Metro captain announces candidacy in sheriff’s race

Keith Paul

Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2001 | 9:17 a.m.

A 28-year Metro Police veteran, who in 1994 lost his bid for sheriff, announced Monday that he will again try to win the county's top cop job.

Capt. Randy Oaks, head of the department's general services bureau, becomes the fourth Metro officer to announce his candidacy since Sheriff Jerry Keller surprised many in October when he said he would not seek re-election in 2002.

"I think I learned a lot in the first election, and I think I have an appreciation of what it is to be a candidate," Oaks said.

Oaks, 49, was one of 23 candidates in the 1994 primary. Oaks ran a close third behind Keller and former Sheriff Ralph Lamb. Keller ultimately won the race and then re-election in 1998. Oaks didn't run against Keller in 1998, but backed the candidacy of retired Metro Lt. Bobby Hitt. Hitt was second in the primary, but withdrew from the showdown with Keller weeks before the 1998 general election.

"I'm not interested in keeping things the way they are. I want to make some real changes," Oaks said.

Oaks said he wants to improve the way officers respond to residents' needs and calls.

"People have complained to me that they called the police and were told the police are too busy or don't respond to that type of crime," Oaks said. "The bottom line is, we are judged on how we respond or didn't respond."

Oaks said some victims have to wait hours or even days for someone from Metro to call and complete a report regarding certain crimes.

"That is not the kind of service this community deserves, and is not befitting our motto, 'Partners with the Community,' " he said.

Oaks has previously worked in patrol, traffic, vice/narcotics, accreditation, crime prevention, public information, legislative advocate and special operations.

Deputy Chief Bill Young, Lt. Steve Franks, and Detective Gordon Martines have also announced their intentions to run for sheriff.

Two potential candidates, Las Vegas Constable Robert "Bobby G" Gronauer and attorney John Moran Jr., son of a former sheriff, have recently said they will not run for sheriff.

The official filing period for candidates is in May; the primary is in September and the election is in November 2002.