County Commissioners React to Sheriff’s Retirement
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JACKSON, Tenn.–Madison County commissioners prepare to pick a new sheriff following David Woolfork‘s resignation. “He had no other choice that he step down and stepping down at this time was no doubt the right thing to do,” Gary Deaton said, a Madison County Commissioner. Chief Deputy David Cunningham took over temporarily. Some commissioners have plans to appoint someone else before the August election. “Well, I think it’s time for us to go ahead and make some major changes,” Deaton said. “I would feel like we need fresh blood, that’s just my personal opinion,” Doug Stephenson said, a Madison County Commissioner. “I mean nothing against Chief Cunningham. He‘s done a fantastic job. It‘s just the thing is is we just you know we need to move forward.” Others do not mind Cunningham standing in for now. “He’s been in you know that position you know for years, so I don‘t see any problem with him you know standing in for the time being,” Scott Brown said, a Madison County Commissioner. County leaders plan to approve Woolfork‘s resignation at their next meeting Feb. 18. As of right now, commissioners do not have a special meeting scheduled. The county says the earliest a commissioner appointed sheriff could begin is April 3. The voter elected sheriff takes over Sept. 1. “That’s not a really very long time to make changes, so that’s the that’s the downside of it,” Stephenson said. Commissioners want to move forward. “I think there’s a number of things that can be improved on in the sheriff’s department and I think the next next sheriff will be very aware of them,” Deaton said. Voters will elect a new sheriff Aug. 7. Currently, two candidates have publicly announced they are running for Madison County sheriff. Former TBI Special Agent in Charge John Mehr is running as a Republican. Former Jackson Police Chief Rick Staples states he is an independent. Candidates have until Feb. 20 at 12 p.m. to file petitions.
