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Campaign Phone (public)
541-810-2424
Town Where You Live
Klamath Falls
Your Experience/Qualifications
I've worked for the Sheriff's Office for 28 years and have worked in, supervised, or managed every aspect of the Sheriff's Office: 2022-current - Operations Captain; 2021 – Corrections Captain/Jail Commander; 2017 – Corrections Lieutenant/Jail Commander; 2013– 2023 – Search & Rescue Coordinator; 2013 – Patrol/Forest Corporal; 2010 – Forest/Marine Deputy/Search & Rescue Search Manager; 2008 – Patrol Deputy; 2003 – Corrections Corporal; 1996 – Corrections Deputy
County
Klamath
The lack of law enforcement presence throughout the County is the greatest threat. The current policing model hasn't worked for years, and the last 3 sheriffs refused to address it. My plan to change the policing model will provide fair and equitable policing services throughout the entire County while working within the current budget. Our current budgeted staffing levels will allow for 24hr patrols, and my plan of Community Service Officers will prioritize calls, as well as relieve certain low level misdemeanor crimes from the responsibility of the patrol Deputies. This will allow for their focus on felony and person crimes, and they'll actually be able to respond in person to your call for service and investigate the concern thoroughly.
In my opinion, "opposed" and "unconstitutional" are different. I oppose some laws already in place, such as the decriminalization of drugs under BM 110. As Sheriff, I would still be required to enforce a law that I oppose. However, I believe that Agenda 2030 is unconstitutional, and I will never enforce it. A member of another country should have zero say in the USA. I will never enforce a law that is unconstitutional, and I believe the 2nd Amendment was written for this exact type of tyranny.
Funding and Culture. The Sheriff's Office is underfunded and unable to provide the best Public Safety deserved. I believe the number of additional staff needed are: Patrol needs 5-8 more Deputies; Jail needs 1-3 more Deputies; and Support Services needs 1-3 more people. I consider Support Services to include my Community Service Officers. My policing model will start this process. An assessment of these numbers will be provided after my first year of office to provide the citizens solid data so they're able to make an educated decision as to whether or not they would support a law enforcement levy or taxing districts. I will also provide crime statistics for citizens to review to assist with their decision for a desired level of service.
Candidate has not yet responded.
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Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone (public)
(541)274-9090
Town Where You Live
Klamath Falls
Your Experience/Qualifications
2000-2008: U.S. Coast Guard, 2008-Present: Klamath County Sheriff's Office - Sergeant, 2012-Present: Oregon Air National Guard, 2010-Present: Operation Prom Night - Board Member, DPSST Advanced and Supervisory Certifications, 2018 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Colorado Christian University, 2022 Masters in Public Safety Administration, Corban University, 2022 Oregon State Sheriff's Association - Supervisor of the Year
County
Klamath
Term
4 Years
Term Expires
2029
The greatest threat to public safety for the residents of Klamath County is the intentional weakening of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) in the furtherance of political agendas.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and those aligned with them, purposefully worked to reduce the effectiveness of the KCSO. They refused positions, failed to negotiate timely and competitive contracts, and fail to respect the constitutional role of a Sheriff as distinct and unique from that of department under the control of the BOCC. As a result we struggle to hire, train and retain staff; placing the public at risk.
Collaboration of the 'best ideas' of the Sheriff, DA and the BOCC, working together, will decrease our public safety threats.
Yes, because the elected Sheriff is the Sheriff for all. Whether I personally approve of a law, or a government order are of little significance if constitutionally lawful.
Our government has carefully curated checks-and-balances to ensure the constitutionality of a law or government order. When an order or law is being legally challenged through these checks-and-balances I am under no compulsion to comply. However, should the law or government order pass the constitutional test, I will do my best to implement while taking into careful consideration both the letter- of-the-law, and the the color-of-the-law. Proactivity and reactivity to the new order or law must weighed against the needs of the county and the presented situation.
The greatest challenge is pursuing and implementing the 'best ideas' while staying true to the purpose and role entrusted to the Sheriff, by the people, within the confines of an ever changing legal landscape.
The KCSO has the distinct and honored privilege to provide an array of necessary services to the citizen's of Klamath County. Whether tending to the Court, providing Search and Rescue, issuing a Concealed Handgun License, Jail or Patrol services, and much more. The KCSO must navigate an ever changing landscape. There are many ideas on how to accomplish our mission to serve. Providing an environment of creativity to produce the 'best idea', then implementing and continually assessing effectiveness, comprise our greatest challenge.
Campaign Phone (public)
541-891-8110
Town Where You Live
Klamath Falls
Your Experience/Qualifications
38 years leadership experience in the private/public sectors, 19 years with Klamath County Sheriffs office as Patrol, Corrections, Marine and Forest Deputy. Marine accident investigator. Elected three terms KCSO association president. For a full list of experience/accomplishments visit darenkragforsheriff.com
County
Klamath
Lack of response, follow up and trasparency. I believe the public has lost confidence in law enforcement in general and in KCSO in particular. Klamath County Sheriffs Office suffers from ineffective and unscrupulous leadership. This has in turn caused a lack of trust from our employees, county commissioners and the public we have sworn to serve and protect. Numerous ethics and criminal investigations are underway for command staff and persons in leadership roles. This has contributed to over 80 employees seeking employment elsewhere during this administration. It is imperative to remove the current leadership and stabilize the office. The sheriff must set highest standards of ethics and integrity as a benchmark for every KCSO employee.
I will not enforce any law or governmental order I do no belive is constitutional. My oath is and has been to uphold the United States Constitution. I have been a card carrying dues paying member of the the Constitutional Sheriff's and Peace Officers Association since 2020. I believe I am the only sheriffs candidate to belong to this vital organization. CSPOA's mission statement is to equip sheriffs, peace officers and public officials with the necessary information and public support to carry out their duties in accordance with their Oath of Office. I would rather face arrest than betray the US Constitution or my Oath of Office.
The office must be restored to a place where employees are valued and appreciated for taking on the challenges of our chosen profession. There is no place for dishonesty, favoritism, nepotism or any other behavior that divides our employees and causes a sense of hopelessness, fear and mistrust. We will never be the agency with the highest wages therefore we must create a place where hard work is rewarded and employees are valued and respected for their dedication. Employees will work harder for less money if they are respected and valued. Poor leadership coupled with the opportunity to earn a higher wage elsewhere makes KCSO a stop on a career path in law enforcement, not a place for long term employment. I can and will change the culture.
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Town Where You Live
Dairy, OR
Your Experience/Qualifications
Retired after 35 years of Law Enforcement Service with 4 different agencies, OIT Security, Klamath Co Sheriff's Office, Malin Police Dept, and USAF Security Police. Retired, 29+ year Military Veteran, Associates Degree in Criminal Justice, Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, Executive MBA in Business Administration. I have lived in the Klamath Basin my whole life with strong family ties to the agricultural industry. Currently live and work on the family farm that was homesteaded by my family.
County
Klamath
Term
4 years
Term Expires
Dec 2028
The greatest threat to public safety in Klamath County is the lack of law enforcement coverage. KCSO has the finanical ability and the positions to provide coverage but has been unable to provide this coverage because of it's inablitly to retain deputies. This is in large part due to the current managerial style and the way management treats it's employees. A new managerial style must be adoped, a mindset where all employees are treated with respect. No longer will the drill sergeant mentality work. Understanding all employees and the best way to motivate them to do their jobs and provide a better service to the public is needed. Once we stop the revolving door and begin retaining employees can we provide the necessary LE coverage.
As Sheriff or as a private citizen I don't believe we are obligated to enforce or follow any governmental order that is deamed unconstitutional. It seems like everyday our government is becoming more overbearing and continues to try and find new adn different ways to control us. Writing multi-ended bills and laws that directly conflict with the US Constitution. Our Constitution was written to protect us against a over reaching, over bearing government and when those bills or supposed laws directly conflict with our constitution a very long and hard look needs to be taken and I will not infringe on constitutional rights.
The greatest challange facing KCSO right now is a issue of trust. The employees do not trust the leaders and their supervisors. The public does not trust KCSO and it's deputies. The public gets told every 4 years how a new Sheriff is going to make things better but it never happens. I understand one thing. "People want to be treated with respect and not lied to" If you say you will do something, "Do iT" Have an open door and be transparent with nothing to hide. KCSO needs to start healing from the inside out, only then can it begin to regain public trust. I have nothing to gain by being elected Sheriff but I feel I have the education and training needed to heal an office and thus provide better LE service for a safer Klamath County.
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