INTRODUCING MY CHOICE FOR UNDERSHERIFF:

One of the first decisions I faced when I decided to run for Sheriff was who I should select as my Undersheriff. This decision is critical because the individual must share a love for public service. They must be of excellent character and have a strong understanding of the Department and its operations. They must have the respect of the people they will help lead. The right candidate will add depth to the ticket by bringing capabilities that add to mine. They must be willing to work long hours and be committed to making life better for the citizens of St. Joseph County by working to reduce crime. Lastly, they must share my sense of fairness in their dealings with the public and with coworkers.

I take a great deal of pride in the introduction of my choice, Mark A. Lillywhite. Mark brings experience, knowledge, common sense, and a strength of character to this position that is unequaled. He brings an understanding of justice and a sense of compassion with him that will make this a single unit of leadership. We make a good team, and we share my values and goals for the Department. I couldn't ask for a better Undersheriff.

 
 
THOUGHTS OF MARK A. LILLYWHITE (Brad Balk's choice for Undersheriff):
 
I am proud to be a part of this campaign. I respect Brad's leadership, I trust his judgement, and I know that together we can make a difference.

1. HISTORY

Like Brad, I am also a life-long resident of this County. However, I spent my local school years in the Three Rivers system, and graduated from Three Rivers High School, obtaining All-State in Football. I was exposed to law enforcement watching my Grandfather, Neubert Balk, run the St. Joseph County Sheriff Department (SJCSD) as Sheriff, and seeing his values and principals in action. Being from a closely knit family group, my parents, Patrick and Brenda Priest, were happy to take part in all family get-togethers, and it was a wonderful time for Dawn (my older sister, now Heitkamp), and myself. I married Heather Martinka, and we have one son, Titan. He is a real joy in our lives, and we both want him to grow up in a safe and secure environment.

2. EDUCATION

After High School, I left the area to go to Olivet Nazarene University (ONU)on a football scholarship. I did well at ONU, and felt that I should come back, so I returned to Michigan to go to Glen Oaks Community College, then on to Western Michigan University. It became clear, however, that police work was for me, so I went to Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) for my degree in Law Enforcement. It was at KVCC that I completed Police Academy, and I began my career with the Mendon Police Department, the White Pigeon Police Department, and finally the St. Joseph County Sheriff's Department in 1995. I've been able to attend a number of specialty schools and classes since being in the Department.

3. LAW ENFORCEMENT CAREER

I started with the Corrections Department, and learned about the things that are good, and the things that are not so good, with that part of the SJCSD. I enjoyed that work and the learning that went with it, and then the opportunity to go to Road Patrol came up. Once I was on Road Patrol for the SJCSD, I did regular, contracted road patrol for the Centreville Police Department, and eventually I became the contract car for Fabius Township. As the contracted patrol, I learned a great deal, and got to work with some fine people, in various positions, and in all types of situations.

My next big opportunity came with the St. Joseph Area Narcotics Unit ("SCAN"). I began as a Narcotics Investigator, working with Prosecutors, other county drug enforcement units, State drug teams, and Federal DEA and ATF. Within a year I was given the chance to oversee the daily operations of SCAN, which included preparing and implementing Budgets, and Asset Forfeitures for the Department. Ultimately, I became Sergeant of the Road Patrol and Supervisor of the Reserve Unit. It has been a very interesting tour of duty, and I've met many wonderful people in both capacities.

4. FINAL THOUGHTS

When Brad asked me to join him as his Undersheriff I felt honored to have been considered for the position. I feel that I have a lot to offer to him as Undersheriff, and to you the citizens of St. Joseph County. This is where I have my home and raise my family. I want the same for them that you want for yourself and your family - a good quality of life, safety and security. I'm willing to work hard in support of Brad Balk because I have every confidence that he will make a great Sheriff. We share a common goal of reducing crime in St. Joseph County and are committed to working as hard as necessary to achieve it. We will improve employee relations and morale by dealing honestly with our coworkers and setting good examples. We will invest in better equipment and better training for the Deputies and the Correction Officers who serve you, so they are more efficient and safer as they do their ever-more-dangerous jobs.

Brad Balk is a man of exceptional moral character, a dedicated public servant, and a true leader. I believe in his vision for the people of St. Joseph County and in his ability to turn that vision into reality. I am honored that he chose me as Undersheriff, but my support and admiration for Brad Balk, and the things he stands for, were formed long before he chose me for the position. Please join me in my support by voting for Brad Balk next August, and then again in November of 2008.

Thank you,

Mark Lillywhite

 
Paid For By The Committee To Elect Bradley D. Balk Sheriff   21116 S River Rd, Centreville, MI 49032  (269)467-6247All Content © 2007, 2008 Committee To Elect Bradley D. Balk Sheriff