Madore, Salkind battle for Aroostook County Sheriff’s seat

Full name:  James P. Madore
Age:  58
Residence:  Madawaska
What position are you running for?  Sheriff
What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? Other than my election as sheriff, I have not held any other political office. However, I have held the following positions and/or received recognition: President Maine Sheriff’s Association, Maine Criminal Justice Academy Board of Trustees’ (Gubernatorial Appointment), Chair – Aroostook Chief’s Association, Chair – Maine Drug Enforcement Agency, graduate – FBI National Academy, Graduate – National Sheriff’s Academy, Maine State Police Criminal Investigation Division III – Detective of the Year 1994,  graduate UMFK – criminal justice degree.
What is your career background? I am a lifelong resident of Aroostook County and began my career in law enforcement after a three-year enlistment in the United States Army. I have served as a Ft. Kent police officer, Maine State Police Trooper, Maine State Police Detective retired after 20-plus years, Limestone Chief of Police, Chief Deputy of the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department and am currently serving as the elected Sheriff of Aroostook County.  I have been sheriff since 2001.
What made you decide to run for this office? Re-election
What do you see as the most important issue facing the community you will serve? The biggest crime-related issue within our jurisdiction is domestic violence and substance abuse. Substance abuse is, more often than not, attributed to a variety of crimes including domestic violence, assaults, and several other crimes against persons and property.
    Our biggest safety issue is distracted drivers, i.e., texting, reading, or otherwise being focused on something other than driving. It is a growing problem, particularly with the younger generation, who many times do not wear the mandated seat belt. Even with the new law, unfortunately, a tragedy usually has to happen in order for distracted drivers to learn what can happen when you are not focused on driving.
What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? I will continue to serve the citizens of Aroostook County with the utmost diligence and professionalism focusing on the issues previously outlined.
Why should people vote for you?  I am, without a doubt, the best and most experienced candidate for this office. I am a lifelong resident of Aroostook County and have worked my entire 36-year law enforcement career in Aroostook County. I have been the Sheriff for the past nine years and have always done my duty for the best interest of the citizens we serve and the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office. Full name: David Salkind
Age: 54
Residence: Easton
    What position are you running for? Aroostook County Sheriff
    What other political offices have you held? If none, what other offices, honors or titles have you earned? I am not nor never have been a politician. I am a former law enforcement officer with numerous citations for bravery for the safety and justice of our citizens and perseverance of our Constitution.
    What is your career background? I have four years active military, 15 years law enforcement in drug interdiction, undercover drug work, canine officer, motorcycle patrol and street cop. I am a security specialist owner/operator in the field of security cameras, alarm systems and opening locks and safes which gives me the ability stay one step ahead of criminals and educate businesses and homeowners in the means of keeping one’s family and business safe.
    What made you decide to run for this office? The Aroostook County Sheriff is the only law enforcement officer who derives his power from the citizens and the only law enforcement official of The County who answers directly to the people. This position and its duties are not to be taken lightly. County citizens are fed up with the “good ole boy,” backroom dealings, lack of ethics and wasteful spending as it applies to the Sheriff’s Department. As sheriff, I will put pride and morale back in the Sheriff’s Department, will work diligently to keep drunk drivers off our highways and illegal drugs and drug dealers out of our County.
    What do you see as the most important issue facing the community you will serve? Illegal use of drugs and drunk drivers, both of which are needlessly causing domestic violence and/or taking lives.
    What do you see as your primary goal, if elected? My primary goal is to work with and beside the officers of the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies to protect and defend the citizens of Aroostook County.
    Why should people vote for you? As sheriff I will save County taxpayer money by being proactive instead of reactive and will address unnecessary, wasteful spending. My law enforcement education, training and experience in drug interdiction, undercover drug work, canine officer, motorcycle patrol, street cop, military background and successful security specialist business owner makes me the best candidate for Aroostook County Sheriff to attack the County’s drug and alcohol problem and rid our communities of the theft, domestic violence and crimes associated with alcohol and illegal drugs. As sheriff, I will uphold my oath to protect and defend the citizens of Aroostook County and will stand as the last line of defense between our citizens and the Constitution.