“Endorsed by the Billings Gazette”
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MIKE LINDER FOR SHERIFF
Hi, and thank you for visiting my website. As a member of our law enforcement community for over 20 years I care deeply about the future of law enforcement in Yellowstone County.
As Yellowstone County Sheriff I will strive for:
- More proactive and efficient patrol duties
- A professional work environment in ALL facets of the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office
- Open door policy for all employees: fair, respectful work environment and performance based assignments
- Resolution of existing personnel issues currently plaguing the office
- Programs to help reduce recidivism causing overcrowding in the jail
- An organized search and rescue program in Yellowstone County
As early as 2004 the idea of running for Sheriff became more than an interest to me. I have always made it a personal mission to do all that I could to make our office the best it could be. However, the more I tried to become an integral part of the office the more I felt I was being shut out. Bringing new and innovative ideas to the table became a waste of time because I was not a part of the small inner faction that was “running the show”. I became more concerned about issues affecting morale within the agency. I could only watch as human rights complaints against the office arose from within against the Sheriff’s Office and its administration. Allegations of discrimination, intimidation and retaliation have yet to be resolved in a Billings Federal Court.
Then in 2006 I decided that if I wanted to see a positive change in the Sheriff’s Office I was going to have to do something to make that change happen. I decided to run for the position of Sheriff of Yellowstone County. Even though I knew it would mean challenging a 14 year incumbent, I felt it was something I needed to do. Apparently my fellow deputies felt the same way as they, the Yellowstone County Deputies Union, voted to endorse me as their candidate for Sheriff.
Quoted from the Billings Gazette 9/2/2006
In July 2006, the Deputies Union held a meeting in which we invited both candidates for the 2006 Yellowstone County sheriff election, Chuck Maxwell and Mike Linder. Both candidates came to the meeting and answered any questions the union members had. After the meeting, the union members decided to hold a write-in vote to determine who the union would support for sheriff.
The Deputies Union has decided to support Linder for sheriff. The general consensus of the union members is that Linder has fresh and new ideas for the future. While Maxwell has served the community well, Linder's vision for the future of Yellowstone County is one that we support.
Roger Bodine, president, Deputies Union
Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office
Billings
I lost the 2006 election to the incumbent in a close race but I continue to do my job to the best of my ability. I have set my sights on the 2010 election because I feel that although some of the names have changed, the philosophies of this administration have not. Recent allegations of improper conduct by a top commander and a lack of appropriate intervention is a reminder of the type of behavior that has been tolerated too long in this office. As your Sheriff, I will not tolerate disrespectful, unprofessional conduct by or towards the employees of the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office is full of top notch dedicated employees, deputies, civilians and detention staff alike. I believe that given the proper leadership and respect, our Sheriff’s Office can stand above the rest.
Thank You and I would appreciate your vote on November 2nd.
