There is a candidate for sheriff of Cass County that I believe the voters need to know more about. Most of you have seen his public face. You know his accomplishments, have seen his interviews, and have come to expect a certain professionalism from him over the years. But there is another aspect to this man, a side few people see except close friends and family. I believe that this is a side that the citizens of Cass County need to see as well so that they can make an informed decision at the polls on June 13. The candidate is Paul Laney.
I've known Laney for many years on a professional basis. However, it wasn't until I returned to college to finish my degree that I actually got to know him personally. We were in the same class at the University of Mary. My first impressions of Laney were as a straight-shooter, someone whom I could sense was a natural leader. It wasn't until much later that I found out about the man beneath the professional exterior.
Laney is a leader. He wouldn't be running for this position if he wasn't. He was frequently leading our class discussions on various topics, and when it came time to build teams for presentations, he was the one that we picked to be team leader. Laney was fair in his handling of the team and he never asked from us something that he wasn't willing to give himself. He kept us on task, but he was there for the light moments, too. Paul is the consummate servant leader. He is always working towards a positive end to a project, which he does well - be it in front or quietly from behind.
But Laney is more than a leader. He's a father ... a husband ... a brother ... a son ... a friend ... a co-worker ... a community supporter.
Laney's family is very important to him. He has a caring, nurturing relationship with his daughters. They are in dance and soccer. He is always there to take them to class or in the audience during recitals and competitions or available at the last minute to coach them at a soccer game. He was supportive when his wife, Vicki, made a career change. He's very close with his father, mother and sisters, playing "Uncle Paul" to numerous nieces and nephews with great joy.
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Laney is a friend: willing to listen to troubles, there to lend a hand when needed, or to have a good time with. But as a good friend will do, he has no trouble telling it like it is and keeping friends out of trouble. He has a great sense of humor and he can poke fun at himself with ease, usually making a point while he's doing it.
Laney is a co-worker for whom I have immense respect as a police officer. He puts his life on the line for the citizens of our community every time he puts on the uniform and he does it gladly. I know that he has touched many lives as a police officer and that many of those individuals have left their mark on him, too. He has fostered new and innovative ideas in his position with the Fargo Police Department, building partnerships with schools and neighborhoods. He has received many awards and commendations over his career as a police officer, the most recent being a lifesaving award.
Laney supports his community. He does charitable work by walking for fundraisers or sitting on rooftops for Special Olympics. He's on the board of directors for The Village and the chairman of the board for the Charism exercise facility.
Laney is a complex man; a man of action. His service qualifications and experience show that he knows how to isolate a problem, analyze it, and develop a solution to the problem. That solution involves team-building skills he has honed over the years. I feel that Laney will lead Cass County into the 21st century effectively and with great dedication to the citizens of Cass County. That's the kind of man that I want for my next sheriff. I believe Cass County needs a man like Laney. He will always look you in the eye, he will always listen, and he will always tell it like it is.
I've just introduced you to Paul Laney, the private man. Most of you already know the professional man. Because of his passion, his drive, and his vision, I am supporting him for sheriff of Cass County. I hope that you will, too.
Rieman lives in Fargo.
