Sheriff's Candidates Meet Fort Mill and Their Specific Needs

Michael Belk, Chris Blevins, Tony Breeden, Heath Clevenger and Beth Bryant Tolson are running in the York County Republican primary for sheriff on June 11.

The Fort Mill Sun asked each candidate this question: Can you speak directly to Fort Mill area residents and why you are the best candidate to serve them and meet their specific needs? No restrictions were placed on the length of their responses. Breeden did not respond.

Chris Blevins

“While working for the York County Sheriff's Office, I developed a great understanding of the common crimes committed in Fort Mill. The Fort Mill District is unique because it is split down the middle by I77. This is convenient for residents during their daily commute and makes living in Fort Mill desirable. However, it is also a prime area for Charlotte criminals to come and commit crimes and quickly flee across the state border.

“I am aware of a problem with B&E Autos because in the past my unit has conducted surveillance in parking lots to catch criminals breaking into cars. Property crimes such as burglary and grand larceny are also another problem in Fort Mill for the same reasons mentioned above.

“I will be tough on criminals who cross the border to commit these crimes in York County; this will help establish a close working relationship with CMPD to assist in the identification and apprehension of subjects exploiting the state border. I understand the past and current issues and will continue to devote resources, time and effort to making the Fort Mill community a safe and secure place to call home.

Heath Clevenger

“I can speak to your specific needs with my experience across the county, as your community is located right next to the border of Charlotte and Lancaster. As York County Sheriff, I understand that you have different needs than other areas of the county.

“I know you and I want York County to have a reputation for holding those who are accountable for their actions. I want law and order to be a foregone conclusion in how incidents will be handled in York County and for criminals to stay away for fear of losing their freedom.

Beth Bryant Tolson

“Given that Fort Mill borders Charlotte, we must continue to look for ways to prevent these criminals from other jurisdictions from entering our communities and victimizing our citizens. Working with the prosecutor’s office to ensure that those who come here to commit crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

Michael Belk

“Each region of York County has its own law enforcement needs and challenges. Given the incredible growth Fort Mill has experienced over the past 20 years, it is important to evaluate how we serve the region to ensure we are providing public safety in the most efficient and effective manner. more efficient.

“Calls for service should always determine resources allocated to the area, but we can also use a variety of technology resources to improve public safety while allowing deputies more time for patrol activities and community engagement . With my experience as a commander in Rock Hill, I am skilled at analyzing intelligence data and then tailoring our law enforcement response to different areas of the city, while engaging the community to ensure we let's listen to the concerns of the people who live there.

“As sheriff, I will ensure that the York County Sheriff's Office remains engaged and responds effectively to the diverse and growing areas of York County. »

Tony Breeden

He didn't answer any questions.

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