Four candidates seek sheriff's office

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

Larry DeLaney, Republican

DeLaney notes that he has served as chief of police in two Vernon County communities, Walker and Sheldon, as well as holding a degree in education. He has been through many classes dealing with law enforcement.

"I hold an education specialist degree from Pittsburg State University. I am a Missouri state certified police officer and have been through various other classes dealing with law enforcement techniques and philosophies, DeLaney said. "From my education and experience I believe in four basic concepts of a well-run organization, all of which I will bring to the department; respect, excellence, innovation and most importantly, integrity."

DeLaney said his biggest priority would be to improve the reputation of the sheriff's department and that he would accomplish this through several means.

"This can come about by doing various improvements, not only in the enhancement of the county jail, which I believe can be funded (at least partially) by grant money, but also developing the staff to a higher level to serve the whole community of Vernon County," DeLaney said. "I also believe that community involvement is a necessity for improving the reputation of the department."

DeLaney said he feels there is a lack of motivation in the department that could affect implementing his proposed agenda.

"A concern I see with implementing my agenda towards improving the reputation of the department would be the lack of motivation within the department," DeLaney said. "I feel I can bring a new sense of motivation into the department along with a sense of determination. I believe the department can become a more respected and recognized law enforcement force, not only within the bounds of Vernon County, but even throughout the state of Missouri."

DeLaney said all communities in Vernon County would benefit from an increased determination to improve enforcement of the laws if his agenda were implemented.

"I believe that the department can provide a better sense of protection to all of Vernon County with this new determination," DeLaney said. "I believe that law enforcement should provide a high degree of security and responsibility and without a sense of it, changes must occur by bringing about better leadership to motivate and to inspire those changes."

DeLaney feels he is a better choice for the office because of his experience and his determination and integrity.

"I am a long-time resident of the area and know, from first hand experience, the importance of having a strong department to give all residents a sense of security and comfort," DeLaney said. "I have the education and the training to obtain additional funding, to increase the community policing by the officers, and to improve the communication between all communities within Vernon County that the other candidates have not taken advantage of in the past."

DeLaney sees the problems of the future stemming from actions of the past holders of the office.

"The main concern for the future is the inability of the past and present departments to make the change to a new, more efficient work environment. This barrier is something that can be overcome with the right motivation and determination," DeLaney said. "However, this can only come about through support from the community to help me in my pursuit to become the next sheriff for all of Vernon County."

Ron Peckman, Democrat, incumbent

Peckman cited 10 years of service as a reserve deputy and deputy, his four years as Vernon County Sheriff and his education at Fort Scott Community College, Missouri Southern State University and many hours of continuing education in law enforcement as his qualifications for the position.

Peckman said his priority would be to provide more competitive wages for the entire staff to be able to recruit and retain quality individuals. He also wants to provide more training to staff for improved service and efficiency.

"We need to improve the facilities and equipment, both for safety and for security," Peckman said. "We need to continue community policing programs, the drug awareness education and continue to drive out drugs in the community."

The biggest problem Peckman sees in implementing his vision of the future is the problem of finding the means to fund his programs.

"We must come up with new ways of getting grants, donations, etc., to supplement county funding," Peckman said.

Peckman feels that Vernon Countians would benefit by his remaining in office by the continuation of his programs to reduce drug activities and drug related crime.

"I want to continue giving quality service for all of Vernon County," Peckman said. "I want to provide a safe and secure community for all."

Peckman feels he is the best candidate because of his dedication to the citizens of Vernon County and to law enforcement.

"I understand the needs of Vernon County and will work toward practical, long term solutions," Peckman said. "I'm committed to fighting drugs, which are contributing factors in many other crimes. This is my home and yours. Law enforcement is my career and I plan to dedicate many more years of service to this career as Vernon County Sheriff."

The need for a new facility is what Peckman sees as the main problem facing the department in the future.

"We need to work toward a solution to provide an adequate, practical, secure, and efficient facility that will meet the needs of a growing Vernon County -- a solution that the community can come together on which will not cause a burden, but will meet the county's needs and continue to make this a great community to live in," Peckman said.

Mickey Mason, Democrat

Mickey Mason is touting his experience in law enforcement and his law enforcement training to help him win the Democratic slot for Vernon County sheriff.

Mason started his career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, retiring in 1994.

Since then he has worked with many local departments and courts.

"I have spent all my career life in law enforcement in this community," Mason said. "After retiring from the patrol, I worked part-time as a Vernon County deputy sheriff."

Mason worked for the circuit court as security and process while still working as a deputy. Mason served as Vernon County sheriff from 1997 through 2000. Since that time he has been working for the Barton County Sheriff's Department and the 28th Circuit Court, Juvenile Division, Division of Family Services, and Division of Youth Services for the counties of Vernon, Cedar, Barton, and Dade as a transportation officer.

Mason said his extensive training was with a host of sources including the Missouri State Patrol Academy and several colleges and universities.

"I have compiled over 10,000 hours of law enforcement training, in my career as well as a substantial number of college hours," Mason said. "I am, at this time, a fully certified law enforcement officer and am current on all requirements."

Mason said that rebuilding the department to levels he achieved in his previous stint as sheriff would be his priority.

"Build a clean, caring, modern department," Mason said. "During my term as sheriff, I brought the department further than all previous sheriffs put together. I had improved the personnel training and quality of service equipment. However, a lot of what I built is now gone or used and not kept up."

The biggest problem facing him is the attitude of the people to law enforcement and the funding to accomplish needed improvements, Mason said.

"During my previous term, I had to do a lot of construction, cleaning, and painting myself because of the lack of county funds," Mason said. "I, personally, purchased all my equipment, including my car and emergency equipment to spare available funds that were used for others in the department."

Vernon Countians would benefit from a better quality department, according to Mason, if he were elected sheriff.

"Having a better quality department to provide better care and safer service to the people. The department is a public service, therefore, it should give top quality service and fairness to all people, those who live here and those passing through our community."

His long service to the community and his ability to run an efficient department are qualities Mason feels make him a better candidate than his opponents.

"I have far more experience and training and have served this community all of my adult life as a professional law enforcement officer. As Sheriff of Vernon County … I built the sheriff's department from one unequipped county owned car, one working siren, three partial light bars, a few uncoordinated frequency mobiles and walkies, to nine fully equipped patrol units, safe and identifiable vehicles."

Building the sheriff's department for the needs of the future is the main problem facing Vernon County according to Mason.

"Getting the citizens of Vernon County to understand that they must realize the need for and what is needed to provide the best sheriff's department we can build for all generations of present and future times," Mason said. "We must work together as a team to attain these goals. A good example has been the inability of the people to agree on the development of a 911 system, which we so urgently need."

Republican candidate Troy Matthews did not respond to a questionnaire mailed to his home by the Daily Mail.