CHICKASHA — EDITOR's NOTE - Registered Republicans and Democrats in Grady County will go to the polls June 26 to determine their party's candidate in the sheriff's race. The winners of the two primary races will face an independent candidate, Charles Birchell, in the general election. The Express-Star contacted the two Republican and two Democrat candidates, asking each to answer five questions. Their responses are published here:

REPUBLICAN

ART KELL (incumbent)

Why do you want to be sheriff of Grady County?

I want to continue the progress we have started. In 2008, I had an idea that I could make changes in the department that would benefit Grady County. When I own the election the first thing I wanted to do was concentrate and reinstate a high standard of ethics for the department by making all personnel responsible and accountable for their actions. This meant removing the dark cloud hovering over the department and reinstating trust from the citizens of Grady County and pride back into the department. My next concerns were the appearance of the department to the Grady County residents and to other law enforcement agencies; a complete inventory of the department's vehicles, uniforms and equipment mandated upgrades by the removal of the old cars and pickups that ranged from mail Jeeps to 80s and older run-down model SUVs. I wanted to make our department standardized in cars and deputy uniforms. I made many promises to the citizens and kept all of them.



Describe your law enforcement/managerial experience:

In 2006, I saw corruption in the Sheriff's Department which deeply saddened the expectation I believed for law enforcement. This instilled a motivation and challenge to bring back integrity and morals as I assumed was the backbone for all lawmen. I placed my trust in the Lord who kept me positive about the purpose He had for me. I could see lawmen not caring for the people that needed their help. My experience is based on being raised in our country knowing that things didn't have to stay the way "they always have been!" I ran for Sheriff and won! It took 3-1/2 years of changing attitudes, ridicule and rumors to bring OUR Grady County Sheriff's Deparment to where it is today. I will confess it was a very difficult process; it is a perpetual process that takes constant management to ensure it remains on this course of professionalism and pride.We now have a department that works for the people of Grady County! We are professional, we have up-to-date equipment, highly ethical Deputies that care and staff working for you, Grady County.



What is Grady County's most pressing law-enforcement issue?

The deadly plague of meth use, the abuse of prescription drugs, alcohol that is destroying the very foundations of our families, schools and society.



Have you ever held public office before? If so, what, where and when?

My public career began in 2008 when I was elected by the people to be Sheriff of Grady County through 2012. In these four years I have gained a vast amount of experience not only in managing the department, but insight into problems facing our county, as well as our social harms. This experience has given me the ability to plan a future, resolve and determination to continue an aggressive program to battle against crime and social issues destroying our county and country.



What do you see as the Sheriff's primary role?

Be a leader for all communities in his county. Stand up for what is right and protect the oppressed from the oppressor. Do not bend to politics, no matter how it could affect your outcome in the next election. Stand up for God, family, people and the Constitution of the United States. Just remember you are the good people of your county and those who are doing evil should feel the wrath of the Sheriff.



JIM WEIR

Why do you want to be sheriff of Grady County?

I care about my community. I was undersheriff two years and I know where the present sheriff has made mistakes. I would train deputies to enforce the law and help people. I have a sense of duty - have had ever since enlisting in the Army. I know I can to a better job than the present sheriff.



Describe your law enforcement/managerial experience:

Starting from the ground up in the Army. I was in bomb demolition and we were technical advisors to local police departments. I decided I wanted to be a full-fledged police officer. I had 14 years at the Oklahoma City Police Department and was a field training officer. I retired there. I was a deputy two years and learned the civil part. The present sheriff asked me to be undersheriff and I was involved in hiring new deputies. It's up to the administration or leader to train them and mentor them to become better deputies. I'm a trainer and have a lot of leaderhsip ability.



What is Grady County's most pressing law-enforcement issue?

There's a drug problem in this county. Just the other day I was out putting up signs and there was a used syringe by the side of the road.



Have you ever held public office before? If so, what, where and when?

No, I do not.



What do you see as the Sheriff's primary role?

To be a leader in the law enforcement community and help all law enforcement officers in the county work together in enforcing the law and protecting the public. Act as coordinator for all law enforcement agencies in the county. There are several small police departments that depend on the Sheriff's Department for assistance.



DEMOCRAT

JEFF FRANKLIN

Why do you want to be sheriff of Grady County?

I just want to make a difference and try to speed up response time on some of the calls they go on, especially in rural areas.



Describe your law enforcement/managerial experience:

I've been in law enforcement 20 years. I started off in Alex and was on the department five years. I was police chief there 2-1/2 years. The last place I was chief was Verden for a little over two years. There were always at least five to six guys working for me.



What is Grady County's most pressing law-enforcement issue?

Right now, it's to be able to get along with the other agencies. You've got to get along with them to make it work.



Have you ever held public office before? If so, what, where and when?

No. I'm an assistant fire chief at Naples. There are nine fire departments in Grady County with a chief and assistant chief in each. I've been at Naples 25 years.



What do you see as the Sheriff's primary role?

The primary role is taking care of the public. Not just in town, but in the rural areas also. Just being in the public, preventing the crimes taking place now. They need to be out in the rural areas.



DARRELL BARTHELME

Why do you want to be sheriff of Grady County?

Because I'm not happy with the current sheriff and the way he's running the office. I want to make a change to the way I think it should be done based on my years of law enforcement experience.



Describe your law enforcement/managerial experience:

I've got over 12 years law enforcement experience. I worked for the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office, was chief of police at Amber for 3-1/2 years and I worked at the Grady County Sheriff's Office a little over five years.



What is Grady County's most pressing law-enforcement issue?

I think there's a drug problem here that needs to be looked into and a big burglary problem that needs to be looked into.



Have you ever held public office before? If so, what, where and when?

No, other than chief of police at Amber.



What do you see as the Sheriff's primary role?

He needs to work for the people of the county and make sure they are happy.