Advertisement

Troy Mata of Sandusky calls himself the "reform candidate" for sheriff. He has filed as a Republican, and joins four other candidates vying for the Republican nomination in the August Primary. They are Michael Redman, Yale police chief and retired Sanilac County jail administrator; Garry Biniecki, Sanilac County undersheriff; Greg Ferriby, bank security loss prevention officer and retired Sanilac County undersheriff; and William Judkins, logistics manager.

"I promise to make the proposed jail expansion the central issue... There will be no new or expanded county jail of any type constructed during my term as sheriff," Mata promised.

"The jail dilemma is the most important financial decision being considered by the voters in 2008... The voters have earned the right to decide the matter for themselves. As candidate for sheriff I will make certain their voices are heard."

He also proposes to review each and every position in the sheriff department and county jail and make cuts where possible to lower operating expenses, while still ensuring public safety.

Mata proposes to create a public review committee to oversee all complaints against deputies with accountability and fairness for all involved.

"I will clearly be the reform candidate," said Mata. "A vote for me will be a vote for a new department and a new direction."

Mata, 37, is a 1990 graduate of Sandusky High School and has been a county resident for 34 years. He is the grandson of Joe and Pauline Mata, long time business owners in Sandusky. He has family ties throughout the county.

He has been a truck driver for 15 years and is enrolling in IT&T Tech's on-line law enforcement program in the fall.

Mata is active at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sandusky. He is also a member of the 700 Club at Liberty Lanes and the 300 Club at Lakeview Hills.