KCDP Candidate Podcast #4 - Sheriff Primary Special

KCDP Candidate Podcast #4 - Sheriff Primary Special with host Martin Burch

This podcast is a candidate primary double feature - Ray Roberts and Richard Fuller, running for Sheriff. These two candidates are running against each other in the August 5th primary. Only one will represent the Democratic ticket on the November general election ballot.

In the first half we talked to Richard Fuller who talked about why he wants to be sheriff, his experience of 20 years in law enforcement and the programs he runs including the field training officers program, the meth amphetamine investigation unit, AED & CPR instruction, and Project Lifesaver. Richard focuses on the economic pressure put on the Sheriff's department in his campaign, as well as solutions to what he terms "breaking the chain of recidivism." Richard bragged on his family and his children who are taking advantage of the Kalamazoo Promise. Richard also talked about his feelings about unions and how they have had an impact on his life.  In his spare time Richard pursues his passion for local history and volunteers at youth camp in northern Michigan where he tells ghost stories. "Bale! Bale! Bale!"

Ray Roberts lives in Comstock Township and brings a "principals over politics" philosophy to his campaign. He is very concerned about "machine politics." He feels strongly that a candidate for sheriff should be willing to complete their elected terms before retiring. He told us about his experience in safety, survival training and law enforcement experience in the US Air Force, his work as a volunteer reserve police officer, his 12 years experience as a dispatcher at the Kalamazoo Township police department and his road side clean up program in Cooper Township, which he says is a program he would bring to the sheriff's department. A main issue in Ray's campaign is fiscal responsibility, and argues for procurement and use of fuel-efficient vehicles as an example of responsible practice. Ray brags on his family, including his adult son who owns a home in the county. Ray's personal passion is for motorcycles and owns a variety which he enjoys riding to Michigan's Upper Peninsula where he can appreciate Michigan's natural beauty.