Peppers, Fox discuss sheriff candidacy at IUSB forum

In front of a small crowd at IUSB Tuesday night, the two Republicans running for St. Joseph County sheriff explained why they were the best candidate for the job by taking aim at the current administration. “I will wear a uniform every day,” said candidate Randy Peppers, who has been a member of the St. Joseph County Police Department for 20 years. “And I won’t hesitate to help out when an officer is needed.” Candidate Jim Fox, a deputy prosecuting attorney in Elkhart County who has worked as an officer for the South Bend Airport Authority and as a city firefighter and paramedic, echoed the sentiment: “I believe that with good leadership (the department) can be handled more efficiently.” But while neither man hesitated to point out problems with the current administration, both also tried to highlight the differences between them. Fox said his experiences as a lawyer and a prosecutor, as well as working law enforcement and emergency services, make him an ideal administrator for the county’s largest department. He said he’d like to see the department implement more technology and learn about the best practices at other departments, with a focus on using tax dollars efficiently. Peppers said he would make an ideal sheriff because of his 20 years in the department, including implementing and administering the Project Lifesaver program and working in nearly all of the department’s various units. He said he would help the department control expenses by asking for a reduced salary, although he said he could not set an exact amount until he talked with county commissioners. But despite their differences, Peppers and Fox both supported many of the same ideas, including the continued use of Tasers by police personnel, the need for the sheriff to be more open about problems within the department or jail and the importance of hiring veterans to fill department positions. Both promised to be candidates who would improve the county police department by making it more accountable to the people. “We need to have a police department based on performance, not on politics,” Fox said. “I will be accountable for my actions to my fellow police offers and to the citizens of St. Joseph County,” Peppers said. Fox and Peppers made their comments before crowd of about 40 people Tuesday at IUSB. An event for Democratic sheriff candidates will be held at 6 p.m. on April 7 in Wiekamp Room 1001. Staff writer Dave Stephens: dstephens@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6209