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"I'm not a politician," Artress said last week. "I really like my job.

"I love serving the community where I live, work and play É my kids also go to school here."

Israel announced his candidacy during a coffee meeting held at G's Restaurant this past Monday morning.

"I want to make a difference," Israel told The Leader last week. "I've been listening to the citizens and want to take the department in a positive direction."

Israel said that becoming Kalkaska County Sheriff is something he has thought about for years and it would be the next logical step in a life long career of public service.

Ê"At this point, I have no promises to make, or slogans to share, but what you can count on from me is that my honesty, integrity, hard work and 38 years of law enforcement will come to work with me every day," Israel said. "I will put the peoples' business first and foremost on my daily list of things to do."

Artress was elected Kalkaska County Sheriff in 2004. He has been employed with the department for 23 years -since 1981.

"I run the department with integrity and efficiency, with my primary focus being the safety of all Kalkaska County residents and visitors," Artress said. "I am accessible to the public, and strive for a good working relationship with all other departments and (the Kalkaska County) board of commissioners.

"I will continue to review the operations in all areas of the department and see if there is a better way to manage it and if necessary, make appropriate changes to run the department more effectively and efficiently," Artress said.

Israel said that as Kalkaska changes, so must the sheriff department.

Israel said his primary concern is to have a balanced budget and ensure that the public safety needs of all communities are addressed and that children, senior citizens schools and businesses are a priority.

Israel said he also wants to work more closely with police and social agencies to reduce crime and victimization.

"Every decision I make as Kalkaska County Sheriff will be in the best interest of the public," Israel said.

Israel also has served as deputy sheriff, uniformed sergeant and undersheriff. Prior to moving to Kalkaska County in 1994, Israel served with the City of River Rouge Police Department, where he rose through the ranks, up to and including chief of police.

Israel said that he and his wife, Nanette, enjoy the "wonderful lifestyle of Kalkaska County." She is an elementary school teacher with the Elk Rapids Public Schools and they attend the Kalkaska Church of Christ. They live with their family in Clearwater Twp. Their son, Frank, is a freshman at Elk Rapids High School; Lyndsay is a sophomore at Grand Valley State University; David John is a fireman/paramedic with the City of Ecorse (Detroit area) and Lisa is an assistant prosecuting attorney for Dickinson County, in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Artress is married to Helen Chew-Artress, administrative assistant at the Kalkaska Police Department. They have three children: Eric, 23; Asia, 13 and Christian, 8.

"I treasure time with my family and am very involved in the extra school and sports activities of my children," Artress said.

"As sheriff for Kalkaska County, I see myself not only as an administrator, but as a law enforcement officer that is dedicated to the safety, needs and welfare of our community," Artress said.

Artress' news release included Kalkaska County prosecutor, Brian Donnelly's intention to see reelection. Artress and Donnelly, both Republicans, have worked together since they joined forces in a major drug case in 1992, the release stated.

Donnelly is in his 22nd year as a prosecutor and is seeking a fourth term in Kalkaska County.

He was appointed as the county prosecutor in 1995, elected to office in '96 and reelected in both 2000 and 2004.

Voters will have the opportunity to decide in the Michigan primary this August and during the election this November.