Correspondent

Claiborne County Fire Chiefs hosted six candidates for sheriff at their monthly meeting at Shoney's in Harrogate on May 31st. In addition to firefighters, the Claiborne County Rescue Squad, the Tennessee Division of Forestry, and E-911 were represented. Candidates were given five minutes each to speak with questions from the audience following all speakers. To determine the speaking order, the candidate's names were drawn from a bowl.

Randy Richards led off by saying that he has 16 years of law enforcement experience with seven of those with the Claiborne County Sheriffs Department.

"I want to be a good cop," said Richards as he outlined his priorities. He said that the county needs more good people and needs to keep them. He would like to see deputies become EMS qualified. Improved communications and coordination among first responders are needed according to Richards. He told the audience that he will be in uniform and on the road if elected as sheriff. He emphasized that getting impaired drivers off the road will lead to locating those involved with illegal drug distribution and that other crimes will be reduced in turn.

Eddie Shoffner was next to take the floor. He said that he is only satisfied if he is involved in the community. That involvement is what prompted him to run for sheriff. Shoffner says he is the only candidate with jail management experience. He has 38 years experience in administration with both a Masters and Doctorate degree in administration from the University of Tennessee. His first priority will be children and the war on drugs.

"You can reach me," Shoffner added and explained that the 911 center will have a contact number for him at all times.

Ernie Womack stated that he had been a deputy under three sheriffs in Claiborne County.

"I want to be a lawman," he said.

Children's awareness of drugs and the war on drugs are his two top priorities. He related that last year the date rape drug known as Ecstasy was found in a local school. He expressed the opinion that it was intended for a local teenaged girl. One of his desires is to establish Boys and Girls Clubs, with the possible assistance of local ministers as counselors.

David Honeycutt echoed the concern for children and added that elderly people need help from law enforcement too. He wants to establish an arson task force to enhance the education and coordination of law enforcement, fire fighters, and forestry personnel. Honeycutt says that intoxicated drivers, drugs and violence are serious problems and must be dealt with effectively. He also wants to hold weekly meetings in the various communities to solicit input about what is needed and how the department can better serve citizens.

Bill Sowder outlined his experience as including two years in U.S. Army law enforcement, seven years at a highway patrolman, and 21 years as an investigator for the state. He then worked in Claiborne County during the establishment of the Criminal Investigation Division.

"We want good law enforcement in the county," he said.

His plans include getting deputies onto the back roads. He also wants to concentrate on drugs and burglaries.

David Ray told those assembled that he has been in law enforcement since his teen years as an Explorer. He has worked as a fingerprint technician, highway patrolman, in the state tactical squad, and as a TBI agent.

"A case in court is no better than the evidence presented," said Ray.

He added that law enforcement personnel must have good information available to them. As a judge, Ray was involved in building the county juvenile center at no cost to the county. He stressed training and cooperation at all levels. Ray also said that he has experience in handling seven figure budgets and in reducing costs.

Candidate Brent Clark was not in attendance.

Each candidate was asked if they would work closely with the fire departments. All agreed that the sheriffs department should be on the scene of fires for protection of the fire fighters and traffic safety. Womack emphasized sharing information if arson is suspected and Shoffner said he would help with obtaining grants for the fire departments.

A question was posed about using jail inmates as trash pick-up crews. Again all candidates were in general agreement that working prisoners is a good thing. Ray expressed the opinion that legislation may be required to permit working prisoners on jobs other than trash duty. Honeycutt pondered the idea of training volunteers to watch multiple trash crews in order to cover more parts of the county.

All candidates expressed concern for the safety of fire fighters after being asked about sharing information regarding meth labs. None wanted to share such information indiscriminately but Richards and Sowder suggested keeping one or two individuals in each fire department informed of potential hazardous material locations. Honeycutt, Ray, and Shoffner indicated that they would provide as much information as possible to ensure safety yet maintain confidentiality. Womack suggested a code word to be used when dispatching to a meth lab location.

The candidates were then questioned about sheriff's department activities within the cities of Tazewell and New Tazewell. Each responded that cooperation is necessary and that mutual aid is sometime necessary. Richards added that the cities are part of the county. Shoffner said that deputies should be on county roads unless help is requested by a city. Sowder said that friction should be avoided.

Questioned about sheriff's department cruisers traveling at high speeds when not on emergency traffic, the candidates had similar perspectives. Richards said that quick is not always as good as safe. Honeycutt stressed a specific policy and enforcement. Sowder said that enforcement is dependent on leadership. Womack proposes a three step reprimand system that could ultimately lead to dismissal. Shoffner wants each car plainly marked for identification by residents and equipped with GPS. Ray emphasizes leadership, responsibility, and accountability.

The price of fuel was cited and candidates were asked about deputies who take their cruiser home. Ray intends to examine the whole situation and make management decisions on an as-required basis. Honeycutt, Womack, Shoffner, and Richards expressed that taking cars home increases the perception of law enforcement presence and reduces response time if called out but that cruisers must not be used for personal business. Sowder says he has not yet formulated his policy.

"Who will be your Chief Deputy, Chief Investigator and Chief Jailer?" was the next question.

All but Shoffner declined to provide an answer. Sowder, Womack, and Richards said it is not yet time to make that decision. Ray expects to promote from within after evaluating each officer. Honeycutt wants a dedicated investigator and a supportive chief deputy. Shoffner wants James Martin as Chief Deputy and Tony Lynch as Chief Jailer with no decision yet about Chief Investigator.

Asked if the sheriffs department will issue citations for unauthorized burning, all responded with a simple "yes." Richards added that residents must be educated about when burning is banned and how to obtain a permit.

One minute was then allotted for each candidate to give a closing statement.

Eddie Shoffner said that he is the only candidate ready to take over all the duties of sheriff.

David Ray reiterated the necessity of leadership, responsibility, and accountability; he stressed education as well.

Randy Richards said that whoever is elected will have a big job. If elected, "you will see me." he closed.

David Honeycutt promised to get into the community and added that his phone number is in the book.

Bill Sowder said: "I'll do the best I know how."

Ernie Womack said that the sheriffs department must be compassionate and passionate and must listen to people.