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Sheriff, jailer candidates featured at forum [The Morehead News, Ky. :: ]
[April 29, 2014]

Sheriff, jailer candidates featured at forum [The Morehead News, Ky. :: ]


(Morehead News, The (KY) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) April 28--Candidates for two other Rowan County elective offices -- jailer and sheriff -- completed the Primary Candidate Forums last Thursday.

The forum was sponsored by Downtown Morehead, Inc., and Morehead State Public Radio (MSPR).

The candidates fielded several questions from moderator Chuck Mraz. Each was asked to close with why they would be the best qualified candidate for the position.

Joe Cline said he has 29 years of law enforcement experience with the last 12 being in a leadership role. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Criminal Justice Development Program, and Executive Leadership Course. He added he believes he is well prepared to step up from chief deputy to the role as sheriff.



Donnie Hall said he has more 15 years of law enforcement experience, the last eight in the sheriff's department. He said he's been active in the community and goes to work to serve the public by handling various types of cases. Hall said the primary job of the sheriff's department is to help people and he will be a community-focused sheriff.

Kenny Skeans said he has 26 years in the Kentucky State Police (KSP) working 11 counties in the Morehead Post 8 area. He says he had constant relationships with all agencies on every different level. Skeans said he took great pride in being a public servant with the KSP and will continue to do so when elected.


Matt Sparks said every candidate has law enforcement experience but his experience as a supervisor sets him apart. Sparks said he ran one of the KSP's largest posts and is experienced in human resources, internal affairs, and leadership training. Sparks said all have helped him prepare for this position. He said he has the ability to handle large budgets as he did with the KSP and as chief of police at Morehead State University.

Larry Joe Stevens said his experience in the sheriff's office of 30 years, completion of the sheriff's academy, and his knowledge of that department make him the best candidate. He said he would start on day one by hiring a staff of good, hardworking deputies and that he always will do the right thing.

Five candidates for jailer were on hand to share their qualifications.

Wes Coldiron said his experience in law enforcement has carried him a long way. He said he has good relationships with many officials and agencies in the area and that his experience in and around the jail make him the best candidate. Coldiron added he genuinely cares about everyone in the community and that would be his priority as jailer.

David Fultz said his experience of 12 years at the detention center and work with current jailer Don Hall qualifies him. Fultz said experience matters a great deal and his time there makes him the best candidate.

Steve Kelsey said that he feels as if he's the best candidate for the job because of his five years of experience at the detention center. He said he would work hard for the citizens of Rowan County and do so immediately.

Mike Morehouse said his 21 years in the Marine Corps and his management experience with budgets makes him the best candidate. He said he genuinely loves Rowan County and will work within the community and within the jail budget for the betterment of the county.

Allen Stevens said he believes he is qualified for the position and cares deeply about the people of Rowan County. He said he's the only candidate who has actually pledged to give part of his salary back to the people. He plans to donate a portion of his salary to the less fortunate and to the children of the county.

Brad Stacy can be reached at [email protected] or by telephone at 784-4116.

___ (c)2014 The Morehead News (Morehead, Ky.) Visit The Morehead News (Morehead, Ky.) at themoreheadnews.com Distributed by MCT Information Services

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