Comment by Bill D Johnston on May 15, 2012 at 2:04am

This is an election year for our County Sheriff, and last night (14 May 2012) the Pickens County Tax Payers Assoc. (PCTPA) hosted  a Sheriff Candidate Forum allowing the three candidates, including the incumbent, to introduce themselves and then to answer questions.

The three candidates were Sheriff Stone, Mr. Rick Clark, and Mr. Billy Looper. Turnout was more than expected, I estimated between 125 and 150 people.

Dennis Reinert, Prez of the PCTA, opened the questioning after which officers of the PCTA asked questions that had been submitted by the audience. All candidates agreed that laws would be enforced, including against the Federal Government were it to invade the County. Sheriff Stone was adamant that his protection of the county residents included protection against the Federal Government. Rick Clark referenced Sheriff Mack and his win against the Supreme Court. Billy Looper agreed that there were legal means to combat government usurpation and pointed out that it would be a losing battle to face off against the Marines. 

All three candidates expressed concern about drug traffic, the need to support the Second Amendment, and the need to enforce laws. 

My take on the three candidates:

Sheriff Stone has done a good job for 44 years, and would continue that trend. Billy Looper has a back ground in drug enforcement and will see the world based on that experience. Rick Clark has a broad back ground both in law enforcement and as a City Councilman, and he is an advocate of volunteer work such as Hospice Care (?).

As for character, all three candidates are stellar examples. 

Comment