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Contact: Kevin Knuth Chairman Headquarters 260-478-8239 Phone 260-424-9690 Cell- 260-402-6086 |
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Allen County Democratic Party |
Press Release
Sheriff resorts to political tricks to aid
Allen County Republican Party
Fort Wayne, IN, June 5, 2006: Today Sheriff Jim Herman (Republican) announced that the Republican candidate for Sheriff, Ken Fries, would serve as Chief Deputy.
”Sheriff Herman is abusing the power of his position in an attempt to help his party retain the office of Sheriff,” said Allen County Democratic Party Chairman Kevin Knuth. Knuth continued, “This move clearly shows that the Republicans are concerned about the viability of their candidate and that they have a need to bolster his credentials heading into the fall election.”
The Democratic candidate for Sheriff, Tina Taviano, has shown the ability to appeal to a wide range of voters, on both sides of the aisle. Knuth stated, “She is clearly a threat to the ‘Good Old Boys” network, and that has the Republicans concerned.”
Adding to the Republican’s concerns is Ken Fries lack of a college degree. “The Sheriff is a largely administrative position with a budget of over $20 million. Would a company hire a CEO without a degree to manage that much money? Why would the taxpayers deserve any less?” asked Knuth.
“Bottom line, this promotion is nothing more than an attempt to help a candidate in the fall elections. I am confident the voters of Allen County will see through this cheap political trick and realize it is time for a change,” said Knuth
The Democratic candidate for Sheriff, Tina Taviano, currently serves as the Director of Training for the department, and is the only Master Instructor on staff. Previously she held the positions of Detective, Patrol Supervisor and Jail Supervisor. In addition to her 23 years of experience on the department she served 10 years as a volunteer firefighter attaining the rank of District Chief. She has served 7 years on the Mayor’s Commission against Domestic Violence, Sexual Harassment and Rape. She also has a history of service to the community.
Taviano holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration from Saint Francis College and a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) in Public Management from Indiana University.
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