Politics

McDonald announces run for sheriff

By Bill Moss, Published: August 27, 2013

Henderson County Sheriff Charles McDonald made it official today. He will seek election to the position he earned by appointment in February 2012 following the resignation of Sheriff Rick Davis.

McDonald was appointed to the position by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners after the county Republican Party's executive committee recommended him from a field of 12 candidates who wanted the job. Davis took a leave of absence in November 2011 for what he said was medical reasons. He resigned the following month under pressure from the commissioners after the county's insurance company paid $90,000 to settle a claim a female deputy had brought against Davis.
McDonald has tried to make ethics and professionalism a theme of his administration. He said in an interview last April that morale had plummeted during the Davis controversy, and that he had made it a priority to apply professional standards applied department-wide.
"The past year and a half as your Sheriff has been very challenging and very rewarding," he said in a statement Tuesday. "We have embarked on a journey that has placed a renewed emphasis on professionalism and public service, and everything we do as an agency is done with an eye on those goals."
Henderson County Republican Party chairman Andrew Riddle said he welcomed McDonald's announcement.
"I think that if he feels compelled to do so I think county would be privileged to have him remain as sheriff," Riddle said. "In comparison to his predecessor he's done a great job. I haven't heard of one single person (mentioned as an opponent), and I've asked around, too."
McDonald planned to notify the department this morning of his plans to seek election as sheriff. Filing for county constitutional offices is in February followed by the May primary and November 2014 general election.
Here is the statement McDonald released today:
"Truly, our greatest assets as a community are the men and women who serve this great agency, sacrificing daily and risking much. Their ranks are made up of sworn and non-sworn, paid employees and volunteers. The integrity and the commitment of these men and women have allowed us to accomplish many great things and we look forward to new projects and challenges to come. In addition to stressing leadership and career development within the Sheriff's Office, we have set strategic goals of reducing the crime of breaking and entering by 12% over the next year. Current data shows that we are well on our way to achieving that goal. We have also initiated a community survey project that will be used to identify our strengths and weaknesses as a public service agency. Once completed, the results of the survey will be published completely. We are an agency that values transparency, and we look for opportunities to improve. We want you to know that we are holding ourselves accountable to you. While much has been accomplished much is left to do.
"It was a great honor to have been chosen to be appointed to the office of Sheriff. It is an even greater honor to serve. I hope that we have earnestly demonstrated to the citizens of Henderson County; that we hold fast to such virtues as integrity, faithful public service, and a heartfelt commitment to the honor of the badge of the office of Sheriff.
"If I have proven myself trustworthy and effective as your Sheriff, then I would ask for your vote and for your prayers as we continue the business of the office of Sheriff of Henderson County."

"Any questions regarding campaign/election activities should be forwarded to my Campaign Coordinator, Amanda Cantrell, at sheriffmcdonaldcampaign@gmail.com or to phone 828-989-5067."