All the candidates running for the office of Sheriff in Sevier County sat in front of an audience in the Seymour Middle School Auditorium ready to introduce themselves and offer their reasons for running for office.
The candidates appeared in the following order; Steve Layman, Dean Lewis, Brad Lowe, James McMahan, Kim Pierce and Ron (Hoss) Seals.
Most of the candidates gave a detailed background of their experiences, training and reasons why they would be the best candidate in the upcoming election February 5th.
First up was; Steve Layman (Rep)– “I’m running because I want to give you what I gave you for the last seven years.”
A second attempt at seeking the office of Sheriff, Layman says he’s running because he wants to give you what he’s given for he last seven years.
He says nobody here knows more about the kids who are in trouble or about the drugs on the street and about the crime.
Layman encourages all to ask a neighbor, or someone you trust what they know about him because he says, “I don’t think you will find anything bad about me.”
Next was; Dean Lewis (Independent)– “Our safety is important, our children are important.”
Also a second attempt at seeking the office of the Sheriff, Lewis listed his credentials in support of his qualification.
Next came; Brad Lowe (Rep)– “This election is going to be the most important election that Sevier County ever sees – because if effects each and every one of you.”
A retired TBI officer, Lowe stated that today we are faced with a crisis in our government which shakes the very foundation of our constitution and our civil rights.
He suggests that he will unite the community.
For every dollar that Sevier County has to pay out is taken away from each citizen each family and the children – the children are denied parks for the children to play in and larger schools with low student teacher ratios and most importantly a county that is safe from predators, home invaders and murders.
Next came; James McMahan (Independent) “I think that our seciety is in terrible trouble.”
McMahan believes that our society is in terrible trouble and we need to stop home invasions. He says we should start caring for and loving our neighbors.
He says he has honesty and integrity – “I’m proud of who I am.”
Next came; Kim Pierce – (Dem) “I consider myself a public servant, not a politician.”
A second time attempt at running for the office of Sheriff. Pierce signed up as a Republican, Democrat and Independent when she first placed her name is the running.
Pierce believes community service and involvement is the most important thing a citizen can do. She is a firm believer in teamwork, in that there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.
“I can’t promise that I can solve every problem, what I can promise is that I will care and try to do the right thing.”
Next came; Ron Seals – (Rep) “Our officers are facing more dangerous situations on the streets today than I have ever seen in my 34 years of service.”
An impressive 34 years of service as a law enforcement officer, Seals outlined all of the new services implemented since he took office.
Seals was installed into office by the Sevier County Commissioners upon the death of the former Sheriff Bruce Montgomery.
Seals served under three different Sheriffs including Montgomery.
Since taking office, Seals has implemented several new programs, both in the schools and on the streets which have garnered the praise of many citizens.
The DARE program officers are more involved the program has been expanded.
A internet crimes against children investigator has been trained and placed on the Sheriff’s staff to help fight the growing internet problem. This program is very instrumental in protecting the children against internet crimes.
Seals says the department enjoys a good working relationship with the local, state and national law enforcement agencies.
Seals asks that you look at this qualifications, his experience and his dedication to the job as he has put 34 years of law enforcement experience to work for the community.
Following the presentations, the public was asked to meet the candidates and ask them any questions that they might have.
The evening gave a glimpse into the way in which the candidates would operator if they are given the opportunity to run the Sheriff’s Office.
The question the people have to answer is who do they want as their Sheriff. Do they want a known quantity that has a track record, or are they willing to try the unknown.
For many, this is a simple answer.
Remember to VOTE FEBRUARY 5th.