Voters in Orange County will choose a new sheriff on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Republican Jacob Held of Washington faces Democrat Sean McRae of Bethel. The seat is open because Sheriff George Contois did not file for re-election.
Both candidates name drug use as the biggest public safety concern. They differ on how to respond. Held wants to advocate for a law that would let police take action when people are under the influence of drugs. McRae focuses on closer partnerships between the sheriff’s office, treatment providers and community services.
The Valley News asked both candidates in a survey about their experience, why they are running and what they see as the biggest issue facing the state. Their answers, edited lightly for style, appear below.
JACOB HELD
38, Republican, Washington
Political experience: None. I’m a sergeant with the sheriff’s department, in law enforcement, not a politician making the law.
Professional experience: Associate degree in law enforcement; associate degree focused on business and IT; managed more than 60 armed security officers.
Community service: After-school sports and education instructor; assist with a variety of community events, and more.
Why are you running? My specialized education and business knowledge will provide the experience needed to manage a sheriff’s department in the county where I live.
Biggest issue: Drug use. I would like to help advocate for a “possession by consumption” law so law enforcement can take legal action when people are under the influence of drugs, aside from driving while intoxicated, to clean up our communities.
Online: heldforsheriff.com
SEAN McRAE
33, Democrat, Bethel
Political experience: None.
Professional experience: More than 10 years as a dispatcher, deputy and patrol officer, EMT, police department administrative assistant and assistant state fire marshal.
Community service: Same as professional experience.
Why are you running? I am running for Orange County sheriff to create a sheriff’s office that is accountable, approachable and transparent, serving as many communities within Orange County as possible.
Biggest issue: Vermont’s biggest challenge is the connection between substance misuse, mental health and crime. As sheriff, I would strengthen partnerships between the sheriff’s office, treatment providers and community services to address the root cause, improve public safety and help people get back on track.
Online: mcraeforsheriff.com; Facebook: McRae for Sheriff
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