And the children shall lead them

   I was out knocking on doors and I met a young girl while I was walking from house to house who stopped me and asked if she could talk to me.  She wasn't old enough to vote but asked me some very interesting questions. She wanted to know why I wanted to be police chief. I told her that I loved this city and I wanted to do right by it. I wanted to protect it and keep it safe for her and her family and for mine.  She asked me why was I the one to do it and not the "other guys".  I said that I have the training, education and experience to lead and and help the police officers that we have become more disciplined and more professional.  I have the vision to help bring Minden law enforcement into the future with modern techniques and equipment. She asked would she be able to come talk to me and get help if she had a problem.  I told her that I would always be available to talk to her and all the citizens of Minden. And that I would also not wait for them to come to me but I would make it a practice to visit the homes of people just to stop and talk to them and get their input. I told her I was very impressed with her questions for such a young person and that she should think of running for officer some day.  She thanked me for taking the time to answer her questions  and then she gave me two dollars and said "this is to help with your campaign".  I was amazed by her generosity and her maturity.

  We have such amazing young people in Minden. They are intelligent, energetic, and caring.  Our city has a very promising future and we have wonderful hands to pass this future into but we must protect and nurture these hands. We must help them to progress into adulthood by being good role models and mentors.  We must keep them safe from predators and crime but also help guide them when they get into trouble. I will establish programs sponsored by the Minden police department and funded with federal grants to help mentor our young people.  We must protect our future. We must help them to feel safe. We must show them that they are respected so that they can feel respect for our officers.