As most of you are aware, I have a challenger for the office of Bureau County Sheriff in the February Primary Election. His announcement in the local papers makes the claim that he is a “fiscal conservative”. That is a very popular buzz term in use today, but it also sets off my “Spiderman” alarm senses.
Is a “fiscal conservative” someone who will opt to use budget monies to acquire items that are initially inexpensive but will require replacement in a shorter period of time? Or simply not acquire a needed item? Or allow something to be used that endagers the safety of the community and staff?
Most items in use by law enforcement lead a very rugged life. True, there are items on the market that will meet the needs of the present, but is it wise to purchase them with the realization that they may have to be replaced on a more frequent basis or that they do not provide the level of performance required? If I have to describe my fiscal approach, I would tell you that I will be “fiscally responsible”.
I believe that no law enforcement administrator can provide services to the community using the annual budget only. If the annual budget is the only money being used, the administrator will have to return prior to the end of the fiscal year and ask for more money. The law enforcement community has numerous grants available, however, the grants will not knock on the door and offer themselves. A law enforcement administrator must establish an ongoing and persistent search for those funds. Just stumbling over a grant or acquiring a grant for a pet project is not enough. The Winnebago County, IL, Sheriff’s Department is a perfect example of a relentless pursuit of grant money. That department has acquired millions of dollars of grant money over the past few years. Grants and other sources of funding allow a law enforcement administrator to leverage his annual budget into more buying power that, in turn, allows him to provide the community with better services and gives his staff a level of security not attainable with simply an annual budget.
