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Ex-OSP trooper runs for sheriff A former Oregon State Police trooper is the first candidate to officially organize his campaign to become Jackson County�s next sheriff. Mike Winters, 42, who has filed committee papers with the Jackson County Clerk�s Office, says he�s readying himself for the 2002 election to replace Sheriff Bob Kennedy, who plans to retire. Winters, who worked as a trooper with the OSP from 1984 to 1998, said he plans to take a hands-on approach to managing the sheriff�s department if elected. "You will definitely see me in uniform. You will see me in a marked patrol car," Winters said. "Don�t be surprised if on occasion I answer a call." The former emergency medical technician said he also plans to draw on his business experience � he owns a construction company � to direct the sheriff�s department. Winters has won in-house support for his bid from the Jackson County Sheriff�s Employees Association. Bob Stark, a county corrections deputy and president of the employee association, said the group believes Winters will create needed advancement and career opportunities within the department. Two other men have said they also will run for Kennedy�s seat: Capt. Ed Mayer is backed by Kennedy and Medford police patrolman Nate Banry won former sheriff C.W. Smith�s support. Candidates will first vie for Kennedy�s seat in a May 2002 primary election. If one candidate receives more than 50 percent of the votes in the primary, only that candidate�s name would appear on the November ballot. The next sheriff takes office in January 2003. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA