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Three candidates running for Gila County Sheriff faced off on the evening of Thursday, June 20, in the Bullion Plaza Inspiration room in Miami. Bullion Plaza director, Phil Stewart, served as Moderator for the forum which lasted for about 90 minutes. Incumbent Adam Shephard defends his seat for a fourth term against two Republican challengers. One of those challengers is Tom Morrissey, who lost his election in 2022 for Mayor of Payson after serving two terms. The other is write-in candidate Leonard Kerszykowski, known to most as “Ski”, and must be written in as “Lski” on the ballot.
The candidates introduced themselves at the beginning and offered to voters what makes them the best choice in the July 30 primary election. Adam Shepherd reminded the audience that he has been elected to three terms already. He argues that his terms have been marked by success, evidenced by the fact that there are currently more applications to serve as a deputy than there are spots available. Tom Morrissey shared with the audience that he is a retired US Marshal, recent Mayor of Payson, and one time Arizona GOP chairman. He says his time in politics puts him in a position to get things done in the Sheriff’s Office, although says he will serve only one term.
Shepherd was asked about employee retention in the Sheriff’s Office and responded that it is difficult to keep good employees who can earn more and pursue better opportunities at other agencies, especially in the Phoenix area. Ski, a retired Gila County Sheriff’s deputy of 23 years and K-9 unit, responded that on his first day in office, he would put an end to a culture of favoritism and the “Good ol’ boy” club. He went on to say that nepotism in the Sheriff’s Office is going to stop and that he is not going to be rewarding bad behavior.
Incumbent Adam Shepherd argued that he took the good work of the previous administrations and brought the Office up to more modern standards with needed vehicles and equipment. Tom Morrissey said that Shepherd has done good work and that he intends to build on that, using his contacts in politics to make things happen for Gila County. Ski promised to rebuild the Sheriff’s Office, that he would contact all those who left in good standing and ask them to return, benefiting from their experience and saving the taxpayers the cost of training all new personnel.
All three candidates pledged to serve out a full term, promising not to retire early and appoint a successor, leaving it for the voters to decide in the next election. A member of the audience asked all three what their response would be to federal agencies infringing on the rights of Gila County Citizens. Tom Morrissey spoke first, saying that he worked as a “fed” and knows the power the federal government has and what it doesn’t have. Morissey said, the Sheriff reports to the People, and the People have the power. Write-in “Lski” spoke next, saying that people are worried about the federal government stepping in here and saying it’s time to give up your guns. “Lski” went on to say that this “will not happen, period.” He says that if he must, he will deputize citizens off the streets to make sure federal agencies are not able to take the people’s guns away. Adam Shepherd answered last saying that federal courts are beginning to crack down on such things. Shepherd said that the Sheriff does not have authority over federal law, but that he can make sure that the issue goes to a “court of competency” instead of “some kind of fiat”.
Several of the Gila County races, including the race for Sheriff, have only Republican candidates running for them. This means that the final winner will be decided in the Primary election that will take place on July 30. Although city and town council elections are non-partisan, these are also often decided in the Primary election. Traditionally, a very small percentage of voters turn out to vote in the Primary, leaving these important offices to be decided for everybody by very few people. It is too late to register to vote for the July 30 primary. However, if you are a registered Independent or “no party”, you can still vote in the Primary election. You must simply choose a Republican or Democrat ballot to vote on. For more information, contact the Gila County Elections Office, or the Gila County Recorders Office. Most importantly, get out and vote on July 30, 2024! The entire forum can be viewed at www.facebook.com/BunneyNews/.
Submitted by Jesse Bryant
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