Sheriff’s candidates tout experience

By Scott Nicholson

nicholson@wataugademocrat.com

Cooperation, drug enforcement issues and domestic violence solutions faced incumbent Republican Sheriff Mark Shook and Democratic challenger Len Hagaman as the duo faced each other during a candidate’s forum Thursday night in Boone.

Hagaman said cooperation between various departments was important and said communication was paramount not only between departments but the public as well.

Shook said all agencies had a good working relationship and served on a three-county methamphetamine task force, saying local departments exchanged information every day.

Shook said watching crime trends carefully was important, as well as getting the community and citizens involved. Hagaman said law enforcement agencies should be armed with knowledge, understanding and vision about the dynamics of crime.

The Main Problem

Asked about the primary law enforcement problem in the county, Hagaman said a spirit of cooperation and well-trained officers was necessary, as well as cooperation with the court system.

Shook said drugs were the cause of 80 percent of the county’s crimes, adding aggressive drug enforcement had led to fewer break-ins.

The sheriff added educating kids about the dangers of drugs and rising gang populations was important for the future, as well as education about fraud and scams and “how not to be a victim.” Hagaman said it was scary to think gang activity was coming to Watauga County, which was a unique place to live and work so cooperation was essential in stopping crime.

Hagaman said the U.S. Constitution addressed suspect’s rights and said all law enforcement officers should be well-trained and fair. Shook said training was key, as well as awareness of laws, and officers had the right to detain people for probable cause.

Shook said more training was needed for preparing for potential terrorists, the growing Hispanic population and a building gang problem. Hagaman said changing demographics and an understanding of culture was important as the county grew.

Domestic Violence

Regarding domestic violence, Hagaman said the root cause should be explored and officers should be aware of victim protection and domestic violence laws. Shook said each officer received domestic violence training and the Sheriff’s Department should work with victims throughout the court proceedings in such cases.

Motivation

Shook became a law enforcement officer because he loved the county, he said, and wanted to protect its residents and improve their lives.

Hagaman vowed to put his experience to work for the entire county and said law enforcement is a noble position that carries an awesome duty. He added that he had continued his certification training and all officers should maintain their training and education. Shook said legal training was ongoing and the department kept up with changes in the law.

Shook said he’d been on the job every day for 20 years, seeing the needs and demographics of the county and had worked with the Boone Police Department. Hagaman said the sheriff’s position required management and administrative skills and that the court had discretion to give seized drug funds to local departments. Shook agreed and said the process had allowed the county to update its equipment.

During closing statements, Hagaman said the county was fortunate to have dedicated officers and said the department needed good management and the confidence of the citizens. He said he had criminal justice degrees and practical experience in law enforcement and had worked with a number of state agencies. He said the sheriff should be responsive to the citizens.

Shook said he loved the county and cared for the safety of the citizens and said drugs were being taken off the streets. He said he was a good steward of the budget and had upgraded equipment and worked with the commissioners to increase the number of deputies. He said he’d received grants in his first term and had helped oversee improvements to the new jail.

The forum was held at the Town Council Chambers in Boone and sponsored by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce’s government relations committee.

The election is Nov. 7.