Emphasizing integrity and transparency, Newton attorney and former police officer William D. "Bill" Powell intends to be the third Republican running for Catawba County sheriff.
"Integrity is important to me," Powell said. "It's who I am. I am not mad at anybody; I have no hidden agenda.
"I want to serve the people of Catawba County."
Powell said he will make his candidacy official when filing opens in February.
He's running against Jeff Korn and Chief Deputy Coy Reid in the May primary. Doris Kirby has announced her intention to run as a Democratic candidate to replace retiring Sheriff L. David Huffman.
Powell is a former police officer in Newton, a reserve officer with the sheriff's office and once was an administrative aide to retired Hickory Police Chief Floyd W. Lucas Jr.
Lucas hired Powell in 1986 to assist with planning at HPD and also for his legal experience. Powell is a practicing lawyer as well as on the management team with the family insurance business.
Powell left Hickory to become police chief in Dunn.
The Newton native returned to Catawba County about 17 years ago. During that time, he's worked as a part-time police officer.
"My decision (to run for sheriff) is based upon a sincere belief that I can lead the Catawba County Sheriff's Office to a higher level of professionalism and integrity," Powell said.
He said his varied experience will help him as sheriff. He's been an investigator and a police legal advisor in addition to his other police duties.
Powell also emphasizes the multitasking nature of a sheriff.
"Law enforcement is important. The need and demands aren't going away. But there is more than enforcement in the sheriff's office. Maintaining security while running the jail and process serving are also important."
Paperwork is one of the reasons a sheriff must be an able administrator, he said.
"Today's sheriff must pay a lot of attention to management and planning," Powell said, "but you can't lose sight of what's happening on the street. I will maintain connection, but I'll be an administrator, too."
Powell said there is always room for improvement in any department and "I want to give officers what they need in information and training."
Powell said he won't clean house if he's elected sheriff.
"That's not possible or desirable," he said. "There are many good people in the sheriff's office. I've known a lot of them all my life."
However, "Under my leadership, every facet (of the sheriff's office) will be evaluated for effectiveness, efficiency and the professional delivery of service. The citizens of Catawba County deserve nothing less than my best effort."
He said his education and experience make him the most attractive candidate.
"Voters have a great opportunity this year," Powell said. "They have a choice. There is a lot of interest in this race, and I think it will be a fun time for voters. I want people to consider me for sheriff."
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