Lucas Christenson
Age: 38
Family: Married to Kimberly last year. He has three children of his own, Tayler, Trevor, London; and two stepsons, Andre and Dominick.
Occupation: Overseeing the parts department at American Marine and Motorsports.
Why have you done so little campaigning? Why no yard signs?
The lack of signs does not mean I am not campaigning. I tried to use as little funds as possible. People work hard for their money. I’m not going to waste it on signs that “may” never be used again. That doesn’t save money and definitely doesn’t make sense.
Some people in the community are saying a vote for Christenson is basically a vote for Bieber, because it’s one less for Randy Wright. How do you respond to that?
This statement, made predominantly by write-in supporters, is false. People are going to vote for me, because they believe in me standing up as an Independent. I have accomplished one of my objectives already — informing the public. In four years from now, there will more than likely be more than three people vying for the office of sheriff. Why is that? Plainly put, they now know they can.
Do you think your lack of any law enforcement background in a race against two other candidates for sheriff with law enforcement background will hurt you?
It is indeed possible that not having a background in law enforcement may impede people from voting for me. Having said that, there is also the other side. People see me as an individual, like themselves. I’m all about the citizens.
What qualifications do you feel you have for this office?
The position of sheriff is first and foremost an administrative position. You delegate job duties. It’s endless paperwork, meetings and budgeting. Yes, there is patrol also, but that should be a mere fraction of what needs to be done. I have encountered all of these things except patrol, in the last twelve years of my employment. In those years, I have had to be monetary and safety conscious. Whether running a utility inspection crew, doing construction, ordering and maintaining inventory, applying chemicals within EPA regulations, safety of employees and those around is always a concern, all while staying in a budget and not wasting inventory.
How would you address evidence storage solutions?
The evidence storage facility does not have to be a new building. There are properties near the sheriff’s department that could be used if it were determined it is a needed purchase. Why build a new facility and abandon more properties in the area. I think there is enough vacant properties around already.
Do you think the Sheriff’s Department needs an MRAP? Why or why not?
The thought of an MRAP being brought in is terrible in my opinion. When the department has called to other counties to barrow an armored vehicle, it was never used as a tactical piece of equipment to protect law enforcement officers. It’s used as a fear tactic. The maintenance, for now, “seems” reasonable. There is a reason why the military is off loading these. What’s going to happen when the transmission goes out on it? It’s one of its flaws. Let’s use the money for transporting this debt incurring machine. Let’s use this money on items related to the personal protection of our law enforcement agents.
How would you address funding for the K-9 Unit?
If the drug task force is so profitable, there should be no problem using monies from the drug forfeitures. Cost is kept down and we get to keep a valuable asset to the force. The K-9 unit isn’t just used to assist is drug searches. It can be used to aid in a missing person situation as well.
Which is a priority for you: Taxpayer dollars or public safety?
Public safety trumps the taxpayer dollar. That doesn’t mean an endless checkbook at one’s disposal. There are other ways to perform public safety. It doesn’t always have to be a patrol or an officer being dispatched. Informing the citizens on how to protect themselves could prove to be invaluable.
Are there places in the budget you would cut or changes you feel you could make without hurting the service the Sheriff’s Department provides?
I’m not going to lie. I haven’t ran enough numbers to give an adequate answer for making cuts or changes in the department.