Candidate questionnaire: Stash Petton

NAME: Stan (Stash) Petton Jr.

AGE: 37

PLACE OF BIRTH: Fredericktown, MO

SPOUSE'S, CHILDREN'S NAMES:

Wife: Lindsey, Step-Son: Gavin and Son: Gunner

EDUCATION:

Formal Education- Graduate of: Woodland R-IV High School, US Marine Corps/ US Army Military Police School, US Marine Corps Police Academy, SEMO Law Enforcement Academy, Riverview Police K9 School. Attended: US Marshal's Fugitive Apprehension Course, St. Louis University's Medicolegal Death Investigator's Course. Several other continuing education courses and extensive military training.

OCCUPATION: Security Officer

EMPLOYER: St. Francis Medical Center

BUSINESSES OWNED, ALL OR PART:

Petton Investigations. Currently not operating. I chose not to renew my Private Investigator's license in order to devote full attention to being Sheriff if elected.

PUBLIC OFFICES HELD OR SOUGHT; GIVE DATES:

None prior to seeking Bollinger County Sheriff, 2012.

WEBSITE:

Stash Petton for Bollinger County Sheriff on Facebook

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CRIME ISSUE FACING BOLLINGER COUNTY?

Theft and Drugs. Those are the two biggest issues I have heard from the public. The recent homicide proves that violent crime intervention needs immediate attention. Sex crimes are always a concern and "cyber" crimes are more and more frequent.

DO YOU FEEL THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT HAS A GOOD REPUTATION? HOW WOULD YOU PRESERVE OR IMPROVE ON THAT REPUTATION?

I do not feel the reputation is strong at the moment. Again, according to the public, response times are long and it is hard to talk to the Sheriff or a Deputy. The issue of manpower is key to improve both of these situations. Trying to create benefits in order to maintain staff and creating patrol zones will help some of that. Furthermore, I want the public to know that I will be approachable anytime.

DOES YOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE WHAT IT NEEDS IN TERMS OF RESOURCES TO KEEP THE COUNTY SAFE?

I do not have the answer to that question right now. If elected, I will meet with all willing emergency workers to address that very issue. I will say however, I do not think you can be too safe when it comes to medical issues, traffic issues, natural disasters, crime, ect... All of the things we cannot control.

CLOSING REMARKS:

I was told by some that running independent would not get me far at all. I thought perhaps they were right until I began explaining my reasons and recieved great feedback. My approach is to take law enforcement away from the political arena, focus on the law and be accountable only to the citizens of Bollinger County.