Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

First Jaycees Political Rally Attracts Crowd (cont)

segment, said he was raised in the county and is a lifelong resident as well.

He told those on hand he's been a certified part-time deputy for more than three years, is on the Emmet Volunteer Fire Department and Emmet School Board.

Otwell said he donated more than 3,000 hours to the county as a part-time deputy and didn't get paid for the volunteer work.

"I have as much experience at being a sheriff as any man who's ran for their first term," he said. "I have a strong desire to serve and do what it takes. I will work to gain knowledge to serve better."

Vines said his first year in office was one of rebuilding. However, the rebuilding effort, he said, was successful and now the NCSO has one of the finest teams of deputies it's ever had.

Two years ago, he said, he went door-to-door asking people for their votes. This year, however, that won't be possible because of his duties in office.

"We've come a long way and have gained the people's confidence," he said.

Vines told the audience his office has ran 15 warranted drug raids and has made arrests in each one.

In making these raids, he said, the NCSO has worked with other area law enforcement agencies -- all, he said, fighting against drugs.

Vine said there has been one murder since he's been in office, and the NCSO had a suspect in custody before the body was found. This person is now serving a long prison sentence in the Department of Corrections.

Vines said through careful administration of the county's money, he has saved more than $64,000. In addition, he has helped start an Explorer program which has 10 young people as members.

Candidates for Nevada County Judge kept their comments short and to the point.

James Roy Brown said he has experience in county government as a former assessor and circuit clerk.

Coach Jack House said he sees the judge's office primarily as an administrative position which oversees the other departments and makes sure they operate smoothly.

House said he would work hard to attract industry to Nevada County, if elected.

The two women vying for the position of circuit clerk also kept their comments short.

Mary Vines said she has extensive experience in doing paperwork for Wadley Regional Medical Center and Medical Park Hospital.

Carolyn Steed told those present it's been an honor to serve the county for the past three and a half years and hopes the voters see fit to elect her to another term.

Three of the four men running for Nevada County Coroner were on hand to speak.

Scott Logue spoke of his experience as a paramedic with the Nevada County Ambulance Service, saying he knows what it's like to be on an accident scene and have to wait for the coroner.

Keith Williams, a part-time employee of the NCAS, touted his Arkansas and national certification as an Emergency Medical Technician.

He said it's best to take care of pronouncing a person dead at the scene when possible. "This is a sad job," he said of the slot.

Tommy Glass, who works with the Nevada County Rescue Unit, said ambulance personnel need to prepare for their next run instead of remaining at the scene of an accident or crime.

"I've been there," he said. "I've had to carry troopers to (people's) houses when they didn't want to go."

Dennis Collins wasn't at the rally.

Two of the three candidates for City Alderman ward 4 position 1 were on hand, and kept their comments brief.

Vernon Meeks spoke of his concerns for the city he'slive in most of his life, and of wanting to serve Prescott.

Donna Wingfield said she'd like to return some of the happiness back to the people of Prescott they've given her during the past 14 years.

Karen Ward, candidate for alderman ward 3 position 3, said she'd like to work and establish a 24-hour emergency care facility for the people of Prescott.

She said the city and county have been adversely affected by the loss of the Nevada County Hospital, and this will help.

In addition, Ward promised to attend all meetings and be prepared.

Mike Ross, unopposed candidate for state senate, thanked the audience for their support during his stay in the senate.

He said he will continue to work as hard in his final term (he can't run again because of term limits) as he did when first elected.