In less than three months, the City of Salem will vote for its next Sheriff. Either Jacob Carroll, David Wells, Flint Wright, April Staton, Tim Sutphin or Richard Goodman will be elected to that position.

Salem native William Clarkson says he can’t drive five minutes through the city without seeing a sign about the November election. “You can tell a lot of money went into those signs,” he jokingly said. “I anticipate seeing more as Election Day nears.”

April Staton is a proud graduate of the National Criminal Justice Command College of the University of Virginia. It was there that she says she learned how to truly be an effective leader. “I have dedicated my career to being a respectable leader in the Salem Sheriff’s Office, and I am prepared to lead our office as the next City of Salem Sheriff,” she said. “I have also completed various other courses that are specific to the mission of the Salem Sheriff’s Office.”

Richard Goodman sincerely feels that he is more than prepared to serve as Salem’s next Sheriff. “I am an honorably discharged veteran of the United States Marine Corps who began my law enforcement career with Roanoke County. I have successfully completed basic and advanced law enforcement training in both Virginia and Georgia,” he said. “I currently work as a deputy sheriff in Roanoke and have served 11 years with the City of Salem Department.”

Social media is a great platform to get a message out, something that each candidate is astutely aware of. “Social media allows us to connect with a broad base of constituents and reach a large number of individuals with just a few simple keystrokes,” David Wells said. “Social media, however, cannot take the place of one-on-one, direct communication and being able to connect face to face with people.”

The mission statement of the Salem Sheriff’s Office reads: “We, the professional men and women of the Salem Sheriff’s Office, are empowered to defend the Constitution of the United States and Commonwealth of Virginia. Through courtesy, care, trust and commitment, we will work diligently to provide the most effective and safe delivery of court services to our citizens.”

When it comes to accomplishing that mission, Flint Wright is of the belief that personal politics are irrelevant to getting the job done. “I don’t want deputies to come to work and wonder if they have a job today,” he said. “Breakdown in morale is a top priority. Strong and effective relationships are built on trust and respect. The deputies right now do not feel that they have either in the present command staff.”

Tim Sutphin got into law enforcement to make a difference. “It was just a great opportunity to be in customer service and give back to the community that I live in,” he said. “I’ve treated everyone the same way that I want to be treated…with respect. I have never had a fight in my 10 years patrolling my areas.”

Competition is nothing new to Jacob Carroll as he says he’s earned everything that he has ever gotten. “I have worked very hard in my career with the Roanoke County Sheriff’s Office to have as much impact as I can,” he said. “I have also dedicated myself to this career and am grateful for the opportunities it has presented. I hope to bring all of my experience, knowledge and skills to the Salem Sheriff’s Office.”

Being Sheriff comes with a lot of responsibilities. “We are a Court Services Sheriff’s Office and we take our responsibilities very seriously. We have served the citizens of Salem with pride and distinction for many years and I’m sure that will continue in the future,” Sheriff Eric Atkins said. “The only negative you may hear about our office will be from a candidate trying to get elected.”

The sheriff added: “We have common sense voters in Salem so I am sure that they will drown out any political noise. I would invite our citizens to call me at the office if they have questions about our operation, and I will supply them with the facts.”

When asked directly why local constituents should vote for them, the candidates gave direct answers.

Richard Goodwin: “The experience and knowledge that I have gained has prepared me for this next step in my career. I have held the positions of deputy sheriff, police officer, tactical team member and leader, investigator, chief investigator (Captain) and Jail Administrator (Captain). I am fully prepared and committed to put my experience to work for the citizens in the City of Salem.”

Flint Wright: “I enter into this journey to take on responsibilities and not be intimidated by accountability. I pledge to be the standard bearer of morals and values by holding myself to higher ethical standards to ensure public trust. I have unique qualifications of Military and Law Enforcement experience along with my common sense. I am a man of character, integrity and I have a good moral compass.”

David Wells: “I bring a unique experience, perspective and skill set having worked as a deputy, as a law enforcement officer who progressively moved up through the ranks and as the Clerk of Court. I am a leader who has been heavily involved in all three core aspects and duties. I know what it takes for the courtroom to operate safely and smoothly.”

April Staton: “The residents of Salem should select me because I am the most experienced in the operations of the Salem Sheriff’s Office.  Over the last fourteen years, I have worked our courts, transported inmates and served civil process. I am experienced in jury service and have simplified our system for processing such summonses since becoming involved.”

Tim Sutphin: “I have a unique blend of business and law enforcement experience.  I will lead the office and represent the citizens of Salem with dignity, pride, honor and integrity. I want to have a positive impact on our Salem Children by investing in them with our time, resources and efforts alongside the Salem Department.”

Jacob Carroll: “I believe that I have the best plans to re-energize the Salem Sheriff’s Office. I don’t believe that we should ever be satisfied with the status quo and I will work very hard to bring the Sheriff’s Office out into the community. Many of the programs I have proposed already exist in surrounding localities and I believe Salem should have them as well.”

For additional information about the upcoming election visit salemva.gov/departments/sheriffs-office or call 540-375-3040.