VOTE AUGUST 6TH
MECOSTA COUNTY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY
EXPERIENCED
LOCAL
LEADER
"He knows what it takes to be Sheriff of Mecosta County.
He’s been there."
-John Sonntag, Former Mecosta County Sheriff
“Jim Taylor was my Undersheriff for 10 years. As elected officials you need to think out a month, a year or more in making a decision. Jim and I did that. It's important to be good stewards of the taxpayers money - Jim and I never went over budget. He always talked with officers, this is our community, our county. You want it safe for your own children - let's keep it the best that we can. Jim knows the county, the people. He grew up here and I believe he's the man for the job.”
- Todd Purcell, Former Mecosta County Sheriff
GOALS AS SHERIFF
Communication, Education and Awareness through a Community Policing initiative:
- Assign a Deputy to every Township as a liaison
- Regular interaction with Leaders of the Townships, Villages and City
- Prompt contact with face to face service
- Increase Deputy and Office accessibility
- Engagement in community events
- Fiscally responsible with Taxpayer money
- Increase crisis management and medical emergency training to jail corrections staff
VOTING INFORMATION
SHERIFF OF MECOSTA COUNTY
REPUBLICAN PRIMARY IS AUGUST 6TH
FIND YOUR VOTING INFORMATION HERE
EXPERIENCED
To be a successful Sheriff a person must have extensive situational experience, awareness of changes and accountability of actions. With 27 years of experience in law enforcement and 3 years as the Director of Criminal Justice at West Shore Community College, James Taylor has the experience to step into this position and lead the Sheriff's Office from day one. James Taylor's education and experience in almost every law enforcement position, his 18 years experience as a law enforcement supervisor, and his time as a Law Enforcement Educator have prepared him to be Sheriff of Mecosta County.
Director of Criminal Justice:
- Directs programming
- Teaches both in the Academy and in Degree Programs
- Taylor hires and oversees over 50 staff and volunteers
Undersheriff of Mecosta County:
- Worked with the Sheriff and Board of Commissioners to set the Office budget
- Responsible for all monetary transactions in a budget of over 4.4 million dollars a year, over his 10 years
- Worked with Emergency Management Coordinator and was in the line of succession in the event of an emergency
- Administered all grants including Secondary Road Patrol
- School Liaison and Medical Marijuana Operations and Oversite Grant
- Worked with the coordinators of large events in Mecosta County such as Wheatland Music Festival and Ferris Fest Weekend
LOCAL
James Taylor is no stranger to the local scene of Mecosta County. He actively engages, promotes and supports the community both as a previous law enforcement officer and as a resident himself. James Taylor can often be spotted out in the community with his family enjoying every aspect of life in Mecosta County, especially the bike trails!
With the support of his family, friends and the community, James Taylor is proud to be a Mecosta County ‘local’
James Taylor is...
- Dedicated to his family
- Supporter of Mecosta County Parks, Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce and Mecosta County Commission on Aging.
- Follower of the local eats, arts and events such as Bulldog Bike Tour, Polar Plunge, Taste of Mecosta, Festival of the Arts and volunteers at Angels of Action, Wheatland Music Festival, Angel Ride, Elks, Musicians Christmas, Manna Pantry, Eagles, and other events
- Managed the family restaurant, The Pizza King, while growing up and going to Ferris
- Former Mecosta County Chamber of Commerce Board member
- Created and presented "Smart, Safe and Legal" in Mecosta County since 2000
LEADER
With a solid reputation demonstrating passion, dedication, drive, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, James Taylor has had the opportunity to rise through the ranks of law enforcement during his 27 year career. James Taylor has continually sharpened his leadership skills and continues to grow and evolve on a daily basis. His passion for police work, improving quality of life in Mecosta County, and in engaging the community is paramount to his success and the potential success of the Mecosta County Sheriff's Office.
James Taylor’s Experience as a Leader in Mecosta County include:
- Director of Criminal Justice programs, Law Enforcement and Corrections Academy for West Shore Community College 2021-current
- Appointed to Undersheriff in 2010 by Sheriff Todd Purcell until 2020
- Promoted to Sergeant after 8 years at BRDPS. Taylor was in the position of Supervisor for the last 18 years in LE
- Field Training Officer 1999-2010. FTO Program Supervisor 2010-2020
- Administered and directed Underage Youth Alcohol and Traffic Grants with all area law enforcement 2001-2020
- FSU Criminal Justice Advisory Committee
- Previous Coordinator of FSU Law Enforcement Consortium
- CMU Law Enforcement Executive Leadership Institute Advisory Board
