Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Aaron Rovenstine's one organized pre-holiday public meeting was simple and consumed less than an hour.
And that might have been enough to send a message to three other opponents running for sheriff of Kosciusko County.
With his father, Sheriff Al Rovenstine, in the shadows, the younger Rovenstine oversaw a meeting that repeatedly stressed themes of family, public service and Christianity.
Nearly 70 people turned out for a "Meet the Candidate Night" at the Atwood Community Building. Those attending included about a half dozen people from within the sheriff's department and about 15 people wearing "Aaron Rovenstine For Sheriff" T-shirts.
Rovenstine spoke briefly, introduced his committee and highlighted one issue, juvenile crime.
The meeting included a 10-minute video about the county's juvenile boot camp program, which Rovenstine has been involved with since its inception three years ago.
Rovenstine said the No. 1 problem he hears from people is juvenile crime and pointed to the boot camp as a way to possibly straighten out troubled youth.
While it might seem easy to lock up juvenile offenders, "We must resist the temptation to give up on these kids," Rovenstine said.
In the three years, the camp has worked with 53 juveniles who otherwise would have been sentenced to boys school. In the past summer, the program included 34 offenders.
Rovenstine said he'd like to expand the program to possibly include two camps per summer.
Rovenstine fielded a few questions about the camp but declined to take questions on other issues.
During a brief speech, Rovenstine said he is leery of making campaign promises because "most of them are out of your control and are foolishly made."
But he did make three general pledges - "I'll ask the good Lord for advice on any decisions I make."
He also said he'd put the best available people in the department and continue to make the department the best it can be.
Although he is the youngest of the four candidates at 38, Rovenstine said he is in a unique position to bridge the gap between the department's tradition built under his father and the ability to work with younger officers.
Other candidates include Det. Sgt. Sam Whitaker, Lt. Steve Knispel (both Republicans) and former deputy Glenn Canter (a Democrat).
The Rovenstine campaign committee includes Randy Reneker, Kevin McSherry, Toby Sumpter and Kathleen Groninger.
Organizers were apparently pleased with the turnout.
"If you think this is a great get-together, wait until the one on May 5," said Reneker.
