A 6 Pack of Questions for County Candidates- Sheriff

Starting with the 2 vying for Newaygo County's Top Badge
A couple of things… 
It’s a primary of course and the ‘real’ election for these offices  is in November. However, in an area such as ours with a more than solid majority of voters consistently casting their ballots on the Republican side, the primary is THE election for county officials as well as most township boards. These are the folks who will truly impact local decisions. If the past is any indicator, just a bit more than 1 in 4 folks registered to vote will bother to actually cast their ballot. The turnout is generally around half of those who will exercise their voting rights in November so a small percentage of voters will decide who will be in county positions the next 4 years.
The early voting. Saturday, July 27th is the first day of early voting. Sunday August 4th is the last day of early voting Absentee voter ballots can be obtained until 4pm on Monday August 5th.

We submitted questions to each candidate for county-wide offices. The questions came from submissions from our readers and are the same for each candidate. We will be including the Sheriff, County Clerk, Register of Deeds and Drain Commissioner over the next few days.

Newaygo County Sheriff

Bob Mendham
I was born and raised in White Cloud and graduated from White Cloud HS in 1983. My law enforcement career started in 1991 as a part time corrections officer at the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office. In 1995 I graduated from West Shore Community College with a Criminal Justice degree, and was then hired as a fulltime deputy in 1997. During my career at the Sheriff's Office, I served on the dive team, CMET, (The undercover drug enforcement team), I was the community policing officer and I was a K-9 handler for 8 years. In 2007, I accepted the Chief of Police position for the City of White Cloud and in  2015, I accepted the Chief of Police position for the City of Grant working both positions, and serving both cities, until I was elected the Newaygo County Sheriff in 2016. I have proudly held the position of Sheriff since then. 
My wife, Judy, and I were married in 1992 and have two sons, Brady, who is married to Heidi, and we were then blessed with a beautiful granddaughter, Harper. Our 2nd son, Rob, currently lives and works in Grand Rapids.  

Adam Mercer
I am a lifelong resident and sixth generation of Mercers in Newaygo County.  I graduated from Newaygo High School in 2000, went to college at Ferris State and the police academy at Kirtland Community College.  I've been married to my wife for 15 years and we are raising three kids.  As a family we spend a lot of time at sports practices and games and enjoy travelling Michigan and the U.S. in a school bus that we converted into an RV.
I have 24 total years of law enforcement experience including 23 at the Newaygo County Sheriff's Office as marine patrol, school resource, road deputy, undercover, SWAT, detective, cold case, and road sergeant.  I'm currently a road patrol deputy for the Kent County Sheriff's Office where I've been since May of 2023.  I'm very proud of the positions I've held, cases I've worked on, and the people I've worked with.

Why are you running?
Mercer:
I feel led to return to NCSO to rebuild the department to what it once was.  I've been asked by numerous former and current NCSO employees to run for sheriff.

Mendham:
Holding the position of Sheriff has been a lifelong goal for me. Now that I hold the position, I understand the responsibilities and obligations that go along with the position. I believe serving the community is of utmost importance. 

What makes you the best candidate?
Mendham:
My 33 years of law enforcement experience makes me the best candidate. In those 33 years, I have learned to work with my community leaders and fellow law enforcement partners to accomplish goals that best serve our community. While serving our community, the position has given me experience and expertise  in managing  80 employees, a 364 bed jail, a US Marshal contract, and an 8 million dollar budget. 

Mercer:
In the 15 years I spent as a sergeant at NCSO I demonstrated compassion and loyalty to deputies, which at times included standing up for those who were being mistreated.  I believe I've established a reputation as a strong leader who will support their subordinates when needed and take corrective steps when necessary.

What do you see as the 3 main responsibilities of the post you are seeking?
Mercer: 
1. Appoint and train a management team that support, teach, lead, and care for the staff in the jail, road patrol, and animal control.
2. Work hand in hand with the four city PDs, MSP, and the DNR to provide top notch public safety to all citizens of Newaygo County.
3. Safely and securely manage the county jail.

Mendham
My main responsibilities include upholding the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Michigan. Also, to enforce the laws of the State of Michigan while maintaining the jail, the animal shelter and ensuring the public's safety. 

How will you serve or better serve the public, if elected or reelected?
Mendham:
I will continue to serve the public by ensuring we have well trained and well equipped deputies who are willing and able to respond to any call for service. We will be transparent and strive to serve our community with integrity and respect. 

Mercer:
I will not only listen to feedback, suggestions, and complaints from the public and police chiefs, but I will also take action when the suggestions and complaints have merit, or are in the best interest of the citizens and staff.  I will also appoint leaders who selflessly work with the city PDs and MSP for the best interest of the public.

County/State officials' responsibilities are not well known by the community members they serve.  How will you educate your constituents and help them stay informed?
Mercer:
I will regularly attend township meetings, local high school sports, and Newaygo County restaurants for coffee and lunches to interact with the community

Mendham:
We will continue to use social media to communicate with the citizens of Newaygo County, and we will continue to work closely with our local media sources. We also support and attend community events.  We will maintain an open line of communication with our local government partners. 

In your opinion what makes for an effective leader?
Mendham:
An effective leader must be willing to act, listen, compromise and admit mistakes. One must understand that the responsibility is to be available 24/7 and be willing to sacrifice personal and family time for the good of the community.  An effective leader understands the community and their employees must come first.  

Mercer:
 An effective leader is different from a manager.  A manager sits behind a desk, sends emails, and reviews employee work products.  An effective leader leads by example, teaches employees how to be successful, and motivates them to be their best.  An effective leader interacts with their employees by going to them and developing relationships.  An effective leader challenges employees to not only set goals but helps them achieve the same.

Tomorrow: Newaygo County Clerk