Willis Blackwell Announces Candidacy for Shelby County Sheriff - December 1, 2011

My name is Willis Blackwell and I would like to announce my candidacy for Republican nominee for Sheriff of Shelby County. I am 63 years old and have been a resident of Shelby County for 31 years. I was born in Cuero, DeWitt County, Texas in 1948. I am a graduate of Cuero High School and attended Texas A&I in Kingsville until joining the United States Navy where I served 4 years during the Viet Nam war. In 1972, I began my career as a Texas Game Warden which brought me to Shelby County in 1980. After 26 years of service, I retired in 1998 as Sergeant Game Warden. I have since retained my peace officer commission as a Special Game Warden to the present. I served Shelby County as Chief Deputy for 2 years. I currently hold a Master Peace Officer license, as well a commission of Special Game Warden.

I am married to my wife of 29 years, Ann Moody Blackwell. My in-laws are the late Dan Moody and Freddie Moody. We have 4 children: Joanna and Blake Huckabee, Rick and Kelly Foehner, Will and Amy Blackwell and Julie and Larry Mays. We also have 9 beautiful grandchildren. Ann and I have continued the BBQ business that Dan & Freddie started over 10 years ago by opening Moodyville BBQ restaurant in May, 2011.

I want to be your sheriff for many reasons. Both of my daughters are teachers, with Joanna teaching here in Center. I hear them talk of the problems that so many of our youth face every day. Shelby County is my home and I want to make this county a place that our children can grow up safe and happy. I am committed to serve ALL of Shelby County. I am committed to work with every law enforcement agency in harmony. This is how we will make a difference. I am committed to be available for all the citizens of the county. You have a right and deserve to be heard from when you have a problem. Your requests for help should be answered promptly and respectfully. The budget will always be an issue. Again, the way we can run the office efficiently is by a harmonious relationship between the Sheriff’s office, County Judge and County Commissioners, as well as other local, state and federal agencies.

I feel that my experience in law enforcement and management has prepared me to take on the task and responsibility of Sheriff of Shelby County. I have many ideas and am very excited for the possibility of taking the county in a new direction.

Joey Haley Announces Candidacy for Shelby County Sheriff - November 30, 2011

To the Citizens of Shelby County,

My name is Joey Haley and I would like to announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Shelby County on the Republican ticket. I graduated the Kilgore Police Academy in 1996 and have worked for the San Augustine Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and currently I am a Detective for the Center Police Department. Since I went to work as a Detective for the Police Department I have had success in solving homicides, robberies, burglaries, thefts, forgeries and many more crimes. I believe the direction that the country and this county are heading will have serious negative consequences and the only solution is a return to conservative principles. We need to send a message that political over reaching has gotten out of control and the people of this country and county will not tolerate it any longer.

My goals as Sheriff will be to continue the war on drugs, but not at the expense of victims of property crimes and crimes against people. Property crimes cost Shelby county citizens a tremendous amount of money every year. I would also allow Deputies to work D.W.I.s so our families can travel on the roads in this county safely. A very important issue to me is interagency cooperation and involvement with Crime Stoppers. Crime doesn’t stop at county or city lines; it takes a concerted effort by ALL law enforcement agencies to effectively combat crime.

I look forward to serving this great county.

Sincerely,
Joey Haley

Newton Announces Democratic Candidacy for Sheriff - January 18, 2012

My name is Newton Johnson, Jr. and I am seeking re-election as Sheriff of Shelby County on the Democratic ticket.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your Sheriff for the past seven years.

For those of you who may not know me, I was born and raised in Center, graduated from Center High School and attended Panola College.  Then I joined the United States Marine Corps and volunteered for Viet Nam.  I was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart Medal.  I received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1972.

I have been a certified Texas Peace Officer for thirty-eight (38) years.  I hold a Master Peace Officer Certificate, which, is the highest certification level awarded by the State of Texas.  I was appointed and sworn in as a Deputy United States Marshal in 2005 and again in November of 2011.

During my first campaign, I promised the citizens of Shelby County that I would do everything within my power to make Shelby County a safer and better place in which to raise our children and grandchildren.  I feel that we have made great progress in reaching that goal and by continuing to work together toward that goal, we can be successful.

Under my leadership, the Sheriff’s Department’s professional officers and staff have made tremendous progress.  During the past seven (7) years, we have arrested Shelby County drug dealers, solved numerous burglary and theft cases and returned thousands of dollars worth of stolen merchandise back to the rightful owners.  We have worked closely with the Children’s Advocacy Center in investigating and making arrest concerning child abuse cases.

When first elected, I vowed to be a working Sheriff, and I have been for the past seven (7) years .  By being a hands-on Sheriff I know first-hand what our officers, as well as the citizens of Shelby County, need from the Sheriff’s office.  We have implemented positive change in this office and will continue to look for innovative and cost effective ways to better serve and protect Shelby County citizens.  With all of us working together, we can continue the progress of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department.

Troy J. Massey Announces Candidacy for Shelby County Sheriff - December 13, 2011

To the citizens of Shelby County, my name is Troy Massey and I would like to announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Shelby County for the 2012 election. As a Republican Candidate, I will provide responsible and accountable public safety in Shelby County, while providing proactive law enforcement. Having been involved in law enforcement and the court system since 1982, I have long worked for positive changes. Some of most important issues facing law enforcement today are (1) drugs (2) immigration (3) traffic (4) jail overcrowding (5) declining values (6) runaway spending. My family and I now feel that the time has come for me to step up and seek the office of Sheriff for Shelby County. I want to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the Criminal Justice system.

While in High School I participated in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) and obtained the rank of Captain. I graduated from High School in 1971 and immediately enlisted in the United States Army. I served three years with the 8th Infantry Division and three years in Army reserves receiving an Honorable Discharge. I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. I also have a Diploma in Accounting from a Business College.

In 1982, I began my career as a probation officer for Shelby and Panola Counties (the 123rd and 273rd Judicial Districts). In 1984, I became supervisor, in 1990, Deputy Director and in 2002 Director. I retired in December of 2006. During my tenure with the probation department I recruited officers and professional staff who were dedicated, devoted and motivated in correcting negative behavior while protecting public safety. In January of 2007, I served as a police officer with the Stephen F. Austin State University Police Department obtaining the rank of Corporal. I resigned from SFASU in June of 2009 due to the sudden death of our oldest son. During my 28 year career I have had the privilege of working with some of the best law enforcement officers, prosecutors and judges in the state. I currently hold a Master Peace Officer license. I am also a certified police instructor, certified firearms instructor and field training officer (FTO). In 2001 I was awarded the Academic Recognition Award from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Education and Standards (TECLOSE). I worked as a Reserve Deputy with the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office from 1982-1983. I served Shelby County as a Reserve Deputy with the Sheriff’s Department from 1985-1989 obtaining the rank of Lieutenant. From 1989-1994, I served as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Center. From 1994-1997, I served as an Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office and from 1997-2006 I served as an Investigator for the County Attorney’s Office.

I am married to Betty Dyson Massey and we just celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary. We have three children: Christopher B. Hale (deceased), Troy Jason Massey and Emilie Massey O’Rear. Betty and I have 8 grandchildren and we are currently raising 3.

In order to serve the citizens of Shelby County, I feel I must conduct an organized aggressive campaign. I feel I must step forward and offer the voters of Shelby County a Sheriff’s Department if elected that will be run with integrity, transparency and efficiency.

(GOAL)
Establish a Web Site at the Sheriff’s Department allowing citizens to stay in touch with law enforcement and obtain the following information (1) news updates and releases (2) recent arrests (3) Shelby County warrants (4) crime stoppers (5) non-emergency dispatch (6) data smart policing stats (7) stolen property with pictures if available (8) runway adults or children with pictures if available /amber alerts (9) obtain information on outstanding warrants (10) obtain information about various divisions of the Sheriff’s Department. (11) Citizens could report a concern (12) obtain information regarding sex offender registration (13) online meetings. The public would be able to inform law enforcement regarding terrorism, narcotics tips, gang tips, warrant tips, cold case tips, general questions, etc. The equipment is there with the man power knowledge available.

(GOAL)
As reported last month the security needs of our courthouse and courtroom detention facility needs to be addressed by implementing new operational plans and electronic upgrades for the safety of citizens in and around the courthouse. I would work with the County Judge, Commissioner’s Court, District Judges, Chief of Police and the Bailiff’s to come up with a cost effective (possibly federal grant) long range plan which will solve the problem.

(GOAL)
Strive to establish a Citizens Advisory Board to ensure the expectations of the public are expressed. Work with the Angelina Police Academy, Shelby College Center, Kilgore College Police Academy and TCLEOSE at the possibility of establishing a Shelby College Police Academy. Establish a Citizens Police Academy. Re-establish the reserve deputy program with qualified individuals to serve as Reserve Deputies for Shelby County.

(GOAL)
I have always had a major concern regarding sex offenders living in the community and going under the radar. I would establish a partnership with the Sheriff’s Department, Prosecutors Office, Adult Probation, Juvenile Probation, Constables and the Police Department to share information and programs.

Sincerely, Troy J. Massey

Tipton Announces Candidacy for Sheriff - December 16, 2011

My name is Josh Tipton and I am announcing my candidacy for the 2012 Republican nominee for the office of Shelby County Sheriff. I am thirty-three years old and have lived in Shelby County all my life. I have been a member of the First Baptist Church of Timpson approximately twenty-five years. I attended Timpson High School and Kilgore College where I received my peace office certification. I have worked for the Rusk County Sheriff's Office as a patrol deputy and Special unit Drug tactical team and just recently this year left the Shelby County Sheriff Office.

Being a native of Shelby County and having worked in law enforcement in this county, I know the unique needs and wants of the people of Shelby County and the corrections that need to be made. I will bring fresh and new ideas to the office that will take our county in a better direction. One of many objectives is to target the drugs in our area. Deputies will gain continuing education training related to the drugs that are most prevalent to our county. Also, I will form an elite group of deputies that will be designated and educated as a Drug Tactical Team who would work together when need be "All" local, state, and federal agencies in order to better deal with the specific drug issues in our county.

I will give the Sheriff's Office back to the people by keeping an open communication with the people of our county. One way to accomplish this is by having an open house quarterly where citizens can see what changes and improvements have been made, can ask question, can voice concerns, and offer suggestions about how the Sheriff's Office can better serve the community.

As a father of two young sons and a daughter, I am totally committed to ensuring the safety of our children and families. By putting radar back in the patrol vehicles, deputies can better patrol our school zones. As your former patrol deputy of Shelby County, I often received complaints and concerns about vehicles traveling at high rates of speed on our rural roads when children are playing in close proximity. DWIs are also a big issue on our public roadways. Patrol cars equipped with radar would help alleviate these situations.

Foremost, we as a county, as well as a Nation, must put God back in decisions that are made by our elected officials. Shelby County is in desperate need of a Sheriff and not a politician. When I am elected as your new Sheriff, I will do my utmost to serve the people of Shelby County with the highest principles and in a Christian manner.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to call me at 936-645-5409 or email jtipton78@yahoo.com.

God Bless