Appoint the Sheriff?

The Ramsey County Charter Commission votes tonight on a proposal to make sheriff and appointed office. The Star Tribune sets the stage with a lengthy profile of incumbent Bob Fletcher. Star Tribune Mon, 05 May 2008 05:20:06 GMT
Sheriff Bob Fletcher: Fighting for his future

Ramsey County's top law enforcement officer has plenty of fans and foes, thanks to his push-the-boundaries style. But some are pushing back, with an effort to appoint the sheriff. A vote tonight might put it on the ballot. ... Now in his fourth term, Fletcher has reinvented the Sheriff's Office, expanding its reach, doubling its budget and polarizing its ranks. His high-profile approach has strayed into empire-building, some believe, and he now faces a rare threat that could make this term his last. The 17-member Ramsey County Charter Commission, an obscure independent group, is set to vote tonight on a ballot question that would make the sheriff one of only about 10 nationwide to be appointed by county managers rather than elected. If a majority approves, the question will go to voters in November. Fletcher's style is considered a factor in the commission's decision to vote on the issue now, after years of discussion.

[[keywords: Officials;Ramsey;]]