Election 2010: Lincoln County Sheriff

As part of its general election coverage in Lincoln County, The Western News is publishing information about candidates and ballot measures. Roby Bowe and Rex Nichols are running for Lincoln County sheriff. Absentee ballots have been sent and the polls will be open Nov. 2.

Roby Richard Bowe

Age: 43

City of Residence: Libby

Background: I started with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy in 1985. Also, in the fall of 1985, I went to North Idaho College for two years and received my law-enforcement degree. In 1990, I became a full-time deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. I worked nine years as a patrol deputy, four years as a patrol sergeant, five years as patrol lieutenant and have been patrol captain since September 2008. I have attended over 50 schools, classes and training seminars. I am a field training officer and have been a member of David Thompson Search and Rescue for 25 years. I am very involved with the schools, and very community-oriented.

Leland Rex Nichols

Age: Over 65.

City of Residence: Lincoln County, south of Eureka

Background: I owned my own financial services firm for 20 years, which in part involved establishing pension plans, employee/employer group insurance and estate planning. I served in the U.S. Air Force. I attended Arizona State University and have over 700 classroom hours of formal education in law enforcement and juvenile delinquency issues. I also have many hours of formal field education on aspects of prisons and reform schools, as well as four years of hands-on education/experience working in law enforcement.

What administrative challenges do you foresee and how will you overcome them?

Bowe: I foresee in the very near future that the county will see a budget crunch, which will trickle down to the sheriff’s department. My administration and I will come up with good, common-sense ways to ensure that the sheriff’s department stays within the budget, while still providing excellent law enforcement to all Lincoln County residents. I also see the detention center facing challenges with the influx of inmates and having a continuous overcrowding problem. This problem is going to be one that the community will probably have to decide whether to expand or to build a new facility. In the meantime, we will continue housing inmates with the best possible care that we can provide. Whatever budgetary problems the county may have, the sheriff’s department will be dedicated to protect and serve.

Nichols: With the present economic conditions and reduced county tax revenue, operating the department on a possibly reduced budget will likely be one of the main challenges. My years in the financial profession have given me experience dealing with budgets, pensions, risk management and group health insurance. In addition, my experience recruiting, hiring, training and supporting people to reach their highest level of competence allows me to bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to help meet any challenges to be faced. Any organization is a reflection of the management. Good organizations and personnel are built from the top down, not the bottom up. I believe I have the right combination of experience and education to effectively handle the administrative challenges of the sheriff’s office, be they foreseen or unforeseen.

Assess the recent performance of the sheriff’s office and, if elected, would you keep it on the same direction or change course?

Bowe: The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department has been providing great service to the citizens of the county. As with anything, there is always room for improvement. Our department will strive to continuously improve in all aspects of law enforcement – clerical staff, dispatchers, patrol deputies, detectives and detention officers. I believe we can achieve better results when we work as a team with other emergency services around the county. I also believe that we are public servants and that we have to answer to the public for any mistakes that are made. We will minimize those mistakes through education, training and hiring great, qualified people. I will continue working in the direction of true community policing and provide true professionalism without personal interference. We have, and always will, abide by the U.S. Constitution and Montana state laws.

Nichols: From what I am hearing, there are quite a few folks in the county who are not happy with the recent performance of the sheriff’s office. One of the complaints I am hearing is that there is a lack of cooperation between the sheriff’s office and the local police departments within the county. I believe it is important, both fiscally and professionally, that the sheriff’s office work with our local law-enforcement agencies. If elected I would strive to improve these relationships. I will also improve communication between the county citizens and the department by having an open-door policy. I will work to ensure that deputies are well versed in the constitutions of the United States and Montana and that all law enforcement is done accordingly. The sheriff’s office does, after all, work for the residents of this county, and no one else.

Share one thing about yourself that has not been discussed at any forum or cannot be found on any website.

Bowe: Over the past 20 years of my law-enforcement career, I have seen people at their very worst. I have helped these people by either taking them to jail or helping them to make good decisions so that they don’t have to go to jail. I have also seen people at their very best, whether it was saving lives or simply trying to make a difference in someone else’s life.  I have encountered many tragedies. These events have brought me closer to the individuals involved and closer to the community. I have felt these pains personally, as well as professionally. In turn, this gives me a better perspective of what the community needs and wants. I have dedicated myself to my career, and I genuinely have a heart for the people of Lincoln County. With these perspectives, I have the drive to make these communities the best and safest possible places to live.

Nichols: Well, let’s see, one thing that has not been discussed at any forum or been posted on any website is that I met the love of my life, Judy, 43 years ago on a blind date, and we have been married ever since.