Editor’s Note: The following is an op-ed from Seneca County Sheriff Candidate Mike Rhinehart.
It is with distinct honor that I officially announce my candidacy for Seneca County Sheriff in the 2023 election. Following the retirement of two respected leaders, Sheriff Luce and Undersheriff Cleere, I feel there is no greater time than now to run for office.
In 2019, I retired from Seneca County Sheriff’s Office after proudly serving 27 years, 18 of those years in a supervisory role.
I initially began my career in law enforcement in 1992 as a Corrections Officer. I transferred to the Road Patrol Division and served as a Deputy Sheriff and was promoted to Sheriff Investigator and ended my career as a Sergeant in the canine unit. In addition to these roles, I have also served as team leader of the Underwater Recovery Team, member of County E911 Advisory Board, fire investigator, and Instructor at Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy where I achieved my master instructor certification along with several other specialty certifications. I feel that my experiences during my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office have provided me with the leadership skills needed to successfully manage the Sheriff’s Office.
In 2021, I was elected by my constituents to the Seneca County Board of Supervisors and appointed as the Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, which has expanded my experiences in managing budgets, personnel matters, as well as contract negations all of which are critical in local government.
I feel that my experience during my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office and with Board of Supervisors has uniquely qualified me to be the Sheriff of this great County.
In addition, I firmly believe in being an active member of your community in order to be an effective leader. Of which, I have been a member of the County Fire Service for 35 years, as well as a member of the Seneca Falls Elks Club, SMS, Seneca Falls Fire Department, and Waterloo Rifle and Pistol Club.
As a 1989 Mynderse graduate, I went on to earn my Associates degree in Criminal Justice from Herkimer Community College in 1991. My wife and I proudly raised our two children, Riley and William in Seneca Falls, and continue to call it home.
As the campaign progresses, I look forward to going door to door and hearing from you all on important matters that you feel are critical to our Sheriff’s Office and how I can be the most effective leader in the next term as your Seneca County Sheriff.
Mike Rhinehart
Republican Candidate for Seneca County Sheriff