By By MARCIA STEFFENS / Niles Daily Star
DOWAGIAC – Cass County Sheriff Joseph Underwood, Jr. met with supporters in his run for his fifth term Wednesday evening. The fundraising dinner was held at Southwestern Michigan College.
Many other Republicans who serve in Cass County offices came to lend their approval, as did Matt Lori, Michigan's Saint Joseph County Sheriff who is seeking the 59th District Republican primary nomination for State Representative.
Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey also has lent his support to Underwood.
"We worked closely together in my eight years as sheriff. Joe does a good job for the citizens of Cass County, even though there isn't always funding," Bailey said.
He praised Underwood's concern for the county's senior citizens, which Underwood later said could be due to his age. Underwood put in a plug for those attending to support the coming Cass County on Aging millage.
In a short speech, Underwood praised the collaboration between departments in neighboring counties and across state lines into Indiana.
"To be successful, you have to communicate, then collaborate," Underwood said.
He highlighted a drug bust Tuesday in Milton Township on Bell Road. Along with guns and cash, more than 12 pounds of marijuana were seized, with a street value of $19,000. two arrests were made.
The drug detectives had followed a suspect into Saint Joseph County in Indiana, where the Saint Joseph County's Sheriff's Department saw the suspect speeding and conducted a traffic stop.
He praised the many partnerships which have been formed, mentioning those who have gone "above and beyond" their duty to "make Cass County a safe place to raise our families."
Underwood became sheriff on Jan. 1, 1993.
He and his wife, Cindy, live in Cassopolis. They are the parents of four children and two grandchildren.