Primary likely to decide Phillips Co. sheriff
By GAYLE WEBER
PHILLIPSBURG -- The only contested race in Phillips County this election season could be decided in the primary election.
On the Aug. 5 Republican ballot, former sheriff LeRoy Stephen is challenging the man who defeated him four years ago, Paul Wisinger. There are no Democratic challengers.
"That's the only local race, so it hopefully will bring out a good turnout," said Phillips County Clerk Linda McDowell.
After about 25 years as sheriff, Stephen said he wants to get back to serving the people.
"I've missed it the last four years," Stephen said. "I'd work on the drug and alcohol problem. It's always a challenge."
Stephen said he also would like to continue the DARE program that Wisinger started.
Though Wisinger admits his department has been actively working with drug cases in the county, he has found other areas of concern.
"In my administration, we've seen more cases of sex crimes against children, and then we've also seen underage drinking rear its ugly head," Wisinger said.
The budget is another important topic for Wisinger.
"We're looking at the issue of fuel and the budgetary requirement for fuel," Wisinger said. "We're a smaller county and the population varies as far as tax base so the budget's always a big concern."
Wisinger would like to expand the DARE program to include high school students. He also would like to expand a pilot program, which allows the sheriff's department to monitor the city of Logan via wireless cameras, to other communities and school buildings in the county.
Wisinger defeated Stephen first in the 2004 primary election by more than 900 votes, and again in the general election, when Stephen was a write-in candidate, by more than 1,900 votes, according to McDowell.