Document text
Mayer will run for sheriff; targets drug use By JILL BRISKEY Ed Mayer said that if he's elected to serve as Jackson County's sheriff, he plans to tackle Southern Oregon's number one problem - drugs. "We need to address education and prevention equally as hard (as punishment)," Mayer said. "I firmly believe we need to address this from a big-picture approach." Mayer officially announced his candidacy for sheriff Thursday afternoon at a rally on the steps of the Jackson County Justice Building. His decision came as no surprise to the 50 residents who gathered to show their support. Although a replacement for Sheriff Bob Kennedy won't take office until 2003, both Mayer and former Oregon State Police trooper Mike Winters announced last year they would vie for the position. Winters now owns a construction company and also is a former emergency medical technician. Winters has garnered the support of the Jackson County Sheriff's Employees' Association, while Mayer is backed by Kennedy. The association in March reported a vote of "no confidence" in Kennedy's leadership; Kennedy said the vote was a political move, a claim the association's leadership denied. Mayer is a captain in the sheriff's department and has worked for local law enforcement agencies for 26 years. During that time, Mayer has served as commander of the Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team and co-founded the Family Addiction Community Team as well as the Southern Oregon Critical Incident Response Team. Mayer graduated from Southern Oregon University. He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1999. He is married to Nancy Mayer. The couple has five children. Thursday, Mayer said his primary goals include increasing capacity at the Jackson County Jail, enhancing community policing and expanding communication between local police and other government agencies. "My goal has been to be involved in law enforcement," Mayer said. "Over the years I've gained the experience and knowledge needed." District Attorney Mark Huddleston attended the rally to show his support for Mayer. "I think Ed has just lots of experience in the criminal justice arena. He's creative, he really knows what's going on," he added. Kennedy said he supports Mayer partly because of his working, first-hand knowledge of the sheriff's department budgeting difficulties and needs. "We're struggling with issues and we need somebody who's an experienced administrator," Kennedy said. If no additional candidates file for the position, the election will be in November 2002. However, Mayer said a primary election will be held in May if another person announces their candidacy, followed by a November runoff.. Medford police officer Nate Banry announced plans to enter the race but dropped out in February. He has pledged his support for Winters. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.