Pubdate: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 Source: Capital Times, The (WI) Copyright: 2006 The Capital Times Contact: http://www.madison.com/tct/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/73 Note: Usually does not publish letters from outside the state. Author: Ben Broeren LOWERY ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR SHERIFF Vying With Mahoney In Democratic Primary Law enforcement administrator Robbie Lowery announced his candidacy for Dane County sheriff this morning in front of the Madison Municipal Building. A group of about 20 people attended, including friends and community leaders. "My mission is to provide Dane County with law enforcement services it needs," Lowery said. "We must reach out to leaders, educators, social workers and young people." Lowery will be running in a democratic primary against veteran Dane County sheriff's detective Dave Mahoney. The winner of the primary will face Republican candidate Mike Hanson, a Dane County supervisor and Madison Police Department spokesman, to replace retiring Sheriff Gary Hamblin in the November election. Lowery said his experience as director of the Administrative Services Bureau in the Wisconsin Department of Justice distinguishes him from other candidates. "I am the one with management experience," he said. "I put good people in power." As director, Lowery created a cold case unit where senior detectives re-examine evidence from unsolved crimes and questioned convictions. "We must never forget unsolved homicides," he said. Like Hanson and Mahoney, Lowery said a crowded jail system and gang violence are major concerns. Lowery stressed that mental health issues need to be addressed, noting some inmates incarcerated for drugs and nonviolent offenses would be better reformed in a hospital setting than in a jail. Lowery, an African-American, said the Sheriff's Office should reach out to minorities and work to end discrimination, noting that he himself has experienced injustice. Assistant Attorney General David Hart said he fully supported Lowery. Hart said they have been friends and fellow parishioners at S.S. Morris A.M.E. Church for 10 years. He said that Lowery is interested in not only what happens when people are incarcerated, but how they get to that state and chances of recidivism once they get out. "Law enforcement is a community issue as well," Hart said. Dane County Supervisor Elaine DeSmidt said she supported Lowery because of his experience. "He's wonderfully balanced in law enforcement," she said. "He's also a schooled man in budget." Lowery has previous experience as a police officer and detective in Beloit and later as a sergeant working with a crime prevention program in Milwaukee. During his candidacy, Lowery said he is taking a leave of absence from his job to gain support and raise money, but already felt welcomed. "I am humbled by the showing of support this morning," Lowery said. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman