Gibson County Sheriff candidate forum

1 hour ago

Ryan Brooks,

MILAN Tenn. — Candidates around the region are vying for head of law enforcement as primaries approach this spring. This is leading up to a sheriff race in one of our local communities.

It’s almost time for the Gibson County Sheriff election primary in may, and candidates are making appearances at a public forum to gain insight from the community.

“We want to make sure that people get out and vote, and we want to make sure candidates understand what our positions are…what we’re trying do here at VFW as a whole. But, obviously not endorse anybody. We’re allowing everyone to come in and speak their peace,” said Rob Blurton, state judge advocate and member of VFW.

This is hosted by the veterans with the VFW in Milan, TN. Questions up for discussion include: Efforts to aid veterans in care, support, and rehabilitation, implementing a reserve deputy force, and jail reform.

“Making sure that they’re going to train their people to not run in, and shoot a veteran with a gun because we’re having a crisis,” said Blurton.

There were three candidates present during the forum at the VFW in Milan, but there actually are four that are running as a candidate for sheriff.

“(Maigon Shanklin) I believe the office of sheriff should be about people and not politics. (Cody Childress) This law enforcement’s hero has always been our armed forces. (Rodney Wright) I’m running in the May 5th primary, and I want to be your next Gibson County Sheriff,” said candidates for Gibson County Sheriff.

All candidates have over a decade of previous law enforcement, and they’re are addressing concerns from Gibson community whether that be rehabilitation for inmates, pay raises, or even just upholding the constitution to its value. In addition, candidates present are focused on competitive pay for law enforcement, improving equipment, recruitment, prevalent drugs such as meth, fentanyl, and opioid crisis, mental health as a whole, and skill building.