Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 1, 1995 TAG: 9506010039
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ROBERT FREIS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
COMMUNITY TIES and FAMILY: Native of Cambria, lives in Christiansburg. Married with three children. Member of Schaeffer Memorial Baptist Church. Graduate of Christiansburg Institute and obtained an associate's degree in police science from New River Community College. Served four years in the U.S. Navy, also worked for the Radford Army Ammunition Plant and Virginia Tech. Still works part time some weekends as a barber.
CAMPAIGN TACTIC THUS FAR: Door-to-door, some mailings, telephone calls and direct contact.
LAW ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE: 24-year veteran of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, presently lieutenant of the support services unit, which serves warrants and oversees courtroom security. Also worked as a patrol lieutenant, shift patrol sergeant and various other jobs. Has worked for the administrations of the last three county sheriffs, and says he has been at one time the supervisor of three of the four other candidates for the Democratic nomination for sheriff. Was Montgomery County's first black deputy when hired in 1972.
WHY HE'S THE BEST CANDIDATE: "Because of my experience with the Sheriff's Office." Says he wants to set a positive example for others to follow. Keeps a copy of a 1976 article on a black sheriff in Breckenridge, Texas, sent anonymously to him years ago, with the inscription, "This could be you."
KEY COMMENTS: Says he wants to stress improvement of jail security, and would like to see the passageway from the jail to court changed so prisoners would not be outside. Also believes the department needs additional court personnel for security. Wants to find out why the rate of turnover among sheriff's department employees is high. Would like to send deputies into the schools - particularly county high schools - to improve communication with students and to explain laws such as DUI. "They're not brought up to date on some things that they should be."
A GOOD SHERIFF IS ONE WHO: "treats everyone the same and who has the public's confidence."
LAST MOVIE SEEN: Can't recall.
LAST BOOK READ: The Bible, and "How to Win Friends and Influence People," by Dale Carnegie.
FAVORITE QUOTE: "Some people see things as they are and say, 'Why?' I dream things that never were and say, 'Why not?'" - Robert F. Kennedy.
Keywords:
POLITICS
by CNB