Challengers Emerge in Sheriff Races in Oakland and Wayne Counties, Pushing for Reform Amid Controversy

Challengers Step Up in Oakland and Wayne County Sheriff Races

In a competitive political climate, notable candidates are stepping forward in Oakland and Wayne Counties, each presenting unique backgrounds and perspectives on law enforcement. As the election season heats up, Amrit Kohli and T. P. Nykoriak, both aiming for sheriff positions, are bringing their own stories and ambitions to the table.

Amrit Kohli’s Unique Background

Amrit Kohli, a Democrat and self-proclaimed “folk singer and guitarist,” believes that his past experience as an inmate at the Oakland County Jail gives him a unique perspective that could lead to essential reforms. “I’ve been in that jail. I’m proud of my time in the Oakland County Jail system,” Kohli stated, asserting that being an inmate qualifies him to know what needs to change within the jail system. He expressed a desire to lead meaningful changes, stating, “I want to get elected, so I can disrupt the policing of the Sheriff’s Office and try to make a mark of what policing can do when they’re not about guns and oppression.”

Though Kohli has had brushes with the law himself, being convicted of drunk driving in 2003 and malicious destruction of property in 2004, he is positioning his experiences as a source of insight into the justice system. He proposes to lower the cost of phone calls from the jail and advocate for reform, saying, “I think the jail system needs to be reformed. First of all, I would make phone calls a lot cheaper, if not free.”

Challenging the Status Quo

Facing off against long-time incumbent Sheriff Michael Bouchard, who has been in office since 1999, Kohli knows he’s up against a tough opponent. Bouchard has continuously managed to retain support in a county that has shifted politically over the last decade. Kohli, however, maintains that his campaign isn’t just another symbolic run. “I have not withdrawn,” he assured voters, explaining the connection between his music and the themes of justice and reform he aims to promote.

T. P. Nykoriak’s Controversial Past

In Wayne County, T. P. Nykoriak enters the race as a Republican candidate against current Sheriff Raphael Washington, who has been in office since 2021. Nykoriak’s past includes a federal conviction for stealing over $70,000 in U.S. savings bonds from a church. Despite this, he asserts that his record shouldn’t overshadow the need for effective leadership in the sheriff’s office.

Nykoriak vehemently criticized Washington’s management, citing a string of problems at the Wayne County Jail, such as lawsuits, inmate suicides, and insufficient staffing, which he claims stems from *“my opponent’s incompetence”*. He passionately stated, “These individuals went to jail for whatever reason, but they didn’t expect to leave in body bags.” He describes his campaign as a genuine effort to create change rather than a mere formality, saying, “This race is not symbolic.”

A Call for Reform

As part of his campaign, Nykoriak aims to address what he sees as mismanagement within the current sheriff’s office. Issues at the new Criminal Justice Center include delays for attorneys meeting their clients and protests by inmates over poor living conditions. He expressed dissatisfaction with how public funds have been spent, stating, “People want to make my record the main issue, but the main issue is the people of Wayne County have to pay out millions of dollars in lawsuits because of my opponent’s screwups.”

Incumbents Respond

Incumbent Sheriff Michael Bouchard dismissed Kohli’s qualifications, claiming he “wouldn’t qualify for an entry-level position in our office,” and expressed the need for current leaders to adapt rapidly to changes within law enforcement. In Wayne County, Sheriff Washington has recently secured contracts to improve salaries and retain deputies amid criticism of his management.

The Road Ahead

Both Kohli and Nykoriak recognize that their journeys are uphill battles against seasoned incumbents, but they remain determined. Each candidate has their own vision of what changes are necessary to improve policing. As the elections approach, voters in both counties will have the difficult choice of deciding who they feel can truly make a difference in their community.