Daily News for Columbia, KY and Adair County from Saturday, February 22, 2014 on ColumbiaMagazine.com

2014-02-22 - Columbia, KY - Photo from candidate.

To the citizens of Adair County:

Thank you for allowing me to introduce myself. I am Justin Claywell and I am running for Sheriff of Adair County, on the Republican ticket. I am the son of Ralph and the late Judy Claywell. I am a lifelong resident of Adair County. I am a father of three daughters, Ashley Burns, Kristy Claywell, and Jenna Claywell, and a grandfather to Chloe Lanz, who all call Adair County their home. I attended school here and graduated from Adair County High School before joining the military. I attend Columbia First Church of the Nazarene.

My reason for running for Sheriff of Adair County is to provide the citizens with an experienced and seasoned candidate who truly cares for their well being. My life experiences have provided me with unique qualifications suited to the office of Sheriff. I spent three years in the military service stationed in Hawaii serving with the Tactical Military Police. During my time in the military I spent 16 weeks in intensive training to learn the uniform code of military justice. I was awarded the Humanitarian Serviceman's Award for rendering aid to the population of Majuro Atoll in the Marshall Islands and numerous letters of recommendation.

After receiving an honorable discharge from the military, I returned to Adair County and have spent the last 29 years serving in local law enforcement agencies as well as working as a supervisor at the Adair County 911 Center. During this time my skill set has been enhanced through 3000 plus advanced training hour through the Police Academy in Richmond, KY. These courses have included specialized training in various elements of law enforcement training, to include criminal and accident investigations, the Kentucky laws, the use of less lethal weaponry, weapons tactics, and applications of the laws. I have also been hazmat trained for Methamphetamine cleanup. I consider ongoing training to be a part of my responsibility in order to better serve the citizens of Adair County.

My short and long term goals include establishing a rapport with each community in the county by meeting with community leaders and magistrates in order to better understand their unique challenges and to develop innovative solutions for each. I want to ensure that each deputy receives the proper training in order to better equip him/her to meet the needs of each citizen. I will ensure that each deputy does a thorough investigation into each crime or accident which occurs, and to ensure that each deputy properly responds as promptly and efficiently as possible to each call received. In addition, I will strive to improve communication and trustworthiness between the community and Sheriff's office.

I do want to stress that I think it would be beneficial to keep the existing academy trained deputies,as well as current office staff. And if elected I do want to point out that I will be the first academy trained law enforcement official as sheriff in Adair County. It is my promise that I will keep my training up-to-date to better serve the citizens. As a veteran I am a strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution and Kentucky Constitution. I have a unique insight into the defense of the Constitution of the U.S. and Kentucky. If elected I will proudly add my name to the list of Sheriff's across this nation who have pledged to uphold the Constitution.

For the next several weeks it is my intent to meet with as many people as possible. For those I miss, I humbly request your support and consideration. Thank you.

Sincerely,

- Justin Claywell Paid for by the candidate, Justin Claywell