By By JAMES COLLINS / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- With no Democratic candidates running for Berrien County Sheriff, Tuesday's primary will determine our county's next sheriff.
The race is between incumbent sheriff Paul Bailey and challenger John Behnke, a 25-year veteran of the Michigan State Police.
Bailey, who is seeking his second term as sheriff, is eager to continue the work he has started in his first four years.
He sees public safety and law enforcement as vital components to all communities.
The Eau Claire High School graduate now resides in Berrien Township with his wife of 26 years, Peggy. They have four children: Catherine, Patricia, Meghan and John.
Prior to being sheriff, Bailey worked as a patrolman for St. Joseph Charter Township Police Department and Berrien County Sheriff's Department and as the police chief for the Stevensville Police Department.
Behnke, who retired as the Post Commander of the Michigan State Police Niles Post in 1998, enjoys law enforcement work and hopes to continue on in the field as Berrien County's next sheriff.
If elected sheriff, Behnke said he will handle the position with the same principles of honesty and integrity that he used with the Michigan State Police.
Born and raised in Sawyer, Behnke now lives in Lincoln Township with his wife of 33 years, Pat. The couple has three children: Stephen, Susan and Sarah. Behnke planned to run for sheriff in the 2000 election, but was forced to withdraw because of his daughter's health concerns.