A Huge ‘Thank You’, and a Promise

A HUGE ‘THANK YOU’…

I’d first like to express my deepest gratitude to the number of folks who selected that ‘Vandgrift’ box on their ballot, as well as the many who have reached out and expressed their appreciation and encouragement before, during and after the election. I’m humbled and loved, and a bit overwhelmed with the turnout (in a good way)… and I just want to take a moment to say “THANK YOU” to everyone who supported me and the vision I have to help improve this county through improving the Sheriff’s Office.  

This year’s Primary Election was exciting on many fronts. It kept us on our toes until the end, and I’m thankful to have experienced every moment of it.

Am I Disappointed? 

I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t a little disappointed with the results.  However, that disappointment is NOT in how things turned out this time, as I fully understand that God is in control of ALL things – especially in seating people in governing roles (Romans 13). I know there is purpose in the results, and I commend BJ and Aaron on running a good race and finishing well. 

I’m more disappointed that I don’t get to keep connecting (or re-connecting) one-on-one with the people of this county.  I’m disappointed that we ran out of time. It was a joy spending time with those who opened their door to me, and talked candidly yet openly about their families and why they love this community so much. It was a joy spending time with my friends and my Dad who would sometimes ride with me as I campaigned.  

Truth be told, due to my work schedule and other responsibilities, I was only able to reach roughly 50% of the people I was hoping to connect with. There are large portions of the map (many roads) that I wasn’t able to get to before the deadline, despite trying diligently…and this is why I am disappointed. I wish would have decided to run earlier and started knocking sooner.  

Yet I am more encouraged than disappointed…

Although there is a small sense of disappointment, there is also an overwhelming amount of encouragement, as this campaign has produced many GREAT things.  For example: (1) I’ve reconnected with a LOT of old friends that I haven’t seen in 20+ years.  (2) I’ve made many new friends that wouldn’t have happened otherwise.  (3) I’ve learned a lot more interesting details about the community in which I grew up – things I never would have known without going through this process. (4) I’ve learned a lot about my extended family from their friends who would share stories when I visited. (5) I was encouraged to get involved again with Emergency Services, and have since returned to the Hawesville Fire Department (thanks to my son) to serve our community in that manor. And I’m sure there is more good that has occurred that I’m not aware of.

So…Now what?  (And where’s that promise?)

With that said… I’m still hoping for and looking forward to some ‘Change’ in the County (and in the Sheriff’s Office specifically) in the coming months and years.  I’ll even help in ways I can if asked… as that was the whole purpose in which I ran – because OUR COUNTY NEEDS IT. 

So now we wait and see what happens over the next few years with whoever ends up in that seat.  We measure and take notes. We evaluate.

And here’s the thing…

• If things don’t improve in several ways…
• If there isn’t an increase in transparency…
• If there isn’t an increase in patrol (especially in the South Hancock area)…
• If recruitment and retention hasn’t improved…
• If were not pushing more drugs (and dealers) out of our county…
• If grants are not sought/attained to improve our Sheriff’s Department’s ability to offset the cost of improving policing (through technology, equipment, etc). 

IF THINGS STAY THE SAME… Then expect to see my name on the ballot again in 2030.  

BUT if there is a ‘Next Time’.. (Here’s that promise from the headline)…. I Promise: 

1. I’ll start a YEAR in advance (or even earlier)…
2. I’ll accept the help that is offered in canvasing/knocking… 
3. I’ll fundraise and run more Public Relations initiatives…
4. But most importantly… I’ll have more ammunition and backing due to the lack of change and the deflated expectations. 

Transparently-speaking, I hope there isn’t a need to run again – that the next Sheriff will knock it out of the park – and I will be praying diligently for whomever takes the office. And I hope you’ll join me in praying often for all our County leaders in the coming years.  

Thanks again for all your support and the love shown to me and my family. 

God Bless, 

– Josh Vandgrift