Even though he was running unopposed, Marion County’s Sheriff-Elect was watching the election results Tuesday night.
Republican Kevin Cripps says after getting past the election he is excited and ready to go to work on December 1st.
“First priority is just getting a deputy hired to replace me. Then also look at the second deputy for the courthouse activities. Some of the things I want to talk to the county board about are minor things that don’t cost hardly anything at all, but I feel are a good idea to help out the county in the future. The awesome thing is we have an awesome group of employees at the sheriff’s office. I respect each one of them. I think everything is going to be just fine and great things are going to be done for our county.”
Cripps says while there is administrative work to do, you’ll still see him out on the streets.
“You will see me as a sheriff out and about in the community more than I think you have of any sheriff in the past. I want to be able to be seen out, not just to be out but also to hear the concerns. See if the guys who are working the road need anything. If I see that they need something if it is at all feasible to do then I want to get them those materials. I also to check and see what the other communities need.”
Cripps also wants to work with other agencies and build relationships to help out where needed.
Cripps is hoping for a good relationship with the county board, noting while he will be bringing them ideas he’s all ears for ideas they have to improve the department.
Cripps says he has been working well with Andy Garden who is leaving the sheriff’s position on the transition and wishes him well on his future endeavors.
Marion County Clerk Steve Fox and Treasurer Gary Purcell were elected to another term on Tuesday without opposition. Regional Superintendent of Schools for Clinton, Jefferson, Marion, and Washington Counties Matt Renaud was also re-elected without opposition. All three are Republicans.
