I want the citizens to have a clear conservative choice and know that I am serious about being sheriff. I would like to thank everyone that supported me in the 2006 election and would ask for your continued support in this one--I can't do it alone! Working together we can make a difference! I will always have an open door for anyone that wants to talk to me.

My first task as sheriff is to bring back fiscal responsibility to the Rock County Sheriff's Department. I'm a taxpayer too! There will be no take home cars. We can be reached by portable radios or cell phones. Administration types do not need to be on the scene anyway. I've found that in most cases they just get in the way instead of trusting their subordinates. This alone will save thousands.

Secondly, until the economy returns, I believe all personnel from captains and above should take a pay cut. Ten percent for Captains, 12% for commanders and 15% for sheriff and chief deputy. Despite what has been reported, these individuals have received substantially higher percentage raises than rank and file members of the Sheriff's department.

Thirdly, put a stop to the new jail. We're told that renovation is needed. There are definitely repairs that need to be made. However, the way this is being done is we are going to get a new jail, whether it is like Johnny Cash's Cadillac, one piece at a time, or all at once, the results are the same--higher taxes! Most of the things on the list would be nice but are not necessary. A sheriff should be remembered by his service to the citizens NOT by how much he spent or built. Besides, if inmate numbers are down, then why do we need the expansion/renovation at all, except for normal maintenance? Is it because they are going to need more room for people who can't pay their taxes? When the economy returns we can reconsider some of the projects, but now, just say NO! Keeping people employed is far more important than just spending money that we don't have. Oh, I forgot, it's just tax money!

Of course, nothing can be accomplished without the help of the citizens. I would like to institute a citizen advisory board to help fight crime in Rock County. Since we cannot be everywhere at once, you are our eyes and ears for information. This will not happen unless trust is established. And the only way that will happen is working together to build a relationship. It will not happen overnight, but through proper cooperation with the Sheriff's department and the citizens of Rock County, I believe we can achieve this goal! I believe putting the control back in the hands of the people is a good thing. I can guarantee it will not be business as usual!

Since April 15, 2009, after attending my first Tea Party demonstration upholding the Constitution, I am convinced the citizens of America are truly concerned about the path we are taking! We The People have been awakened and realize the importance of protecting the Constitution and its importance to the American way of life. The People--not the politicians--are going to transform this nation. We know how important God was to our founding fathers and still is to this nation, as well as how important the Oath to uphold the Constitution is to the survival of this country. I, too, understand this. That is why I have taken that oath on at least seven separate occasions, three in law enforcement and four in the Navy. I know what that oath means and what is involved in upholding it. Now is the time for a sheriff who is steadfast in his support for the Constitution and understands that the sheriff is a servant of the citizens who elect him. The sheriff works for the people and must answer to them.

I fully understand and agree with this. With the help of the people of Rock County and Jesus Christ, I am prepared to do this. For those who know, I will be an Oath Keeper Sheriff, for those who don't, I suggest you check out www.oathkeepers.org on the internet.

I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to serving Rock County.

~ Gary Keller