Meet the Gallatin County Sheriff Candidates

The MSU Exponent made every effort to contact candidates running for the U.S. House seat and the Montana House and Senate seats representing Bozeman and Belgrade. All candidates were provided with the same questions, the same instructions and the same word limit for their responses. The Exponent did not edit any of the responses for grammar or clarity. The Exponent does not endorse or oppose any candidate through the publication of these questionnaires. The questionnaires are intended to inform voters and help them make informed decisions.

J. Garrett Grimm

Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?

J. Garrett Grimm has lived in Bozeman for 37 years. He went through the Bozeman school system, graduated with an Associate's degree from Gallatin College, and has attended MSU to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering. He is the founder and President of the Gallatin Community Gun Club and Community Leader.

What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?

As Sheriff of Gallatin County, J. Garrett Grimm would enforce the law equally, no matter the person's wealth, power, status, or authority. Every person within the borders of the United States has the same protections under the US Constitution and the same obligations under the law. Immigration must follow the legal pathways. However, enforcing the law MUST also be within the bounds of the law and protect everyone's constitutional rights. Disregard for one person's rights weakens everyone's rights.

Mental health and/or substance abuse are the primary reasons an individual has an interaction with law enforcement within Gallatin County. Strengthening programs to address mental health and substance abuse before the rise to a need for law enforcement intervention, and increasing training and resources for deputies, is necessary. As our country is moving into more divided and economically uncertain times, mental health and substance abuse can lead to more criminal activity. Understanding these issues and addressing them before they arise will create a safer and stronger community.

Law enforcement, with the Gallatin County Sheriff's Office as a good example, has become increasingly separate from the community. Bringing accountability, transparency, and communication back to the relationship between the GCSO and the greater community is necessary to bring trust and bolster safety. When law enforcement members of the community feel they can safely call upon them for protection, it strengthens our community. 

Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?

The Students and Staff of MSU and Gallatin College should vote for J. Garrett Grimm for a Sheriff who will uphold the Constitution of the United States to protect the rights of all individuals. Vote for a sheriff who will address the foundational issues that contribute to interactions with law enforcement, which will strengthen communication and trust between law enforcement and the community. Write-in J. Garrett Grimm for Sheriff to bring the values of Justice, Law, and Order for all of Gallatin County.

Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?

Democrat

Dan Springer

Would you be able to provide a brief biography of yourself?

I have served Gallatin County for 30 years in LE with 25 of those in supervisory and leadership positions. I have been the Sheriff for the past 6 years. I have approximately 400 employees/support staff & volunteers under my direction. I have been under budget every year of my tenure. 

What are your top three priorities if elected, and how do you plan to address them?

Public Safety, Community Trust and Exceptional Service will continue to be my top three priorities. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is already a high functioning agency, and I will ensure this trend continues.

Public Safety: Deputies will continue to identify criminals, investigate their actions, and keep the peace by enforcing the law. They will continue to handle victims and witnesses of crimes with empathy and compassion. Our performance will continue to make Gallatin County the safest community amongst the large counties in Montana.

Community Trust: Trust is based on access and transparency, and we excel at each of these standards. Our community outreach is anchored by the Youth and Family Outreach Program (YFOP), engaging in over 1,800 dedicated responses, safety fairs, and educational events such as Donuts with Deputies, Shop with a Sheriff, Public Safety Academies and many more.

Exceptional Service: We are defined by our desire to deliver “Plus 1 Service”. This means responders are expected to look for added ways to provide a level of service unmatched in the industry.

In order to excel in these three areas, it takes a lifelong commitment to this profession with a daily tenacity to do so, and as your Sheriff, I have that proven track record.

Why should MSU students, faculty and staff vote for you?

The Sheriff’s Office is a complex, full-service public safety agency, not defined by a single issue. There are over 400 employees when you count the deputies, detention officers, support staff and volunteers. It takes knowledge, credibility, and leadership to deliver the type of service this community has come to expect. Although the Sheriff is elected, I don’t believe political ideology should drive public safety policy.

There is only one candidate running for Sheriff who has anywhere close to the experience it takes to lead and manage this exceptional group of men and women. Your feeling of safety, your feeling of comfort, and your feeling of trust are not by accident, it is due to years of dedicated individuals who know how to keep this community safe.

Finally, if you feel comfortable sharing, what is your political affiliation?

Republican