Campaign 2014: Tallapoosa Co. Sheriff’s Race
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We’re less than a week away from the primary elections, and for people in Tallapoosa County, that means heading to the polls to weigh in on the sheriff’s race.
Incumbent Jimmy Abbett has been sheriff for 20 years and has 44 years total law enforcement experience. He says during that time, he’s upgraded technology in the sheriff’s office, started using Facebook and Twitter to communicate with residents, and started new community programs, including D.A.R.E. seminars with students, Project Lifesaver and Internet safety seminars at local schools.
Challenger Jerry Whetstone, an Alexander City Police Officer, says he’s running on change. He has 31 years in law enforcement. He says if he’s elected, he’ll put the county’s elected volunteer constables to work, putting together a constable’s division to work with the department.
The third candidate, Kenny Sherrer, is a 20 year veteran of law enforcement and former sheriff’s deputy. He says he’s held nearly every position in the department, and he believes it will help him if elected. He says he’ll focus on crimefighting if he wins the sheriff’s seat.
If none of the candidates wins more than 50 percent of the vote, voters will head back to the polls for a run-off July 15 to choose between the top two candidates.
All three candidates are Republicans. No Democrats are running for the office.
