The League of Women Voters of Monroe County provided information on the candidates for Monroe County sheriff. Longtime candidate Todd Martin is not seeking re-election.

Vote for one candidate.

Candidates were asked: Do you have specific suggestions for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the office for which you are a candidate?

Democratic Party

Joseph Rogan

Address: Tobyhanna

Website: http://www.facebook.com/RoganForSheriff/

Campaign email: VoteRogan@gmail.com

Education: Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice Administration (cum laude), Waldorf University. Associate in Applied Science, Criminal Justice, Northampton Community College. Pocono Mountain Senior High, Class of 1998. Certified: Management of Aggressive Behavior for Public Safety Officers by MOAB Training International, Trained Crowd Manager by the International Association of Venue Managers, Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings by New Mexico Tech.

Occupation: Pennsylvania State Constable, for Magisterial District Courts of Monroe County.

Qualifications: Over seven years experience serving: warrants, landlord tenant, and civil dockets for Magisterial District Courts (43-4-01, and 43-3-01) of Monroe County. Educated in Criminal Justice Administration. Which was both criminal justice courses, and business management courses. College educated in: HR, workers rights, workplace law, accounting, civil law, and criminal law — among many subjects related to the position of administrator as sheriff.

A: There are times when an investment upfront can yield great returns for the future. As Monroe County Sheriff, I will save the taxpayers of the county by providing efficient, effective, top quality administrative service.

I will follow the lead of agencies in other counties, and require new deputies to hold, at minimum, an associate degree, resulting in a dramatic decline in turnover and training expenses.

I will provide an environment of safety and security for all. My education and experience make me the best choice for Monroe County to administrate the Sheriff’s office through responsible leadership, effective budget management, and proper maintenance of the chain of command.

Republican Party

Efrain Madera

Address: Stroudsburg

Campaign Phone: 570-599-8886

Campaign email: efrainmaderaforsheriff@gmail.com

Education: George Westinghouse Vocational and Technical High School, NYC Department of Correction Academy Penal Law and Correction

Current Occupation: Owner Private Detective Agency/professional security

Qualifications: 21 years of law enforcement in the NYC Department of Corrections Rikers Island, a 487-acre compound with 10 jails approximately 23,000 prisoners and 10,000 visitors daily. As a Captain in the NYC Department of Corrections, I managed a $2M budget, was responsible for the development, management and training of staff. Expert in physical security, risk analysis, investigations and crisis management with a vast experience in Gang Intelligence. Further duties included evaluation of staff and developing in service training programs for both officers and civilian population; report writing, assessments, strategic planning and department budgeting; communication and coordination of all disciplines within the department. Identifying problem areas resolutions and recommendations of same.

A: As commanding officer of the emergency service K-9 unit, I secured a $2 million grant for drug interdiction and gang activity. My responsibilities were to stop the influx of drugs and gang tracking.

My goal as Monroe County Sheriff would be to apply the same hard-work ethic, integrity and dedicated approach that led to my K-9 unit receiving The Correction Commissioners Unit citation for exceeding department standards.

As sheriff, I would enhance safety, security and service in the county courthouse and annex, as well as provide specialized training for staff. I would continue to provide Sheriff Todd Martin’s ethical and professional service with integrity and respect.

Furthermore, my vision is to apply my knowledge and experience in establishing grant-funded programs for drug education in our schools and community.

Ken Morris

Mailing Address: Bartonsville

Campaign Phone: 570-234-6535

Website: http://Kenmorrisforsheriff.com

Campaign email: Kenmorrisforsheriff@gmail.com

Education: High school diploma (2002, Pocono Mountain). United States Marine Corps (2002-2008, Corporal and Sergeant’s leadership course). Allentown Police Academy (2009, over 800 certification hours). Act 2 Sheriff’s certification (2011). Taser instructor, Pepper Spray instructor. NIK test certified. (Drug identification). Nine years of mandatory law updates required to keep Sheriff’s certification. Defensive tactics certification.

Current Occupation: Law enforcement. Sergeant with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Qualifications: United States Marine Corps (2002-2008). Allentown Police Academy Act 120 certification. (2009, over 800 training hours). Act 2 Sheriff’s certification (required to become a Deputy Sheriff/Sheriff in Pa, 2011). Taser and Pepper Spray instructor for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. I was hired by Sheriff Todd Martin in 2011 as a Deputy Sheriff. In 2016 Sheriff Martin promoted me to Corporal/Field Training Officer. In 2018 Sheriff Martin promoted me to sergeant. As sergeant my duties and responsibilities are an essential part of the day to day functioning of the Sheriff’s Office and the courthouse.

A: I believe the residents of Monroe County deserve a Sheriff and a Sheriff’s Office that works for the people 24/7. Monroe County deserves a Sheriff that responds to calls for service with professionalism and compassion, but is also not afraid to enforce the laws of the commonwealth. Although the Office of Sheriff is an elected position and becomes politicized every 4 years, your vote should not be about party or politics. It should be about the most QUALIFIED person for the job!

I will be in full uniform and out in the county performing the duties with the uniformed deputies. Whether it’s courthouse security, criminal warrants, educating our youth about drugs or any other of our duties, I believe that to lead the deputies, you must be out in the community with them. I am the only certified candidate that can start performing these duties the first day I’m sworn in.

I am committed to continue the mission and traditions of Sheriff Martin, and those that served before him.