Articles & News

August 24, 2008

Waterloo, IA sheriff candidates talk of rebuilding dialogue

By JEFF REINITZ, Courier Staff Writer

WATERLOO --- The two men running for Black Hawk County sheriff faced off for the first time in public Tuesday night.

Mark Johnson, the Republican candidate, and Tony Thompson, the Democrat, fielded questions during a forum hosted by the county branch of the NAACP at Payne Memorial AME Church.

Both men are first-time candidates seeking the seat that will be left open when Sheriff Michael Kubik retires at the end of his term after 20 years in office.

Johnson, 50, of Waterloo, is a captain who oversees the administrative services division and has been with the sheriff's office since 1975. He is the county jail administrator.

Thompson, 38, of rural Cedar Falls, has been with the sheriff's office for 14 years and is currently a deputy for the patrol division. He also is a captain.

The audience of about 40 at Tuesday's event included a mix of residents, NAACP members and rank-and-file deputies.

Questions focused on minority recruitment for positions at the sheriff's office, inmate complaints about treatment and responsiveness to concerns.

"Good questions were asked. We need to have these questions so we can put together a plan to meet the needs of the community," Johnson said.

Thompson was pleased with the outcome.

"This kind of forum needs to continue," Thompson said. "We need to be that kind of connected agency."

Both candidates talked of their goals to foster communication between the sheriff's office and the public.

Sharon Goodson, president of the local chapter of the NAACP, questioned the two about discipline for deputies who are the frequent subject of complaints.

Johnson, who mentioned his work with the Citizens Review Board, said the number of complaints about the jail is low considering that 900 people pass through the facility each month.

He said the office investigates complaints and takes action if there is any wrong doing.

Often, the sheriff's office can't disclose punishment handed down because of the confidential nature of personnel matters, Johnson said.

Thompson said he disagreed with how the jail is now run and suggested reevaluating how the jail operations and policies.

He proposed focusing on training and sharing information about the concerns.

The forum included a brief barb when a member in the audience asked how the candidates saw visiting clergy's role at the jail.

Johnson said he wanted ministers to help with a planned "reentry" program to assist inmates with employment, family and other issues when they finish their sentences.

Thompson, who has been in charge of community services for the sheriff's office, responded by questioning why the reentry program isn't already in place.

He said the reason he hasn't done it is because he's not the jail administrator.

Johnson, who is the jail administrator, rebutted by saying "I'm sure there are thing Tony would like to change in community services."

Goodson said the event was a good way to get community concerns on the minds of candidates. She said the dialog should continue.

"That's something that's been needed because there are things that have been going on in the community that we ought to be able to talk with them about around the table," Goodson said.

The election is Nov. 4.

Contact Jeff Reinitz at (319) 291-1578 or jeff.reinitz@wcfcourier.com.