The battle for the badge in Benton County is heating up.
May 22nd the polls will open and a new man will take the office of Benton County Sheriff, as current Sheriff Keith Ferguson is retiring.
Sheriff's Captain Mike Jones and former Rogers Police Officer Kelley Cradduck are vying for votes, going door to door, and shaking hands hoping to win the Sheriff's position.
Capt. Jones said, "People are interested in this sheriff's race."
"I think I can take it to a next level."
Cradduck said, "Exciting, coming down to crunch-time."
"We need to have a different change in leadership philosophy."
Both guys have a background in law enforcement leading each one to pursue this position.
Cradduck said, "You can do one of two things, you can step up to the plate and try to lead and do better, or you can sit back and do nothing. And I chose to step up to the plate and try to lead us into a better Benton County."
Capt. Jones said, "I know Northwest Arkansas and I know what the needs are, I know that I have that passion, I have the respect of law enforcement officials, and the respect of this county's residents, and I can serve the best as the sheriff of Benton County."
While opinions between the two will differ on most issues, when it comes to the biggest discussion in the county, alcohol sales or wet vs. dry, Jones and Cradduck actually agree.
Capt. Jones said, "I think the citizens of Benton County are intelligent enough to make a good decision on what they want for their county."
Cradduck added, "What I would like to see is it put on the ballot, let the people vote on it, and then put this to bed."
The race will continue speeding toward May 22nd, and over the next 12 days the candidates will continue campaigning.
Cradduck said, "You have to really spend your time wisely, but a lot of times you are just running around like a chicken with your head cut off."
Capt. Jones said, "You don't have time to tap your toes, and sometimes you don't have time to look at your watch, you are constantly on the move."
Voters can cast a ballot early by visiting the Benton County Courthouse.
May 22nd the polls will open and a new man will take the office of Benton County Sheriff, as current Sheriff Keith Ferguson is retiring.
Sheriff's Captain Mike Jones and former Rogers Police Officer Kelley Cradduck are vying for votes, going door to door, and shaking hands hoping to win the Sheriff's position.
Capt. Jones said, "People are interested in this sheriff's race."
"I think I can take it to a next level."
Cradduck said, "Exciting, coming down to crunch-time."
"We need to have a different change in leadership philosophy."
Both guys have a background in law enforcement leading each one to pursue this position.
Cradduck said, "You can do one of two things, you can step up to the plate and try to lead and do better, or you can sit back and do nothing. And I chose to step up to the plate and try to lead us into a better Benton County."
Capt. Jones said, "I know Northwest Arkansas and I know what the needs are, I know that I have that passion, I have the respect of law enforcement officials, and the respect of this county's residents, and I can serve the best as the sheriff of Benton County."
While opinions between the two will differ on most issues, when it comes to the biggest discussion in the county, alcohol sales or wet vs. dry, Jones and Cradduck actually agree.
Capt. Jones said, "I think the citizens of Benton County are intelligent enough to make a good decision on what they want for their county."
Cradduck added, "What I would like to see is it put on the ballot, let the people vote on it, and then put this to bed."
The race will continue speeding toward May 22nd, and over the next 12 days the candidates will continue campaigning.
Cradduck said, "You have to really spend your time wisely, but a lot of times you are just running around like a chicken with your head cut off."
Capt. Jones said, "You don't have time to tap your toes, and sometimes you don't have time to look at your watch, you are constantly on the move."
Voters can cast a ballot early by visiting the Benton County Courthouse.
