Two of the four candidates for the 2018 Election for Clinton County Sheriff have decided to run again four years later.
Both Rich Kelly, who is the current Sheriff, and Mark Mitchell, who finished second to Kelly in 2018, have both filed for the 2022 that will be contested in May.
In his statement, Kelly said he has very busy.
“My staff and I have worked diligently to be fiscally minded and save local taxpayer money, while increasing public safety,” said Kelly. “After learning of budget constraints in 2019, I set out to find a solution that would benefit the community and the agency as a whole. To this, I made the decision to house federal inmates. This program generated over $1.2 million in its first year and we are on track to generate over $1.4 million in our second year. This new revenue gave us the opportunity to add 13 important positions to increase public safety with more deputies on the road, jail staff and a civilian investigative assistant. This program has allowed us to change our fleet, over three years to Chevrolet Tahoes, which is the safest and most dependable police pursuit vehicle available and offers a higher resale value. In the upcoming 2022 budget, because of this new revenue, I have removed line items from our local tax based county general fund, alleviating local tax money to support things such as our service agreement line of $100,000 and other important equipment purchases like body worn cameras and car cameras ($327,000), tasers ($42,000) and cell extraction equipment ($15,000). The update in this equipment is paramount as it brings us to current technology and standards.”
Mitchell talks about his reason for running.
“I am officially seeking the office of Sheriff during the 2022 election,” said Mitchell. “I’ve never lost my passion for service to the Clinton County community as Sheriff. Originally elected in 2002 and again re-elected in 2005, I was required by the laws governing term limits to refrain from consecutively seeking a third term. But it has always been my desire to return as Sheriff which has been my most rewarding professional experience in my 42 plus years in law enforcement.”
Mitchell talks about his prior years as Sheriff.
“There are a variety of accomplishments during my prior eight years as Sheriff for Clinton County that include: working with the County Council to add Deputies for road patrol, starting a drug enforcement section (first ever for CCSO), brought back the K-9 program, added staffing for the Jail for safety and security, upgrade existing equipment and bring reliable electronic equipment to patrol vehicles,” he said. “Of utmost importance was state-of-the-art technology to help deputies in combating crime and pursuing those involved in drug activity.”
Kelly says his guarantee to the people of Clinton County is that he will always work with you in mind to make this the best and safest place in the country and across the world.
“While I have been working hard for you, others have been working hard to cast doubt and make accusations and ultimately hinder the work of public safety by targeting me and my family,” said Kelly. “I will openly admit when I make mistakes and work to correct them. So, that is why I want to be completely clear, I will continue to fight the good fight. I will keep pressing forward with courage and veracity. I will cooperate with other elected officials, but I will not compromise. I will not compromise the integrity of this office or the rights given to it by the Constitution of the State of Indiana. I will not be politically bullied or threatened, without recourse. This is not a time to step backwards.”