The following is Watershed Voice’s candidate questionnaire for August’s St. Joseph County sheriff primary election. We will run all completed questionnaires in the order they’re received prior to Election Day.
Joe Bingaman filled out our questionnaire. These are his answers.
Editor’s note: The formatting and content of this questionnaire are presented as they were submitted. Joe Bingaman is one of five challengers including Dennis Allen, Jason Bingaman, Gordon Evilsizor and Chad Spence.
Name: Joe Bingaman
Age: 54
Address: 52252 Silver St Three Rivers MI, 49093
Party affiliation: Republican
Are you an incumbent? No
Family: Happily married to wife Sandy Bingaman for 20 years. We have 5 kids and 12 fun loving grand kids!
Background/Bio:
I have 19 years of Law enforcement experience. Ranging from road patrol, corrections,
animal control, and court security.
Why did you choose to run for the St. Joseph County Sheriff?
I chose to run for sheriff after seeing where the department was being led, and saw the need for change. I stood up to challenge the incumbent Sheriff when no one else would. I saw the need for change in a positive direction for the future of the county and its residents and that’s what I plan to do.
Have you previously held public office, or have you served in a public leadership role? If so, what is your experience, and what are some of your accomplishments?
I have not held a public office. However leadership takes many forms. I have been in leadership roles previously in other roles. I can inspire others and help bring out the best in them.
How long have you lived in the area you are seeking to represent?
I’ve resided in St Joseph County my whole life. Specifically the Mendon area.
In your opinion, what are the three most important issues in the area relative to the scope of your position, and why?
In my opinion the three most important issues are regaining the publics trust, as it has obviously been lost. Two, aggressively addressing the drug problem that the county faces. We’ve lost too many citizens and continue to lose them as this issue continues to grow. Finally, employee training and retention. In order to better serve our community and the citizens of the county we need to have more complete and in depth training to take on the issues in the county. The better trained we are the better prepared we are to help in all aspects.
What measures will you pursue to address those issues?
As previously stated I would like to form a new and improved unit . It starts with preparation of the employees. Education, and training to be the best team we can be. We have to work together in the improvement. We have to work hard to keep it.
What would you say is your leadership style, and how will you utilize its strengths in your position?
I would say my strength lies within my ability to have an open mind, inclusiveness, the ability to listen and understand, an open door policy to hear all. Also my ability to lead by example yet hold accountability and have the integrity to follow through with what’s needed.
How would you work to reform the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department? If you would not reform it, please explain why.
I would start with Department moral. Including employees in the decision making process. Their opinions matter and we can better build if instead of relying on one person’s perspective we take into account all perspectives.
How would you work to regain the public’s trust in the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Department?
I plan to just be myself, open and honest, transparent, and to always have an open ear and door. From there we can work on a plan of action and form a plan from there on how to improve.
Do you consider yourself a candidate with high personal integrity? If so, why?
Absolutely! I believe in standing up for what’s right. I will be the first to stand up and speak up when something is amiss. I was the only candidate that had the integrity to let my voice be heard when I noticed obvious change was needed.
How would your administration as sheriff differ from previous administrations?
My administration as sheriff will differ as we would hold one another accountable. We would do more with less administrators. Leaving more money and ability to get much needed boots on the ground.
How will you know that you’re accurately representing your community?
I’ll know by the positive feedback. Even the critical feedback I will use as fuel to become more active in positive change. I will be active in the community and work alongside it’s citizens rather than from the outside looking in.
Is there anything else your prospective constituents should know about you, your platform, your views, or your background?
We are not politicians. We are hard working everyday Joe’s. We are just like you. We saw the need for change and I’m where I stand today looking to push the positive change forward. Push the community forward. We will be present and available for the community, as well as it’s employees. We’re here to do the right thing for the right reasons!
