reasons to the point that I rarely see a City Patrol Officer that I actually know. I don’t hear anyone criticizing that.
I sent Cook an email to his web site in hopes of working some things out with him in a more private setting since he has QUIT coming to this post. I sent this a week ago and have not recieved any kind of response from him. He claimed that he had a large amount of information to share here some posts ago. What happened to it???
I see that he can identify and claim problems and who is doing things wrong but I fail to see where he has given any real plans to fix his claims. Other than setting up committees for this and for that or adding mystery people to divisions. Where does he plan to get the money for these positions? If new positions could be added, believe me, they would have. In his own words, “it looks good on a spread sheet”.
Sheriff Wilde has been doing the job and I believe well. Setting up a web site and claiming that the Sheriff’s Office is going down the tubes is not much of a campaign. When you point your finger at someone, remember, three fingers are pointing back at you.
Top ↑In 344 Vintageport3935 said: “Segrue, Sheriff Wilde has done several things in his short time in office.” A statement like this is faint praise at best. Be bold, be specific. What programs, policies, practices, or goals has he articulated to the troops that would alleviate the massive turn-over among your career officers? (Although I think saying that Mr. Wilde has spent a short time in office is somewhat disingenuous. After all, hasn’t he been Sheriff Stommel’s ‘Tonto’ since ‘92? Who else but he and Stommel created this mess?)
Vintageport3935 wrote, “The term “hemmorage” has been used to describe some of the employees moving on to other employment.” Any organization of nominally 160 persons that loses more than 60 positions filled by people with 5 years, or more, experience within 3 years is not a healthy enterprise. People are the ONLY asset of merit in law enforcement. And BCSO has lost more than 50% of its experience pool. We have been plundered! Ask the POST academy what a healthy turn-rate should be.
Most companies in the real world realize replacing someone costs at least 150% of the annual wage of the person lost. And in your situation it has to be significantly higher, since you cannot replace training, maturity, and experience any quicker that it grew in the first place. You have just witnessed the decimating of my county’s Sheriff’s Office. Experience and training that was lost now has to be re-purchased again. Both by paying the training fees and by paying the wages of the rookies while they get trained. IF we can get the hole plugged!
This damage has already been done! What we are deciding in November is which of these candidates will continue same-old/same-old, and which will at least try a different approach. Which one sees a problem to be solved, and has the energy to try?
I am told you now have officers in the field training new recruits who, just a few years ago, would have been considered rookies themselves. But because of the ever increasing turn-rate they are now assuming senior officers’ duties in many instances. The BCSO has simply become everyone else’s training department – FREE of charge! But that seems to be OK because Mr. Wilde expects me to continue to pick up the tab for the Stommel/Wilde mismanagement and amusement park. We are not amused.
Then Vintageport3935 said, “They have hired several talented people,,,” I haven’t heard of any experienced officers transferring into the BCSO – except for one on the rebound from a contract in Irag. Do tell. What departments were they hired into. How many years of experience did they bring? What certified talents and skills did they bring? How were they recruited? I don’t need names, but you can be more specific. How many, how many years experience, what talents, which departments?
Vintageport3935 said, “and have been busy reorganizing some of the divisions so that things run smoother.” Again, be specific, which divisions, how were they reorganized? What new program, policy, practice, or goal did Mr. Wilde post? When were these changes made? What results did they have? Or is this post just more enabling behavior?
And finally Vintageport3965 wrote, “Sheriff Wilde has been doing the job and I believe well.” How do you measure that? I can see that for a select few he has been a wonderful buddy. But at the price of telling everyone else working there that they are just spaceholders that can be expeditiously replaced. (Do you have a job description that tells you how to measure your performance empirically? Or could you find yourself out in the cold with just a change of attitude?)
Business leaders know this is the poison seed that will kill any organization, plant more – die quicker. Mr. Cook seems to realize that.
Beyond coming to the office on time, and not using too much toilet paper; what has Paul Wilde done to solve these problems across the past 8 (no now 9) months? Has he brought any new solutions to the turn-over situation? What makes him more qualified than Sheriff Stommel? (Stommel couldn’t solve these problems either, could he?) How is he different? What does he bring to the table? How is Paul Wilde more qualified than Laun Cook?
Habeas Corpus – Show me the body!
Top ↑I have read Segrue’s post and am busy jotting down notes for all the questions posed to me. Not sure I can answer all of them until I have some extra time. I will try though and not just quit like Mr. Cook because someone has asked some tough questions that need detailed answers.
Top ↑Vintageport, i think we all recognize by now that Wilde has a secret admirer. But when we ask questions, we really don’t need you giving us generic answers. We need Wilde to give us specific answers.
How often has the question been asked here – Where is his website, information (short of going downtown to retrieve something in a database).
Where is his campaign? How many times do we have to ask for this before someone finally breaks down and tells us?
Top ↑Please note: My last comment was comment # 347, with still NO ANSWERS from the WIide campaign.
Top ↑hmm,
I dont think your last comment was justified at all. I think you calling me a “secret admirer” is a feeable attempt at discrediting and defaming me. May I say that you DO NOT control this forum and therefore have no right to say what anyone else needs here?
Perhaps Sheriff Wilde started his campaign today because he had a few extra minutes to spare after working his job as the Bonneville County Sheriff. Do you know?
Don’t try to knock me down and I won’t try to knock you down.
Top ↑As far as I’m concerned Vintageport, you’ve already knocked the whole post down. But if it’s true, he finally started his campaign, AGAIN – where can we find it?
Top ↑hmm
Why dont you call Sheriff Wilde and ask him yourself rather than making somebody else do your research for you?
Top ↑Segrue is absolutely correct in his previous post. Vintageport has been asked many times in this forum for information from WILDE so the public can be well informed at election time.
It is a slap in the face to say that the public should automatically know what WILDE’S intentions are, considering there has been nothing in this site, Post Register or the News Media from the Wilde Camp.
Many times the public has used his forum to ask specific questions about the changes that need to be made in the current Sheriff’s Office and little has been given in return.
Even if the Department (Excuse me- Office) was in good repair which it is not, lets hear what he is planning on doing to change the direction and scope of that agency.
How is he going to correct the high fatality and injury rate on County roads when it has been standard practice to look the other way during an election year. How many families have to lose fathers, mothers, sons or daughters because of a flawed policy on looking the other way during the election year.
What does Wilde plan on doing to provide coverage to the areas of the County that very seldom see a Deputy?
What does he plan on doing to clean up the mess that Stommel dragged on for years. On many civil suits are being paid out by the County Insurance Carrier. Remember that this is Taxpayer money and each time a settlement is given out because of lack of supervision or wrong doing it is the public that pays the price.
With the massive numbers leaving for better pastures, you place the younger officers with inexperienced field training officers. You have inexperience training inexperience, this is a recipe for disaster.
Lets hear from Wilde, let the public comment on what he has planned for “OUR” Department, not just those with a key to the building.
Top ↑Great Comment #345 Segrue!
Vintageport, I had to laugh at “Hmm” comment! It was childish, yet I did laugh. Don’t take people like hmm serious. However you definitely are “pro” Wilde and have been asked to specify your accusations. I think if you can do that, some of these childish people will back off.
I also loved hearing what Sergue had to say!
The election is drawing near and still no word from Paul Wilde! Everyone has asked? In my opinion he should have come forth with a campaign in June at the latest! If he doesn’t campaign at all, I will definitely vote for Cook. Besides I think Cook has some good ideas and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty!
Vintage Port, Honestly? How do you feel about Paul Wilde not running a campaign? Stommel saw fit to run a campaign. And do you think that will have a negative outcome for him?
Good evening All!
Top ↑Rev
Oh yes, it’s very childish to ask where a politician’s campaign is Rev. I mean, we should be psychic enough to know these things.
Meanwhile, like Nemesis, I consider this thread a waste of time. Wilde has made it pretty clear that he doesn’t want to answer the many questions that have come up. Without answers, he doesn’t have my vote.
It sounds like some of you want to vote for him because he has that (R) and I think you should. But count me out.
Top ↑Rev, please don’t start calling people names because you didn’t like their comment. I recall not too long ago you didn’t like it when somebody questioned your comments made on this post.
Top ↑The point hmmm was trying to make is that Wilde has given us nothing to work with aside from “a fan” within his department. The people of IF deserve more than secondhand information on his campaign.
to hmm,
First off, I absolutely agree with your frustration about Paul Wilde not campaigning outside of his office! I have gone as far as emailing the editor and news editor of the Post Register, asking them if they even knew there was an election in November! (No reply?) I told them of this thread also.
Vintage Port only works for the BCSO and supports Paul Wilde. He can not speak for him! Throughout this entire thread people have demanded him to answer for Paul Wilde. He can’t!
He will have to answer “Segrue’s” last comment after the accusations he made!?
Anyway this is what you said,
“Vintageport, i think we all recognize by now that Wilde has a secret admirer.”
Now, even though I did get a kick out of it, I felt like it was another attack on Vintage Port simply because he supports Paul Wilde?
I on the other hand don’t support Mr. Wilde and feel at this point Mr. Cook is a better candidate. Maybe if Paul Wilde would get on the ball with this campaign it would show the voters what he plans to do to improve the BCSO. (I just don’t see it happening?)
So, though I do not agree with Vintage Port about Paul Wilde and I agree with you about Paul Wilde (or so it seems), I felt that one sentence in your comment was “childish”. It was kind of funny though. I wasn’t trying “to call you names” as “Chingy put it, or assasinate your character, but if you read through this thread Vintage Port has repeatedly told everyone that he is not Paul Wilde and can not speak for him! He only supports him. He has ben attacked repeatedly throughout this thread for it. For his opinion! I personally am tired of it! “Segrue” on the other hand approached him in a very well thought out manner!
Top ↑Did you see me disagree with Segrue? No.
I enjoy a good debate. I really do, (and I have even done some name calling myself). I just think that repect is earned by being respectful!
Didn’t mean to hurt your feelings!
Have a great day!
Rev
Rev, I can appreciate that. You said it well. It wasn’t an effort to attack Vintageport per say, it’s just that he/she has been on here repeatedly praising Wilde and nobody has seen what all the praise is about. So while I’m glad he/she likes the boss (it helps at work if you like your boss) it seems as if the praise is overboard given what little the rest of us know about the work Wilde is doing.
And yes, I am frustrated with all of this. Here it is September 3, the election is two months out, and nothing out of Wilde. There wasn’t even anything about him at the State Fair in the Republican booth (I even asked specifically for something on Wilde). Laun Cook had a handout at the Democratic booth.
As it stands right now, my vote will most definitely go to Cook. He has taken the opportunity to address issues both on his website and here on this blog and in other areas as well. And even if he’s not the perfect candidate, at least we know he’s going to try.
Top ↑Chingy, yes, exactly and I thank you.
Top ↑To those who would give their vote for the Sheriff of Bonneville County away so cheaply I am frustrated but also recognize your absolute right to do just that. I don’t understand why you would base your decision on a slanderous, negative web site, posts here that only pose questions, no real answers and a hand out? This is only a question and not an accusation. You take what opinions I have give here and turn them in every which way. I’m a “Wilde lover”, “secret admirer”, and “a fan”. Does anyone take a moment to wonder if maybe I am just telling the truth from my tiny corner?
Segrue,
I don’t give faint praise and I really wish I could prove this to you but alas, without telling you who I am, this is impossible. I am bold and straight forward. Since Wilde was promoted to Chief Deputy, morale has been a focus point. A mission statement was developed, a monthly Sheriff’s Office news letter began to be published in which employee concerns were addressed, morale issues were discussed and accomplishments were recognized. Pay increases were also strongly focused on. County wide, employees received a six percent cost of living increase last year. As of October this year, another three and a half percent cost of living will be added. Certified law enforcement officers who fill office positions will be going to an 84 hour pay period which is what patrolman have had for years. This will increase monthly salaries to include Mr. Cook’s but he won’t tell you about it.
Equipment for the Sheriff’s Office is extremely good and might I say awesome. I listen to the new guys complain about the tools they have today and it makes my hair stand up when I think about what we had less than twenty years ago. Sheriff Wilde promotes a positive, can-do attitude which I have said before. I believe he has hesitated to name a chief deputy so as to not place someone in limbo for the short time he has been in office leading up to this election in November. He is thinking more of others than of himself.
Disingenuous? When I started with the Sheriff’s Office around the area of ’92, Sheriff Wilde was a Sergeant. His duties were as a Public Information Officer (PIO) which he did a great job. He also supervised DARE, and Neighborhood Watch Programs and Public Relations. I’m not sure how he could be called Sheriff Stommel’s “Tonto” any more than anyone else who worked at the Sheriff’s Office and that is pretty slanderous of you in my opinion. Sheriff Wilde as far as I can remember was then a supervisor over Detectives (Investigations). I think he then became a Lt. over communications before moving to corrections where he became a Captain and over saw the administration there. He then spent a time as Chief Deputy where I found his door open at all times no matter the topic.
Segrue says that more than sixty people have moved on from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office which can be called a “Hemorrhage”. Are you talking from approximately 1910 since Bonneville County became a County seat and required a Sheriff’s Office or the last few years? I can’t for the life of me think of sixty people that have moved on. I don’t necessarily work closely with corrections so maybe they have had a mass exodus that has escaped my attention but I don’t think so.
Where do you get your numbers when you say the Sheriff’s Office has lost more than %50 of its experienced work force? I work there and it is not true. Do we have some new people on patrol, yes. We almost always do. The time that I was a Field Training Officer, we trained a lot of new people and that has been some time ago, way before all this negativity was started by a select few, some who are no longer with the Office.
The term “Rookie” that you throw around is disrespectful and a word that I have never felt urged to use. It is degrading. I wonder if you are a mirror image of Mr. Cook. We haven’t had many certified Officers move to other agencies other than Idaho Falls PD. One went to Boise, I think a Corrections Deputy to the State Police.
Do we have Training Officers who don’t have several hash marks on their sleeves? Yes, we do and they are doing a very good job and are supervised by an excellent Sergeant who over-sees the field training program. Don’t short change new blood, they are the future because as much as we would like to think so, none of us lasts forever.
As far as your many questions about our talented people that have been hired. I think three recent hires were certified officer that came from a range of neighboring counties and one from out of state. They brought with them years of experience, expert training and a dedication to serve and protect you. I counted today and we have a large number (10+) of Law Enforcement Deputies that started in the Corrections Division. I think they saw a clear career path. Please remember that our Law Enforcement numbers are not out of this world. Some came to work with the Sheriff’s Office much like me, not having a clue what they were getting themselves into but doing their very best to fulfill their promise to the people of Bonneville County and to the Sheriff of Bonneville County. Other than that I don’t have their resumes handy, sorry.
As for reorganizing divisions, the driver’s license division is being moved to a bigger and better facility, a reorganization of the civil and records departments is slated, senior field training officers have been pulled from their current assignments to support the newly hired people, and a new position will be filled in Detectives as of the beginning of the fiscal year (October 2008). Narcotics Detectives and Investigation Detectives are working hand in hand and will assist one another at a moments notice. I will not reveal our true numbers. If you call this enabling behavior, then you are right, we make arrests and prosecute the guilty.
Sheriff Wilde is not my “buddy”. He may be to some, I do not know. I do know that I can speak to him about any problem that may arise. Are you serious when you suggest that people may be in fear of losing their jobs over differing opinions? I speak from experience; you are wrong, ridiculously wrong. I know from my position that Sheriff Wilde supports every employee who does their job. No one is a “space-holder”, everyone is an asset. I’ve undergone several attitude changes and hard cases. Some won and some lost. I still have a job and I still greet my superiors in a gentlemanly manner. I can’t say the same things for Mr. Cook. Once you have a disagreement with him, all communications are shut off.
Your other questions about Sheriff Wilde’s qualifications, I have answered them over and over in my previous posts. Please roll back and read some of them if you have time.
Top ↑I apologize if I have not answered all of your questions but I have made a sincere attempt. Don’t belittle me and my opinions and ask for more details because I won’t drag out a “spread sheet”. I can see what option is best for the Sheriff’s Office and I only wish to share it with you, the people, so that you can have an independent opinion.
To Hmm & everyone else,
Dean Miller fom the Post Register replied to my email and said that, ” After Labor Day we will focus on the Political Race” Meaning both the Presidential and our local government, including the Sheriff! Hopefully we will hear something from Mr. Wilde! It will need to be a powerful address to the public because he is way behind, as far as campaigning goes!
To Vintage Port,
I commend you on your answer to Segrue. I have a feeling (based on your comments) that Mr. Wilde is your Boss, and you enjoy working with him? I respect that, honestly. If Cook is elected Sheriff, would that make him your Boss? Because obviously you don’t care for the man and are pretty sure that he is not the right person for the job? Would it be fair (after reading all your posts) to say that your attitude towards Cook has been somewhat hostile? (this is not an attack)
I am assuming you are a deputy. And this election could seriously impact your job as well as your co-workers. I haven’t heard much from other BCSO employees about who they want to fill the Sheriff’s position? They will be the ones who will see any and all changes that take effect 1st.
You seem to have a positive attitude about the way things are going currently at the BCSO. Which is (in my opinion) exactly the opposite from many of the posts (especially Mr. Cook’s) on this forum.
You still haven’t answered my question in comment #353 ? I don’t know if you forgot to answer it or if you felt that it was irrellevant? But I’ll ask again…
“Vintage Port, Honestly? How do you feel about Paul Wilde not running a campaign? Stommel saw fit to run a campaign. And do you think that will have a negative outcome for him?” If I am wrong please let me know!
Although many do not work for the BCSO or have to deal with Wilde or Cook on a daily basis. We are still the “taxpayers” and our vote is just as important as yours! Would you agree?
Now, If you can remember my 1st post here? You would most likely assume that my vote was for Paul Wilde, and all that I wrote was to harm Cook in any way I could in this election! Am I right?
All that was worked out and I learned some more about Laun Cook. Through that time, Paul Wilde made no attempt to run a public campaign? Which doesn’t tell us (those who don’t know him) anything about him!
I am not being sarcastic here at all. All that we have to go on is your opinion. Which I am sorry to say is biased! Because you work there. On the same note, your opinion is highly valued, because you work there!
There has not been enough publicity regarding Paul Wilde.
The public has a right to know who Paul Wilde is and why we should vote for him!
You said this in your last comment
“To those who would give their vote for the Sheriff of Bonneville County away so cheaply I am frustrated but also recognize your absolute right to do just that. ”
Now when Paul Wilde won’t even attempt to Publicly campaign like his opponent has, then common sense says that voting for Wilde is “giving away your vote cheaply”! Unless, of course you know him! Which many do not, and that is why you have been targeted in this forum. Because you know him, and really have been the only positive voice for him on this forum, thus far!
Top ↑I appreciate the work you and the rest of the BCSO do! I hope to hear from Mr. Wilde before November. If I have been wrong in any way, please reply and let me know.
Goodnight all!
Rev
Rev,
I agree with you that Sheriff Wilde has not been out knocking on doors and handing out pamphlets. Do I think that will affect his campaign now that there are sixty days to go? Possibly.
Everyones vote is crucial. Why do you think I have spent so much time writing on this post? I think that question is somewhat unfair and if I have in any way suggested that my vote is the most important than my apologies. As citizens we are all equal. When a person decides to run for a political office all sides of them should come to light especially when they go on the attack.
In the unlikely event that Sheriff Wilde does not take office in the next term, I will continue my career as I have done. I will work with my administration and do my job because that is what is best for my Office and the citizens I work for.
Have I been hostile? Probably but in my opinion for good reasons. I don’t beat around the bush and I always speak the truth even if the group dislikes it. I wont be given a black eye without speaking my opinion about it and I have.
Top ↑If “everyones vote is crucial” than why isn’t Wilde on this site trying to drum up support and answer questions? Or why doenst’ he have a website of his own up yet being that theres only 60 days left. Seems rather irresponsible to me to assume that he’s a “shoe-in” for this position. Especially since Mr Cook has taken time out of his busy day to come on the site here and answer questions.
Top ↑Guest House,
How do you really expect V.P. to answer the question posted in #362?
Top ↑I don’t “expect” VP to answer it. It’s the same question that’s been asked over and over for months now with no reply. why should that change now?
Top ↑Campaigning costs money. I think that it is a good and wise thing to use that money and time when it will do a candidate the most good. I am expecting now that there are just a couple of months before the election and the Republican convention is coming to an end that we will see more campaigning done by Mr. Wilde as well as most of the other candiates running for various seats.
Top ↑I recieved those numbers. Since 1Jan 08, we have hired 25 new employees. This would indicate we have been running rather short. These are not new positions but rather replacements which will take another year before they can work effectively alone.
Top ↑Does this number reflect Jail, Patrol, Administration combined?
Top ↑Cook wants to jump back into the “redundancy” of this post! I was almost surprised that you didn’t respond to my email. It certainly is not just Law Enforcement or I would hardly know anyone I work with.
How do you figure a year? 3 months FTO and 11 weeks for POST training in Law Enforcement.
I’m Not totally sure here but I’ll go out on a limb and say that Corrections has a 10 to 12 week FTO program and a 5 to 6 week POST training.
I don’t see the year that you mentioned and I’m curious what your personal definition of “effectively” really is.
Top ↑It sounds like Cook makes inflammitory statements in an attempt to support his position and candidicy but vintagport also knows the straight truth. Interesting!!!
Top ↑So you’re good with the current status of the department? Are you saying there are no problems?
Top ↑I think the current status of the Department is up to perception. I’d rather have a cop like vintageport help me with his attitude than some of the others that spout negativity. There must be problems but it sounds like they are a focus instead of being ignored.
Top ↑Vintageport isn’t a cop. He/she … (moderated, please do not post personal information about other users.)
Top ↑Ominous,
Ah…..sorry to tell you that you are wrong but you are wrong. Not that it really makes any difference other than I am in a position to give people the straight scoop. I’ve briefly explained my background in prior posts.
Anonymous in post 371, Thank you for your support and recognizing the validity of what I have been saying.
Top ↑I love it. Thank you Vinagageport for the inside scoop. I really don’t think it matters where you work or what your duties are at your place of employment, I appreciate the insite that you are able to give us about what is going on . There are others on this thread that have done the same and I want to thank them also.
It is hillarious to me though, at the obvious attempts at trying to figure out who you are by the baiting that goes on with some of these remarks. Keep up the good work Vintageport as well as the rest of the wonderful people that work with you.
I wish there was a way to maybe cut some of the prior remarks out of this topic so that it would upload faster and be a bit more user friendly.
Oh, by the way, the Republican party has opened up their office if you haven’t heard. Mr. Ball has donated some office space by the new pier for their office. I bet that some information on the campaigns of some of our local candidates will be coming soon.
Top ↑So if everything is hunky-dory, why can’t you keep your career staff? Why did you have to re-fill 25 positions so far this year?
Top ↑The page loads just fine for me. Are you using dial up Porter?
Also, it seems to me if comment 372 was edited, 371 should also be edited as it posts personal information about VP, which may or may not be true.. Seems the moderators are picking and choosing what to edit again instead of being fair and balanced.
Top ↑I agree with comment 376. Personal information wasn’t posted in 372, (especially since it wasn’t true to begin with as VP noted) At least no more information that has already been posted within the 375 comments in this topic.
Top ↑I have a high speed connection, it just seems to take longer. I guess it should be a lesson in patience for me. It also takes a while for the comment section to catch up with what I have typed. And I can assure you that it isn’t because I am that fast..:)
The good thinkg in my mind, is that the 25 positions that were empty are now filled. That has to cut down tremendously on the overtime that was being paid.
Top ↑I have been sitting on the sidelines of this topic for several months. Now, as we approach the opportunity to exercise that right that so many have given their lives to protect, I must speak.
There is no doubt that vintageport loves working for appointed Sheriff Wilde, and apparently does not look forward to working for Laun Cook. That’s great! Everyone has a right to their opinion. However, much of what Vintageport writes about the current status of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office should be read with an understanding that the vast majority of his writing is opinion, not fact. For all we know, it is Paul Wilde writing about himself! And, for that same reason, what I write should be verified, if possible.
It can, and should be, verified that the Sheriff’s Office is, and has been, suffering from unprecedented attrition, both in Jail operations and Law Enforcement. I suggest that all ills of the Sheriff’s Office can be narrowed to three key issues: Leadership, Polices, and employee compensation.
LEADERSHIP: Wilde has failed miserably to create any feeling of a “team”. Former Sheriff Stommel put Wilde in charge of rolling out a new mission statement, and bringing the many Sheriff’s Office employees together as a “team”. He failed miserably to get this done. Ask any “team member” about “The Team Rules”. It’s a joke!!! And, the Sheirff’s Office spent alot of money on this. Can you hear a big “flush”? Wilde lost much support over his issue with appointing a Chief Deputy. There is no reason he did not appoint a Chief Deputy, and announce it to be a temporary pending the outcome of the election. Employees are looking for stability and positive change. He missed the chance, and created more fears!
Sorry…more later.
Top ↑Sorry, duty called…
POLICIES: Mr. Cook has made reference to a policy that should shake the very core of every citizen of this County! If a Jail Deputy wants to apply to work in the Law Enforcement Division, he or she must RESIGN (yes, as in QUIT!) their employment at the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, and be rehired…by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office in the Law Enforcement Division. The argument given is that if the officer fails probation in law enforcement, then they would have standing to get their job back in the Jail. To that I say, “TERRIFIC”!!! First, a poor performing Officer would not be offered an opportunity in law enforcement…meaning that only very good, career-minded officers are involved in this issue. Why on earth would would we punish an Officer for trying to stretch his career, to reach for new and challenging goals? This is beyond my understanding. Place a check mark under “Morale Killer” for this one.
Many other policies in the Sheriff’s Office are so limiting in scope, as well as their ability to be understood, that they become feared. If you do not believe this, you should ask any Deputy about how many Deputys are members of the Fraternal Order of Police, and why. You will receive a resounding, “legal defense from Administration”. Another check mark under “Morale Killer”.
ADMINISTRATION: In simplest terms, appointed Sheriff Wilde trusts very few people. He puts up with many administrators because the work has to be done. But trust? No! Sorry Vantageport…I have to disagree with you. You may not get fired for disagreeing with Wilde, but you can put a lid on your career. Of that I am certain! Names are not important, but the list is long.
I could go on and on, but it would be easy to figure out my assignment. I know who I will vote for now. I know enough about both candidates to decide now.
In summary, I offer this: Whether you think you know enough to decide who will get your vote, or not, you are probably right.
Top ↑Perhaps, Wazzup is Mr. Cook writing about himself. He sounds very disgruntled and might entertain a different line of work. IMO
Top ↑My sentiments exactly Anon. My first impression was that exaxt thing. The wording and tone is much too familiar. Good luck in the race Wazzup.
Top ↑Thanks for you comments! But, sorry…no joy! I know Mr. Cook and think highly of him. With that said, I also think highly of Wilde, as a person. Sorry you think so little of a different opinion. But isn’t that what this forum is for??
Which ever Sheriff we end up with, there will be good changes, and not so good changes…good ideas and not so good ideas. Neither has a printing press in the basement to print more money to spend to fix all ills.
I must also state that I disagree with much of what Mr. Cook describes as his plan for change; his ten steps of change (launcook.com). He quotes percentages of attrition that are not correct. IMO, he is quoting stats that include retirements and those that leave law enforcement or Jail duty for other careers. The entire country is in flux on this issue. Bonneville County has its problems, but they are not alone. Lets remember to respect and appreciate the committed sheriff’s Office members that perform qualtiy work 24/7 right now. It’s not easy keep a good attitude at work when you don’t know who your boss will be in about six weeks.
So, “Anonymous” and “Not Again”, sorry to disappoint.
Top ↑Hello all,
I read through whazzups post (379-380) and had to think on it for a while. Whazzups post today in 383 I agreed with very much. I have to point out some items I disagree with in the initial posts.
Vintageport does not love to work for the “appointed” Sheriff Wilde. I love to work for the Sheriff’s Office of Bonneville County, a great team and I would dare say family. I’ve been around long enough to call a spade a spade. Sheriff Wilde has always done an exceptional job in his assignments. He has recently done a good job as a Chief Deputy and Sheriff. I think a lot of people can’t see the forest for the trees.
Whazzup, you comment that much of what I say about the current conditions of the Sheriffs Office is opinion. I guess you might mean perspective such as the one you share. I would say the same about what you write but I will not. Anonymous in a following post states that possibly you are Mr. Cook. I don’t believe so from some of the positive sincerity that you have shown in your post dated 9/16/08. I’m not Sheriff Wilde and I don’t believe that I even come close to doing the man justice with what I have written. I don’t think I have even come close to doing justice when I describe the integrity, reliability, and hard work of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office and it’s great people.
You are right, some folks have left and a bunch of new ones have come in hoping to do a good job just as their predecessors have done. The world never stops turning. I totally disagree with your description when you say that Sheriff Wilde has “failed miserably” to create any feeling of a team. How long have you been with the Sheriff’s Office? Team work is at an all time high and is as good as it has ever been. Tell me how he has failed miserably. Don’t just say it, tell me exactly why you feel that way. It’s not kindergarten, he won’t run around and put every one down for a nap with milk and cookies.
I’m a “team member”, ask me about the “team rules”. I don’t find them a joke, I find them unifying. Doesn’t every team have a motto? People that choose to belittle the positive efforts and think of themselves as more important than the rest make them a joke. “Team rules” are only as good as the team and those who are members. Sheriff Wilde not assigning a Chief Deputy makes perfect sense to me. How is this a threat to you unless you wanted to be the Chief Deputy? It didn’t cause me fear. I could see that he did not want to promote someone only to have their assignment possibly become jeopardized eight months later. I think it has made his job as Sheriff tougher as well as his Lieutenants because they are filling the void until after the election.
I’ve pointed out before, a large number of Patrol Deputies who are working hard today were experienced correctional Deputies. You say “morale killer”, I see a county policy that may need to be re-vamped. You want to point a finger at a “morale killer”? Point your finger at Mr. Cook and his misleading web site.
What policy is “limiting in scope”? You actually fear a policy? They are mostly intended to protect those of us who work for the Sheriff’s Office. They are all common sense and pretty darn easy to live by. Ask me, I’m a Deputy, why are so many personnel members of the FOP? BECAUSE OF THE LEGAL PLAN THAT IS OFFERED. As a law enforcement officer, you can get sued for anything and the legal plan offers affordable legal representation in this event. Legal defense from administration? Do your job right, tell the truth and admit your mistakes. This will keep you out of most trouble and will always keep the administration on your side. I was around at the beginning of the FOP and very involved until I woke up and realized the Sheriff’s Office is going to take care of me as long as I take care of it. It’s a utility relationship, everyone wins.
I trust Sheriff Wilde and as a fellow Deputy I know he trusts me. I would trust him with my life if necessary as I hope I can with all of the Deputies I work with. We keep the peace and up hold the law but we also fight for one another and make sure everyone safely goes home to their families at the end of the shift. Present him with a problem and a logical way to fix it and he will listen. Join the whinny club and no one listens, people tire of it and begin to shy from it. I’ve discussed some issues with him that were not necessarily easy and I think my can is still open and full of fresh air. No lid here people.
I respect Whazzup’s opinion and I hope that he/she can get past some of their fears and not view our mission statement for the citizens of Bonneville County and our team spirit as a joke.
Top ↑Vintageport: Your thoughts are clear, concise, and I accept “perspective” as the appropriate word to replace “opinion”. Thank you.
I do not “fear” policies. I welcome them, when written to assure appropriate and consistent behavior that is in the best interest of our community. I have a significant disagreement with the person who writes them, and for what purpose. And that person may well injure Wilde’s chances for success. Enough said.
To demonstrate that I am not a “Wilde Basher” or a Cook Lover”, I offer this. Wilde did not create the current situation. He was part of the administration that was somewhat asleep at the wheel for many years. So often we want to lay the blame at the feet of someone who had little or no control over the direction we were headed. That chapter in the history of the Sheriff’s Office is closed. Moving on is best.
IMO, Wilde is not starting at “even”; he’s inherited problems that will take very creative leadership (not more management!) in plotting our course for the near and distant future, a very difficult-stressful-demanding look at every single dollar we spend and why – and look at EVERYTHING – including all the pet projects, and build careers for every employee.
A very good personal friend, and former Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Bud Langerak, was preaching this many years ago. This is not new, but someone has to listen – and I mean really listen. Much of what I have learned and know about the Sheriff’s Office came from Bud, and its good stuff, not negative. Whether you agree or not, Bud was always working to improve our pay, benefits and our personal safety on the job. Too bad Wilde ran him off. That’s one decison Wilde made that I will NEVER agree with. Isn’t it funny that Wilde sees no value in keeping Bud around to help us through these really tough times, but Governor Otter and the senate thought enough of him to appoint him to the Parole Commission. Too bad Bud didn’t run for Sheriff. That would be an exciting race.
Wilde did not create the Sheriff’s Office mission statement, or the team rules, or the stragic plan, or the monthly newpaper. He was part of a team of people that collectively pounded out those documents. The team rules were presented with much enthusiasm, and little follow through. I appreciate your “perspecitve” on this issue, but there is another part of the Sheriff’s Office a few miles down the road, called “Bonneville County Jail”. How do you promote “One Team, One Future” when a Jail Deputy must resign his Jail career to move to law enforcement? That is a miserable failure in my book.
Thank you for your thoughts Villageport. One day we will figure out who each other are, and we’ll have to have lunch and a good laugh over all this rhetoric. All said and done, there is just one table, and I believe we are sitting on the same side more often than not.
Whether we work for Wilde or Cook, the sun will rise in the morning! Our community will be safe because of committed team members like you and me, we will be safe because of many great past decisions (of which I thank Bud), and we will be stand tall together.
Regardless of how you vote, VOTE!
Top ↑Thanks to both Vintage Port and Wazzup. Both of you have given very clear pictures of both sides, and have helped me decide my vote.
Top ↑Whazzup99
Top ↑If my numbers are incorrect, I don’t know what to say as they came from the interim appointee Paul Wilde via his secretarial staff. They do not include retiree’s. They report 67People quit since 1 Jan 2005. Seven of those retired. The rest quit, got fired etc. for a number of reasons. As you know we employ roughly 160 personel give or take. 60 out of 160 is easily 1/3. Although there are problems nationwide, this historically has not been a problem with Bonneville County. I have made no attempt to separate those from the jail or patrol.
Is losing correctional staff any less costly or less important than loosing patrol staff? Is there no need for experienced personel in the jail? Since there are alot more employee’s in the jail, there is likely a larger turnover there. I think you would find the turnover proportional. Either way the loss is tragic.
I appreciate your perspective and strongly agree many have made a valuable contribution. Solving the morale issues are the key to getting past the unusually high turnover.
Has anyone compared that attrition rate to that of any of the other local agencies around. What is IFPD’s turnover, Madison County, Jefferson County etc. Is a 33% turn over rate good or bad in law enforcement?
We need to compare apples to apples here. the numbers that are given are during Sheriff Stommels watch. Are theys really relevant in this election since Stommel isn’t even running. What has the turn over been since Janurary of 2008 since Sheriff Wilde has taken over as the Sheriff.
I do recall a requirement of new personnel because of the Joann Wood project. Is that also figured into these numbers?
Top ↑Mr. Cook,
How long have you been a Democrat? Do you share the views of the party or are you only running as such because it was the only one available?
Top ↑Oh brother, here we go again.
Top ↑Concerrning Bud Langerack, if you want a perfect example of the good ole boy system take a look at Stommel and Langerack. It is my understanding that Bud was getting an enormous paycheck for doing very little for the S.O. Also, Langerack has been replaced by a more qualified individual at a fraction of the cost to the tax payers. Terrible example to use when the truth is involved considering Langerack. For me, just the replacement of this contracted fellow is enough for my vote. Good call Paul Wilde in saving some of the tax payers dollars by replacing him with a more qualified person and a better cost and the Country Commissioners obviously felt the same way. I am sure we will see more for our dollar than we have in the past concerning this single issue.
Top ↑wow, Porter you sound like just an innocent civilian here! I see you was in the high speed chase blog trying to impress everyone with you extensive police knowlege there too!!!
Top ↑Anyone have a recipe for chicken picasa? What kind of wine would I serve, a nice pinot or chardonnay? Am I on the right thread?
Top ↑I see you was in the high speed chase blog trying to impress everyone with you extensive police knowlege there too!!! Are you serious Anonymous. Which grammar school did you go to.
I thank ye kindly that you were impressed about my other postings that I was makin there on that there high speed chase thread. Thank ye. You must be one of them there police mans that knows everything that one of us stupid un edumacayted citizens don’t know nuthin about.
Is that the drift that I am getting from you? I hope not and it is that you are just being funny. You are obviously a negative backer of the Cook campaign, which I hope I am wrong about too. (I hope you noticed that I used two o’s in too, that means also in case they didn’t teach you that in your grammar school).
Top ↑Porter, I think he’s trolling you, not the campaign issues. I about peed reading your post! Thanks for a funny end to the Friday workday for us!
Top ↑I have to agree with Porter on the Langerack issue. I’ve heard a lot of things I would consider anti-morale about Langerack.
Top ↑yep, paper-pusher.
Top ↑Here is what I’ve heard about Langerak. For a long time he was praised for ability to get the county great equipment. Now that he’s gone they’ve discovered that he did this through a lot of creative accounting which has left the county in serious financial straits. As it was explained to me he basically was pulling money out of other budgets, hiding that fact, and then using that money to buy equipment. Now there are serious shortfalls in various budgets. If Wilde was behind him being pushed out then good for Wilde. I’m still leaning Cook in this election but I’ll give credit where credit is due.
Top ↑I like what viintage port has to say. It makes me wonder though when he talks about Cook running for Sheriff and that he has applied with the City Police. What does Cook want to be when he grows up? City cop or the new Sheriff in town. It sounhds like he was getting ready to quit the Sheriff’s Office but he will stay just long enough to throw mud.
Does anyone else find that odd?
Top ↑Anonymous in post 399,
I will agree with you on that one. I don’t see much experience in the Cook campaign and I think he is running just to create problems. I’m going with Wilde, someone who has proven that he can be counted on.
Langerak talks out of both sides of his mouth depending on who is listening. I’m glad they have decided to hire an actual money person who is trained to do just that. Langerak was really upset when the County didn’t renew his contract which paid him over fifty dollars an hour. They were ready to renew it with some minor stipulations but Langerak walked because he wasn’t having people bow down before him. He was so upset that he called the Post Register rag and gave them the information for the rediculous article they ran the next day. It called him a financial gurue. Ha!
Wilde headed in the right direction the day Langerak left the building. IMO
Top ↑If Langerak created such a problem at BCSO why was he so highly praised by Stommel. If Stommel trained Wilde does he follow in similar footsteps due to his training by Stommel? Are there other examples like Langerak that Wilde has removed to save the taxpayers money. It is no secret that there are others within the BCSO that have not performed in the past and were kept on due to friendships. How has Wilde changed this since he has taken over. Stommel wasted large sums of Tax Payers dollars and I want to be informed about how this has or has not changed with Wilde. However Wilde has made no effort to talk about the changes within his office since he took over.
Top ↑Think about it. If Laun Cook loses the election he will be ran out by a lynch mob administration. Trust me as a former employee gone IFPD. Laun is smart, win or no win he has to make a living. Laun is like a whistle blower. After the election the admin well make his job very difficult. They will probably come up with some unfounded IA and then find some violation not even related and run him off anyways. With the way the Sheriffs Office has been ran, the City is a very good option.
Top ↑Duh is obviously a conspiracy theroist. Anyone can be a whistle blower even when there is nothing to blow about. Remember the story of the pide piper who led all the children away from the village and then held them for ransom?. Duh makes some serious accusations considering some of the things that have gone on within the IFPD and people being run off.
Top ↑Duh obviously knows something you don’t anonymous. Nothing wrong with letting Duh speak his/her mind. (Lord knows we all listen to you speak yours around here) We’re not talking childrens stories, we’re talking about who is the best candidate to be sheriff. I see alot of Wilde supporters bashing Cook and Cook standing up to those folks. But I have yet to here a word from Wilde and his camp and to me that seems a little bit odd for a man thats “supposed to be” running for sheriff. From what I’ve heard, read and witnessed from Cook himself, he’s the right man for the job. And until Wilde decides he wants to join this race and speak to the people and tell us his intentions, I won’t even consider him for the position. (instead of having his lacky do his work for him, ie vintageport)
Top ↑Donjuan,
Top ↑you seem to be easily persuaded.
In this case I am. Especially when the other candidate (Wilde) seems to be hiding under a rock somewhere and won’t share his views or plans with the people of Idaho Falls. So you’re exactly right, it’s a very easy decision for me.
Top ↑It’s an easy decision for me as well having knowledge of what Cook is really like, and not just buying everything he writes about himself or the negative propaganda he chooses to spread. Sheriff Wilde is the man for the job.
Top ↑To “Porter” and your 9-19-08 comment. You obviously DO NOT know of, or understand, the “truth” about all the work done by my good friend Bud Langerak. If what he did is so bad, why are the County Commissioners using him on two projects right now? If he created so much financial distress, why do the Commissioners praise his conservative approach to financial management and include him in the success of getting a new work release center built with CASH, no bonds. It is apparent you like to spread the dark and smelly stuff, rather than facts.
Unless you know the absolute truth, be careful what you label as “truth”. I suggest you call Commissioner Christensen and verify my statements in this post. After all, hearing it from me is third hand. Verify your “truth”.
I asked Bud to come on this sight and tell, once again, how he calculated his hourly billing rate. He refused. He went through all the facts about a year ago on this sight, and decided that it was a waste of time. He did say that his replacement’s cost is considerably more than his billing, and yet agrees completely with the investment. His rate was based on the average cost of a Sheriff’s Lieutenant. His comment to me was that if you are a Deputy, you know or can get his cell number; give him a call for the “truth” and the “facts”. Then, you can post your retraction and apology.
Funny thing that he’ll give you about a thousand dollars in advise and knowledge for the cost of a cup of coffee. He won’t say it, but I will – he always was, and always will be, a great friend and asset to the Sheriff’s Office. IMO.
The Governor made a great choice in appointing Bud to the Pardons and Parole Commission as a Commissioner. He continues to serve all of us now, just in a new capacity.
Top ↑It sounds as though I pushed a button there Whuzzup. He played a shell game plain and simple. It sounds as though others that have posted here know him and agree. I wish him all of the best as he sits on the parole board for the state of Idaho deciding who should be paroled or not or whatever he is going to be doing as a commissioner for the Pardons and Parole Commission. I hope that he makes good choices in that position for the sake of community safety.
There is nothing to apologize for and there will be no retraction but I do thank you for your opinion.
Top ↑As I read the article in the Post Register I must say that the questions were very vague for the position of Sheriff. Of the three candidates this is the first that anything has been said from the Wilde Camp. The one candidate from Montana gave no answers in my book. Cook appeared to answer honestly and provided a plan for the future. Wilde answered in a manner to say that everyting was fine, all of the programs worked and lets keep everything the way it is. The answers were in true political form.
Having a background in Law Enforcement I know that there are many areas of improvement that are needed in both the BCSO and IFPD. Some of those changes have been made at IFPD and things are improving. Stommel has left, but there is a deep rooted problem that has continued within BCSO due to the Good Ole Boy Syndrome.
We need leadership that will recognize those who are doing the job and take action against those who collect a check and have zero productivity. No more turf wars, no more cutting down City or County officals who might point out a problem.
Lets see the officials at the top work together to form programs that are County wide that work together to catch the bad guy. Lets see multi jurisdictional DUI Task Force, Gang Task Force, Felony Crimes Task Force and other programs that work with IFPD, ISP and other Law Enforcement.
Lets get back to doing Law Enforcement, lets give the officers a decent wage and benefits, lets support the officers when they do the right thing, lets get rid of those who cannot or will not do the job. Lets get rid of the extras that are not needed but cost the taxpayer in dollars each and every year.
Top ↑“a thousand dollars worth of advice”?? Do tell, how does one calculate a thousand dollars worth of advice? I’m not being facietious, I would really like to know. Ok, maybe a little facietious, but it was an interesting comment. I mean if somebody has figured out a way to put a dollar amount on advice, I could potentially be a very rich hound dawg!
Top ↑To “LookingForAnswers”:
Eloquently put! Thank you!!!
To “Hound-Dawg”:
The concept of “one idea is worth a thousand bucks” may be beyond your years, and I truly do not mean that to be derogatory. In my good friend’s case, his one idea was worth several million dollars to the Sheriff’s Office. No shell games, as Porter proposes. It’s easy to spout untruths when hiding beyond pseudo names.
I have spent enough time with Bud, and learned of his ideas, thoughts, and dreams for the Sheriff’s Office that I feel like I’ve received a college education in financial management. Too bad al lthe dreams and ideas were flushed by Wilde
To all fellow readers and writers -
I am finding great humor in the recent questions proposed to the Sheriff’s candidates by the Post Register. Both are using words and phrases and making statements that have been made by my good friend for about 6 years. If he is the basis of so much angst, why are both candidates now proposing solutions that Bud talked about years ago? I know for a “fact” that Bud was working with County Commissioners several years ago on performance-based compensation, creating career paths for EVERY member of the Sheriff’s Office, and of greatest importance – working to find the resources to pay for such plans. He was working on these ideas long beforeThe Results Group came to town and helped build the mission statement and team rules. He was working on a plan to pay law enf. and jail deputies the same wage, and was creating a plan for easy transition from one to the other – he would frequently tell me his ideas and talk about what he was working on. He told me that talking about his ideas helped him get a more clear picture – all part of buildin his proposal.
So now I must ask the question – how is it that Wilde will steal Bud’s ideas and use them for his campaign, but then forced him out with a crazy contract that Bud was told not to sign by his attorney? Sounds to me like its not a matter of needing Bud, but rather fearing Bud’s ability to do the better thing. IMO And yes, I can feel the roasting coming!
MANY of us are still mad at Bud for not running for Sheriff. But, we will all follow the next Sheriff, whomever that may be.
Top ↑I found especially interesting the first question about deputies leaving the office. I noted Wilde answered in the affirmative contrary to what we have been led to believe by those in here especially the one who started this blog. I noted Wilde went on to say he’ s got it all under control now. Maybe he does?
Top ↑whazzup99
Top ↑Please, your making it way too obvious who you are. I don’t know why you feel the need to toot your own horn in here. This election is not about you. I am quite certain neither candidate is using “your stuff”.
Your last comment clinched it for me whazzup or should I say Bud. Since you brought up the Resuslts Group, that is located in Oregon and has been in business for much longer than Bud’s ideas have been, I heard that there were some copyright infringement issues for your use of their ideas in your personal business, just ask any of the other area law enforcement agencies that you tried to pass your ideas off too. Those who know about your style, know that you use others peoples ideas and have attempted to pass them off as your own. Not only in Law Enforcement but in other organizations you are involved with. When you live in a glass house you need to remember that people can and do see you and what you are about. Anyone can talk to the Commissioners and they are happy to talk about the “Creative Bookkeeping” that you were involved in.
Finally, we need to get back to the truthful and honest politics that have been lacking in the past years. We need to get away from the Langerack thing, he isn’t involved at all in the election, and we need to be focusing on the candidates that are. I do think it is nice that we have responses from the Post Register on the candidates views. It sheds light on the candidates views. Thanks PR.
Top ↑anonymous1,
I was going to suggest the same thing but you beat me to the punch. Good Job!! Langerak once made the staement that he would climb to the top no matter how many fingers he had to step on. I’ve kept that view of him ever since hearing it. He believed there was a copyright on all ideas I guess and that no one else could think. Bud had a great deal to do with the Jail staff not recieving the extra three percent raise that law enforcement recieved last year. It was rammed through while other administration memebers were out of town and unable to object. He put great emphasis on equipment and forgot about the people. His hold on Sheriff Stommel was a great strain for many in the office. I recall when Chev Impalas were purchased and one Deputy we had weighed in at about 340 pounds and six foot five. That Deputy remained in one of the old Caprices as long as he could until the milage became a concern and they talked about moving him to the tiny Impala. It was suggested to Langerak that there was no way this man could shoe horn in and out of an Impala for twelve hours a day. Langerak responded and I quote,
“That is his problem”.
Ya, he was a great Lt., not. You can take the snake out of grass but it’s still a snake. Baffle ‘em with Bull*@&# was how he operated IMO.
Sheriff Wilde is not blind and he knows where there is smoke, there will be fire. No one position is more important than an other which is how Langerak viewed the Office.
Top ↑I have to agree with Langerak, it IS his problem for being 340 pounds! This is a problem within departments all across the country. We’ve got so many overweight and out of shape deputies and patrolmen it’s not even funny. Why should WE or the department have to accomodate these guys because they can’t control their eating habits and are afraid to get into an excercise program? I say put every overweight patrolmen and deputy behind a desk until they loose the weight and can actually run the length of a city block without becoming winded. Guys like that are a disgrace to the force. Either that or stick their butt in a Ford Escort until they get the picture and decide to do something about it.
Top ↑But that’s just my opinion.
Guest,
Top ↑your comment in 417 is ill concieved. This man was not over weight. He was a nianderthall and a damn good cop to have on rough details. Try again.
How did this become a discussion about Bud Langerak? Isn’t this about the sheriff candidates?
Top ↑Whatever you say madashell. 340 pounds on a 6’3″ frame is extreemly overweight in my book. I’m 6’2″ and 210 so you do the math. I’ll stick to my original statement on 417, while you continue to keep your eyes closed on this weight problem like most overweight people do.
Top ↑To “Porter”: Good Guess, but no Joy! Bud is retired; I’m not.
But, thanks! I’ll take your comment as a compliment. For all we know, you are Wilde! That’s the funny, and disgusting, part of this blog. And I hope we can continue to disagree – and get to a point of agreement for a sound future.
Wilde and Cook are the issues to be addressed in this blog. Thanks for that reminder.
Top ↑Well, I guess being called a lacky is better than being called a liar. Sheriff Wilde addressed some of the concerns in the recent Post (rag) register article. He appeared to be very knowledgable to me. From the answers, one can see that he has experience and concern.
I don’t believe that I ever claimed that a number of people have not left the Shriff’s Office. Cook’s claims include several different scenerios. The number he presents to the general public includes county empoyees that have transferred to other positions, retired, gone on to other jobs, etc. He should be more honest about his data. I don’t deny that we went through a great cleansing period that was began by a single patrol sergent that is no longer employed with the Sheriff’s Office. Negativity is like an air born pathogyn that spreads like wild fire when there is someone fanning the flames.
Things are so much better at the Sheriff’s Office now than they have been for some time. Cook wants to ride the wave of some of the personnel that have since left and taken their “poor is me attitude” with them. Too late!!!!
The Sheriff’s Office is headed in the right direction. It may need a few “tweeks” along the way but it is as solid as a rock. Sheriff Wilde has the right vision and no, I am not his “lacky”. I am a Deputy Sheriff that wants to provide the very best service to our citizens as possible and I know that the greatest likelyhood of accomplishing that will be under that leadership of Sheriff Wilde.
I make pretty good money for the most part. Could I make more? Yes!!!! But I am a cop and I never sarted this career to get rich. Instead, I started it to serve my fellow man and make a difference in the community that I grew up in. At times, I make way too much and at other times, I make just enough for the service I provide. I’m a cop, I am sworn in by the Sheriff to protect and serve the community of Bonneville County.
The Hummer that the DARE program is using, costs just gas money. It was seized from drug dealers, the equipment was paid for through non-profit organizations and the kids love it. Cook is so far off base when he declairs it to be a huge expense. I guess if he takes office, we will all be driving Geos with luggage racks. Will that benefit the citizens of Bonneville County??
Top ↑Bud, came linto the Jail once and would not even address the Jail Staff. The state legislatures that was with him were very nice and spoke with us. Bud just kept his nose in the air and wouldnt even shake hands. must have been the germs. plus DUH was right too many IA’S going on . A few more Jail deputies were ran off. one team one future huh. SOO many problems in the jail.
Top ↑Here is a question. Why are there so many negative comments about I.A.’s being conducted in the sheriffs office? Do people not realize that if you don’t look into every complaint made by citzens or inmates it is called malfeasance of law? Why can’t people respect each other for the positions that they hold, and also obtain all of the facts before submitting malicious dictums?
Top ↑Did anyone see or read the article on KIDK titled Q&A from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office?
I wonder where Mr. Sutton is getting the information for his accusations? He doesn’t appear to know a lot about law enforcement and the things he says sound as though they are being repeated verbatem. I wonder if he is on Laun Cook’s pay roll?
Sheriff Wilde sounded like he was on the ball and ready to build a team.
Top ↑The article done by KIDK only touched on a few of the problem areas under Wildes command. He did a poor job of providing the public with answers to the questions that were posed of him. He wants everyone to believe that nothing needs to be changed.
To have a progressive Sheriffs Office you need someone who is willing to recognize that problems exist and then make those changes. What I heard on the news is similar to what Stommel was giving for years. We need change and positive things to happen. Look at who trained Wilde and that is what you will get.
Top ↑Why do people keep saying that Sheriff Wilde was “trained” by Stommel. Wilde has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 30 plus years. Stommel was the Sheriff for what 13 years? Wilde is his own man.
People need to stop throwing accusations around about “problems”. Are there some? I think a few but you don’t dwell on them. As a leader you face them, fix them and move on. This is what Sheriff Wilde is doing. He knows what the office of Sheriff involves. The other candidate doesn’t have a clue and his habit of pointing out the negative even where it does not exist won’t carry the staff at the Sheriff’s Office very far.
Top ↑If you recall Stommel was the one who said that he had taken Wilde under his wing. That he was training Wilde for the position of Sheriff. Wilde was unable to do anything without the approval of Stommel. To be a great leader you have to allow those under your command to ability to make decisions and correct problems.
Top ↑To say there are no problems within BCSO you obviously have your head in the sand. To recognize that changes need to be made and openly discuss those indicates a great leader. We need great leaders that wil make changes for the better. We do not need someone who will hide the civil actions for misconduct and then tell the public that they did everything right. We need someone strong in character that will admit that mistakes have been made and tell us what changes He/She is planning on making. Afterall the Taxpayer is paying for the mistakes that are made by his department.
Anonymous in post 428,
You are completely right and Sheriff Wilde must be the one you are talking about. He is the right man for the job.
Top ↑Madashell [moderated], I think your name says is all. You know I have had many conversations with you and you are by far the most negative deputy I have know. I think your very hypocritical. I can appreciate what your trying to do in here, but you trip me out. You really shouldn’t be in here talking politics while on duty either, I believe its against policy.
Top ↑So why are you really mad as hell?
anonymous1
I wish you were right because I know who you are referring to and he/she has the right team attitude. Try to come up with a more lagitimate posting name if you are going to make accusations since there are so many of you anonymous folks out there or should I say Laun Cook?
Top ↑I think that Joe should review and eliminate some of the comments in post #430 from anonymous1 and #431 by Madashell. They both violate the traditions of this site by attempting to idenitfy the author of each post. I think Anonymous1 is Mayor Fuhriman and Madashell might be Sheriff Akerman. Think?
Top ↑I thought wazzup 99 was Cook, maybe everyone is cook?
Top ↑lol!!!!!
I appreciate that I am appreciated. Makes me feel good all over. What am I mad about? I dislike negative comments about the Sheriff’s Office. I dislike someone who is willing to tear down the people he has worked with for years in an attempt to gain some sort of political advantage. I’m mad about the accusations that Cook carelessly throws around on his web site. They are like a shotgun blast that spreads out and gets the whole crowd no matter who they are or what kind of job they are doing. It is wrong.
And there you have it………………..
Top ↑Madashell you should be concerned with the fact that changes need to be made. Repeatedly the public has asked for answers from Wilde. We have heard only limited information from the PR article and a recent KIDK article. People outside of Law Enforcement really have little information as to what Wilde is doing.
Your statement that it makes you mad when people paint a broad brush is understandable, but it hasn’t changed in any part of Police work for years. When you signed on you knew there would be criticism of anything that L.E. does. This is an elected position and prior to the election the public is going to ask questions. The public has a right to understand where Wilde stands and where he plans on taking the BCSO in the future. We have asked constantly for him to come here and answer those questions posed of him.
When it comes to concerns about the BCSO lets look at those who are employed at BCSO who post here. They are in constant conflict, what makes you think that there is any difference at their place of employment?
Top ↑Perfectly said Anonymous.
Top ↑“When it comes to concerns about the BCSO lets look at those who are employed at BCSO who post here. They are in constant conflict, what makes you think that there is any difference at their place of employment?”
Of course they are in constant conflict Anonymous. When someone is stiring the pot at all moments with contention and other anti-team building back stabbing behaviors what the heck do you expect. I would bet that instead of being so negative all the time and turning that around to a positive, team building supportinve type of attitude not only would these sad contentious individuals be happier, but they would be more enjoyable to be around. I think we all know who these types of people are. They need our understanding and help to get out of that terrible and destructive rut they have fallen into.
Top ↑I really like what Porter has to say and I think he/she hits it right on the money.
Madashell seems to have the same line of thinking.
You can’t build an old house up if you throw a match to it first. Yet, if you buy some lumber and spend some hard laborous time on it, it becomes a home. Home is where the heart is, its not a place for distain.
Top ↑Cook for Sheriff = DISTAIN
VP is right. We need a postive outlook, not demolition
Top ↑Open letter to Sheriff Wilde:
Top ↑On 10-05-08 5 officers of the BCSO and one from the IFPD took a break at Wendys in Idaho Falls at the same time. Car #s 366, 347, 385, 336, 373 and 739. It is my understanding that this is against policy as it creates a unsafe situation for the residents of the County by not having officers at their various assignments.
We all agree that officers are entitled to take the appropriate breaks during their shifts, however when all officers are at the same location at the same time not only places the public at great risk, but the officers from attack from bad elements in the public.
Doesn”t policy allow two officers to go at the same time while requiring the other officers to remain in their assign areas until the first group completed their break.
I am sure that there will be those who justify these actions by saying it was no big deal, there was nothing going on etc… The public deserves adequate protection at all times of the night and day. We ask that Sheriff Wilde understand that the public is concerned with these type of activities and ask that he educate his officers in the appropriate way of conducting business.
Anonymous,
I would agree with you taking breaks and having all officers take it at the same time. I don’t agree however that you try to bring it to light on a blog. It is a negative approach, an I am out to get you attitude which is creating most of the lack of team work that I am hearing is a concern in the BCSO. Why can’t you turn this situation around and try to be a force for positive change instead of the negative crap that seems to be coming all of the time? Take it to the Sheriff and state your concern and then let him handle it through the proper chain of command. I am sure all involved would appreciate an approroach such as this. I know I would.
Anonymous you talk as if you never do anything wrong and that you are perfect. I would have to question anyone with that kind of attitude about themselves and be suspect of their true motives.
Top ↑If that’s the case, I see at least 4-6 BCSO’s and Idaho State Trooper’s eating at the Deli on the corner of Panchari & Yellowstone between 12-1 almost every day, but I don’t think it should matter where they decide to spend their lunch breaks. I also don’t understand Anonymous’ comment of “putting the officers at risk from attack from bad elements in the public.” Lets be realistic, this isn’t Bagdad. If the local officers want to dine together let them, it’s not like they can’t respond to any emergency anywhere within our city or county limits within 5-15 minutes. I also think it’s one of the slowest times of the day for them so why not let them enjoy lunch with their peers? This is an extremely stressful job, let them eat lunch with whoever they want.
Top ↑The whole “putting officer’s at risk” comment is ludicrous beyond belief. Lets say that officers are in danger when eating in public – whats safer then two officers together or five? Five guns beats two any day.
Top ↑I saw a fire truck and an ambulance at Albertsons yesterday. Right there in the parking lot together. Then I went in the store and there were ,like five fireman walking around together. I couldn’t believe it. What were they thinking? What abuse of thieir postitions. I guess they could have been getting groceries but still how dare they.
Top ↑I agree with the comment in #444! What does any of this have to do with the Sheriff’s election?? We can’t seem to stay on track here.
Top ↑Whats the name of that dumpy diner/bar in front of Fred Meyers? There were 7 (yes there really were 7!) city cop cars there and 3 unmarked last night about 5:30pm. Must’ve been dinner time for the whole force! Has anyone else noticed how out of shape most of our officers are? I think the State boys are in the best shape, which is odd because they spend the most time in their cruisers.
Top ↑re: Voter’s comment. Nobody is talking about the election anymore because after 400+ comments and not a single one of them from the Wilde camp we all know Cook is the man for the job. (some are just too afraid to admit it (*cough*VP*cough*)
This topic has run it’s course and everyones minds are already made up. Wilde just doesn’t have the cajones to come on this site and talk to the people of Bonneville County. period.
Which is why I’m voting Cook.
Good day
I think its funny that Porter changes his/her mind quite alot. The one point that is missed is violation of policy. Porter constantly criticizes IFPD, but when there are problems with BCSO we are to accept that everything is okay. In reference to talking with a supervisor dispatch plays interference and decides if they feel this needs to be addressed.
We are constantly told that there are not enough resources in the Sheriffs Office. The point that Anonymous is making is the fact that all of the officers are at one location, not spread throughout the County for a quick response. In other words if you are a small business owner on the East side of the County and your alarm signals a break in, would you would hope that the officer or officers assigned to your area would be taking their lunch in the area of assignment to allow a quick response to the citizens call.
Top ↑The other point that is lost is the fact that the on duty supervisor is breaking protocol. If he allows these type of violations what is happening when there is official misconduct? The Sheriff would have to agree that the City of Idaho Falls was well protected, but the Cities of Ammon, Iona, Ucon, Swan Valley and the unincorporated area of the County was left without adequate protection.
Perplexed makes a lot of assumptions about every one elses opinions here. Negativity must be pretty high on his/hers priorities when it comes to political candidates. Thanks for the opinion anyway even though it drips with sarcasm
Top ↑Anonymous and Perplexed,
I would ask you this simple question, of which I do not know the answer, but have my own beliefs. Could either or both of those groups have been invovled in some sort of training? If that is the case, could they all have had a break at the same time or are we to expect them to stagger thier breaks? I know I have heard people at other times (barber shop talk) ask who is protecting the city/county/state while several officers are eating at one location at the same time. These comments/questions are made by a person not knowing they were all in training, and decided to take thier lunch at the same time (so as not to have several interuptions inclass I assume) and partake in some “team building”. The officers seem to like a chineese restaurant on the west side of town. The people who were making the comments and asking the snide questions were ignorant as they did not ask questions or investigate before making an uneducated assumption. They just simpley put it out there that they were being “wronged” by the officers eating or taking a break.
I bet if each of us look at our employment histories we have gotten together as a work group/company and had lunch/dinner or taken a break together. So what is the difference may I ask? I believe this to be a morale booster and team building tactic. I know that when I was a manager of a retail business I tried often to get my employees together. I also did this while I was in the military over seas. Some people actually enjoy the company of the others they work with.
I also have enough faith in the local departments that if there is training taking place they would have enough other officers working to protect thier respective jurisdictions.
I would recommend that before you try to point the finger at someone for doing you “wrong” that you ask questions or bring up a percieved problem to a supervisor, boss or Department head (Sheriff, Chief etc.) That way you do not make an ignorant uneducated comment due to an assumption. After all, we all know what happens if one is to assume!
I will leave you with this idea. When I am traveling and need to stop for food in a town I am unfamiliar with, I try to find a location that the locals are at. It is even better if there are two or more police car in the parking lot (it is easy to determine if they are there for business or pleasure by way the cars are parked). Who better to know the safety of the business and the quality of the employees than the local officers. Beside that, if an officer can afford to eat there, the food must be reasonalby priced. It has worked for me several times while traveling through out these GREAT United States!
Top ↑Anonymous1 in post 430,
I’ve given it some thought and have decided that you should in all likelyhood look in the mirror. Skeletons fill the closet!! Careful.
Do you support the negativity of Cook? Do you support all of the false statements that he makes about the Sheriff’s Office? Rather than trying to attack innocent bystanders here with false accusations, add something useful to the conversation. I’ll guess you won’t.
Top ↑Still waiting for Sheriff Wilde to come here and answer some questions. Some suggest that the problem at the restaurant is a training day. The problem is the fact this occurs a great deal with BCSO. Others with ties to this Department want the public to ignore slow response times, inadequate investigations, rude dispatchers, waste of taxpayer dollars and many other issues.
Top ↑We need leadership that will speak to the issues that have been raised for months in this arena and reassure the public that they will be protected.
For those who are upset at those who ask the questions and then attack them for asking, you fail to understand that maybe the leadership of the BCSO is unaware of some of the problems that they have seen. Some have brought forth information so the public has a basic understanding that Police work requires a higher degree of dedication. What applies in the public sector does not apply in Police Work. For example in the public sector everyone takes a lunch at 12:00. What would happen if that occurred at your local emergency room, or lets let all of our Soliders take leave at the same time that we are fighting a war.
Lets ask that those in leadership understand that the public deserves adequeate protection at all corners of the County. Lets hear from appointed Sheriff Wilde as to what the future of BCSO is going to be if he is elected.
Unbelievable the conversations on this website. The funny thing is you all sound like a bunch of griping County/City employees who have been wronged somehow by the former Sheriff and current. Comment 440? Could you seriously think that was an intelligent or even productive “open letter”? Guaranteed that is an employee with the Sheriff’s Office or former employee posting that kind of detail. You should be ashamed of yourself. I like how you took it out of your precious time to write down the numbers, and what? review the policy before you posted on here? Would you rather they drive in circles talking to themselves for 12 hours a day waiting for your call about your 13 year old hitting you? Please, get a grip on reality. If you people want to know what the job really is, what it really takes, then go sign up for a ride! This isn’t an easy job, and people are washed out because that can’t handle it or they made unethical decisions. See why it is important for a crew to get together and have lunch, dinner, or even a pop. Experience what it’s like to know that the next call you get could be the call that your family doesn’t want to know about because it involved danger of some kind. Stop a Deputy (or Deputies at lunch) and ask him how he likes working for the Sheriff’s Office if you really want to know how “bad it is”. Ask specific questions regarding the job and morale. Ask somebody that actually knows, instead of this worthless blog of opinions coming from former or current employees that can’t get their way.
Top ↑Hey aLAUNamous, I saw a deputy with a pop the other day. I think you should go bust him and see if you can give him time without pay. Ridiculous comment in 440.
Top ↑The bleeding continues. At least one of the three to be hired new IFPD officers is currently a BCSO deputy. That makes about 20 who have gone BCSO to IFPD and only one the other way but thats only because that one quit the IFPD for a while and the IFPD wouldn’t take him back since they had already replaced him.
Top ↑Oh the humanity!!!! The City police are still just that, City police. The Sheriff’s Office is the most respected Law Enforcement organization in our community. Few bucks less, ya. People trust the S.O. for fair, honest, real people kind of service.
Top ↑Comment 455 shows the arrogance of some within the BCSO. This is the same type of negative attitutde that was prevelant in the Stommel administration. Law Enforcement needs to work together to catch the bad guy. Instead you have people like poster 455 who downgrade other Law Enforcement for the sake of an argument. There are plenty of officers from each agency that do an outstanding job. In contrast there are some that do a very poor job.
We need leadership that will curtail that kind of activity and work together. I am sure that if Poster 455 needed backup and none of his fellow officers were available to respond, that IFPD would be more than happy to respond to help despite the fact that “THEY ARE ONLY CITY COPS”
Top ↑Can’t agree with Guest more in 456. Remeber when the City Police went on strike years ago? Who took all of the calls and managed the law enforcement necessity in our area then? Ya, it was the Sheriff’s Office. It was the Sheriff’s Office then and now. Arrogance? No, not really, just pride! Lets not confuse salary with quality as is suggested in post 454. Its well known that the S.O. carries a great reputation. Even if Cook wants to bash it for his own selfish purpose.
What we need is leadership that takes care of it’s people. Leadership that recognizes the problems and works honestly to eliviate them. Leadership that sees what a great organization the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is and stands firm on the positive instead of tearing it down and bad mouthing the people that work hard to make it what it is.
This isn’t an election for Chief of police so if some City Police feelings get hurt, bummer. This is an election for Sheriff, the main Law Enforcement position in the County. A postion we all want held by a positive, time proven person that can get the job done. Thats Sheriff Wilde, bar none.
Stop making it look as though the Sheriff isn’t doing his job because some people have chosen to take positions with IFPD for the money. It’s what people do and all the power to them. 9 1/2 percent cost of living increase in the last year isn’t too bad. It shows that things are headed in the right direction even if Cook and his one or two followers want people to think differently.
Top ↑Still waiting for Wilde to come on this site and speak to the people of this county just as Mr. Cook has done. This man has made no effort whatsoever to communicate with the community he wants to be in charge of and until he does my vote is for Cook. Many others I know feel the same way. If his work ethic is anything like his campaign strategy, I know we’ll have made the right decision.
Top ↑Good luck Mr Wilde, you’re going to need it.
Guest-house,
Do you ever watch the local news or drive around town? I’ll guess not considering your comment.
Top ↑I watch the local news every day. I’ve never seen him on the news. And I’m not sure what “driving around town” has to do with Wilde and his campaign strategy, or should I say lack of.
Top ↑My comments stand.
POST 457 displays the same type of over agressivessness that puts a wedge between agencies and creates strife. Pride is knowing you can work together without the negative comments and focus on your job. Pride is doing a good job without grandstanding and having a degree of humility and understanding. Pride is understanding that each Law Enforcement agency has different duties to perform and each has its strengths and weaknessess. Pride is performing your duties for the public that you have sworn to protect and serve.
Top ↑I myself have seen the sheriff on the news plenty of times. He’s not afraid to let the public know what is happening in his agency. Why should he have to spend his time surfing the web looking for every negative post about him or the S.O. and respond to it. If he did that, we’d have people complaining he’s sitting in his office surfing the net and not resolving issues in his department. It’s a double edged sword. If it bothers you so much he isn’t responding on here, why don’t you call him and ask him your questions. Or call a news station and ask that they arrange a televised debate between the candidates or at least some sort of debate and then you can ask all the questions burning in your little heart. Anyone can type from behind a computer and whine about things in life. But it takes real social interaction to make a difference and get what you want in life.
As far as the officers eating together, I agree with some of the previous posts. How do you know sometimes that isn’t training and everyone taking a lunch at the same time? Maybe some of it is on a regular shift, but this is Idaho Falls. I have only lived here a few months, but can make it from one side of town to the other in less than 10 minutes while obeying all traffic laws, if you know the right routes. I’m sure an officer with lights and siren could make it in less. You go to work and spend 8 hours with your co-workers. You know their kid’s names, what activities they’re doing, and the latest gossip about friends and family. The officers out there protecting us, maybe see each other 30-60 minutes a twelve hour shift when they are writing reports before heading back out to the streets or responding to another call. As one poster stated, go ride with the officers and see what they do. Let them enjoy their meal together. And as far as the areas they protect, if I remember right, I was told at one point that they have a resident deputy for the Swan Valley area who is in that area at all times either on duty or on call. I highly doubt they are driving from Swan Valley to Idaho Falls to eat dinner with the other officers. So your theory of a poor response time to Swan Valley from them eating dinner together is out the window. People need to research what they argue before they post. It makes you look a whole lot smarter.
To the officers out there who may read this, Keep up the good work and be safe. If the sheriff reads this, keep up the good work. The officers I have spoken with see good things coming and morale is improving.
Top ↑LMAO at post 457 and his / her using the strike which happened THIRTY FIVE YEARS ago as a point. Many of the cops on both departments were not even born then. I’ll bet there aren’t ten officers between the two departments working now who were working then. Talk about irrelevant to the discussion.
Top ↑Good evening all,
There area some apparent bitter feelings being written about here. At least people are talking though which is what makes our country and community so great. Everyone has their own perspective and everyone thinks they are right. It is the greatest freedom to be able to speak ones mind.
For anyone who wants to think that the Sheriff’s Office does not have the communities best interest in mind, I want to persuade you to think differently. How can I do that? Simply by telling you the honest truth. Deputy Sheriff’s with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office are people just like you. They are your neighbors and friends. They raise their kids right along with yours and want the best for them. They buy groceries where you do and they have the same problems that everyone has. The one catch is that they put on a uniform and a gun and go to work to protect their community and everyone in it without much consideration of their own safety and future. It’s what they do.
We aren’t all negative system haters as some have demonstrated on this post. We aren’t all inexperienced and dying to go work for the city police as some have suggested. There are many of us that love to work for the Sheriff’s Office and do our very best to fulfill the oath that we took.
I know I’ve said it before so please forgive me, Don’t believe all of the negative rhetoric that Mr. Cook preaches.
The BCSO is a great team full of great people trying to do their very best through tough times. Have you seen all of the lay-offs that have been going on with the INEL site contractors? Times are tough everywhere.
This is just my testimonial and I have been called it all here before but I will not yield. I will follow Sheriff Wilde and I will stand by my team and together we will provide the citizens of Bonneville County the Sheriff’s Office that they deserve and bargained for.
With the leadership of Mr. Cook, I see a bad storm a comin’ that if elected, we will all pay dearly for. Deputies and community alike. I do not want to offend anyone here but I can see the natural course of things in the world I live in and I listen to what people around me say. I only want to convey that to you.
Top ↑The letter to the editor submitted to the Post Register by Greg Goody last week was slanderous and misleading.
Greg Goody chose to vent his dislike for the Sheriff’s Office administration by giving his negative opinion in the paper.
Might I point out that Greg was NEVER a full time Deputy with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office. He donated to a great reserve organization and his vaulanteer time there was appreciated. He was never hired as a full time Deputy and he hated them for it as he stated in many crowds.
Proof of this is shown by him taking the time to support Cook as a candidate, slam the current administration and all this when he doesn’t even live in Bonneville County. Great effort, poor motivation.
Top ↑Cook & Wilde squared off in debate last night.
Top ↑http://www.kpvi.com/global/story.asp?s=9210270
I still think Cook is out man. Wilde is clearly over the hill and not up with the times. (which is probably why he has never appeared on this site to discuss his views) It’s time for a change for the better and Cook is the man to take us there. Vote Cook people!! Or else keep dealing with the same problems we’ve been dealing with from our Sheriff’s department.
When Cook speaks, banjos play. I wonder if he can spell the word Sheriff?
Top ↑And Wilde is older than dirt, so whats that say about your candidate? We all know now why he hasn’t come on this site to talk to the people, he thinks a mouse is a little furry creature that scurry’s around his basement. Out with the old and in with the new. Bu-bye Wilde.
Top ↑Animonster, what in the hell are you talking about? You aren’t making any sense.
Top ↑It was nice to see that F.O.P. had a forum to allow members of Law Enforcement to ask questions of the candidates. I would challenge both candidates to set up a public debate so the voters can ask questions about the future of this “elected” office. Currently the public feels that Wilde has a closed door when addressing the questions raised about his goals for the future. He has been encouraged many times to come here and answer questions. I want to hear from the candidates not from the posters who have good intentions but do not speak directly for the Candidates.
Top ↑Porter- Even me, a guy that’s got banjo’s playing when I speak, got the furry mouse joke. lol
Top ↑I don’ t want to dissapoint anyone else in here, but I have not been posting anonymous nor do I have any control over those who do. I have been concentrating on my web site as was suggested. I will remind you this is not my blog, it belongs to Vintageport.
Guest in #470- I take your challenge and I will get ahold of the Wilde campaign and attempt to set that up. I don’t think I will use the furry mouse though.
You have to love the fact that Mr Cook has a sense of humor, something we can all use from time to time.
Top ↑This is for Mr. Laun Cook, I finally had a chance to review your website and it seems like you have some good ideas. But I question your dedication and commitment to the Sheriff’s Office. I heard rumor that you tested for the Idaho Falls Police Department this year even after you announced you were running for Sheriff, yet you talk a great deal about people leaving to other agencies, it sounds like you could do the same if given the chance. Are we to expect that you might run away if times get tough?
Top ↑And to some of the ridiculous blogs bagging on patrol officers from all agencies eating together….if you ever go to patrol you will maybe understand, but until then, they have to eat when given the chance and if they are all together, they still have to take calls whether they are eating or not! So rest assured you are safe! Talk about something that is relevant and something you know 100% what you are talking about before you start trying to get people into trouble!
Mr. Cook,
This is a public forum and therefore it belongs to no one. It was started by one person and many have contributed. You have gone so far as to link your negative web site to this discussion so perhaps you can take more credit for it than most.
I believe there was a mostly public forum conducted during the Chamber of Commerce event on Tuesday (Oct 21st) of this week. I understand that you left a negative impression there as you most definitely did at the FOP event prior to that according to the word in the wind.
I understand that you beat the corrections staff down and saw fit to tell all employees that they need to get a grip. So, let me understand. You can make claims to the general public that the Sheriff’s Office is going down the tubes, inexperienced, under paid, over equipped, poorly managed, poorly led, and just plain not doing their jobs but if one of the employees there has something to say about your negative campaign than they are “ranting and raving”, “out of line”, “need to get a grip” and “violating state law”.
You sir, need to get a grip and see the harm that your comments have caused. Your plans for the office are inconsistent and your delivery is embarrassing. You Sir, need to understand that many of us work hard every day and actually enjoy helping this community versus treating it like a burden as I have seen from you many times. You need to retract some of your negative comments that you have made about our office and tell people the truth. You need to tell the truth about hard working, honest, determined and loyal Deputies. Tell them about the great office that we have and the darn good work we do. Those who work there are not stepping stones for YOU to get where you want to be.
Are you truly serious when you claim that if you are elected Sheriff that Citizen complaints against Deputies will be considered false. Yes, I understood you to say that Deputies will ALWAYS be considered “correct” in the event of complaints. How does the general public feel about that? Don’t we work for them?
If you are the “law enforcement candidate” that will “get us back to law enforcement” then there are a hell of a lot of us that have been doing things wrong for a very long time. We’ve been doing the job all along. What have you been doing lately? Oh never mind, I know.
Top ↑Re comment 473:
If you look at the history of sheriff elections where both candidates are current employees you’ll find more often than not that the challenger is often fired during the election cycle if running against the incumbent or right after losing by the winning candidates. It happened around here in both Bingham and Butte counties in the last ten years. I think Cook is merely trying to cover his bases should he lose and history repeats itself which I’d be willing to bet it does. Oh I’m sure they’ll find some trumped up excuse for the firing but it will happen I think.
Top ↑OK, Anonymous, I understand that as well, but I truly believe that Sheriff Wilde would not get rid of Mr. Cook unless this election gets really dirty. So therefore, that is why I am questioning his dedication and commitment to the BCSO. At the FOP debate the other night, Mr. Cook even stated on several different occasions how good Sheriff Wilde has been about the whole thing. I think Sheriff Wilde is too professional and too classy to fire Mr. Cook just because he ran against him.
Top ↑Still I believe that Mr. Cooks actions are contradicting some of his key points he is using for the campaign. Sorry Mr. Cook, but when I heard about you testing for IFPD, I was rather disappointed, not that they aren’t a great agency, but that you were willing to be another statistic, which is one of the major issues…turnover, which you have brought up a great deal.
Sounds to me Vintageport has some serious issues. He’s repeatedly bashed Mr Cook all for his personal gain of putting Wilde at the helm. You sir are the one who needs to get a grip. Mr. Cook is trying to improve the Sheriff’s Dept, not tear it apart like you have been trying to do since mid May when you started this smear campaign.
Top ↑Instead of putting the man down on a daily basis, why don’t you put your personal differences aside and work together for the good of the community? After all it’s myself and Jon Q Taxpayer that’s paying your salary. If you put half as much effort into your work than you do with this smear campaign against Mr Cook, maybe you wouldn’t have so many things to gripe about. It’s guys like you vintageport that give the Sheriffs Dept a bad name.
Guest,
I am truly sorry that you see things this way. I accept your opinion. What positive things have you heard Cook say about the Sheriff’s Office? He has gone to great lengths to point out the negative as he sees it.
My attitude is the same as most. We have a great office that has been consistently improving for the past ten months. I don’t see how I could be tearing my Office apart by always pointing out the positive and the hard work that my co-workers put forth.
When someone opens their mouth and bashes others by telling the public that we aren’t doing our jobs as law enforcement officer, how can they be surprised when they encounter objections?
Put yourself in the shoes of the many people that work for the Sheriff’s Office. If you came to work every day and did your best at your job only to have one of your co-workers fire up a web site and describe you as inexperienced and unable to do your job, how would you feel? How would you feel about your hard work being thrown in the mud puddle and stomped? Would it make you angry, disgusted? I think so.
There are positive ways to run a campaign and unfortunately, Cook chose not to take the high road. It is unfortunate for him and unfortunate for all involved. I have no personal gain here other than to rebut the falseness of Cook’s platform. No “gripes” here about my office and the great people I work with and for.
Cook is wrong and I wont stop saying it until November 5th. On that day, we move forward and CONTINUE to serve this great community we live in.
Top ↑I wish that I would have been at the FOP debate and the debate held on Tuesday. Are there any more public forums where the two candidates will be.
Top ↑Vintageport- You miss quoted me. Apparently our conversation the other night regarding hearsay didn’ t register. I said that if elected, it would be my policy as Sheriff reguarding officer complaints, that the Deputy would be “presumed correct until proven otherwise. There was no “allways” in there. You like many of our admin only hear what you want to hear. The statute you are violating by discussing politics down at the office are 18-2318 and 34-1006, look them up. Since your expertise is not law enforcement I don’t expect you to be aware of state law or what I mean when I start talking about Law Enforcement. Sorry if you didn’t like what I had to say at the debate. What were you expecting me to do? Play the banjo!!
Wondering- I was never a part of the conversation reguarding Deputies taking lunch. I think maybe you don’t understand that I understand how things work in patrol quite well. I have no idea what was going on. So this policy I would have of them being presumed correct would apply to this very good example. Lunch and tasers are not issues in this campaing so please don’t tase me bro!
Some of you struggle with what I mean by getting back to law enforcement so let me spell it out for you. It has very little if any to do with what patrol is or isn’t doing. My campaign is about what our aministration past and present is and isn’t doing.
Guest in #470- I recieved an answer from the Paul Wilde campaign and they said do to time constraints, they will not be able to hold a public debate.
Top ↑Cook,
You obviously interpret these two laws as you do most things, incorrectly. Read the fine print. Maybe you should go back to POST for the law week remedial.
Webster Dictionary
Electioneer
Pronunciation – \ I-lek-she-‘nir\
Function – intransitive verb
Etymology – election-eer (as in privateer – verb)
Date 1760
: to take an active part in an election; specifically: to work for an election of a candidate or party.
TITLE 18
CRIMES AND PUNISHMENTS
CHAPTER 23
ELECTIONS
18-2318. ELECTIONEERING AT POLLS. (1) On the day of any primary, general
or special election, no person may, within a polling place, or any building in
which an election is being held, or within one hundred (100) feet thereof:
(a) Do any electioneering;
(b) Circulate cards or handbills of any kind;
(c) Solicit signatures to any kind of petition; or
(d) Engage in any practice which interferes with the freedom of voters to
exercise their franchise or disrupts the administration of the polling
place.
(2) No person may obstruct the doors or entries to a building in which a
polling place is located or prevent free access to and from any polling place.
(3) Any election officer, sheriff, constable or other peace officer is
hereby authorized, and it is hereby made the duty of such officer, to arrest
any person violating the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this
section, and such offender shall be punished by a fine of not less than
twenty-five dollars ($25.00) nor exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).
TITLE 34
Top ↑ELECTIONS
CHAPTER 10
ABSENTEE VOTING
34-1006. COUNTY CLERKS SHALL PROVIDE ONE OR MORE “ABSENT ELECTORS’ VOTING
PLACE.” Each county clerk shall provide one (1) or more “absent electors’
polling place(s)” as determined necessary by each county. Each polling place
shall be provided with voting booths and other necessary supplies as provided
by law. Electioneering is prohibited at an “absent electors’ polling place” as
provided in section 18-2318, Idaho Code.
I guess people at work aren’t allowed to discuss major changes that are taking place at their office? That seems a little narrow minded and self serving. I guess I better get back in line and “get a grip” since it must be illegal for me to express any opinions.
Top ↑I find it amusing that Wilde does not have the time to have a public debate. It is no different than taking a few minutes to come here and speak for himself. In regular politics you find every candidate putting in as much public time as possible. Not addressing the public is seriously flawed.
Vintageport is a prime example of what is negative of the current and past administrations. The constant barrage of attacks claiming that he loves his department. This is where the BCSO gets a black eye. Anyone who has worked with BCSO understands that as a whole they work very hard. The problem is the rhetoric that is given when one person has stood up and suggested change.
Rather than attacking the opponent why not work together to see what will benefit the entire department. Maybe in the future Vintageport will run and then everyone can pick apart any suggestion that he offers even if it might have merit. Cook at least has the bravery to step up where many would not for fear of Job Loss or reassignment.
Top ↑Guest just isn’t getting it is he. Just because you have a negative view about everything doesn’t mean you are the right person for the job. Yelling fire in a crouded theatre doesn’t make you a leader, it makes you reckless.
Top ↑Not if there is indeed a fire in that crowed theatre. That wouldn’t be “reckless” at all.
Top ↑Sheriff Wilde and Cook are both speaking at the senior center today (Friday) at 11 o’clock. The one accross the street from the Blue Room off of Rollandet.
I wonder why Cook didn’t mention it in his post when he told everyone that Sheriff Wilde wouldn’t agree to another meeting? Could it be because he doesn’t want too many people to hear him rant?
Top ↑Thank you for the information. I will be there and I hope to see the rest of the those who keep complaining that Mr. Wilde doesn’t want to campaigne or debate Mr. Cook on issues.
Again, Thanks for the info.
Top ↑Uh yeah Porter, you’re a little late seeings how you posted your comment at 11:11 and the debate started at 11am. Nice of them to give everyone an advanced notice, too bad most of us have to work.
Top ↑Well, what a blog, I took Deputy Cook’s advice during the FOP debate and went to his website,, (after he suggested it over and over again). While I there, I read his comments about how he believes that there is trouble at the Sheriff’s Dept. I especially loved the Rev and Cook exchange, how bizarre.
Then read how they are losing deputies at an alarming rate. This is not a Bonneville County issue, it is nationwide issue. Nearly every law enforcement agency across the United States is recruiting, please do your own research, try sites like the IACP.
I read his motto..”lets get back to doing Law Enforcement”, which I scratched my head at and thought, gee, that’s what I thought Bonneville County Sheriff’s dept. was doing, what a slam on every person doing the job every day and night, 24-7. The sacrifice these deputies, both corrections, patrol, courts, civil, and all the staff involved I would commend. I have never lived or felt as safe in a community, and I have lived in many, where the dedication to the public is so great. The Sheriff’s Dept. has never treated me with nothing but the utmost respect, and I thank them for that. Laun Cook appears not to see this, as displayed on his “issues” portion of his website, from bottom to top, he continually degrades his own agency. Mr. Cook, do you not think that an agency needs administration?
I have personally seen deputies doing “proactive” law enforcement, driving my neighborhood and even stopping to say hi and ask if there are any problems. This is reactive Mr. Cook, this is what the public expects, again, nice job Bonneville County.
The new hires situation and the training officers riding with them is also necessary, not a drain on resources. I don’t know how they did it when you were a rookie Mr. Cook, but people have to be trained. And now so I don’t lose topic, why wound Deputy Cook post a comment from the “letter to editor” about FTO under two years training the new hires and not tell the public that this is not true? H knows that this is incorrect, there are fine experienced deputies with much more than two years experience training these new hires, I spoke with them and there is only one with under two years with Bonneville County, and he is a veteran of the Iraq war. These deputies are doing a great job!!
The traffic division, “another slam by Deputy Cook“, is a fairly new position, and from what I understand, the Wilde administration now has a traffic Sergeant and a part time traffic deputy. I would say great job to Sheriff Wilde and his staff for making the streets safe for myself and my family. It would appear Deouty Cook’s smoke an mirrors on this issue is also untrue. Every call made has been answered for extra school patrol, thank you again Sheriff’s Office employees. I have seen extra emphasis on seat belt and dui patrol, I believe is because of the “empty” traffic division Sergeant doing his job. This is not a drain on resources Mr. Cook, it is “proactive” law enforcement. Yet you negatively blast them again, wow.
I see that there was another huge drug ring busted in the Snake River Valley recently, which Bonneville County was involved in. It would seem to me that these detectives are out there doing “proactive” law enforcement. It would appear that deception about the ineffectiveness of the Narcotics Division is also a slam. I don’t think that it is the same as it was 17 years ago, I believe that there was only two narcotics deputies running out of the investigation division, Stommel put a Sergeant over Narcotics and without saying the cooperation between both investigations and narcotics is working quite well, without telling all the “bad guys” out there how many there. It doesn’t sound like 20 years ago to me. Again good job guys.
But Deputy Cook doesn’t stop there, He goes on to slam investigations. I sat and thought about how much “inexperience” there was in that office. I couldn’t help but count over 80 plus years of experience. How can he slam on this and again put his fellow deputies down. Property crimes have been worked at a level unsurpassed, recovery of stolen property and arrest of “bad guys”, stolen cars recovered, drugs seized, murders solved, sex offendors put in jail, looks like “proactive law enforcement” to me. I may be mistaken, but I do believe that investigations has detectives working computer crimes, have you asked and if so, did you ask the right person? And I understand they are putting another detective in that office, just another positive step by the Wilde administration and his staff. By the way, have you ever been a detective? I believe that Sheriff Wilde was head of this division during his career.
I know where I live, Idaho, that we have snowstorms. The last thing I would want is the Sheriff’s Office to be equipped with vehicles that cant get to where they need to go. Two wheel drive vehicles are great on nice dry roads. The Sheriff’s Office has many rural duties, the vehicles they drive must be equipped to handle every situation that comes their way. I doubt the mileage of the vehicles that they are driving now is much less than a car, unless you want them driving metros. Again, have deputy Cook researched this and if so, has he put it on the “infamous” spreadsheet. If so, post it on your website and let us take a look and make our opinion. Perhaps he never got out of the trench he has been in to recognize this.
Then I noticed that he recommended that if I had comments to come to this site, and my eyes were opened even wider. It took most of my day to read, but it was very interesting. I noticed that he continued to belittle and slam the agency he works for. Comments 43, 47, 48, 50, 61, 102, 104 he spent degrading the corrections division and staff, implying they know nothing about Law Enforcement. Mr. Cook, do you know one of the responsibilities of the Sheriff is to maintain a Jail. Have you ever worked in the jail? I believe that Sheriff Wilde was the Captain over the entire jail during his career. I urge people to go to I.C. 31-2202, where it states this as well as the others such as courts, civil and other hard working divisions of the Office of Sheriff. There is much more involved than arresting people as he stated during the FOP debate. Comment 248 was also interesting, restructure the promotion process, the leadership looks good to me, so why restructure…hmmmm.
His pathetic guessing and trying to “out” who was contributing was laughable, but not surprising, as prominently displayed during the debate. He said the word “fired” about five times, not really what you want to hear when you are striving for retention. The suggestion of firing someone was ludicrous, if elected deputy Cook will need all the help he can get. Sheriff Wilde promoted teamwork and dedication. He spoke highly of all the employees. He has always been approachable and listened to his employees and the public.
Deputy Cook also suggested some of the resources the Sheriff’s Office “no longer needs” and would cut. Cutting the number of boats down to two in one of the Counties where there is several major waterways. Has he forgotten who’s responsibility the waterways are in Bonneville County? Let me help him, the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is responsible. Having only two boats, laughable. It does not matter where a person needs to be assisted, rescued or recovered, it is the Sheriff’s Office responsibility, even if it is in the middle of the city. We have a excellent dive team, our boats are necessary for quick response and cannot be housed at Palisades reservoir or Ririe and driven to Gem lake Marina in a timely manner. The entire County needs to be protected, not just the area around Idaho Falls. We have to think about the public and our job, its not all about money, its about the public and it is our responsibility to be able to respond to any given situation both safely and efficiently. I never heard anyone complain about being rescued in a timely manner, and for those that do, you obviously have never been rescued. Two boats, lol, you need two boats for one operation, time to get out of the trenches, there is no problem here, except his suggestion.
And then…. only 2 patrol dogs down from the number of five. The public relations disaster (which Sheriff Wilde was a Public Relations Sergeant), alone for that suggestion is an outrage. Currently every patrol shift has access to a patrol dog, as well as the narcotics division (note another change in the last 17 years to narcotics) which is also used in conjunction with the City of Idaho Falls Police Dept and Idaho State Police. I suggest that Deputy Cook get out of the trenches and back on the battlefield. This would be a downgrade in both safety and “proactive” law enforcement if this were to happen. I wonder how the public would feel if they knew about this suggested cut. What amount of drugs would go back into our community and criminals would escape if not for these fine handlers and their partners, willing to give the ultimate sacrifice, have we already forgotten Deputy Rik and his sacrifice, thank the Lord he was there. If you don’t know what I am talking about here’s the link: http://petmemorialcards.com/mem2002-12.html
And Deputy Cook’s suggestion about “saving” spots in the event of someone getting hired for patrol from the jail. Who is going to suffer, who is going to cover the shifts, it sounds really nice and makes for a great story, but in reality who is going to suffer. I have seen the Sheriff Wilde and his staff make room for just this very situation, and I believe that he would do his best to insure that the person would get his job back, back come on, tell the truth, it took legislation to hold jobs for people to get deployed to military service, a Sheriff has to run a Jail, not be peoples best friend, you cant hold jobs for one person and expect the rest of the shift to suffer while they are on career exploration. Think about it, this doesn’t even compute.
I want Deputy Cook to take his own advice about “diggin into the Sheriff’s Office problems” and put down the axe.
Comment 248 – Master law Enforcement certificate higher than an advanced Law Enforcement certificate, again wrong, it is a different certification. don’t confuse Master with Advanced and put down those who have attained an advanced certificate, it is difficult to do, as is the master. The Master certificate is for a person doing the job who hasn’t been in a supervisory position for 15 years. Good thing you didn’t promotion. Read for yourself on the POST website. Advanced requires college credits, Master requires time in no supervisory position. I believe that Wilde has a Supervisory certificate, which is in itself a different certification, just for one that has Supervisory experience, which I would say is a qualification for Sheriff. I would think that you need some supervisory qualifications for Sheriff, lead man is good, but lead man, sergeant, captain and chief deputy as well as selected by the committee (not just appointed by Stommel) is better. You all need to look up how a Sheriff is appointed, and please, he is the Sheriff, enough with the Interim appointed, respect the Office. As far Sheriff Wilde debating on this website, it would be great to be able to take off six weeks and get paid, but Sheriff Wilde has a job to do beyond campaigning. Fortunately for the public Sheriff Wilde has chosen to keep the campaigning at a minimum and do his job, wow what a concept, working for your pay.
Comment 308 – a view from the outside, stay in your square, but I see in comment 312 Deputy Cook made no defense for his own agency, that is a clue on leadership, run away.
And here’s a vent, sorry, comment 417 – Law Enforcement Officers risk their lives everyday for anyone. I would NEVER consider any of them a disgrace. Langerak, an appointee Lt. who was asking for nearly $50.00 an hour was wrong to say this, and Sheriff Wilde fixed this problem. The deputy in question was a fine deputy, could bench press over 400 pounds had and was great to have on a call, a true warrior. Enough said.
Comment 468 – another attack, this time on age, c’mon people, Wilde has 31 years of law Enforcement, yes I said Law Enforcement, to include the Jail, you have to resort to age to slam the Sheriff, another bold display of those representing another candidate I know of.
Deputy Cook’s promises of Corporal’s position is again not workable, is he going to demote with a shift change, or have two corporals on a shift. Sheriff Wilde and his staff has now implemented pay for “lead man”, this is done without making the Sheriff’s office top heavy and with out a sacrifice of demotion in the event of a change. You need to work out these things before you promise them Deputy Cook.
I really liked Sheriff’s Wildes view of the Captain instead of a Chief deputy. This would give a Captain over Patrol and the Jail. This would require the Captain to work instead of being a fill in in the event of the Sheriff’s absence, not a person sitting in an office, Despite Deputy Cook’s attempts to show inept leadership, it was shut down by Sheriff’s Wilde’s plan of having someone not lose their job. Sheriff Wilde makes smart rational decisions and doesn’t go with the status quo, he is a proven leader.
I also would question Deputy Cook’s smoke and mirrors on the letters to the editor you have posted on your website, the gentleman that lives in Ririe who listed his name as living in Idaho Falls in the Post Register was never a Full Time deputy, he was a reserve. He was a very good reserve, sadly he got his feelings hurt and now is attacking the Wilde administration for a decision that was made, not by Wilde, but by County Policy, you cant be a reserve and work for Bonneville County, get over it.
To the person who wrote the letter to Deputy Cook about not liking your job after six months, you may want to give it a little more time. Inmates get along with each other because they are inmates, they all have one thing in common, they are in jail. I would suggest that if you don’t like your job, either fix it or quit, law enforcement and corrections is for warriors and we will never be paid what we are worth, we never came to this job for money, its about dedication and commitment to excellence. You need to find it or get out.
I respect Freedom of Speech, and applaud all those who express their views, but as a candidate, Deputy Cook has a responsibility and must let the public know the truth. I would commend Wilde and his administration on providing the citizens of Bonneville County with the expertise and obvious leadership over the last 10 months. He has repopulated the Sheriff’s Office, He has promoted positive outlooks and has fought for better pay. You cant solve all problems with tough talk and “I’m going to do this, even if the commissioners don’t agree”, the Sheriff may have a budget, but the commissioners hold the wallet.
Speaking of Freedom of Speech, cut out the threats, see post 481. People have the right to speak, this is not a communist Society, campaigning and electioneering is totally different that conversation, get a grip. Maybe the advise in this post is appropriate.
I appreciated Deputy Cook’s resume, it says he was a FTO, has he volunteered his 17 years of experience in the trenches to FTO the new hires. I know that some of the FTO’s are doing shifts on their days off, sacrificing time with their families to teach these new warriors how to do the job, perhaps Deputy Cook is to busy on vacation and campaigning.
Is Deputy Cook still on the SWAT team, or the DIVE team…hmmmm, maybe “team” had something to do with it.
Oh, by the way, the debate that was held on Friday was on the front page of Thursday’s Post Register, funny how Deputy Cook didn’t let everyone know he was speaking again, just said Sheriff Wilde’s camp did not have any time..can you say smoke and mirrors. He knew it was going to happen, why didn’t he just tell you so you could go and see him speak?
From what I see, the Leadership in the last 10 months of the Sheriff’s Office has been the best ever, Sheriff Wilde, Patrol Administration, Jail Administration and Supervision has been not just excellent, but effective. The loss of deputies is always going to be there, the low pay is always going to be an issue, you have chosen this career, you know what you were getting paid when you got hired, you knew what position you applied for, this must be accomplished by working together, not tearing the organization down.
Sheriff Wilde has a plan and a “grip” on this situation. All you have to do is look around, I would rather have a leader that leads by example and action, not words, smoke and mirrors and deception. Sheriff Wilde is doing a fantastic job and looks outward instead of dwelling on the past, like the candidate I have read about.
Have a great day!!
Top ↑WHAOOOOOOO!!! I GUESS THAT SAYES IT ALL!! MY VOTE GOES TO WILDE!!
Top ↑WOW,
I have to say this blog has been quite interesting.
I have worked with both canadates for several years. There are some very real problems in the BCSO. That is evident from the language in this blog.
I have the greatest respect for both canidates. They are very different in their approach.
Wilde has done nothing but gained my respect over the years. He is very professional and has a great understanding of all aspects of the BCSO.
Cook has been a great example and as honest as anyone could be. Ask him a question and he will answer with a direct and honest answer from his heart. If you do not want an honest answer, you had better not ask the question.
So why all the hoopla about people leaving and low morale as Cook states?
For one, take a look at the BCSO policies. I challenge anyone to read, comprehend, retain and stay with in the confines this massive collection of policies, proceedures and directives.
The “getting back to law enforcemnet” may be just what the BCSO needs. We have become more focused on what each other is doing instead of doing law enforcement. (Internal Investigation) Don’t get me wrong, we do need policies to guide us in the right direction. We need policies that will compel an officer to do what is right not threaten them. Every policy in the BCSO ends with if you violate it that the punishment is “up to and including termination”. And some say Cook is negative?
Second, we need leadership that respects members of the BCSO. Not leaders that would refer to the Jail Staff as a “sesspool of inbreeding incestuous mice”. We need leaders that will support our positions and not retaliate if we differ on a subject. Leaders who will support our fellow deputies during difficult times. Ask why nearly ever member of the BCSO is an FOP member. Not because they want to pay their monthly dues. Because they offer a legal defense plan. Why should we need such a plan if there was not a very real fear of some of the leadership with in the BCSO. Is this an unfound fear? I know that there is a real lack of trust towards some leaders. I would however like to state that this does not include Wilde or Cook.
Third, Is pay the real problem with the high rate of turn over? My opinion is not directly. The BCSO has always paid a significantly lower pay than other agencies of similar size. But couple that with the other two other issues that I have addressed and ask yourself, why would you stay? Sure, some say it is because you should be there for the good of the job, satisfaction of helping other and the honor it carries. Does not each of these apply if you work at any other law enforcement agency even if they have a higher rate of pay?
I think Cook is right. We need to “Get Back To Law Enforcemnet “.
If elected, Cook and Wilde need to select their leaders carefully . They need to make sure current ones are respectful to others and that deputies have respect for them. If leadership fails, we all fail. The leaders under each of their command are likely to have more effect on the overall morale even more than they themselves have.
Good luck to both of you. I respect each for the person you are and the courage to step up to such a challege that will be battled in the public’s view.
Top ↑I respect both of them also, its just the “getting back to law enforcement” sounds like our deputies are not doing their job. We are doing our jobs, every day and every night. I am an FOP member because I want the legal defense fund, which you are correct, but I am not afraid of my administration, I have it in the event of wrongful accusations of lawful actions. Policies are necessary, I have no problem understanding them, and that if a person was to violate them, what the consequences are. Pretty Simple, every action has a consequence. Good luck to both candidates, but I’ve made my choice.
Top ↑Here we go again with the deflections about the retention issue. Harley Rider totally ignored the very real problem that Bonneville county has with retention. Yes its a nationwide issue but whats happening nationwide is that the better paying departments are raiding the lesser paying ones for officers. This turns the lesser paying departments into training facilities for the better paying ones. In our area its been the IFPD reaping the benefits of the poor paying BCSO.
Statewide the IFPD doesn’t even pay that well but compared to the BCSO they are rich beyond belief. A recent IFPD hire from the BCSO has stated it took him just six months to catch up the wage he made at the BCSO after working there for eight years, And while the IFPD has been the primary beneficiary of these savings,Boise, ISP, and a few other agencies have also obtained former BCSO deputies.
Training a new officer is estimated to cost around $50,000 by the time you figure his salary while he’s in the academy, his salary + his trainers salary while he’s in field training, etc, etc. BCSO is footing this entire bill only to see numerous deputies soon depart to better paying departments who only have to pay a small fraction of the normal training cost since the deputy has already been to the academy (ten weeks of salary) and only will have to do an abbreviated field training program (another six – eight weeks of salary saved). The cost in losing Deputy Jim Schiffler to the Boise PD alone is well over $100,000 when you consider he was a highly trained K-9 handler and replacing that kind of training doesn’t come cheap. Or how about losing three supervisors (Raymond, Proctor, and Siddoway).
Harley Rider, VintagePort, and the rest of the Wilde groupies have continuously deflected in this thread
about the retention issue claiming “all” agencies are suffering from this. They are lying. Its the poor paying
agencies like the BCSO that suffer while the good paying ones are rewarded with fully trained officers from them. They also say things like “we got a raise this year
so it doesn’t matter anymore.” Well it does matter because a small percentage raise on top of a pittance still equals a pittance.
I was undecided up til recently who to vote for but its the supporters of Wilde on this thread who have made up my mind. If they have their heads in the sand this badly about this issue then I can’t help but wonder if Wilde does too. Cook may be brusk but at least he is honest about the very real issue.
Top ↑Mr. Anonymous, Please don’t call me a liar, and I am not lying when I said that Bonneville County is one of the agencies that are suffering from retention problems like the rest of the Nation. I guess it does come down to where you want to work.
I want to thank you for shedding light on what we already know, we don’t make as much as the city, but I would question your “riches beyond belief”. I have and will continue to work for Bonneville County. Gee, call me dedicated, I have NEVER once wished to go to the city or any other law enforcement agency. I have always known I wouldn’t make as much money as other agencies, but I choose to work for the Sheriff’s office. The family oriented comradery is PRICELESS. Stick a fork in it already. The City of Idaho Falls has some great Officers and great supervisors and a great Chief, but I CHOOSE to work here at Bonneville County, for the citizens and my family of brothers and sisters.
People choose to leave for their own reasons, some of the persons you named didn’t leave just for the “riches” on the other side of the fence. To the others that left, again, that is their decision, and I respect them for it. Do you think a new Sheriff will be able to wave the magic wand and solve the wage issue? Perhaps they should hire him to solve the Wall Street problem.
Sheriff Wilde isn’t trying to sugar coat the wage problem, he is looking for a positive solution. I doubt he will barge into the Commissioners office and draw a line in the sand, he will continue to be respectful and lead as a leader should. Perhaps there are people who need pull their head of the sand, I see the future direction of the Sheriff’s Office and its clear and positive direction.
Its unfortunate that a persons vote an be swayed by an internet blog, I personally make a informed and well researched vote, not from rhetoric on a blog site. I just urge everyone to vote. For whoever you think will do the best job as Sheriff.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to work, just ask the 170 plus employees who work there, well maybe the 169.
Have a great evening.
Top ↑First off, might I say that it seems like a great deal of the people who are posting to this blog should probably seek professional help. Loosen up people! It is an election – not the end of the world.
Due to the fact that so much of the information presented here is incorrect or at the very least skewed to bolster an individual opinion, I would like to clarify the facts on the things I know to be true.
Regarding Comment #465 by Anonymous1, first, the letter submitted by Greg Goody was not slanderous or misleading as the Post Register will not print anything of such nature, ask them. And while Greg was NEVER a full time Deputy with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, he was a Certified Work Alone Reserve who in some years put in as many hours as a full time Deputy. I am sure you are already aware of this, but that means he worked alone in a car taking calls just like any other officer on shift, the only difference being that he donated his time and did not receive any type of salary. This allowed him to interact with not only deputies but the administration as well giving him a pretty good picture of what went on in the office.
Here is something that you are apparently unaware of, Greg was never hired as a full time Deputy by choice. Nearly five years ago he was offered a full time position by Stommel, which he turned down for the very same reasons the turnover now is so high. If he had accepted the job, he would have taken nearly a $5.00 nonnegotiable cut in pay and would be under a certain administrator that thrives on playing God with people’s lives (even after they are no longer associated with BCSO). That is why he was never a full time Deputy, which also makes your statement “he hated them for it as he stated in many crowds” false.
His choice to support Cook is because he believes that Laun is the better man for the job, isn’t that the motivation for anyone supporting a particular candidate?
Referring to Comment 489 by Harley Rider, “the gentleman that lives in Ririe” actually lives in Rigby, which was listed on the letter that was printed. It was the Post Register’s error in printing the “Idaho Falls” beneath his name and it was the first thing Greg questioned after seeing the letter in the paper. No smoke and mirrors. I appreciate your compliment in saying “he was a very good reserve”, I agree.
However, he did not have his “feelings hurt”, he had been hired as a full time employee with a different agency within Bonneville County, which made him ineligible to continue work as a Reserve Deputy, as per County policy. He fully understood that policy and had no problems turning his badge in (no kicking or screaming or anything of that nature). At this point he had already turned down the offer of full time employment with the Sheriff’s Office and realized just how disenchanted he was with the bullshit that went on within the administration anyway, so it seemed like a good time to hang it up.
I personally feel both Wilde and Cook are good men, I have had the opportunity to meet and get to know both of them during my time working for Bonneville County and throughout Greg’s reserve experience. Unfortunately, I feel Sheriff Wilde is carrying on just as the previous administration, which includes policies that should be revisited and certain individuals, or maybe just one particular individual, who feels that most deputies should not be trusted and as Guest 2222 said in Comment 491, is “more focused on what each other is doing instead of law enforcement (internal investigation)”. In my personal opinion, Mr. Cook seems less about bureaucracy and more about doing what needs to be done.
Hopefully this clarifies some of the misrepresentation that has been presented on this blog. And while some of you may criticize my husband for his particular views, at least he has the balls to put his name to his opinion, unlike nearly every one of you Anonymous, Guest, code name types.
Top ↑Good morning all,
Here we are, just over a week away. Did anyone hear how the meeting between Sheriff Wilde and Cook went on Friday? I’ll guess it went like the other two before it. It is pretty strange that Cook wouldn’t mention it when he was asked about further meetings. Maybe it just slipped his mind. He is getting up there in years you know. That was a joke in the event someone missed it. Notice I didn’t call him dirt or anything.
To posters, Guest2222 in #491 and Anonymous in #493, Negative, Negative, Negative. You fit in very well with the company you keep. My apologies but that is how I see it.
Any real problems are being or have been confronted. Progress to resolve them and move past them is in the works every day. Cook a great example? Of what? Negativity, back stabbing and sabotage I would agree with.
As far as policies, this has been discussed here before. Do you think other agencies don’t have policies? Check out Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office policy manual some time. It kills three times the trees that ours does. I have read, comprehended, retained and always stayed in the confines of our small book of common sense that you refer to as policy and I have for years. So I guess I won your challenge and will continue to do so.
Internal investigation, are sadly a required function and I wouldn’t want there job. They are unfortunatley always the bad guy in any group of people that discuss them. We have two investigators that conduct internal investigations plus they fulfill many other duties. You seem to be like many that are surprised when they step on a turd to discover that they have do-do on their shoes. If you are threatened by policy maybe you should reevaluate yourself. I for one am not threatened and understand that policy is in place for protection.
Sheriff Wilde fully supports all employees and he does listen. He has expressed this over and over and over. I am not a member of the FOP. The Administration will take care of you if you do your job and are honest about your dealings. It is in their best interest. Think about it. I am sorry that you fear some of our leadership although I really don’t understand it. Don’t lump Cook in when you speak of leaders. It’s like calling a circle a square.
Anonymous in #493,
You describe richness beyond beliefs. Is this not a bit of an exaggeration? Change is inevitable and you always plan for it. I still shed tears when I think of Schiffler leaving, believe me. How about losing three supervisors? It gave opportunities to others for advancement and the positions were filled with qualified, quality employees. You move forward.
You accuse people of “deflection” and you throw the “lier” word around as well. What is wrong with you? Who ignores a 9.5% raise? No one does! You talk about “pittance”. What? I made between 38 and 42 thousand last year with very little to no over-time. Is that a pittance? Maybe if you live up in Camora Loma but I seem to be doing alright and I enjoy what I do.
Cook is more than “brusk”. He doesn’t have a clue. He doesn’t get along with a lot of people which he has displayed on this very forum by accusing so many people of writing posts here and has never once been correct.
Head in the sand? No, I think the “trench” that Cook has slipped into has filled with sand and he has chosen to try and drag some personnel in with him. I’ll throw you a rope though and then we can look forward together.
Cook doesn’t understand positive thinking obviously. His plans are ill conceived and poorly thought out. In my heart of hearts I think he believes he is doing the right thing but the sun can’t shine through a black cloud.
Top ↑Mrs Goody,
Thanks for all of the info that Greg is a great guy. I’ve worked with him and I have listened to him (without the aid of a thesarus). Has he Worked as much as a full time deputy? Ah, NO! Was he a good Reserve Deputy? Ah, YES!
He has not been around for several years . Isn’t he working in Madison County or somewhere because of problems at his last job? Maybe he should have taken that offer from BCSO that yes, we all know about. Where does he gain his knowldge of the current workings at the BCSO? Possibly it is from the highly trained cyber crimes detective that Cook talks about, the one who does not have any equipment?
Top ↑Lindsay in #495,
Do we have to talk about how big people’s balls are here? Makes me a little queezy to hear you talk about your husbands.
Top ↑Comment 495 – First, that was pretty bold to say we need professional help, not very nice, not very nice at all. My mistake (sorry) for stating Ririe instead of Rigby, regardless, still Jefferson County, still unable to vote in the Bonneville County election, still misleading to the public when stated “As a former POST certified member of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office of 12 years”. you have to remember, we are talking the general public, what do you assume the perception will be when a person reads that? It will be just like everyone did think.
The gentleman from Rigby Id was a good reserve, as I have said to many that he was one of the best. My recommendation was given for him to be hired full time, and I saw how his feelings were hurt when he had to make that decision, I wish he would have made a different one and became a deputy. But it still doesn’t make it right to slam on an entire agency when a person is upset at one person. You refer to leaving his name, well take your own advice and lash out at that single person you are angry at and not slam Sheriff Wilde and the rest of his administration and office. It sounds like someone is still a little upset by their language.. Sorry for the wrong city, but there was no personal attacks, misrepresentations or criticizing done here.
It was good to see someone come to the defense of another on this blog, its been quite rare. I think that if something or someone is important, you don’t let others slam on them and make them or their organization suffer for their comments. There are some who would let others criticize, humiliate, discriminate, call names, personally attack their age, tear down an organization, and they stand by and NOT SAY A WORD. A family is a family and we must always come to the aide of our brothers and sisters (or husbands) defense. Nice job, Lindsay. Also, I would leave my name, but you know where that would go.
There finally comes a time when you read and listen and read and listen again, and finally have to say something, stand up for what you believe in, or you can just sit there quiet and not say a thing, but you must be able to bear that on your conscience. (I was going to say mouse, but a couple people have already used that).
This blog is about the election and the two candidates, not internal affairs, Sheriff Wilde currently has personnel assigned working on the policies, revamping, updating, reviewing, “progressive leadership” in action. Thank you Sheriff Wilde and staff. I agree again policies are necessary, but there are some that I have disagreed with, I don’t get mad at the person who wrote them, I seek positive ways to have them reviewed and explained and possibly changed, before you say it, yes there are some that have been changed.
This may seem like “just an election”, but no election is “just an election”. The public deserves the best for the next four years. No matter who you are voting for, don’t think that elections are just an elections, they are a very important part of our society. Elections are always important, think about history and you realize just how important they are. I advise you to research your own county elections and vote.
I urge you all, no matter who your voting for, just get out and vote.
Top ↑HEEYYYY, IT LUNCHTIME, LETS DRIVE AROUND AND WRITE DOWN DEPUTIES PLATE NUMBERS AND TURN THEM IN FOR EATING TOGETHER!!!!!!LOLOLOLOL HEY IM THE 500 POSTER TO THIS BLOG!!! IM A WILDE GROOOOUUUPPPIIIIEEE WHAOOOOOO GO PAUL WILDE!!!
(Moderator note: please refrain from shouting.)
Top ↑Next time, Reddgragon, turn off your caps.
Top ↑These is no need to shout here, and it doesn’t help advance your thoughts at all.
(Moderated for shouting)
Top ↑How can Goody tell people that this is just an election? It doesn’t even afect her or her husband in any way because they do not work for the Sheriff’s Office and do not live in Bonneville County. There must be some other personal gain in it for them.
Telling people with opinions to seek professional help is very unimpressive. I guess they must be better than the rest of us. I don’t even know who the Sheriff is in Rigby. I wonder if they do? Is there a Sheriff election there this year? Why are the Goodys so interested in the Bonneville County Sheriff election is a question that needs and should be asked.
I would guess that they are good friends of Deputy Cook’s. It seems to be the only explaination and therefore lends to their discredit. A person writing a letter to the editor with their name on it, doesn’t give you big “balls”, it only makes it apparent that you are a Goody. It seems to be a family practice because I have seen them write to the post register in the past with negative, anti-law enforcement words.
You are not better than the rest of us. Sorry to burst your bubble and I actually do live in Bonneville County.
Top ↑Wow! Sounds like a “TEAM” to me. Sounds really “POSITIVE” attacking anyone who has a different opinion. Harley rider, there was one thing missing from your comments. You didn’t comment on the numberous comments on this blog that portray a different opinion of the status of Sheriff’s Office from yours. I guess ex employees don’t have the right to comment.
Top ↑I had not even considered all the reserves that have been run off from the Sheriff’s Office! I suppose I need to go get some more stats. That would probably put our losses at 1/2. The bleeding continues in many ways it appears!
Cook,
I’ve never heard you use the word “positive” before. I guess you could suggest that there are more stats but don’t those belong on a spreadsheet somewhere? You know, the ones that you talk about making everything look so good. You talk about people giving opinions. I find that odd after you publicly announced that employees were subject to criminal prosecution if they gave an opinion to anyone but themselves.
On a lighter note,
Did everyone hear Sheriff Wilde on 590 KID this morning? Sounds like he is campaigning and telling people the truth. It is all positive in nature as well. He has good ideas and sound judgement not to mention an impeccable resume of experience with the Sheriff’s Office.
Top ↑Are you kidding me? What positive things has Mr. Cook had to say about the BCSO team? Nothing!!! His entire campaign has been to slam the Sheriff’s Office and every division there in. Come on Cook, you know you should have started out with a positive campaign, one that promotes a great team versus trying to tear it down to advance yourself.
Top ↑What has Wilde done so positive? Nothing! As a matter of fact it was Wilde and his lacky Vintageport who started this whole smear campaign against Cook. Wilde just didn’t have the cajones to come onto this site and speak for himself so he got a couple of errand boys to do it for him. Sure I heard him on 590 talking a bunch of fluff. The guy is full of hot air and empty promises. It’s time for a change and Cook is the man for the job. VP has been spouting the same nonsense from post one and he’s convinced nobody but himself.
Top ↑Judging from all of the bickering from members of the BCSO it appears that they are brothers or sisters fighting. I wonder if Wilde has come here if he sees any violations of Conduct Unbecoming an Officer? Where vintageport seems to be the official announcer for the Wilde camp, lets hear in advance when Wilde is going to be talking to the media. The public would like to hear what he has to say during his presentation not afterwards.
As a taxpayer I am concerned with the excessive spending and the accountability issue. What is being done to investigate the current unsolved homicides, rapes and violent crimes in the County. What is the solvability percentage rate for BCSO? What is being done to reduce the amount of injury and fatal accidents in the County? What additional training is the BCSO going to provide it’s detectives? What is the number of lawsuits that are filed against the BCSO each year and how many are paid out due to misconduct?
As a member of the tax paying public I would like to hear from both candidates on these issues.
Top ↑I did comment on views that were not mine, all the negative ones someone left guessing and tearing down an organization. Last I checked our reserve unit is doing just fine, please don’t tear them down, they are a volunteer group that has dedication and service in mind. Great Job reserves!! You didn’t keep on reading, I am all about Freedom of Speech and Right to Vote. Just read, its all coming from one website, don’t be upset.
Have a great Day!!
Top ↑well said indy thinker
Top ↑Clarification:
1. Suggestion of seeking professional help — not a personal attack, only a joke. Apparently there are some bloggers on this site with absolutely no sense of humor.
2. I never said this is “just” an election, but that it is “an election”, which last I checked is factual.
3. Comment 503: Cook is a friend, along with other deputies we have gotten to know over the years. However, no personal gain involved. And I am fully aware that the election is in Bonneville County and I will be unable to vote. However, last I checked citizens from other counties are still allowed to support candidates in other ways than voting. (By the way, the Sheriff in Jefferson County is Blair Olson, who is a good man as well.)
4. Comment 503: Other negative letter to the editor was “written” by my neice (who shares the same name with me), and was 15 at the time. Come to find out, the letter was actually written by her mother, a very bitter ex-wife of a BCSO employee. I too wrote a letter to the editor refuting what she had said with nothing but praise for the law enforcement community and BCSO. If you would like copies, I would be glad to oblige.
5. Comment 503: Nothing was ever said to imply that I think I am better than anyone else, I don’t even know where you came up with that.
My only intention in writing my original comment was to clarify some misrepresentations, not to stir up any type of hatred or anger or queasiness among anyone of you.
The sun will rise November 5th, no matter who is elected, which makes it sad that people are so hateful and bitter towards their own colleagues.
I hope you all have a good night, and for those of you who are so angry, I hope you can take a second to put things into perspective.
Top ↑(moderated for shouting)
Top ↑Be careful Indy Thinker, I too came here looking for some indication on where Mr. Cook stands, because he lists this blog on his web site, and since then I have been accused of being a deputy, city police officer, a paper pusher etc. and I don’t even work for any form of government. Man what a mistake. This is the most negative place .
Mr. Cook’s last entry here is filled with sarcasm and is a perfect example of how he has run his campaigne and how he would be as an elected official. He is obviously full of animosity . The rest are just fighting among themselves and will continue to do so even after the election.
I think those who have posted here are certainly in the minority as far as the BCSO is concerned. I feel sorry for Mr. Wilde, because I think he is going to win and he is going to have to combat these disgruntled employees that keep stiring the pot and are happier getting into a pissing match than building what I think is a great Sheriff’s Office. I hope he makes some big changes in shifts, personnel etc to stop this negativity.
As for Goody’s, there opinions matter, but only in an arena that concerns them. From the postings here, it is my understanding they don’t live in Bonneville County and neither one of them work for Bonneville County so whatever ax they have to grind they should be grinding it in an area that concerns them. Put your energies into your own community and for your own politicians that represent and protect you not ours.
This has been very entertaining to read but I don’t think it has very much to do with the election at hand, it is mostly a venting blog.
Top ↑I didn’t comment on the “other” peoples comments because I respect their opinion, they are not running for Sheriff. I do not have a reason to slam or degrade other people for expressing their views, after all, it is a Constitutional Right. I even respect you Laun, I just don’t agree with the way you are running a campaign. I’ve been here a long time, watched the Sheriff’s Office grow through good times and fight and bad times. I have dedicated my life to service, and I my opinion, let me repeat, my opinion, the Sheriff’s Office is a GREAT place to work. I would never put it down or slam on my agency in an effort to gain a position.
The website in question was very harmful to moral, basically no one was unscathed by the rant written there and approved by its namesake. There are still enough of us veterans around to prove that we enjoy working here.
If given the chance, it seems that only negative comments erupt from what is said, no positive whatsoever. Even the word TEAM gets slammed. A team sticks together, lives together and fights together. Perhaps a different approach would be beneficial, try a POSITIVE ONE.
The reserves are doing great as I said before, fact is, one of the reserves whose last names remotely resembles your is graduating POST next week, sounds like a success story to me. He is fully aware of how the administration works has chosen to join our agency. It appears someone is only interested in the bleeding rather than healing the wound, but then again what was I to expect.
As to the other comments – what has Sheriff Wilde done positively, he has positively and effectively served this County for 31 YEARS, He has promoted Team, Accountability and Positive Law Enforcement. The last 10 months at the helm he has strived re-populate patrol, which is nearly done, he is actively striving for better pay and benefits for the deputies and personnel that work with him, he has revamped policy and is looking into the others to benefit both the safety of deputies and the community, his administration is striving to make the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office the best in the State, which I believe is already there. You need to open your eyes and look around, get out of that sand filled trench.
We are not bickering or fighting, we are as Deputy Cook said, being involved in a Democratic process. If you stand by and watch and do nothing, you have nothing to say when its over. I would say that Sheriff Wilde’s first steps as Sheriff combated one of the excessive spending a accountability issues, hiring a new finance person. She is doing a great job and for nearly half the cost, and all monies are now accounted for, no more ghost budgets.
As I said before, I have seen DUI and Seatbelt saturation in effect, thanks to the Sgt. over the traffic division and the administration that supported him. Our administration meets with traffic personnel from the County regularly to identify problems of accidents, patrol men and women are doing their best to stop traffic offenders, as well as our School Resource officers being equipped with traffic radar and training for the safety of our children. All thanks to hard working men and women from every division.
You cannot forget, which many of certain people do, the hard working men and women at the Bonneville County Jail. Their dedication and hard work have supplemented the County with monies and programs never seen before in Bonneville County. They are excellent at their job and are sometimes (most of the time) forgotten in their efforts. I want to say EXCELELNT job to them, keep of the good work.
Brother and Sisters can argue, and misconduct cant be construed with giving an opinion. I am a American citizen and have all the rights as everyone else does to give my opinion. Don’t tread on me.
As far as I know, every deputy receives training, I know that the Detectives division has received specialized training on crime solving techniques which has been obvious the last year. I know when I visited the location where property is stored, there was thousands of dollars of property that had been recovered, the homicide rate this year from my recollection is one, which was solved. Looks POSITIVE to me.
Sheriff Wilde has 31 years experience and leadership in all areas of the Sheriff’s office, including the budget. He is a wise man (I didn’t say old) and knows what he is doing. He has the very best for all members of the Sheriff’s office in mind, as well as the community (known also as the taxpayers). I have NEVER heard him slam on any aspect of the Sheriff’s office, he only continues to strive for what is best for Bonneville County. (NO FLUFF or HOT AIR there, some people are obviously negative in nature)
Mrs. Goody, I am happy, and sane, I think, I just think that most took your comments and the letter to the editor as a slam, I think we have a good agency and like I said if you are angry at one person, vent on him, I cant stand by and watch as my colleagues get lumped in with someone you have a problem with, I hope you can agree with that.
Deputy Cook, please try to be positive, after all, our opinions do matter, but it isn’t the critic who counts, only the man in the arena. I commend you for running for Sheriff, try using a positive approach, its helps in the long run.
Have a great night.
Top ↑Deputy Cook,
Top ↑In comment 504 you refer to “numberous” opinions that reflect your own. I think you exaggerate. By the way, the word is NUMEROUS. Do you have anything good to say about any of the people you work with and where you work?
Today was a beautiful day. The sun was warming and the air smelled of a crisp fall. The sky was amazingly blue and bright, the birds chirping a happy song. It was a good day, a day for reflection of ones life and all of the gifts it contains.
Some of it was slept away preparing for the long working hours of night. Gearing up, with uniform, vest, belt and star, there is only a moment to bid the loved ones good bye. He kiss’s the little ones on their cheek and walks out to the world never knowing who or what he might meet.
It is a hard thing to drive away from your home and family at night. Especially in that patrol car that doesn’t really say who you are as much as what you are. You have to hope for the best because for twelve hours, it is your watch. You can’t be there for your family because you are there for everyone else. You are the one who watches over the community in the dark, during the hours that the wolves are out.
Every time you walk down that step, away from your home, it strikes you. That thought that tonight may be the night. The moment you might run into someone bigger and stronger. Someone who hates and can destroy whatever they see. You wonder if you have lived your life well and hope that your children will always remember that last hug and word of encouragement that you gave them. It is a lifetime of thought that you ponder on as you walk to the car.
You sacrifice putting your children to bed, bath time, story time and that last kiss on the head. You miss sleeping next to your wife and pray to God to watch over them as they sleep.
Once you go into service, you are one of the team. The shift is fluid and on course. Everyone works together toward the same goal. There are good times and bad times but you chose this path. The money isn’t the greatest but your kids all have shoes and a roof over their head. You try to do your best in everything you do and for everyone that you do it for.
Sometimes it seems as though there is no end but twelve hours is up and then you return to do it all over again. You find yourself weary from helping people. Some nights you are the target of everyone’s hatred only because you wear a star. You have waded through blood and puke. You have had guns drawn on you and been hit in the head. Most people just don’t get it when you say it isn’t about the money. I think we do it because we can and we know someone has to. Maybe we feel like service is the only way or we hope that in the years to come, someone will be there for our families on that dire day.
I don’t have any answers for politics but I can tell you that I have two families. There are my children and wife first and then there is the Sheriff’s Office in which I work. At the Sheriff’s Office, do we all get along? My answer is mostly but we have our moments much like any group of people. The difference is that we protect one another and put ourselves in harms way for those with whom we work. We face dangerous situations together and at times, we get hurt. I respect anyone who wears a badge, regardless of their political opinions. I respect and look up to those who maintain a positive stance in all things regardless of the climb and the effort required to get all of us to the next step. A negative attitude is the easy way out. It’s easy to drag people and organizations down. The positive attitude gets things done and helps everyone. It moves us all in the right direction together.
I’ve returned home on many mornings following a long shift. I’ve felt very proud to know that my team (family) and I have given it our best. Sheriff Wilde says we should keep moving forward and I have seen him do just that. It is a Cops mentality to move forward no matter the obstacle, no matter the fight.
Tomorrow is a new day. I hope it is sunny, warm and bright and continues to stay that way.
Top ↑My eyes are welling up
Top ↑It sounds like VinatagePort works in Dade County Florida, or in Iraq instead of Idaho Falls/Bonneville County.
Top ↑You got that right. VP has no clue how easy he’s got it. I’d like to see him attempt just one night shift in a department like Dade County or other large Metropolitan area. He’d come home with his tail between his legs thanking whoever his God is that he’s got such a cushy position here in Bonneville County. Cue the violins for VP! Puleeze
Top ↑Now watch this, this is positive, and I will support my fellow brother/sister. It was an awesome rendition in the day/night of a law enforcement officer. The caring and compassion for family and friends, how American. How easy it must be for some that have never been there to criticize and rant. And regardless of how we feel about each other, we are officers and never would criticize the job we all do, no matter if you town is Smalltown USA or Metropolis. You are obviously not cut from the same cloth.
Good Job Vintageport, I felt it, and for those who had all the negative to say, if I had to explain, you wouldn’t understand anyway.
It made me kinda sad to see RedDragon’s comments removed (for shouting), it was once said “shout it from the Mountaintops”. I guess all those rallies where the chants of both sides are heard cheering as one USA, USA!! Shall we silence them also? Perhaps we should add it to the “rules”.
Whisper next time, I guess, for the whisper can still the storm and hush the seas, but we will still hear you. Whhaaoooo, only 7 days!! Go Paul Wilde!!
Have a nice day!
Top ↑How do you know that VP hasn’t worked in those places? What a bunch of vultures!!
Top ↑I must use restraint, but I feel that people need to know, I visited a Deputy Cook’s website today and noticed that he has added some “improvements”. Simply go to “issues” then click on the highlighted sections such as the “Sheriff’s Office lacks experience and resources in investigations”, which I have already given my opinion about. I noticed it was a link….So I will give some advertising, take a look. Its real positive.
Nearly all Law Enforcement organizations recommend removing graffiti immediately, and suggest that none of it be displayed in stories on the news or website. If you want some examples, no matter who you are, here you go.
I must give kudos to those that are due, our Public Relations Officer and his School Resource Officers, as well as a full time detective are currently working on the gang problem and have been prior to this blog existing. I know that there were graffiti arrest over the summer and along with the cooperation between the IFPD and 3-B, there is a TEAM working on the gang issue. I recall solving of a false report of a gang stabbing, arrest of a shooter in the Ririe shooting, arrest in at least two different graffiti sprees, and the “drive by “ in the county was proven not to be “gang related. Facts are facts, I know that there is a gang problem, and the Sheriff’s office is working diligently to combat them, from patrol to public relations to investigations to the Sheriff and his staff. Nice Job TEAM!! Very nice Slam on Sheriff Wilde by the way, so so negative, will it ever stop??
The next link I saw was the “Fancy Spending” highlighted in blue, and talk about SHOCK and AWE! Now DARE is in headlights, no pun intended. The free, (yes seized from a drug dealer at no cost is free and clear) Hummer with the DONATED graphics and installation is being bashed. Any monies was made by Dare and Dr. Slaughters where the Explorers donated their time. WOW, If I were the public, would request the copy of the bill of $7000.00. Love to see it.
What does the public get from it, no, not nothing, KIDS LOVE IT, anything to combat this drug problem is a plus, it’s a nationwide thing, so all these people must be “Fancy Spending” …click the link then click a state, then click DARE VEHICLES:
http://www.dare.com/home/HometownDAREUSA/Default902e.asp?N=HometownDAREUSA&M=8&S=0
Pretty Cool, I have been to many DARE graduations and I have seen how many kids go crazy over this, they LOVE it!! Please don’t take away, put down the axe, it doesn’t cost anything to store, unless the Dare cop is charging to park it in his driveway and yes they have used it for traffic enforcement.
We must continue to educate or children and the public, if it helps by using a car, which it obviously does, then use it. There are other websites posted by “people” that have had their vehicles seized and used as Dare vehicles, but I will let you look them up.
I am so happy to have th opportunity to write in this blog, thanks Joe Eagle, it has made me realize just how POSITVE the Sheriff’s Office is and will continue to be. We have many great people working and dedicating their lives to the good of man, THANK YOU Sheriff’s Office!!
I wish all campaigns could be ran the way Sheriff Wilde is running his, never seen or heard a negative word from him, plenty about him, but never has he ever put anyone of his deputies down…perhaps because he is experienced and a true leader.
Have a great night!!
Top ↑I have to agree with Harley Rider on the issues he presents. I appreciate his ability to see what I was talking about in my last post. I took some cruel statements over it but it was well worth that just to express how Deputies and Officers feel about their families and the teams they work with.
I also had the additions to Cook’s web site brought to my attention today. He went to great length to high light the supposed lack of experience and equipment in Investigations. I found myself wondering why he chose those words to be his link to his opinion on the gang and graffiti problems. It left me with the impression that he has an axe to grind with someone in that office as well. The list doesn’t seem to end there.
Once I did open the window to this link I was immediately presented with multiple photographs of gang related graffiti in our area. I totally agree with Harley Rider on this point. In no way should these images be publicized. It only feeds the craving for the ones who do it to seek notoriety. It’s akin to a commercial for them. This is the same reason that great lengths are taken to remove most of the vandalism as soon as possible and why our local media tries very hard not to splash it across your television on the six o’clock news. Many divisions put a lot of effort into these problems in the past several months. Patrol hit it very hard and made some arrests as well as developing good leads for investigators to work. The School resource officers made arrests along with detectives who put in hours of working nights to cover these neighborhoods in unmarked cars. We recognize the presence of these groups in our community and have focused on them.
I wish Cook could try and focus on our many successes at the BCSO instead of trying to beat down and degrade all of our efforts. I really do believe that it is an honest example of the man as a whole. Also on his link, he states that we have gangs and graffiti because of the “continued poor leadership of the appointed Sheriff” which leads to “less law enforcement”. I’m not a boss but I bet if any of you publicly announced something like this about your boss you would probably find yourself collecting unemployment. Cook is still an employee although on vacation. Sheriff Wilde is a bigger man than I to shrug these statements off and move forward.
As if that weren’t enough slamming, then he goes on with another link about the Hummer that was acquired by the Sheriff’s Office and directed to the DARE program. No one at the office can figure out where he pulled the $7,000 figure from that he announces. This isn’t just me, no one seems to understand as the equipment purchased came from fund raising programs that DARE Officers spend hours of dedication coordinating. It didn’t come out of the normal equipment budgets. No new rims, they are the stock ones it came with. Harley Rider is speaking the simple truth about this in his post.
Cook really doesn’t know what he is talking about in any of these arenas. He has no connection to investigations and never has. He doesn’t have a clue what goes on with criminal investigations and the facts there in. He doesn’t have a clue about equipment and their costs.
He only continues to throw mud hand over fist, hoping that some of it might stick and that someone might believe him. Sadly, I think he has talked some people into buying his falseness hook line and sinker. Down into the sand filled trench they go.
I also believe that more than enough people can see through Cook. Yahoooooooooo!!! Go Sheriff Wilde. Just a few more days and lets hope Cook’s web page dries up and blows away.
Top ↑whisper whisper whisper…can you hear me now??? 7 more days, WhAAhhOOO Paul Wilde…Im a Wilde Grooouuppiieee!!!
Top ↑Very well said vintage port in your post about that of an officer. Being a fellow officer, it really hit home. It is hard for one to tell their families good bye and do their job not knowing if they’ll go home or not. Not knowing if the next car you stop or domestic you go to will be the last because of what you are not who you are. To those personal attacks against you regarding working in a larger agency, that’s the mentality that’ll get a person killed. The “that’ll never happen here” mentality. Have we not had drive by shootings in the area like a big city? Have we not had people fight the police? Have we not had officer involved shootings?
Those who attack you make it sound like we’re in Mayberry with Aunt Bee fixing us some fried chicken and that it’s safe to leave your cars and homes unlocked each night. Just cause this is Idaho Falls doesn’t mean some big drug dealer or runner from Salt Lake, Pheonix, or L.A. isn’t going to come through here and when they get stopped won’t try to shoot a cop. To those of you who think this job is easy, and not dangerous, do a search for the officer down pages out there. See where officers have been killed in the line of duty and how big their agency/county/city was. I worked in an agency before with 12 full time deputies total. 3-5 on at any given time(sometimes only 1). We took on a 300lb weight lifter, former mixed martial arts fighter, who was high on meth. This in a county of only 16,00 people. It took four officers with a total weight of 1,000lbs to try and i say “try” to subdue this person who had brutally beaten his elderly neighbors for “poisoning his water” and taken an axe to his parent’s house and vehicles. So if you think that this is lil ol Idaho Falls and nothing can happen here think again.
To all those who give of themselves to protect our community 24/7 you are supported and appreciated. Stay safe and God bless.
In reference to the election which this blog was originally about, that’s the great thing about a Democracy is everyone gets to vote and have their say. What did we do before the internet and blogs? We had to read what the candidates had to say by what was written in the newspaper or we heard on TV not off of what some random person told us. Do the research the right way not off of hearsay. After all, we wouldn’t want to be charged with a crime off of just what one person says with no evidence would we? I have worked in several agencies and known officers in dozens more. BCSO is a good agency and on the right path. May the best candidate win who can lead the office in the direction it needs to go.
Top ↑Vintageport- The $7000 figure came from memory recall of information put out by our administration on the Hummer. Maybe you could help us out with an exact figure spent. While your at it get us a figure on the fancy motor cycle and the last jet boat purchase for Dick Cheney fishing trips.
Top ↑Hey I got an idea! Would you be willing to Debate me in public? I could get ahold of the news and we could set something up. laun@launcook.com
Vintageport isn’t running for Sheriff, don’t picks fights Laun, You were suppose to have factual figures when you bring items before the public in a campaign, not misinformation, oh wait this is politics. But I would LOVE to that debate!! There’s only six more days, if you hurry you can slam on everything about the Sheriff’s Office.
Motorcycle was approved for purchase after hours of being researched by that same traffic sergent, and has been benefit to the Sheriff’s Office, grind grind grind….put the axe down, The boat was purchased for us, the major portion out of State and Federal grants, the security for having the Vice President of United States visit Idaho (what an Honor I must say) is …you guessed it another duty of the Sheriff’s Office, do your research, but you better hurry, there is only 6 days left.
Pllllleeeaaasssee try to be positive, there’s only 6 days left, has there been anything you have approved of over the last 17 years, or does the world as a whole have no hope.
Its supposed to be beautiful, I know, why don’t you go fishing, I hear we have some top ranked fishing areas right here in Bonneville County, even the 2nd in command of the most powerful nation in the world thinks so. Never know, it could give you a new perspective.
Whaahoooooo, go Sheriff Wilde (that’s for you RD)
Have a nice day!!
Top ↑Ok- Harley let’s talk about the interim appointee Paul Wilde. You are sorely mistaken. The first thing he did when he was appointed was redecorate his office. Hum, I wonder what the price tag to the tax payer was for that? You can just immagine what that one did for morale.
Top ↑Sounds to me like both of you are trying to run for Sheriff! Maybe you would care to debate in public?
Actually VP did accept a nomination for Interim Appointee!
Top ↑You know Harley, many of us are still waiting for your “hero” Wilde to come on here and debate the issues and talk to the people of this county. As a matter of fact we’ve been asking for months but he refuses to show up. But I guess why would he when he’s got his little fanboys like you and VP to do his dirty work? Perhaps he can’t type or isn’t comfortable behind a computer. He is after all getting up there in age and may not know how to use this technology known as the i n t e r n e t. At least Cook doesnt have others doing his campaigning for him. If you’re so tight with Wilde, why don’t you jump on your little scooter and go talk Wilde into coming on here and talking to the people of Bonneville County? Many of us don’t think that’s too much to ask for.
Top ↑Wildes time is up. Laun Cook for Sheriff!
You have a nice day now.
Hey, I heard Mr. Wilde was out campainging this weekend, door to door, did you ever hear of such a thing. Mr. Wilde is obviously spending his time where it counts and where he believes he can do the most good. It is absolutely obvious the type of leader and Sheriff Mr. Wilde would be and, contrary to that, the way Mr. Cook would be. Actions have always spoken louder than words and will continue to do so. I suggest we all take a look at the actions of both candidates during this campaigne and decide which one will do the most good and will promote positive change for the community and the BCSO.
That is it, short and sweet and to the point.
Top ↑Good idea Porter and that’s why Cook has my vote!
Top ↑Cook,
I am a little fish in a big pond. Stop accusing our lieutenants and Captain of conspiring against you. I am none of the people that you continually suggest me to be. You have made a bad habit of throwing half truths out to the public in an effort to gain a foot hold.
What would be the point of myself or Harley Rider debating you? I’m not seeking office. I have nothing to debate. I know who you are and what you have always been about. You thrive off of negativity and contention. It’s saddens me to read the things you write and listen to you speak. I feel sorry for you.
Get your information together on where the money actually came from for equipment purchases that you want to paint with a black cloud. You are so far off base on all of it. The equipment came from federal grants or fund raising or seizures. You seem to want to take all of that away to feed your own negative desires. Why would you take these things from the citizens of Bonneville County. Why would you destroy the good that these items do.
Thanks for the link to your web site. I tried that once and you chose to ignore me as I have mentioned here before.
Top ↑VP- The birds are chirping lol you never spent a day of your life in a patrol car, lol, no seriously, your going to give yourself a coronary. I hope you are taking your blood pressure medication. If elected Sheriff, I would hate to loose another guy. That brings up another point, get ready now for the “negativity”-if elected, maybe I need to take a serious look at the “fitness for duty” of our administration!!!!!!!!!!!
Top ↑Actually VP, by your own admitance you created this blog to “Sling Mud”. I reckon that’s “positive”. You’ve been down to the office at least twice that I am aware of demanding my termination. Once with Sheriff Stommel over the armorer thing and recently with Appointed Sheriff Wilde with a printed copy of this blog “the ranting” lol. I’m certain it was printed with county paper. Hum I wonder how much that’s costing the taxpayer?!!!!!!!!!
That brings up another point. I am on earned vaction on my own computer. All you Paul lackies in here on county time trying to “sling mud” at Laun. Wow maybe that’s what Laun means by getting back to doing law enforcement. Maybe some of you admin types in here could have made some headway on some cyber crime. I reckon you could take that as negative or positve depending on your perspective.
Life’s all about perspective!
Top ↑I would love to have a debate! Lets see how qualified you are to debate me, just answer these questions.
1. What have you said POSITIVE about the Sheriff’s Office?
My answer: I have explained both rationally and factually all the good things that are occurring at Sheriff’s Office, as well as noting the problems and the continuing dedication to solve these problems for the citizens of Bonneville County in a positive and dedicated manner.
2. What are some issues with financial facts and financial figures…or “fancy spending?
My answer – finances has gone through an overhaul with the new finance personnel and committees set up with the Sheriff, staff and commissioners. Fancy spending – We have promoted a positive and outward reaching public relations division, The Hummer – drug seizure $0.00 cost the Sheriff’s Office, The boats (yes it is a good idea to have boats as it is a duty of Sheriff to protect and patrol our waterways) have been purchased through grants and through and Parks and Recreation in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office. The motorcycle was purchased through grants. It has been proven to be effective and is a great tool.
3. Retention and Personnel -
My answer, The Sheriff’s Office has strived and is currently or near up to staff in both Corrections and Patrol. Our Reserves Program is staffed and managed by a Sergeant who is positive and cares about his personnel. We have received a 3.5 % percent raise this year , no rise in insurance cost. One of reserves graduating POST this session, EXCELLENT!
4. Gang issue:
My answer, the Sheriff’s Office has a competent Public Relations Officer as well as School Resource Officers and Investigators cracking down on gang related activity, with several arrests made this year. They are currently working with the IFPD and 3-B detention facility to combat gang activity, the investigator is using cyber technology in conjunction with IFPD. We will never publish gang identifiers, giving them their commercial on the internet. (nice Heisman trophy pose I must say).
5. New Technology/ investigations
My answer, Sheriff Wilde and Staff has just unveiled new technology in retinal identification for the protection of our children. Investigations has a cyber crime investigator as well the other investigators who have received extensive training to investigate aspects of cyber investigations to include cell phones and computer data storage on gaming machines. We have currently added an additional detective to boost the 80 plus years of experience. Property crimes ie. Burglaries and theft, have been exceptionally worked, resulting in several arrest and recovery of property. There has been several added tools to both Narcotics and investigations, which I wont go into because who for the safety of the hard working deputies investigating out there. EXCELLENT JOB!!
6. TEAMWORK
My answer, Sheriff Wilde currently promotes team and teamwork. He has never personally attacked anyone within his agency, to include but not limited to their age, weight or medical condition. (the last comment Mr. Cook was a pretty low blow, considering that you would even suggest it was appalling), there are those who are on blood pressure medicine and I doubt they take it by choice. I hope you were not inferring that you have a problem with fitness to be on blood pressure medication, or was it just a personal attack on one individual?
7. Public Relations
My answer, The Sheriff is currently involved in several acts of Public Relations and Awareness. Thanks to the hard work of his staff, there has been a public outreach and material available to combat the gang problem. The DARE program is still teaching in all of our elementary schools. The Walk in a Mile in her shoes was a success, raising several thousand dollars for the DVIC/Sexual Assault Center. The Sheriff’s Office has a dedicated investigator to investigate Domestic Violence and a dedicated Sex Crimes Investigator. ( I must say Sheriff Wilde and Dane Watkins looked great). The Shop with a Cop program is set to occur around the holidays, unless it gets AXED for “fancy spending”. the Sheriff’s Office currently has many members on community boards through the City, to include HELP Inc. and DVIC to name a couple. We are working hard everyday for the community.
8. Corrections
The Wood project is moving forward, ground has been broken on the work release center and is being built. The jail is being staffed by the Sheriff and his hard working staff. Good job team!!
9. Courts:
The Courts, Bailiffs and Marshalls are working to keep our courtrooms safe, preserving the legal processes and assisting the citizens of Bonneville County!! Excellent Job TEAM!!
The last 10 months have been excellent. You have done nothing but slam on our office. Answer one last question, but please give it some thought… WHY? We have great people working here, doing a tough difficult job everyday, hard as some may try, this cannot be destroyed.
There you go, remember, positive comments go a long way, if you need any help, just ask. I refuse to get into your negative campaign by personal attacks. A true leader leads by example, Paul Wilde is a great example of a leader…and that’s all I got say about that.
Have a nice day!!
Top ↑All smoke and mirrors scooter boy. Nothing of real substance in your rant there
Top ↑LaunaBaloney,
You can do better than that can’t you???
Top ↑Wow, nothing of substance, smoke and mirrors; I would hate to know what you think of Mr. Cooks postings. Talk about lack of substance.
Top ↑whisper….6 more days…WwwhHHaaaaAoOoaA..Go Paul Wilde…Sheriff Wilde, you should make Harley Rider 2nd in command…left Cook SpEEchleSSS!! Im a Wilde Grooupie!! WWhhaaHoo!
Top ↑Seems that Joe should be reviewing many of the comments on this discussion. There’s obviously a lot of personal attacks, put downs and yes…baiting occuring herein, which is transparent to the general public. I am not affiliated with the sheriff’s office and have been following this link from time-to-time. I have to say that this venue has soley been utilized for personal venting of only a handful of current sheriff’s office personnel, which doesn’t lend credence to the cause…at least to the general public. Frankly, we don’t care about the internal feelings of a few hurt employees feeling threatened by Mr. Cook’s campaign, a very commendable stance regardless how unpopular. We do however, care about who is the best choice for the job. Mr. Cook seems like he wants what’s best for the community and has availed himself for public scrutiny. We’ve not seen Mr. Wilde avail himself for public scrutiny. Although he has campaigned, he’s been off limits to the general public. Makes us wonder why? Let’s face it, all government agencies have internal problems, and always will…who cares? We want to know who is the best choice and why. Mr. Wilde seems like a qualified choice, but much of the public would like to have access to him. Please focus on what the public needs to know, as there’s not much time remaining before the election and for the love of God, please stop the drama.
Top ↑Thanks public for post 541. We all feel thoroughly chastized. If you read between the lines, you will find the real topic here. Cook has obviously set out to destroy the reputation of the Sheriff’s Office to gain position while Sheriff Wilde has remained positive in nature.
I think there are some very dedicated employees here that have chosen to give us the flip side of what Deputy Cook is saying. The others seem to be much more factual and on target than Mr. Cook and it is obvious that his posts here are becoming more and more sarcastic and assusatory.
Apparently, several employees have taken acception to Mr. Cook’s web site and I can’t say that I blame them. Cook directed them to this blog from there and where else are they supposed to give their opinions and and argue the beating they are taking from Cook and his campaign?
Not everyone can put thier thoughts into pristine diagrams to note their opinion. If these people choose to use a little drama than back off and let them express. I don’t think it harms you in any way and if you really read what some of these more articulate people have to say, you will learn. I believe I have.
Top ↑Laun,
Let me start with thanking you for running for the office of the Sheriff. It has brought to light some of the concerns of the employees. Unapposed, Sheriff Wilde may not have heard all of the concerns brought forward. Again Thank you. I have also spoken personally to you about some concerns I have had about certian policies and actions taken by the administration. I too felt fear when knowing my name was mentioned in a IA eventhough I was innocent of the allegations brought forward. I also have deserved to be disciplined when I screwed up. I am thankful to have a great job with in the Sheriff’s office.
So many peaople have come to this site to try to understand your position and of Sheriff Wilde”s. You choose to air your positions through a website and on this public blog while Sheriff Wilde cose to use debates and door to door campaining. I appreciate both of you, it has opened the doors of this office for the public to understand.
You openned your campaign with an opportunity to show the employees and the public how you were going to improve the Sheriffs office not tear it apart. You spoke of improving morale not demolishing it. You spoke of running the sheriff’s office more effectivey not destroying the integrity by removal of the K-9 teams and the boats that not only service this county but any county that is in need.
Do you understand what makes gangs thrive? Gangs “tag” not to protect their house, they “tag” to show their areain which they do business(DRUG DEALERS) it also shows who is in charge, who they want to take out etc. Gangs need money(DRUGS) and what better way to combat that problem then Drug Dogs and thier Trained handlers. You only would decrease our effectiveness to do our job(Law enforcement).
Over the last seven months, Laun, I have seen you take a negative theme and a “Victim” attitude. This idea that All these people are out to get you, So What. Do you think the Sheriff phone rings with only happy people. No, their pissed off and looking to grind that axe. I hope that after this election, you can defend and explain to all the good deputys how you have trashed talked about them and their experience, How they havnt been doing their job.
Laun, I liked what you had begun but i do not understand where you have ended up. Stop the Bashing, it hurts us all. Please stop the negativity.
Top ↑I must say I agree with Cola. There are a lot of Deputies that have read and tolerated the bashing and degrading of them and the job they do on this blog and on Launs site. I seems that they are getting sick of it and are beginning to stand up for themselves, their agency, and the fine community they serve. Good for them!! Great Job to All of You at the BCSO!!!
Top ↑On a side note, anyone have a copy of that DWP report Laun did a few years ago? The one he was told to redo to contain more information. I hear it turned into several pages just because he was mad about redoing it
I am glad that there is a spirited discussion here. However there are some comments which are not totally correct.
In reference to the grants for the boat and motorcycle there is always a cost to the taxpayer. In most cases the grant costs a matching amount. For example 25%, 50%, 75% or more in matching funds. There often are requirements that state the agency has to perform a function in some type of manner. i.e. reduce the number of traffic collisions, increase the apprehension of violators or something specific for the grant. There are times that this takes a person regularily assigned to patrol that has to perform some of the duties that are required of the grant. Over several years the grant is not funded anymore and the agency has to pay in full what the grant had paid for in the past.
To say that it did not cost anything is a stretch. In the case of the seized vehicle most prosecutors offices charge a percentage to file the paperwork on the seized vehicle.
Even if these items were given to the Sheriff’s Office they are still paid for by the Tax dollars that each of us pay in local taxes, Parks and Rec Funds etc… Remember nothing is truly free, we all pay the price.
Top ↑Isn’t specialized equipment a one time purchase and not a reoccuring cost? I think Miss Bonneville, the Palasades boat was purchased in the 80s as well as the Ririe boat and some of the others. Doesn’t specialized equip need to be updated now and then to provide quality service to the public? If the BCSO didn’t have these items, how would they do their job?
If they were using row boats and horses, some would still talk about the “fancy” cost of it all at ellection time and have reason to complain.
Top ↑It’s amusing to see these same people talk about Mr Cook being negative. He’s discussing the issues within the department that need woork, if that’s negative than so be it. Frankly it’s getting tiresome when that’s all you can come up with against Mr Cook.
I’ve also heard that Mr Wilde has gone “door to door” to campaign. Well guess what, he hasn’t come to MY door or the doors of my neighbors, so how is that doing anybody any good? He wen’t out 1 evening and visted less than a dozen “supporters”, to me that’s not going “door to door”. The fact is, Wilde will NOT make himself available to the general public the way Mr Cook has done and to me that says alot. Stop with the “Mr Cook is negative” over & over & over. Try a new line already, You Wilde supporters keep talking about negativity yet you all work in the same department. Maybe you should learn to get along with your co-workers before attempting to police the public. As a citizen I’m embarrassed to see how you all have acted over the past few months on this thread..
As for all the “gang activity” in SE Idaho. You folks wouldn’t know gang activity if it bit you in the butt. You think because a couple of Mexican & Native American teenagers tag a few walls that you have this huge gang problem. But then, you also think “a major drug bust” is a couple of ounces of pot or a few grams of meth. You can’t be serious! If you want to stop all the tagging by these punk kids, start patrolling their neigborhoods more. You know exactly who is doing all the tagging. It’s not the white kids with their skateboards and bmx bikes. It’s the Mexicans and Native Americans who have nothing better to do with their time. Maybe if we invested more time and money into their neighborhoods and built a community center for them, they wouldn’t be out on the streets tagging buildings and vandalizing. So instead of fighting amongst yourselves, maybe you should join together for the common good of our community. As a taxpaying citizen who pays your salary, this is what I’d like to see.
Top ↑Unity, you said “Maybe if we invested more time and money into their neighborhoods and built a community center for them, they wouldn’t be out on the streets tagging buildings and vandalizing.” That way of thinking has failed miserably in Harlem, Washington D.C. New Orleans Chicago,etc. just to name a very few. With all of the tax dollars that have gone into the various projects in those areas for the exact type of program you are pushing it hasn’t just failed it has fostered more of the behavior that you are saying it will fix. Don’t throw money at them, hold them accountable!!!!!!!
Top ↑“Mr cook is negative” over & over & over!!! I am embarrassed as a citizen to read UnitywithinBCSO. WhereIsIt? This person has no clue what he/she is talking about but acts like he/she knows it all. I do know who is doing some of the tagging and I hate to break it to you buddy but it is the white kids also. You sound like you have a huge streak of racism running through you. NOT what we need in this area. Maybe you should talk to Mr Cook after all he is the one that put the gang issue on his sight and then said BCSO does nothing to curb the huge problem. From what you say we don’t have one. One of you is wrong, maybe both! And how funny it is you add as a tax paying citizen ARENT we all?? Every one of us up to and including employees of the BCSO pay taxes. They that is 98% stick together and try to make it a better place for all. As I stated most get along in the BCSO but you will always have the handful who focus on the negative and have yet to say a positive about the BCSO. I don’t know where you work but NO company gets along 100% you will always have some who cant be pleased. They like to drag everyone else down you know misery loves company. As for Mr. Cook he appears to hate the company, employees and administration I don’t know how he could work for them should he not win this election. Almost done people 6 days wahoooooo 6 days !!! GO Paul Wilde~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Top ↑Sorry Porter but it’s misinformation like yours that will get these kids nowhere in life and stuck on the same distructive path their on!
All you have to do is a quick Google search on Community Centers in any one of those citys and you’ll see great things happening in every single location you listed. Here are just a few examples to counter your argument:
The Harlem Partnership Center is one of 18 community-based-organizations selected to participate in the national launch of Science Quest – a unique after school program funded by the National Science Foundation. The program’s goal is to foster the next generation of scientists and educators in under-served populations such as minorities, girls, and children with disabilities. Community volunteers and center staff provide youth participants with support, guidance, and mentoring.
The mission of the Howard Area Community Center (Chicago) is to assist low-income individuals and families in and near Rogers Park to stabilize their lives and develop the skills necessary to become productive community members. HACC Programs include: Social Services, Youth Programs, Education & Employment, etc, etc.
Roving Leader Program for Teens: (Wash DC)
The ever-changing needs and interests of District youth prompted the Department of Parks and Recreation to move beyond the traditional concept of urban recreation, and begin operations of the Youth Development Division. The division provides wholesome recreational environments and opportunities for youth and families across the District.
As well as the Parklands Community Center: Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for children, youth and families who resides in “high-risk” environments. And, primary goals are to encourage self-sufficiency through viable programs, social support services, affordable housing and cultural activities that uplifts the morale and pride of all citizens through a comprehensive holistic approaches. The Parklands Community Center is a community-based organization with a past firmly planted in success through years of accomplishments and commitment to residents living east of the river in Washington, D.C.
Over the years, PCC’s services and programs have made it possible for children, youth and parents to have positive and clear choices that improved their standard of living.
North Rampart Community Center in New Orleans:
After having to close our doors in the aftermath of the Hurricane Katrina disaster, North Rampart Community Center is proud to say that we’re doing better than ever! The help and support of this community is astounding. In May 2006, UMCOR, the Louisiana Annual Conference, the Women’s Division and local community supporters were kind enough to donate over $500,000 to upgrade the center to support the volunteers living accommodations and the children’s activities.
As the children began to come back into the city, what they needed was a safe environment to play, learn, and share with their old friends as well as their new friends. Coach Parker’s plan to re-open the summer camp and after-school program was already in place and soon enough the children were back at the Community Center playing basketball, reading books, smiling, laughing, and having fun.
I’ve given you just one example from each city Porter listed. There are numerous Community Centers within each city that are thriving and doing great things.
Top ↑It’s backwards thinking like Porters that will get us nowhere.
Right on Unity! There Porter is talking out of his @rse again!
Top ↑Laun Cook for Sheriff!
and yet you said “You folks wouldn’t know gang activity if it bit you in the butt!” and “a major drug bust” is a couple of ounces of pot or a few grams of meth. You can’t be serious! Way to slam us from little Idaho!Maybe you should do some research on Bonneville Co. after all you also said it was not white kids in the gangs proving you know nothing. You obviously spent some time searching the big citys for information and they have NOTHING to do with us, “remember we would not know gang activity if it bit us in the butt.” Maybe you should of spent that time researching this area . Or maybe you should start your own group while you know it all!
Top ↑pay attention red dragon. Unity was responding to Porters comment that it’s a waste of money and community centers have failed in all of those cities. Obviously it’s not.
Top ↑pay attention Anonimonster i was responding to #547 and its great he knows all about the big citys and that we are all clueless in Idaho when it comes to gangs and drugs
Top ↑Cook made a valid point. From the sounds of it, it appears that many current BCSO employees may be posting here on county time. Some definitely appear to be in administrative positions judging by the type of information presented and are coming across as extremely vindictive types. Is this why so many have resigned from your proud organization? A mere difference of opinion and or belief justifies retaliation, up to and including termination? That’s simply un-American! Those of you who believe Cook should be punished for exercising his constitutional right to run for office and exposing his perceived issues should be ashamed of yourselves. Sounds like a substantial abuse of authority to me. This entire blog says a lot for the current BCSO administration. As a citizen, and tax paying voter of Bonneville County, where can I file a complaint against these types of inappropriate use of my tax dollars, abuse of public owned resources and unethical behaviors? I would really like to see this investigated and stopped. Is there a current process that’s fair and balanced to put the BCSO administration under a microscope? If not, there should be. Who investigates when a citizen complains about an administrator? According to JOSH in comment 424, it would be considered a “malfeasance of law not to investigate every citizen complaint”. That was a big word, but with the aid of Webster, I figured out what malfeasance meant. I’m not sure exactly how law enforcement agencies work, but does this hold true for administrators responsible for investigating their own as well? I would assume that a complaint to the current administration would fall upon deaf ears based on what I’ve gleaned so far. These are the types of questions the public would like to ask of Sheriff Wilde, if only he were available to do so, might change my vote, depending on his responses of course. Cook for Sheriff might just be the place to start.
Top ↑Reddragon, I was merely stating that gang activity, compared to most larger citiries is grossly overstated here in SE Idaho. The majority of “tagging” going on is being done by minorities with too much time on their hands and no activities to keep them busy and out of trouble.
I’ve been in numerous neighborhood watch groups in both Pocatello and Idaho Falls for the past 30+ years and I know first hand which groups of kids are responsible for this type of behavior and vandalism.
Perhaps you should stick to your cheerleading because you’re not doing very well with your attempt to discuss the important issues at hand.
Porter made a statement about throwing money at these kids towards after school programs and community centers is a waste of time and does no good, and all I did was prove him wrong by listing thriving community ctrs from each city he claimed were failures.
Top ↑Investing in our youth is the best way to curb such “gang type” behavior in our area and it’s been prooven sucessful all across our nation whether it be a large city or small town Idaho.
IIt appears!! And maybe we are not BCSO employees did you ever think of that?? He being Cook has guessed wrong about the people posting over and over again funny how people like you do not pick up on that . That is also an injustice. Also I guess its ok for cook to attack someone’s health, prescriptions used and then threaten to make fitness changes all due to a guess on who he is talking to. How about the never being on patrol can you tell me how he knows this . He does not know but this is just like the first few posts from which he guessed and named and was wrong!!! Is this ok to you? The only vindictive I see on this sight has come from him. Nothing Un- American about the BCSO if you were fired then you did something wrong. I also have read a ton of posts that said that they think it is great that Mr. Cook is running, read above . I have not seen one post that said other wise. I also have not seen were it stated he should be punished for running. I along with everyone else are citizens, tax paying voters of Bonneville County and we all have the same rights as you do. We also have the right of speech. If you want to complain take yourself down to the BCSO and complain they do have someone that investigates there own ALL organizations do. I have seen great things from officers working for the county. I have called for help and they not only were quick but treated me with kindness and respect. Its funny how everyone just complains but when it comes down to it they dial 911 and pray for that help to get there. The sad thing was reading what Mr. Cook said about the Dare program and the hummer. My daughter flat loved that program!!! My youngest son is so excited to start the same program. When I read and I quote “And what do we get from this investment? Nothing!” I realized that Mr. Cook after all the years in Law enforcement does not get it. This being one of the best programs offered to our youth. Wow I have learned a ton of information from this blog. Its funny how some people are clueless. No organization is perfect everyone has problems but it cant be as bad as a few blogers have stated. Then you read how great it is from a few others no negatives just the finer points and I think you get more flies with honey. My vote will go with Paul Wilde even though I am a Democrat. He has people that obviously love him and are very happy to work for him. I see more positives than negatives coming from his supporters. They state great things that have been done and will continue to be done with this Sheriff.
Top ↑UnitywithinBCSO. WhereIsIt? I along with everyone else read what you wrote. You wrote and it was clear that first you stated we are clueless about the gangs and drugs! Then you made a very racist statement about who is in the gangs around here. I have worked with some of the youth involved in the gang issues here in Idaho Falls and I hate to burst your bubble but it is also riddled with white youth. These little gangs (yes I said little due to the fact that we have already gone over how Idaho Falls people know nothing about true gangs) know no skin color. We have white groups along with other races. You see only color. Now back to my cheerleading Go Paul Wilde!!!! And you can go back to your racist comments. 6 DAYS!!
Top ↑Comment 557 – You are BCSO employees, its transparent even to us non-law enforcement people. To indicate otherwise is patronizing. Cook’s reference to the importance of health involving law enforcement officers is very relevant. Only those who don’t think they can measure up are the ones threatened by it. I haven’t heard Cook ever say he would fire anyone, in fact, I’ve heard him say that he would not fire anyone, but only restructure the available resources to be best utilized. I took this as him seeing an opportunity to put some programs into place to assist those who don’t measure up and help them reach their potential, which is positive. I have heard reference from some in this blog suggesting that Cook should be fired if not elected. This is extremely disturbing as a citizen and would be very vindictive…where does this mentality come from? Also very relevant is if you have a question as to how Cook knows something, please reference it to him; he seems adequately capable and willing to address such questions. Aside from what he’s made available to the public, I would have no way of knowing his knowledge base not to mention there seems to be an eagerness for many of you to regurgitate what is said into a distorted view of your own. I never said BCSO was un-American, you’re an ass for contorting it into meaning this. I referenced that anyone or agency willing to allow a citizen to reap negative recourse for taking a stand and exercising their constitutional rights is un-American. Free exercise of all of our constitutional rights is very American and anything to the contrary is not, including retaliation for doing so. Any citizen should be allowed to run for any public office without harassment from anyone. What I have read in these blogs is nothing short of harassment cultivated from extreme bitterness, very obviously resulting from Cook’s direct approach to expose problems that he feels worthy of correcting. If Cook’s issues are incorrect, why isn’t the Wilde campaign availing themselves to the public and make the corrections of any misrepresentations? That too is transparent. From what little I’ve been able to learn about Wilde, I like him. But the problem I am having at this time with supporting him is the fact that he is off limits to the general public and is not addressing the issues that has been exposed by Cook.
Top ↑Blah Blah Blah. We all read what you wrote. And yes it does appear that that some of the blogs are from BCSO employees as I stated from the blog and support of Wilde is one of the reasons why I will vote for him BUT I am not a BCSO employee so you are wrong again. I cant believe that you could not control yourself or address the comments like an adult you had to resort to profanity. I do not believe I did that. I was rational and even gave you advise where to go file your complaint. Wow I am so glad all the bloggers supporting Wilde are not this angry and fifthly mouthed. One more thing you can try to explain untill you are blue in the face this statement from Mr. Cook had nothing to do with the web you just tried to spin.
****VP- The birds are chirping lol you never spent a day of your life in a patrol car, lol, no seriously, your going to give yourself a coronary. I hope you are taking your blood pressure medication. If elected Sheriff, I would hate to loose another guy. That brings up another point, get ready now for the “negativity”-if elected, maybe I need to take a serious look at the “fitness for duty” of our administration!!!!!!!!!!!****
How about this, it is a slam on one officer and wow I don’t think he knows who he is talking to.
Top ↑Take a deep breath and HAVE A SUPER NIGHT!
Post 541 suggests that the moderator should monitor much of this blog because of the “personal attacks, put downs and yes, baiting”. Then post 555 goes way down hill only to roll into further destruction and flames on down the page. Which is it? Call Sheriff Wilde at the office if you want to speak to him. He is very busy being the Sheriff and may have to call you back. He is not unavailable to the public. He works for the public.
There is absolutely no room in this world for racist remarks nor on this blog. Stow these opinions ASAP and do not poison the rest of us with them regardless of who you support. To debate every point that Cook makes about the Sheriff’s Office that is incorrect would be like taking on a hornets nest with a toothpick. Sand filled trenches are closing in.
Top ↑And what do you know, all the negative comments are from…well they are NOT from Sheriff Wilde supporters. Just think, in 5 more days, the polls will be closed and the trench will be totally filled in, tamped, graveled and paved. WWhhAAAOOOOooooo Go Paul Wilde!!
Top ↑Since I post anonymously its hard to sort out my posts from those of others on here but most of my posts have focused on the retention problems that the BCSO has had. And I am NOT a BCSO employee nor have I ever been. I’m also not related to one. I do however work closely with the BCSO on frequent occasions and as such am able to get an inside view that most of the public does not.
I’ll stand by what I’ve said many times in this thread. The BCSO is bleeding and the wound is nearly mortal. Vintage and the rest can put the best nonsense spin they want on it with things like “its giving new officers an opportunity” but wouldn’t it be better to keep good officers you already have rather than regularly see officers flee to better paying jobs. No matter who wins, the sheriff won’t be able to fix this problem easily but it using nonsense spin like Vintage and the rest have used doesn’t fix it either. Replacing the lost officers (their spin) and new opportunities (their spin) isn’t a fix unless you can be sure that those officers won’t bolt in a few years too. The 2 year contracts that new recruits are being forced to sign will keep them for 2 years but what about after that? Two years into the BCSO pay
scale doesn’t even get you up to what the IFPD and ISP start you at. Let alone places like Boise, Nampa, and other good paying agencies in the state.
And the whole “be positive” thing is downright funny because its so silly. Is it being negative to point out very real and existing problems? As I’ve said before Cook recognizes the problem, Wilde’s groupies spin it as if its not a problem.
Top ↑Hey, I think I may have a solution. The problem that has been proposed here is that lack of pay is the biggest problem. Thats an easy one, Raise tax’s so we can give them a raise. Problem solved
Top ↑Before you say get rid of equipment dont forget, equipment is purchased with one time money and that can not be used for wages because it is not perpetual. It would be horrible to give a wage increase one year only to have to take it away next year because the money wasnt there.
Comment 560 – Very pretentious – why don’t you go ahead and tell all of us just how important you really are. Vp in comment 561 – it would indeed be like taking on a hornets nest, because that’s clearly what it is. I am really glad I don’t have to work with any of you. What a nightmare. Cook, you have my full support, good luck!
Top ↑Being Positive is Silly? No being Positive is being POSITIVE. You make it sound like all BCSO has in the Office are 2 year deputies. Wrong, we have several experienced and veteran Law Enforcement Officers in our agency that I am personally PROUD to work with. I never tear them down, bever tear my OFFICE down, and would never make a comment like being Positive is SILLY.
You stick to your retention issue, I never said that retention wasn’t a problem, but it’s a problem…oh go ahead and say it, you train officers so they can go on to higher paying agencies…that is their choice. You know, I would love to make more money, but believe it not, I do this for DEDICATION to my OFFICE.
Sheriff Wilde will continue to work for better pay , I have no doubt. The new deputies we have hired will have to make a decision where they want to go, but for me I will always choose BCSO over any other, that has been proven.
There are ways to point out a problem, as Sheriff Wilde has, being productive and giving a solution, not totally slamming every area of a very proficient and effective Sheriff’s Office. (Sheriffs Office Admin, Narcotics, Investigations, Traffic, equipment, boats, canines, DARE vehicles, on and on and on). Its called a Team…if that s a funny concept, google it, might help you out in your career.
I guess after 2 years, we all should throw our hands in the air, lie down and quit…NO I don’t think so, I’ve been through a lot rougher times than this, but didn’t even think about working anywhere else.
Unity – Please take your racism elsewhere, there is no room for it here. That had to be the most ludicrous post on this blog. You are obviously unaware of the situation here in Idaho Falls/Bonneville County. For spending 30 plus years working in Neighborhood Watch still doesn’t qualify you to make a over the top statement like you did.
There is only five days left, I want the public to vote for the best man for the job. Sheriff Wilde is an effective Sheriff and doesn’t think “I”, he thinks ‘WE” and “TEAM”. He understands the Sheriff’s Office and what makes it function, he doesn’t run from responsibility, and when it comes to success, “TEAM” gets the credit. This creates TRUST, this my friend is a true LEADER and gets the job done!!
Top ↑It is very apparent why many at BCSO are leaving for other Departments, part is the wage issue, but the other part is the treatment that you have witnessed here. Having observed this type of demeanor on the street seriously concerns me about being professional in doing their jobs. They are bound by a code of ethical conduct which obviously needs to be addressed again. Maybe Vintageport can send a copy of this blog to Peace Officers Standars and Training who in turn can incorporiate it into the Ethics Training given at the Academy.
Top ↑Anonymous in post 567,
What planet are you from???
Top ↑It must be getting rough, a brand new approach. Since everything else that has been said and written about OUR Sheriff’s Office from this blog and another website has been FACTUALY pointed out to be negative and misleading, the other side must now start attacking ethics. LOL, give me a break, you really need to use this for POST, just make sure you use both websites, they can use it in their “teambuilding” portion and the “Ethics” portion, and the “How to TRY to tear down and agency” portion.
They have already tried discrimination, personal attacks, racism, you might as well turn to ethics now, give it your best shot.
The Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is the most sound professional Law Enforcement Agency around. Perhaps you need to look up the definition of ethics and pass it around to your constituents, from the top to the bottom.
Be positive Sheriff Wilde Supporters, as you can see, they are attacking from all sides, desperation is contagious, don’t slide to their level, we are warriors, keep your shields high and strong, protect your brother and sister on each side. Before you speak ask yourself if it indeed improves the silence. We are protectors of all, use caution and beware to those that would dare attack us, for this WE WILL DEFEND!!
Have a Great Day! Go Sheriff Wilde!!
Top ↑It wasn’t a racist statement, it was a personal comment based on fact. If what I say bothers you than GOOD! It should!!! I know exactly who is doing all the tagging in this county and it’s quite sad that our own sheriffs office doesnt’! Just because I’m not afraid to point the finger at exactly who is doing the tagging, doesn’t make me a racist. Get over yourselves and those of you that work for the Sheriffs office, get you butts out there and do somthing about it instead of hanging out here and bickering amongst yourselves.
Top ↑Youre embarrasing yourselves and your department.
“The most sound professional law enforcement agency around”??? What a joke!
It would be ideal for vintageport to turn this blog into POST ethics investigators, as POST won’t investigate an agency unless it comes from a department head. So why don’t you go ahead and do that vintageport, being you are a department head with all your important clout. What a perfect monopoly for any admin; Admin investigating admin without no outside checks & balances. I just don’t see anything resulting from that scenario, except maybe a rug being held by one (or two) admin while the other admin pushes the broom; now that’s teamwork there! Anyone who complains naturally get referred to the complaint department i.e. morgan hendricks. I guess if you’re LDS and hold a position higher than an elder, you wouldn’t have too much to worry about. Maybe showing your temple recommend might be the ticket???? (The secret code). Has anyone thought what it will be like when Wilde promotes Hendricks to chief deputy? You think morale is in the gutter now? Wait until that happens, we’ve all seen what he’s accomplished and capable of as an LT. Wilde is not a bad guy, he’s simply not doing anything about the problem, and the path of least resistance appears easier for him. Oh, by the way, has anyone heard that the former sheriff stommell is suing the county for an alleged blotched IA? Just wondering if it’s a rumor or fact? Probably wouldn’t be too hard to find out, after all, civil cases are of public record. Just curious, is it your ethics oath or clique that you belong to that stifles your duty to look at unethical admin? I’m guessing clique, I don’t actually expect any honest answers here. I do however expect a good tongue lashing, and a skilled spin. You might want to take your blood pressure meds before responding, vintageport, it might help. It’s a good thing I’m anonymous, there might be another IA on the horizon. Carry on.
Top ↑Unity, put your list together then and tell the local law enforcement agencies who EXACTLY it is so they can put a stop to this crime and hold those who are doing it accountable… We all need to do our part for our community. Thank you for your help and your assistance in this matter I am sure it will be greatly appreciated by all who live in our great community..
Animonster, you hick, there is no r in @ss. If you don’t believe me look it up. It is in the dictionary.
Top ↑Well said Porter, I thought Neighborhood Watch was supposed to notify Law Enforcement when they knew of a crime? Guess I don’t have 30 plus years of experience in that area.
So now I see the other supporters are now attacking Religion, Race, Age, medical condition, fitness level, dedication, positive outlook, personal attacks, mockery of religious rights, calling (if you are BCSO) your agency a Joke, attacks on ethics, be careful Joe Eagle, they will be coming after the Right to Freedom of Speech next.
The issuance of Positive thinking produces Positive acts, its that knowing the facts and turning away from misinformation that will lead us to success. The worst days of history happen when people stop thinking for themselves and allow themselves to be influenced by negative people. It must be stopped first at a personal level, and you will have helped stop it from life of all people as well as your own. We are an organization that empowers its people to find the best in themselves.
Have a great day!!
Top ↑I have notified both the Pocatello Police & the Idaho Falls Police Depts on a number of occasions and nothing was ever done. It would seem that grafitti is not a very high priority for our local law enforcement. What are you doing about it scooter boy? I’m willing to bet not very much. Perhaps you should look within your own supporters (ie Porter) and acknowledge the negativity within.
Top ↑Last I checked, we were being positive, we are no on here spouting off about how Law enforcement does not do their jobs…and you throw in the IFPD and Pocatello Police Dept under the bus, WOW!! You must not like us (Law Enforcement) too well. You are full of all sorts of anti comments to include anti-LE comments. Just don’t have anything good to say, that’s very unfortunate. I noticed you never called the BCSO, perhaps you should start your own blog and you can slam on Law Enforcement at will. You could even call it that, the Slam on LE at will blog, you already have competition though from another website I know of.
I have already posted what “WE”, remember in my previous post, there is no “I” in team, what “WE” have done to curb the graffiti problem, as well as others. The IFPD works hard at combating this issue, they have a fine Group of Offficers as well as the Pocatello Police Dept, who I know many of, Great Organizations!! Its unfortunate you don’t see progress, get out the trench man, you need a helping hand, just ask, you know our number…911.
Have a great day, and please, be POSITIVE, it will put a smile on your face.
Top ↑The only ones doing anything about grafitti are our local communities when we ban together to paint over it. I’m not slamming local LE, all I’m saying is their not doing much in regards to the graffiti problem. If the truth hurts, perhaps you need to look within yourself and your team to do a better job at curbing the problem. Dont get on my case just because I’m pointing out inadequces within your department. But I really don’t expect much from you. You can’t even get along with your coworkers, so why should I expect you to get along with the general public over the important issues facing our community.
Top ↑I’m sorry if took your comments negative, I assumed when you blame the entire graffiti problem on cultures and race and make it a obvious habit to slam on Law Enforcement that you were talking positive. Gee, my mistake. It is apparent that you are stuck in the sand filled trench of your ways.
Like I said, “WE” the Law Enforcement family, to include the IFPD, the BCSO, Pocatello P.D. and all the rest of my brothers and sisters working 24/7 for the community will continue to do our jobs. It is funny that you slam on the people providing you security and respond to the citizens of our community day and night, no matter what the call may be, and you question and belittle the manner and ways which it is provided. I would rather you just said thank you.
As for me and my co-workers, we get along just fine, but you would not know. Perhaps you should take the LE test and walk a mile in OUR shoes, then you will have the knowledge of just what WE do everyday. In the meantime, thank a cop, because when everyone is running away from the problem, they are running to it.
This blog is about he upcoming election, like said before, you should start your own if you feel the need to criticize and belittle the warriors that stand and face those that would oppress.
Thank you, and have a nice day.
Top ↑Wow……I am amazed at some of the recent responses. I agree whole heartedly with Harley Rider on what he has been saying about BCSO. And to Laun, remember this a professional debate for a very, very important position and you are not sounding very professional lately. It sounds more like you are letting people really get to you.
Top ↑No wonder Paul has never visited this website. I certainly don’t blame him.
I just hope the public doesn’t get on the website and read some of the garbage people are putting on here, it makes the BCSO look pretty bad, so some people should think about that before you start personally attacking eachother! Thank goodness this is almost over!
Happy Halloween!!!
If you take the time to look in the IFPD report room, there is a list of gangs with all the info and photos for all to see. We have two officers that are assigned to this task and they are making arrest on the graffiti problem. The lists were compiled with help from BCSO. (Hispanic, White, American Indian and African American members)
Top ↑Has anyone else noticed how very NEGATIVE the Cook supporters are on this thread? Now that is what you call “transparent”. Positive influence is how you motivate people, community and law enforcement personnel alike. It doesn’t get done through a constant beat down on all things which is what we are reading from them.
Do you notice how positive the Wilde supporters are here? I think it reflects Sheriff Wilde’s attitude and should deserve careful consideration. As a citizen, I would rather have personnel like Harley Rider and vintageport come to my aid than some of the Cook supporters we have heard from that obviously hate their Office and the way it currently supports the community.
Top ↑Did I miss the “Positive” memo where everyone on the BCSO must overuse the word “positive” to the point that my eyes near roll out of my head every time I see it here now? Of course, I’m not part of the BCSO so maybe I just didn’t get the dose of positive thought.
In seriousness though, you can think positively about a problem but that doesn’t solve the problem. Actions and implemented solutions solve problems, not positive thinking. And it would now seem we have a choice of supporting groupies (since Wilde hasn’t been here) who believe thinking positive is enough and a candidate who has solution of unknown feasibility. Not necessarily a good choice either way but in the end I’ll take solutions over positive thinking.
Guess I’m just not a positive kind of guy. Positive, positive, positive that I’m not. Absolutely positively positive of that.
Top ↑wow I am positive that he is not positive I choose positive I choose Paul Wilde Wahoooooo go Paul Wilde 4 Days To Go!!!!!!!!
Top ↑I’m positive that I’m positively didn’t get enough positive sleep last night. As such, it would be a positive thing to do if I tried to go back to my positive bed for a few more positive hours of positive shut eye before my positive kids get out of their positive beds.
Remember folks just think P O S I T I V E and nothing else matters.
Top ↑To all of those who work in law enforcement, that go to work with the idea that they can help this community, and will do their job with the selfless attitude and love for the job as well as their community, A HUGE thankyou for all you do.
A small bit of advice to all who are unhappy with their current employment in law enforcement, or to anyone that is unhappy in the current work situation, life is too short to be unhappy and negative all of the time. Find a career path you enjoy and start getting the most out of life. Before I get hung out to dry for what I have just said, it has nothing to do with trying to make changes and making positive improvements for yourself or others. Simply put, everyone reaps what they sow.
I can see positive things happening in our community, lets keep up the good work as citizens and Law Enforcment to keep heading in the right direction. There is enough to worry about with what life throws at each of us . We don’t need to create more unhappines and negativity for ourselves and those around us. Getting a good perspective on what is important and how to treat each other is what makes a community strong. That is my opinion and I am sticking to it. Good luck this comning week.
Top ↑How do you lead a group of people after you have torn them and their work down for months to promote yourself in a campaign. How do you move forward after going to so much effort to tell the public what a poor job the Sheriff’s Office has been doing? What is left for you and the victims of your negative campaign?
A lot of people on the outside say, “it’s just and election, what is the big deal?” It is the manner in which Mr. Cook has decided to promote himself. He has thrown everyone he works with under the bus. Is that just the way it is? No, we all make choices. He has chosen to attack a reputation that many have worked so hard to achieve. Then, when many want to speak out against his criticism, they suffer the viciousness of the man’s supporters, the few that there are. Their source is one man’s willingness to cast an incorrect dark cloud over good people doing a great job.
Those who have come here to speak out against his superfluous campaign gain their energy from the true spirit of the Sheriff’s Office. These include, Unity, team work, the “P” word (don’t want to excite anyone), dedication to cause and professionalism.
Mr. Cook, I find amusing at best. In Sheriff Wilde I find leadership, quality, excellence and a concern that is genuine. All this opinion, comes from years of experience with both. No, I’m not a “liar” and no, I am not a “lackey”. I am simply in position to give an educated view.
How does a captain sail a ship after he has hung the crew and thrown all the equipment over board? He doesn’t, he sits in his cabin by himself and hopes that the winds push him in a good direction. That’s not leadership, that is lonely self destruction.
Top ↑Positive vs realistic spins on some of the major issues:
Employee Losses:
Positive: We got to hire lots of new guys who are excited about law enforcement.
Realistic: If typical trends hold true 1/4 of them will be bad officers and over 1/2 of them will not be employed here in 5 yrs because they’ve either been fired or left to better paying agencies.
Pay:
Positive: BCSO received a 3.5% COLA raise this year.
Realistic: IFPD received a 4% COLA raise meaning that the BCSO fell even further behind. Boise received an even bigger raise and their city council passed an ordinance mandating Boise PD always be the highest paying agency in the state.
Morale:
Positive: Wilde has things looking up.
Realistic: Its normal in organizations for morale to improve with a change in leadership, especially when it was very bad before.
Relations with the IFPD:
Positive: Everyone gets along great now with Wilde as sheriff.
Realistic: Its got everything to do with the change in IFPD chief who was a word I can’t say here than it does with Wilde. IFPD Chief Roos would have gotten along with Stommel or Wilde. And the animosity was only at the administrative level anyway.
Crimefighting:
Positive: There are great dedicated guys in investigations.
Realistic: Experience counts a lot in major crimes. No matter how dedicated these guys are most of them will be novices in murder investigations. Some day, if they stick around, they will get better but it would be better if they were learning from more experienced guys.
Loss of Supervisors:
Positive: This has given new guys the opportunity to be promoted.
Realistic: If the old supervisor was bad then maybe this is a good thing. But every time you promote someone your rolling the dice that you haven’t just fulfilled the peter principle by promoting someone to their level of incompetence.
Top ↑May I be allowed to comment and give some real figures to the statements above:
Employee Losses:
Positive – We have hired and have filled the positions, they are not only great guys, they are dedicated and will make excellent deputies.
“Realistic“, by your computations, using the BCOS personnel numbers, that would mean we currently would have 42 “bad officers” working for us (computation using your figure .25 divided into 170). Also that means we would have lost 85 due to being fired or going to other agencies. I acknowledge that we have “lost” deputies, but a very few have been fired, and of the ones that left for other agencies don’t come even relatively close to this number.
Pay:
Positive: BCSO received a 3.5% COLA raise this year.
Realistic – this is true, and yes the city did receive a 4%. We have a ways to go to catch up, but a 3.5% is a step in the right direction.
Morale:
Positive – Things are looking up with Sheriff Wilde.
Realistic – I agree with your comment, but you must agree that although morale does improve with new leadership…that person must be a Leader.
Relations with IFPD
Positive – Everything gets along now that Paul Wilde is Sheriff
Realistic, I agree with you that Chief Roos is a great Leader, but it takes Two to get along. It also takes their staff. Both men have put together a great administration. Neither have torn them down and belittled them. A leader is only as good as those who are willing to follow them. I credit this to both men, both are great leaders. And I do agree with you, the troops have always gotten along well with each other.
Crime fighting:
Positive – There are great dedicated guys in investigations.
Realistic – Not only are they dedicated, they are well trained and experienced. They don’t handle a murder every week, but when they are faced with this type of case, they do a spectacular job. This has been apparent with the Homicide Investigations in the past, as well as other major case investigations. I believe that they have all proven that they are going to “stick around”.
Loss of Supervisors:
Positive – This has given new guys the opportunity to be promoted.
Realistic – You are correct, this is a new opportunity, and the choices made have been great. The administration just doesn’t “roll the dice” when picking a supervisor, there is a process. And contrary to some belief, it is not a popularity contest. I support the decisions made by my administration.
The current status of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office is excellent, and it is due to the current Leadership, Sheriff Wilde and his administration. I will support the administration, whoever it may be. I am here for what I applied to do in the first place, provide the citizens of Bonneville County the best I can do to preserve the freedom and enforce the laws of this great Country.
Have a great day.
Top ↑Anonymous, #586
You speak of “spins” but you are masterful at spinning webs. I wish we all had a crystal ball as you seem to have.
A cost of living raise is a positive thing and you want to minimize it by saying, “wait, the other guy got more”. Things are lookiing up at the S.O. because Sheriff Wilde knows what he is doing and is good at it.
As far as the investigative team at the S.O., don’t talk about thing you have no clue about. There is a group of men and women that have experience too great to list here. Homicides? They have worked their fair share and might I add very well in my view.
Supervisors? They have experienced and well rounded Sgt.’s and Lt’s. People that do the job and guide the new people 24/7.
You speak of “level of incompetence”. Who are you directing that to exactly? Do you have a problem with one individual supervisor and so choose to black ball them all? Your candidate has never even been to that level. Those of us who know him do not find it a surprise.
Lets talk about morale. Who has done the most damage to it in the last several months? Not the positive posters here. It has been the constant downgrading of the office by Cook. His accusations are limitless. Vague and wrong but unfortunatley limitless.
He has tried so very hard to tell the public that the S.O. is falling apart. But actually, all he has accomplished is to bring a great family even closer.
Top ↑I tried very hard to just read these posts and stay off here, but I cant hold my tongue any longer. Wow, it sadens me to see what has happened on here. I will admit, I AM an employee of the Sheriffs Office and I to AM DARN proud to be. As a republican,, my intentions are to run for Wilde. But the reasons go much deeper than that. Sheriff Wilde has shown above and beyond the need that he is very capable of doing the job. He is a great person to work for and I can only hope that I will get the opportunity to work under him for many years to come. VP and Harley: Thank You both very much for such great information on this blog, I couldn’t have said it better myself. Laun: Your posts and your supporter’s posts are very, very negative and that in itself scares the hell outa me. I was at the FOP forum, along with several of our TEAMmates…. And it saddens me to think that you would take something so meaningful, and throw it to ground and stomp all over it, after 17 years. Your badge is what im talking about. I could never say/do the things you have about those very people we depend on to “have our back” when times get tough. Those people I consider brothers and sisters. Your goal is not to “get back to law enforcement” it seems more to me that you are trying to destroy it and rebuild something you’ve made up in your head, something that will suit you and only you when the time comes. The public are of no concern to you. I have personally heard you make mention on occasion the distaste you have for people.
Top ↑I don’t want to play in the same pond as Laun so I will stop there and keep my post positive. I love the agency I work for. My brothers and sisters mean as much to me as my own family. I accept the pay. We do this job for more than just the pay. (as I believe VP has mentioned). I respect and support Sheriff Wilde in the changes he is making. He is a very personable man to get to know. He is very kind, and down to earth. And contrary to earlier posts, he’s not an OLD man…. C’mon… it takes years to get the experience he has. Why would we want an inexperienced person running our County? Kudo’s to you Sheriff, for a job well done for the past 30+ years and Im keeping my fingers crossed for you on Tuesday…. I know you have My vote!!!!! And thanks to those (VP, Harley) who have been honest about the affiliation w/ the SO and their strong values…as well as the amount of positive information that you have plastered across this blog……..Its those like you that I know I can depend on when I need a “back”….Thank You
Being fairly new to this community I’ve opted out of this conversation. I do however feel that comment 581 said it all. Vintageport started this thread as a means of putting down Mr Cook and his supporters with almost constant negativety. You Wilde supporters keep talking about “being positive” , but positive thinking alone isn’t going to solve problems.
Top ↑It’s sad to see so much bickering between the employees of this department. I also think Unity made some good points. Whoever is elected, I hope they start by working on morale within the department.
This thread was started to point out the negativeness and inaccuracy of Mr. Cooks web site. He chose not to activate his chat section on that web site which I believe was on purpose to avoid alternate views and the truth from being read there. I have written this several times in the past.
That is the beauty of Idaho Falls Today, it gives the rest of us a voice. I am very glad that he chose to link this blog to that unfortunate site. It’s tough to be attacked and not be able to speak out. That is why so many have come here and written positive accounts.
How do you not see that there is good morale when so many have written here and expressed their up beat views of the S.O.? The constant barage of Mr. Cooks destructive claims is the sad part of all of this. It’s like Honestabe101 said a few posts ago, how do you lead after you have tried to crush the morale of your soldiers by saying they are no good and not being soldiers?
This blog would have never been started by me if Mr. Cook had chosen to take the high road instead of beating a great office down. He can say what he wants about me personally but when he attempts to destroy the reputation of the great people that I work with, something has to be said. You speak of morale, Cook is the anti-morale. He always has been and he always will be. That is a fact.
2negative4me,
I appreciate your statement and I am glad that my efforts here have been recognized and appreciated. You sir or madam have my respect and continued dedication as a member of the BCSO.
Top ↑I know I’m a few posts slow on this response, but I found the whole gang topic rather disturbing. As it was debated, violence such as gangs have no color. To even state that it is only Hispanics and Native American’s is entirely racist. Does Mr. Cook share the same views as this supporter of his? If so, I sure hope he doesn’t become sheriff. Will there be concentration camps for the minorities and be policed by officers with very little to defend themselves with because we worry about budget costs for equipment? Of course everyone will be new and not be properly trained as it appears in many of these posts.
But back to the gang topic. Correct me if I’m wrong, but did the sheriff’s office not disband a gang operated by several “white” kids known as the Spaded Soldiers? And a couple of months back around the time of the “Civil War” football game I believe, didn’t the BCSO catch a group of gang members who decided to go on a rampage busting out windows and mailboxes in Mobile Home Estates and Cloverdale? Sure these aren’t the huge gangs of the big cities, but those too were once small and grew larger. And the violence performed by these gangs doesn’t change just because of the area you live in. It’s more than just the “tagging” of walls by these gangs. We as the community see the “tagging” as the signs of the gang and don’t realize the other violence involved.
If it is true, Cook has not held as much as a supervisor’s position over a crew or anything else with the BCSO throughout his years of service how do we expect him to supervise an entire agency which is responsible for not just patrolling the streets, but keeping us safe in the courtroom, and staffing the jail. That’s more than just a handful of officers a Sergeant would supervise on a shift.
Speaking with officers I’ve seen and thanked for what they do, I see sincere and caring people who are happy with who they work for. Yes there have been a lot of losses with the agency in the past for various reasons. But there’s also officers that have recently come into the agency with previous experience from other agencies as well as those who have served years of working at the jail and now stay loyal to their agency and work on patrol. To me the BCSO doesn’t seem like a bad agency to work for. Many have that loyalty that vintageport and Harley Rider have and will stay with BCSO for years to come, providing the community with years of knowledge and experience.
We will soon all know who the winner of the election will be. From what I have read and heard from officers I have spoken with, I hope that Cook does not get elected. He may be a good person as a human being, but lacks the leadership and doesn’t have the respect from those of the office which he wishes to lead. People on here have talked about him firing people if elected, I don’t think that’ll be an issue due to the fact that if he is elected many will not like the changes he wants to make and will be forced to leave the agency they have been so dedicated to. Not only will the agency suffer, but the community as well.
To those officers out there who may read this. God bless and be safe. Thank you for all you do.
Top ↑Looks like another cooperative victory for the BCSO and the IFPD, working together as a team, they were able to investigate and CAPTURE with Teamwork the suspects in a reported stabbing in the city. Its great that these deputies and officers were trained to handle these dangerous situations. I read that they had to pursue and subdue with the use of tasers. (I hears that these cost about 800.00 dollars a piece by the way, pretty fancy)
I wanted to congratulate Sheriff Wilde and Chief Roos and the excellent Law Enforcement we have in our community. Good Job and God Bless!!
Top ↑As I sit on the eve before the election, I sit and ponder about the all the items I have read and my posted comments also. I must say that this was a powerful debate, and as I have said before, its not the critic who counts, but the men in the arena. In this day and age, we live in a democratic society, one that has lasted over 200 years, it is only because we as a people choose to stand as one with those who will lead us into the future.
I want to thank all of those who have gave a positive and logical contribution to this debate. At times it turned quite critical, and there are many posts that I do not condone. Those that involve race, creed or religion should never come into the light, never, we are one, and must continue that way.
An election should be based on that person who is the best to represent us as a leader. That person must be able to both lead and at times follow, show compassion yet show sympathy and at times be understanding, but be able to see what is best for all. They must be able to put their egos aside and realize that the electoral process is not for them, but for us. Sometimes this is forgotten, in this election, I do not think that this has happened.
Sometimes in these debates the big picture gets blurry and may fall out of view. No matter what happens, I plan on serving the way I always have, standing up for what is right and what I believe in, you can blame that on my parents.
I want to express my thanks to all those that have chosen this as a career, no matter the badge you wear, be it Deputy, Officer, Trooper, Probation and Parole, Court Marshal, Bailiff, Civil, Border Control, U.S. Marshalls, FBI, Security Guards, even those Explorers who are forging their way into the future, I salute you all. We are the home front, and to those currently serving in the military and at home, I salute you, God be with you all, because Freedom isn’t Free.
Tomorrow, I encourage you, if you do anything at all, get out there and vote.
Top ↑Today…….Is the first day.
Get out and get it done!
Top ↑Best of wishes to us all.
ditto!
Top ↑