Regarding their approach to controlling ….
Regarding their approach to controlling drugs in the county, Nygard pointed to working with other agencies including tribes, state, federal and cities. “You have to become one,” he said. Taking part in trainings is also important.
Nygard said that an individual from DCI told him that Roosevelt County hasn’t invited them to come and help fight the drug problem. “They will help you clean it up,” Nygard said. “I want to take the drugs out of our communities once and for all.”
Frederick said there’s no way to control drug use. “I’m going to be honest. I’m passionate about drugs. Only thing we can do is prevent it,” he said. Frederick said it has to be a community effort.
He noted that they have reached out to a federal legislator and the Safe Trails Task Force was established, but then the area’s FBI agent was transferred. Recently, the FBI has helped with the task force and a good bust was conducted by the task force. “We’re going to keep pounding, but it’s not something we can control,” Frederick said.
Gonzales said there needs to be more law enforcement and money to deal with the drug problem. “We also don’t report everything. We need the community’s help,” he said. Gonzales also encourages additional training and working with other areas.
Regarding the relationship between the sheriff and county commissioners, Gonzales said the offices need to work together. “Two heads are better than one,” he said. The elected officers should educate each other and have an open line of communication.
Nygard said the commissioners are there to oversee the taxpayers’ dollars. “It’s up to them to get together and work with the budget,” Nygard said.
Frederick said he works well with the current commissioners until it comes to money. He said there’s many ways to cut from the county’s budget without hurting law enforcement. Commissioners don’t want the sheriff funding the office through grants, because grants are only good for a few years. “We have to find the money, and that’s the commissioners’ job,” Frederick said.
Black Dog
William “Willy” Black Dog couldn’t attend the candidates’ forum because he was the only tribal officer in the Poplar area that night.
“If elected, I will be out in communities taking calls and working patrol for more police presence in the communities and working closely with all the police department,” Black Dog said.
His goal is to get the more dangerous drugs out of the county. “I will work tirelessly for the people of Roosevelt County,” he said. He has a two-year degree in criminal justice.
He added that he and deputies will cover Wolf Point, Poplar, Brockton, Culbertson, Bainville and Froid and all other small communities. They will cover 24 hours, seven days a week. They will also help surrounding counties and police departments.
