Different platforms highlight sheriff’s race

Art Nadler

Thursday, Aug. 27, 1998 | 11:10 a.m.

This year's race for sheriff has taken a slight detour from the typical platforms of getting tough on crime and pledging more money to bolster the war on drugs.

Two candidates are running on a promise to improve morale within the ranks of police officers on the street. There's also been allegations that the Metropolitan Police Department is too top heavy with administrators, and that there are not enough cops to police certain city councilmen's wards.

Incumbent Sheriff Jerry Keller defends his administration by claiming beat officers have increased by 25 percent, while administrative staffing has risen by only 14 percent.

Keller, 52, says voters should re-elect him based on his leadership experience, commitment to agency accountability, record of public safety effectiveness and accomplishments and completion of campaign commitments.

The sheriff is currently touting a planned $7 million 911 communications center, scheduled to open in January 2000. The new site will be located on 7.5 acres at Russell Road and Decatur Boulevard.

Candidate Chuck Lee, 62, thinks the new facility is not needed. He believes the present communications site is sufficient, but work stations should be doubled. He also wants to reduce operators' 16-week training period.

Lee is running on improving public safety, upgrading the 911 system and a promise to put more uniformed officers on the street.

Bobby Hitt, 50, is running on making the sheriff's office more approachable by both law-enforcement officers and the public. He also wants people to feel safe in their homes and on the street.

Dirk Thomas, 46, is advocating "justice by community action." He wants community participation in the justice process, empowerment of Metro employees and professionalism and efficiency in the police department.

Ron Moers, 57, plans to re-invent the old-fashioned beat cop. He is pledging to fight illegal gang activity, form a junior posse of all children 12 years of age and younger to teach them to say "no" to guns, gangs and drugs. He'll treat graffiti taggers as vandals and not artists.

John Powell, 51, is advocating a "Back to Mayberry" approach in which there will be "one sheriff, one deputy and one bullet."

Joe Castillo, 50, is pledging to work closely with the Clark County School District and community to identify problem students. He will lobby for new laws that will serve the community better.

Backgrounds at a glance:

* Jerry Keller, Rep.; bachelor of science, UNLV. Occupation: Clark County Sheriff.

* Chuck Lee, Dem.; LaVerne Junior College and Gormac Polygraph Institute graduate. Occupation: Co-owner Courtesy Olds-KIA automobile dealership.

* Bobby Hitt, Dem.; studied criminal justice and attended numerous schools and seminars related to police work and administration. Occupation: Retired police lieutenant.

* Dirk Thomas, nonpartisan; masters of political science, 30 hours toward a masters in counseling and educational psychology. Occupation: Detective in sexual assault detail of the Metropolitan Police Department.

* Ron Moers, Rep.; graduate of the Chicago Police Academy. Occupation: Writer/business owner.

* John Powell, nonpartisan; bachelor of arts from San Jose State University, post certificate, California Community College Teaching credentials. Occupation: Track coach/personal trainer.

* Joe Castillo, nonpartisan; five years college, Metropolitan Police Academy and Summa Corp. language instructor. Occupation: Gaming executive.

Other candidates include George McLain and Caoimhin Ofearghail.