DRUG TASK FORCE HEAD ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY

Porter County: Robert Taylor Will Seek Sheriff's Office In 2006

VALPARAISO -- After putting up signs for other Republican candidates,
Robert Taylor decided it was time for him to start his own campaign.

From the day he became a police officer in 1971, Taylor knew he
wanted to be sheriff. On Sunday, at Rogers Lakewood Park, to a damp
but not daunted group of supporters, Taylor announced his candidacy
for Porter County sheriff.

Taylor has spent much of his time enforcing drug abuse laws. Working
up to the position of chief deputy of detectives and administration
for the Valparaiso Police Department, Taylor spent time in the
narcotics and homicide bureaus.

Until he retired from the department in 1992, he continued learning
about the trafficking of narcotics and enforcement of drug laws
through sessions sponsored by federal and state agencies. In 1996,
Taylor was named narcotics division investigator for the Porter
County prosecutor. He also coordinates the Porter County Drug Task Force.

Taylor told his would-be constituents that he hopes to make them
proud with his experience and professionalism. He said his main goal
is to lessen the impact that drugs have on Porter County. He said 95
percent of the county's prison inmates are there on drug-related crimes.

"There are only three undercover agents in the county," Taylor said.
"I'll find a way to expand the program without increasing the budget."

Taylor also said he hopes to see more done in the area of drug rehabilitation.

"Because of the hard work of the drug enforcement task force and
others, we'll see a drug program in this county in the near future," he said.

"The Sheriff Department will be committed to work in partnership with
our community to enhance safety, security and quality of life for all
residents and visitors of Porter County," Taylor's mission statement
said in part.

Taylor said he will bring his qualifications and a unique blend of
professionalism and hard work to the office of the Porter County
sheriff. The election of a new sheriff is slated for 2006, when Dave
Reynolds will end his second term, his last as mandated by state law.