As promised by President Jim Tignanelli at the POAM Annual Convention in Grand Rapids in June 2007, Arenac County Sheriff and POAM’s recipient of its “HORSES ASS” award has lost his bid to be re-elected as Sheriff. Ronald Bouldin was defeated in the August primary by a resounding margin.

Former Arenac County Sheriff Jim Mosiscki won back the job in the November election with the support of POAM and others. Former Sheriff Bouldin was quick to blame POAM Vice President and Arenac County DSA Business Agent Dan Kuhn and an underground newspaper called the “Town Crier” for his loss. The truth of the matter is, that Bouldin only has himself to blame. A website called www.sheriffbouldinmustgo.com exposed many of the sheriff’s shortcomings which included but were not limited to: sexual harassment lawsuits, retaliation against Union Officers, ridiculous policies and procedures and terrible department morale.

Since his defeat, Bouldin has made threats of retaliation against the people he perceived contributed to his defeat. That does not scare Dan Kuhn who has had the previously tough job of representing deputy sheriffs in Arenac County. “I hope our “HORSES ASS” award continues to have impact on the people it is bestowed upon”, said Kuhn. “It has already sent a message to many police administrators that there are repercussions for their bad behavior”.

This now makes six out of eight previous recipients that have been fired or resigned under pressure. Unfortunately, 2008 winner, Leelanau County Sheriff Michael Oltersdorf was re-elected in November and it should be noted that another has since established an excellent working relationship with his employees and is considered an effective administrator.