Race Kicks Off For Caledonia Sheriff

Details: Created on Friday, 02 May 2014 15:06; Written by Tyler Dumont

ST. JOHNSBURY - Two candidates have announced their intent to run for Caledonia County Sheriff. Daniele Kostruba, currently working as a detective in the Special Investigations Unit, will take on incumbent Dean Shatney, who has served as the Caledonia County Sheriff for three years.

The Sheriff said he's proud of his tenure so far and thinks his record will get him re-elected.

"When I took over as the sheriff, we were doing probably maybe ten hours a week in town patrols and we're close to forty hours a week now," Shatney said.

The hours, he says, are something he hopes to continue to increase - and to eventually establish 24/7 operations.

But Kostruba says the department needs to shift their focus to working more directly with other local agencies.

"Each department has their strengths. And I think if we put them all together we'll have a better chance of dealing, you know, helping with those issues," she said. "We all know there's drug problems, we all know there's a lot of different problems here in Caledonia County. It's just a matter of working together and not working against each other."

Kostruba, if elected, would be the first-ever female sheriff to serve Caledonia County.

In her work as a detective, she primarily deals with sex crimes - sexting, date rape and other offenses. She also handles child abuse cases. She says increasing awareness programs in area school that discuss these topics will be a focus if elected.

Kostruba also used to work with, and for, Sheriff Shatney at the Caledonia Sheriff's Department.

He was promoted to sheriff just as she made her decision to head across the street to the local department.

"After I became sheriff I offered her a full-time position here and she declined," Shatney said. "I told her if it looks like a good career move for you, I wouldn't hold anyone back from their career."

When it comes to serving the county, Shatney says it has absolutely nothing to do with an election.

"It really isn't a political position because we serve the community, we serve the public," he said.

He says he's also often been called "the smiling sheriff" - an image he claims he's scored by being visible and open to talking to people across the county.

The two candidates will first have to make it through the August primary. Voting for the sheriff position will take place in early November.

Follow Tyler Dumont on Twitter @VCCJ_Tyler