VIP of the Week: Police Lieutenant Rick Duncan, Candidate for Sheriff
Posted on 09. Oct, 2010 by Rose M Garland in Popular Stories, VIP of the Week
If you aren’t aware of current, local politics, Rick Duncan is one of two candidates running for the office of the Sheriff. I have not met Karl Schreck, his challenger as of yet (although I hope to interview him as well), but my interview with Police Lieutenant Rick Duncan was completely unexpected, in a positive way.
As a media person, I plan to stay publicly impartial. I imagine either candidate will do the job well, and I plan to write positive articles about both candidates, although after meeting Rick Duncan, I think Mr. Schreck has quite the competition!
It has been my experience that Candidates for office tend to have a face for media, and a different face for friends and family. Rick Duncan is a definite exception to that rule.
There was the interview in front of the camera, that as you will see, is the voice of a solid, experienced, caring, and strong person who is capable and determined to make the area a safer, even better place to live. But the interview outside of the camera was even better.
Rick Duncan comes across as a genuinely humble, honest person, who believes in what he’s trying to do, and in helping the community. I was really struck by his compassion for troubled teens, and his absolute belief that any person can change their circumstances for the better. In fact, just from this brief interview, I would say that if elected sheriff, the strongest gifts he would bring to the county are his honesty and his compassion.
A while back I met and became friends with some officers in another state, and it seemed to me, as if sometimes my buddies had very black and white thinking – as if there was a belief that some people were just ‘born bad,’ and if they were ‘born’ that way, they stayed that way. Candidate Duncan doesn’t appear to share that view – he definitely seemed to feel that bad behavior was one choice, and an unfortunate one – but that people can change. Rick Duncan showed a strong sense of community, and an appreciation and concern for each person in it – both those doing well, and of those struggling. He talked of his own challenges growing up, and of the teachers and heroes that have affected him. I have to say, I was impressed.
The interview was very inspirational, which you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a fairly reserved person. He wants to support his community, and I believe that this letter (below), that he has on his website, says everything a person needs to know about Mr. Duncan’s character:
Dear Citizens of Chisago County,
I would like the privilege of serving as your next Chisago County Sheriff. I have the education and experience necessary to serve our county well. I will bring positive leadership to our Sheriff’s Office. I will listen to your concerns and make informed decisions based on the best needs of our community. I will be fiscally responsible in these most difficult times. Together I believe we can make a positive difference in our community. I appreciate your support.
Sincerely,
Rick Duncan
And even more than this statement just being true - I really think he can do it.
Good luck Mr. Duncan!
11 Responses to “VIP of the Week: Police Lieutenant Rick Duncan, Candidate for Sheriff”
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16. Oct, 2010
[...] week, you read about Rick Duncan, one of the two excellent Candidates for Sheriff. This week we’ll focus on the other [...]
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23. Oct, 2010
[...] interviewed the two competing Sheriff’s for Chisago County Rick Duncan and Karl Schreck, and having a nice visit from Lindstrom Mayoral Candidate (and Current Mayor) [...]
Lenore Bleifuss
10. Oct, 2010
Excellent interview, Rose. He gets my vote and hopefully those of all who read this or know him.
Rick Duncan
13. Oct, 2010
Thank you very much for the vote
Lenore Bleifuss
10. Oct, 2010
An excellent interview, Rose, and he will get my vote. Sounds like somebody who will do his very best and more.
Jerry
12. Oct, 2010
Having met Rick personally via his dad, I give high recommendation to him and his credentials. It is my personal belief that Rick has MORE than what it takes to hold the office of Sheriff in the county of Chisago. Best regards to him in his election.
Rick Duncan
13. Oct, 2010
Thanks Jerry
Michele Olson
12. Oct, 2010
Great interview Rose, with more introspective questions than the typical election jargon. Very refreshing! Rick is sincere and forthright in his answers. He truly is the real deal!
I’ve known Rick since high school; as my brother’s classmate, a fellow track team member, and as a husband to my dear friend, Kelly. In raising our children together and in keeping in touch throughout the years, Rick has always held steadfast to his values and has never faltered as he lead by example as a father, husband, law enforcement officer, and community citizen and volunteer. His conduct is stellar, but yet he is a very humble person by nature. He is not afraid to take on new challenges; and learned a variety of skills while serving in various capacities concerning gang violence, anti-terrorism, drug enforcement and more.
His positive character, along with his numerous skills, would be a great benefit to the citizens of Chisago County. Rick encompasses the ideals of what a successful Sheriff should be, and it could be said, he’s lived his entire life in training to be a model Sheriff. Now all we have to do, is to vote for him!
Sincerely,
Michele Olson
Rick Duncan
13. Oct, 2010
Michelle,
Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate your support
Rick
Rose M Garland
12. Oct, 2010
Thank you everyone for responding! I do think that Rick Duncan is a wonderful person, and makes an excellent candidate. I’m sure he will be pleased with all the support that has been shown him, and I truly wish him well! I agree with all the comments here that talk about the person he is, and his good character. Definitely a strong candidate for this position!
I will be interviewing his challenger, Mr. Karl Schreck tomorrow, to be posted on this Sunday’s edition. Good luck to both candidates, and let’s all get out and vote!
John Pielow
12. Oct, 2010
What a refreshing interview. I am glad that you saw the qualities I have seen in Rick the past 24 years I have worked with him. Chisago Countycould not do better!!!