Scott County sheriff -- Wes Drury

Name: Wes Drury

Party: Republican

Birth: Sept. 1, 1961, Cape Girardeau

Spouse, children: Connie; four children ages 21, 17, 14 and 7.

Occupation: Investigator

Employer: Scott County Prosecuting Attorney

Businesses owned by candidate or spouse, all or in part: None.

Public offices held: None.

Past political campaigns and offices sought: Scott County Sheriff, 2004.

Question 1: What is the most important issue facing the next Scott County Sheriff?

Answer: Drugs and sexual violence continue to be a problem in Scott County. The residents of Scott County deserve to be protected from these predators who victimize our children and loved ones. Identifying and implementing strategies and resources that enable the sheriff's department to operate within its budget while providing the most effective protection for the residents of Scott County is of the upmost importance.

Question 2: What in your background or education makes you qualified for this office?

Answer: I have worked full-time at Scott County Sheriff's Department as jailer, dispatcher, road officer, and jail administrator. I completed the 120-hour Law Enforcement Academy in 1992, and am currently attending the 620-hour Law Enforcement Academy. Furthermore, I have worked for the prosecuting attorney's office as an investigator for the past 13 years.

Question 3: Why are you better qualified than your opponent?

Answer: Protection of the community does not end with an arrest. In order to keep our community safe, law enforcement officers must know what is needed to help the prosecutor make the case by proving guilt. My experience is a perfect combination of making the case, arresting the suspect and knowing what Scott County jurors need to obtain a conviction.

Question 4: Scott County faces a loss of revenue with an expiration of the sales tax dedicated to law enforcement. What steps should be taken to ensure proper protection for Scott County residents and adequate funding for the jail?

Answer: I am opposed to a law enforcement sales tax. The economy is staggering, and like other United State citizens, Scott County residents are struggling financially. The officials elected by the Scott County residents must be accountable for tightening belts and cutting waste. This includes no longer using county equipment for personal use. Until we have done everything possible to run the county more efficiently, we have no business asking residents to pay more taxes.

Question 5: Local governments throughout the region are struggling to balance their budgets as sales tax revenue drops off due to economic conditions. What efficiency measures do you propose to bridge any funding gaps?

Answer: My experience at all levels of the Scott County Sheriff's department will allow me to supervise and perfect the skills of each employee. To best serve the county we must work as a well-organized team. This would include re-establishing cooperation with other county agencies. Effective law enforcement is not a one-man job. Through teamwork, the Scott County Sheriff's department will operate more efficiently in protecting the well-being of the county's residents.