I have been a resident and business owner in Durham County since 2000 and am announcing my candidacy for the Office of Sheriff for several reasons. First, I run because I am concerned that this County is on a negative course being 26th in the Nation for drug trafficking.  I run to propose a new approach to community policing and to build agency alliances.  I have such strong feelings about what must be done to improve the reputation and record, and I feel that I’m obliged to do all that I can.

I run because it is unmistakably clear that we can change the outcome of our future and focus our hearts and minds out of the illusion that everything is o.k. I run because we who wear a shield need to master the art of standing for what is right.

One can’t go to the people of Durham County and tell them everything is o.k. It is not satisfactory to have gang violence, drug violence, person on person violence at the rates we have in our area. It is not appealing to be 26th in the Nation for drug trafficking.  It is not acceptable to allow this demise to continue. The citizens of Durham County deserve steadfast workers who will transcend violence and restore dignity to our county’s name.

It is up to those of us who are here to carry on the dream of a crime free community.  It takes everyone, it takes you and me.  We can never stop learning and applying the best understanding and ideas to bring about change.

This is a time when there are threats to our community that seem too big to be grasped.  This is a time when systems and organizations must work side by side. It is a time for us to be the guardians of our future.  It is a time to grow in our thinking and to apply a new sophistication to our efforts.  Now is the time to decide.

As Sheriff of Durham County I will be able to bring new ideas, technology and energy to this office and make Durham County a safer and more respected community in the state and this great nation.  But, I need your support in volunteering to get this message out to other county residents, which will require your time and money if we are to be successful.  Together we will make a difference.