Watershed Voice sent out questionnaires to over 75 candidates running for elected positions in St. Joseph County and the surrounding area. In the days leading up to the Michigan Primary on August 4, Watershed will publish the questionnaires it received back to supplement our election preview. Gordon Evilsizor, a Republican candidate for St. Joseph County Sheriff, filled out our questionnaire, these are his answers.
Name: Gordon Evilsizor
Age: 56
Address: 17770 Stears Rd., White Pigeon, MI 49099
Occupation: Business Owner for 25 years serving the agricultural community
Incumbent: No
Family (optional): Father of two adult children
How long have you resided in the area you seek to represent?
Lifelong resident of St. Joseph County
Why are you seeking the position of Sheriff?
I am seeking the position of Sheriff because we need new leadership that thrives on safety, security and service. With my experience in law enforcement, business owner and elected two terms Florence Township Supervisor, I feel that I’m the candidate that will deliver new direction to our Sheriff’s department.
What is the role of a Sheriff, and why are you uniquely qualified to fill that role?
The role of the Sheriff is to run the jail and to enforce the laws of the State of Michigan. WIth my experience, I believe I’m the best choice to lead our Sheriff’s department in a new direction to better serve “You”.
Are you familiar with the poverty rate in the district where you are running for office?
Unfortunately all communities have poverty issues.
Why do you think people are poor?
(Chose not to answer)
What does the Sheriff Department do right, and how do you intend to maintain or expand this?
(Combined this answer and the next one into one answer)
What could the Sheriff do better, and how do you intend to facilitate this happening?
We have great people that serve us at the Sheriff’s department 24/7. With new leadership, I would like to increase patrols at night to curb thefts, drugs and vandalism. It seems these nightly activities never end. I would also review the inner workings of the jail and make changes as needed.
What is your position on the Black Lives Matter Movement?
My position is “All” Lives Matter.
What do you think are the central issues behind the Black Lives Matter Movement?
(Chose not to answer)
What is your position on police reform?
My position on police reform, if elected, I want all employees to respect that community we serve. I would also add that doing the job as a police officer is not an easy job whatsoever. I would ask respect for officers that protect us everyday, and to look at this reform issue as some people that deal with police maybe been to reform.
What is your take on the U.S. response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
I can only hope there is a cure for this virus soon.
What is your take on the COVID-19 response in your district?
I would hope the best for our Health Department officials, as it’s their job, and would have to work with them for guidance in reference to the jail and inmates.
Do you support increased pandemic testing and tracing measures?
I would let the Health Department handle that.
What will be your response to the climbing rate of jobless claims?
(Chose not to answer)
What do you think are your prospective constituents’ biggest everyday challenges?
I would respond that my challenges are probably the same challenges as everyone deals with, trying to work and pay your bills and raise a family.
What measures will you work to put in place to address those challenges?
(Chose not to answer)
With public revenues already significantly impacted by COVID-19 and the economy, how will you address cashflow problems for the public bodies in your district and under your watch?
I have demonstrated as Township Supervisor that I can work with the County Commissioners, as I negotiated the reconstruction of Constantine Road (voted worst road in the county) with the help of funds to support that project. I have been in charge of presenting a yearly budget for the township, and if elected I would review the Sheriff’s Department’s budget and make changes that supports safety, security, training and service.
What is your favorite thing about the district in which you are running?
As a life long resident, my favorite thing about our district is the great people that live here. We should also feel very fortunate that our county has wonderful resources that supports our fabulous agricultural and recreational district.
What else would you like us to know about you?
I would say I’ve enjoyed living here in St. Joseph County raising my family and was raised that if you want something you have to work for it. I am ready to serve “You” as your new sheriff.
