Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 1, 1995 TAG: 9506010036
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-10 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KATHY LOAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY TIES: Married, two sons. Born and raised in Radford; graduate, Radford High School. U.S. Marine Corps, 1972-76. Coaches youth league sports.
CAMPAIGN TACTIC THUS FAR: Direct mail, telephone calls, door to door.
LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE: New River and Cardinal Criminal Justice police academies; Christiansburg Police Department, 1976-84; Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, 1984 to present, where he has been a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant and is now lieutenant of patrol. Supervises 32 employees, reviews criminal complaints, purchases equipment, compiles statistics and schedules, commands Tactical Response Team.
WHY HE'S THE BEST CANDIDATE: "Over the past several years, particularly as a patrol lieutenant, I have gained much insight and knowledge that is required on the administrative level pertaining to the operation of the Sheriff's Office."
Although he was the last Democratic candidate to announce, Whitt believes he "garnered a lot of support quickly."
Whitt noted his two promotions since 1984, one under each sheriff for whom he has worked.
"I feel as if this shows my ability to perform under the policies and procedures of different administrations and consistently progress in my career."
KEY COMMENTS: "People want a rapid response. People want kind, courteous and thorough investigation of their problem" or the appropriate referral to civil court or another agency that can help.
Whitt's goals for the office include continuing to upgrade the Sheriff's Office's radio system - a task begun by Sheriff Ken Phipps earlier this year and continuing in reaction to poor communication last September when Officer Terry Griffith was slain and a county deputy sergeant had difficulty communicating with dispatchers.
He would also like to train more deputies as DARE instructors, perhaps rotating them into schools to relieve the one deputy who is teaching the program. Whitt said he also would promote more awareness and training of deputies in how to identify illegal narcotics used by people they encounter in their routine day.
A GOOD SHERIFF IS ONE WHO: "is organized, accepts responsibility and delegates authority; has earned or earns and maintains the respect of his employees and the citizens of the county."
LAST MOVIE SEEN: "Forrest Gump"
LAST BOOK READ: "The Fortunate Son," by Lewis Puller Jr.
FAVORITE QUOTE: His father, James W. Whitt - Radford's police chief from 1975-1986 - told him: "Never ask someone to do something that you wouldn't do yourself."
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB