Traverse City News and Events

GT County: Will There Be a New Sheriff In Town?

July 11, 2012

Grand Traverse County Sheriff Tom Bensley faces two challengers in his re-election campaign for four more years as head of the county’s law enforcement. Bensley faces fellow Republican Kevin Sandvig in the August 7 primary. The top vote-getter from that race will face Democrat Joe McCarthy in the November general election.

All combined, the three men bring decades of experience protecting citizens, and exhibiting leadership and a passion for public service.  

In this second installment of The Ticker’s election preview series (check out the local probate judge race here), we offer up some insights for you to take to the voting booth next month. Click on the candidate’s name for the rest of the story.

Tom Bensley
Current GT County Sheriff
Why I run:
“To build on the positive changes and improvements we have made at the Sheriff’s Office … and to continue my commitment and dedication to make a difference, not a promise.”

Plans inside the department: Find better ways to provide services, including technological improvements; continue to hire and train the best law enforcement and corrections officers.

Plans outside the department: Continue to work with the GT County Board of Commissioners and local units of government to provide the best service possible with limited resources; also, “If a community knows their officers, they will be more likely to trust and respect them.”

Challenges ahead: Working with the GT board to ensure current level of law enforcement services while balancing other necessary government services.

The difference: 30+ years experience with Sheriff’s Office, 15 years in administration; “I clearly have more knowledge and experience in local law enforcement and administration at the Sheriff’s Office than the other candidates.”

Of note: Endorsements include former Sheriff Harold Barr, former TC Mayor Chris Bzdok, current TC Mayor Mike Estes, NMC President Tim Nelson and former TC Police Chief Ralph Sofferdine.

Joe McCarthy
Current Detective Sergeant, TCPD 
Why I run: “Because there have been a number of decisions made during the current administration that I don’t agree with, such as the elimination of the police-school liaison and the expenditure of $800,000 to build a building for the recreational enforcement division … I would bring a common sense approach to the management and priorities of the Sheriff’s Office.”

Plans inside the department: Return the police-liaison officer to the schools; seek permission to sell the new recreational enforcement division building and use funds for officer- and citizen-safety improvements; investigate 12-hour work schedule for jail personnel to improve staffing and reduce overtime.

Plans outside the department: Believes there is a disconnect between the Sheriff’s administration and the community – “When the schools announced anti-bullying initiatives, why wasn’t the Sheriff’s Office taking an active part in the campaign?”

Challenges ahead: Economic reality of governmental operations; strategic planning.

The difference: Cites “more comprehensive” educational and work experience; has a master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Technology with a concentration in Police Administration; completed training in the School of Police Staff and Command, and the Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Institute.

Of note: Police officer for 29 years; Sergeants Union Steward for past 12 years, department representative on the Police and Fire Pension Board for the last four years.

Kevin Sandvig
Former Jail Sergeant, GT County Sheriff’s Department
Why I run: “The biggest reason is I’m not done yet! I was unfortunately injured while I was a sergeant at the Grand Traverse County Jail. The county forced me to resign. I was not ready to resign, and I’m certainly not ready to give up, and I want to continue making the ‘difference.’"

Plans inside the department: Review staffing levels and assigned positions; review take-home vehicle “perk”; conduct confidential employee survey; look into promotion opportunities for deputies by creating the position of Corporal.

Plans outside the department: Improve communication between the department and general public; assume total responsibility for GT County Animal Control and Shelter (currently under jurisdiction of GT County Health Dept.), re-instate school liaison officers; create Sheriff’s advisory board.

Challenges ahead: Uncertainty of economy, long-range planning, workforce recruitment/hiring/retention.

The difference: Only candidate experienced with two fundamental duties of the Sheriff’s Office – operation and maintenance of the jail and providing security and process services to the courts.

Of note: Served 21 years in the U.S. Coast Guard; retired as a Chief Warrant Officer. As a jail sergeant managed operations of the multi-million dollar facility, up to 200 inmates and a staff of corrections officers.

Comment

TCAPS Approves Design Work for New Fieldhouse, Central High Reconstruction; Sabin Renovations OK’ed

Read More >>

News Updates: Peninsula Township to Appeal Winery Verdict, Vogel Separation Contract Approved

Read More >>

Microplastics Are Everywhere, But Local Organizations Are Fighting Back

Read More >>

MSU Extension Plans New Home in Former TCAPS Building

Read More >>

How NMC’s Office Of Possibilities Became A Key Driver Of Local Innovation

Read More >>

With No State Budget In Place, TCAPS Prepares For Uncertainty, District-Wide Belt-Tightening

Read More >>

Vogel Steps Down as City Manager

Read More >>

Two Design Concepts Emerge for Rotary Square

Read More >>

TCAPS Eyes $17.3M Fieldhouse Near East Middle School

Read More >>

Park Projects, Street/Sidewalk Improvements, Salary Increases on Deck

Read More >>

Cherry Capital Airport Clocked Its Busiest Days Ever Over The Fourth Of July Weekend

Read More >>

The Past, Present and Future of Meijer's Silverbrook Acres

Read More >>

Summer Adventures Up North This July

Read More >>

Judge Awards Nearly $50M in Damages to Old Mission Wineries

Read More >>