| It was Matt Bostrom who did the character study for the St. Paul Police that established the process of using character as the criteria for hiring. As Matt explains it, one can train for competence in police work, but character cannot be trained. The trust in the community and the relatively low number of police related lawsuits of the St. Paul Police demonstrates that character-based hiring works well. It was Matt Bostrom who listened when I brought my ideas of how police processes could be improved. He listened, he responded, and he acted. So what Matt has already done has earned my highest regard and my highest respect, before he ever decided to run for an office.
Now Matt Bostrom is running for Ramsey County Sheriff. So when Matt Bostrom says he can make the Sheriff's Office into the model of efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness, I believe him, because that is work that he has already done. So when Matt Bostrom says that he can create a Sheriff's Office that supports and cooperates with all local law enforcement agencies, I believe him, for I know of his work in bringing together many different law enforcement communities under planning for Homeland Security. So when Matt Bostrom says that he can restore the trust and integrity of Sheriff's Office, I believe him, for that is the way the St. Paul Police Department works. And even among the well-liked St. Paul Police force, Matt Bostrom stands out for being trustworthy.
Moreover, Matt Bostrom is a part of this community. Matt grew up here and now lives in St. Paul's Lowertown. Matt coaches all types of youth sports. Matt really is one of us, a part of this community. And for Matt, community is everything. That is why I trust Matt to do a great job in transforming our Sheriff's Office into one of the best and most trusted law enforcement. I trust Matt to do this, for in many ways, he has already done this. And from interviewing Matt over the years, I know that when Matt is committed, he gets it done.
Please do check out my really great candidate for Ramsey County Sheriff, Matt Bostrom who says:
Ramsey County has always been my home and my community. I grew up near Lake Phalen and graduated from Johnson High School. I am currently living in Saint Paul's Lowertown, with Cheryl, my wife of 28 years. Together we have three adult children: Emily, Grant, and Luke.
Community changes everything. That is what 28 years of working in law enforcement has taught me. It is the community partnerships that build the basis of trust and long-term gains in law enforcement, and I want to bring that same community policing partnership to the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.
Character is the key for law enforcement building trust in the community. Having a culture of integrity within a law enforcement agency means that the community trusts its officers, cooperates on investigations, and supports the organization. Having a culture of integrity within a law enforcement agency means there is an active role model who supports the community's values. I want to develop a culture of integrity within the Sheriff's Office that will noticeably improve the community.
The process of improving community is a two-way street between law enforcement and the community. When law enforcement is able to append young people in their first attempts at law breaking, then programs like restorative justice have a better chance of bringing those young people back as productive, positive community members. When law enforcement volunteers serve with youth, then they have strong role models and develop positive attitudes toward law enforcement. I understand that solving crime helps to build better communities. And that solving the roots of crime involves both law enforcement and the community, working together.
Community is also important within the law enforcement agencies. Instead of a stand-alone, competitive Sheriff's Office, we could have a cooperative and supportive one. The Sheriff's Office should work closely with all of the local police departments, and become a key element of support. Working together with local law enforcement to share resources will save funds in these times of decreasing budgets. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office could become the model of efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness. I have the skills to rebuild Ramsey County as a trusted law enforcement agency. I have already formed strong working relationships through my leadership as Assistant Chief in the Saint Paul Police Department, and I can commit to you that I can do this within the current budget for the next two years.
Our diversity in our community is our strength. The strength of diversity of our community should be reflected in our Sheriff's Office, both in people and in policies. I believe in the core value of listening. Listening is the first act of respect and trust. So under my direction, the Sheriff's Office would be actively reaching out to diverse communities, listening to their needs and recommendations.
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It would be great, if you added your support. Your help will make a difference. This year, this sheriff's race is particularly important. |
