Primary election preview: 3-way race for Camp County sheriff election
CAMP COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - In our continuing election coverage, we talked with the three Camp County Sheriff candidates about why they feel they deserve to hold the office. We spoke with candidates Upshur County Investigator Michael Sparks, former Camp County Sheriff Alan McCandless and incumbent Sheriff John Cortelyou.
Michael Sparks has worked for DPS and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office as an investigator for a total of 28 years. He feels he can modernize and prepare Camp County for the future.
“Advances with law enforcement in Camp County have just not been there. I understand it’s low-budget stuff and training and everything that’s involved, it’s just not, I think the county deserves more. If they’re given training, they need so they’ll advance, they’re going to feel valued. And they, of course, are going to do a better job and they’re going to stay longer. Train them where people are trying to snatch them out from under you. Even if we’re a training ground and people keep coming here and coming here, eventually they’re going to stay. But you know, give them training where they’re marketable for other people to try to get them,” Sparks said.
Alan McCandless was Camp County Sheriff for 24 years until stepping down in 2020, and has over 40 years of experience in law enforcement. He believes he’s qualified for the job.
“I really believe it’s my overall experience. I think the type of law enforcement experience that I have is more important than my opponents and the fact that, like I say, 30 years of my time was here in Camp County. I think I could step into the office next year and take over. No learning curve. Pick up where I left off and man the jail and the sheriff’s office. I just want to get back to helping people. Get back to being there for people. I was an on hands working sheriff,” McCandless said.
Camp County Sheriff John Cortelyou has nearly 50 years of law enforcement experience and has been in office since 2020. He said he has instigated many drug arrests with the help of DPS and is working to keep his deputies up to date.
“Camp County, quite frankly, was kind of known as the capital of narcotics and dope in this area. We have a lot of indictments that will be coming down at some point when this project starts winding down. This year we got a grant that is bringing in $350,000 to the county to be used for salaries and body cameras. And so, we’re hoping to modernize the department,” Cortelyou said.
All the candidates are urging the public to get out and vote. Election day is March 5.
Copyright 2024 KLTV. All rights reserved.
