Ret. Deputy Chief Roten Announces 2020 Sheriff Candidacy
MIDLAND, Mich. — Former Midland Deputy Police Chief Rodney L. Roten formally announced his candidacy for Sheriff in the August 2020 Republican primary today.
Mr. Roten said that his top priority would be rebuilding and repairing trust in the community through transparency, accountability, communication and teamwork; and that he wants to improve the dialogue between law enforcement and members of the community.
“I have served this community in a law enforcement capacity for nearly three decades, which included several years of budgetary and administrative responsibilities,” Mr. Roten said in a press release provided to the City Paper. “This experience, along with my community involvement, has given me the skills I need to be the next Midland County Sheriff.”
Mr. Roten retired this past December from the Midland Police Department and he currently works as a transport deputy for the Sheriff’s Office.
“I climbed the ladder at [the Midland Police Department] from Patrolman, to Sergeant, to Lieutenant, to Deputy Chief,” he told the City Paper.
Mr. Roten’s plans include increasing visible patrol presence throughout the county and increasing the minimum shift strength. Mr. Roten said he wants to have a patrol car in each township at least once a week and to increase the shift minimum from three to four deputies.
“The minimum shift strength needs to increase, so deputies can respond more quickly and they are less likely to be put in situations that are unsafe requiring them respond to calls by themselves,” he said.
Mr. Roten joins Midland County Sheriff deputy Myron Greene and Midland County Law Enforcement Center administrative professional Laura Lee as announced candidates.
The trio is looking to replace embattled Midland County Sheriff Scott Stephenson, who has indicated he will not run for reelection.
Mr. Stephenson was arrested last November for suspected drunken driving after leaving a deer hunting camp in Kalkaska County. He later pled guilty to one count of operating a motor vehicle while visibly impaired and was sentenced to one year of probation and fined $1,030.
In 2012, Mr. Greene finished third in a crowded, five-person primary behind Mr. Stephenson and Ken Mault, respectively; with 2,027 votes, or 17.1 percent.
Michael Westendorf is the chairman and executive editor of Chemical City Paper. As Executive Editor, he leads the City Paper’s news coverage and editorial team.