To see the complete special section, click here: Meet the Candidates

Berl Perdue Jr., 60

Party: Republican

Education: Bachelor of Science degree Eastern Kentucky University in police administration with a minor in Corrections

Professional background: 11.5 years as Clark County Sheriff; 24.5 years Winchester Police Department, detective sergeant

Occupation: Clark County Sheriff

Political experience: Three terms as Clark County Sheriff

Civic involvement: President KY State Fraternal Order of Police (six years), President Winchester-Clark Coounty Fraternal Order of Police (20 years), 2008 Kentucky Sheriff of the Year. Serves on Kentucky Sheriff’s Association Board of Directors, Winchester Little League Executive Board and served on Winchester Little League Board of Directors. Past President of GRCHS Baseball and Football Boosters. Founded Shop with a Cop program 25 years ago and still active with its administration. Board of Directors Clark Christian Coalition (drug prevention group), member of Clark County ASAP (Alcohol Substance Abuse Program). Member of Clark District Court Drug Court and Juvenile Substance Abuse Program. Member of Clark County Fair Board, member of Daniel Boone Festival Committee.

 

Shannon Stone, 52

Party: Republican

Education: Graduate of GRC, BA in business administration

Occupation: Police captain, Winchester Police Department

Political experience: 2006 primary Clark County Sheriff’s election

 

Q&A

What will be your top priority if elected to office?

BP: Our top priority from day one is to protect and serve all Clark County’s citizens. Doing this by continuing our dedication to criminal investigations, patrol duties, our DARE program for our children. We have detectives assigned to the KSP Drug Task Force and a Federal Drug Task force, HIDTA.

SS: Leadership and launching an aggressive law enforcement attack on our drug epidemic. Upon approval, I would assign a deputy to the DEA Task Force for federal task resources and implement a data link between the sheriff’s office and police department for vital information sharing, solving crimes and criminal apprehension.

What makes you the best candidate for the job?

BP: Proven leadership. I have been in leadership positions my entire career, both professionally and in the community. I’ve served three terms as sheriff, served as sergeant 17 years WPD, elected president 10,000 member Kentucky State FOP, president 20 years local FOP Lodge, elected Board of Directors KY Sheriff’s Association.

SS: I understand leadership and technology very well. I have the education, work experience and the drive to get the job done. I am also an effective communicator, can recruit talent and I know how to generate revenue for the office without taxpayer’s expense.

What professional/political accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

BP: My proudest accomplishments are being elected sheriff by Clark County’s citizens, elected president of 10,000 member Kentucky FOP, being named Sheriff of the Year by the Kentucky Sheriff’s Association and my many years of service to the youth of our community through Shop with a Cop and sports programs.

SS: Obtaining a BA in business administration and graduating Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Development Training, CJED, which is an advanced leadership school from the Department of Criminal Justice located at Eastern Kentucky University and implementing a unified communication network link for emergency communications in our 911 center.

What is the biggest challenge our community faces? How would you address it?

BP: The nationwide drug epidemic. The sheriff’s office is addressing by having a deputy assigned to the KSP Drug Task Force and joining the federal HIDTA Task Force, which also provides access to treatment programs. We are the only police agency in Clark County that instructs the DARE Program.

SS: Generating revenue to fund drug investigations, body cameras and other technologies without expense to the taxpayers. Our police DEA task force officer has brought in about $500,000 in federal forfeitures with a percentage of $4 million to $5 million pending disbursements from the federal asset forfeiture program. This would grow our sheriff’s office.

Other comments?

BP: Clark is much better than surrounding counties. The city averages 2,000 crimes a year to the county’s 400. Drug overdoses in the city are 4 to 1 verses the county. Drug-related deaths since 2008 have decreased from 38 to 6 on current reports. This shows we are doing our job.

SS: Clark County Republicans will be deciding if our sheriff’s office will continue down the same path or a new direction. If you are looking for someone to grow our sheriff’s office and take it to a new level, then I’m your man. I will also always protect your constitutional rights.