Peckman, DeLaney seeking Vernon County sheriff's seat

By Steve Moyer

Nevada Daily Mail

Two candidates are vying for the job of Vernon County Sheriff. Ron Peckman, Democrat, is the incumbent and he is being challenged for the job by Larry DeLaney, Republican. The two have distinctly different ideas about how to manage the office and the resources allocated to it. The campaign for the sheriff's office has been affected by the extremely partisan charges that other campaigns have seen this year and both say that the tenor of the campaign has seemed worse than in years past.

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 department has taken steps to improve the situation for the county's deputies, according to Peckman.

"The deputies are getting more training," Peckman said. "We've split the coverage up to get more areas covered 24/7 We're trying to be more visible, but the budget can only be stretched so far. The commission sets the budget and I've tried to work with them to get more for the department."

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

"We've gotten our Missing Children's Network and Amber systems through grants and we've gotten other grants for equipment and personnel, all at no cost to local citizens," Peckman said, then added, "We just have to come up with new ways of getting grants, donations, etc., to supplement county funding."

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.

"We've got the DARE program that's getting to the school kids," Peckman said. "There are a lot of things we're trying to do to increase awareness of the drug problem and how kids can avoid getting involved in it."

"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. The jail issue is one that is going to take the citizens of Vernon County working together and being willing to spend the money now to get a new facility that can be used long into 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.

"The jail problem has been there for years. We've worked out a deal to house our prisoners at another jail and we're trying to get a video arraignment system to save transportation costs and improve security. We do what we can with what we've got to work with."

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 Peckman isn't pursuing thefts of property strongly enough and that in his talks with people during the campaign several have said that they have reported thefts and have never heard back from deputies.

"I had a guy the other day who said he reported a theft and after giving a report later called in to the sheriff's office with a name of a suspect and has not heard back from anyone yet, there was no follow up. Theft is a low-priority and that shows there aren't enough deputies."

DeLaney attributes low pay as one reason that the department has a hard time recruiting and keeping deputies.

"Vernon County has a hard time keeping people," DeLaney said. "We can't always have the lowest paid deputies in the state. We've got to get the resources for more help."

DeLaney said that the situation could be turned around with the right person as sheriff.

"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 deputies would be perceived in a more positive light if he became sheriff.

"Ron says that they're out in the county 24/7, but where?" DeLaney said. "We need to have better, more focused coverage."

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."