Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 3 · column 2 of 2 · from the scan, no model involved
Steve Butler:
I Pledge to Protect and Serve
Rappahannock
As the election campaign draws to a close I would like to thank all the citizens of the County that welcomed me into their homes as I campaigned door-to-door, and to take the opportunity to convey my vision for the next four years and beyond. My first priority will be to ensure that all citizen complaints are responded to in a timely manner and every reasonable effort is made to resolve all reports of criminal activity and other complaints. Follow-ups will be required and closure of every case will be the ultimate goal.
My second priority will be to reduce the turnover rate in the Sheriff’s office from the current average of approximately 25 percent annually to a nationally acceptable average, 10 percent or less keeping in mind that every new trainee costs the county over $5,000 and cutting turnover increases efficiency and saves money that can be used to satisfy other needs. I will establish hiring guidelines to ensure that only the best qualified applicants who are dedicated to serving our community are hired, and find ways to increase salaries within the budget so we can attract and keep the best law enforcement personnel.
My experience with the annual budget review in the Secret Service Uniform Division will enable me to evaluate and set priorities for the Rappahannock County Sheriff’s Office budget. My goal will be to find waysJo reduce current budget expenditures in order to reallocate monies to bring our deputies’ salaries in line with our surrounding counties. I pledge my cooperation with the Board of Supervisors in achieving this goal so as to retain our deputies and protect our county’s investment.
Part of being an effective Sheriff is to maintain good communications with the “first responders”: local fire and rescue squads and the Virginia State Police. It is also the Sheriff’s responsibility to stay in touch with the citizens of Rappahannock County as I have begun to do during my door-to-door campaign. Under my administration, I f pledge that the Sheriff and all deputies will treat every citizen with respect and courtesy. I, along with all the Deputies, will give time and attention to patrolling all roads within our county to ensure the safety of our citizens; to stop and say “hello” to the people that we serve and protect, and to be looking for ways to help - not waiting to be asked. My door will be open to every citizen of the County for suggestions on how to improve services or deal with complaints.
Homeland security is an issue we must address. A third priority will be to review with other County officials and regional law enforcement officials the County’s plan to deal with potential threats and citizen services in case of a disaster or mass evacuation in the nearby metropolitan areas. We must pursue the grants available to local law enforcement agencies within our state to meet these needs. I ask for your vote on Election Day, and thank you for your support. I am looking forward to serving you, the citizens of Rappahannock County for the next four years as your Sheriff.
Vote Tuesday, November 4th!
“ Paid for by Friends of Steve Butler for Sheriff
T
94.3%