COMMENTARY: Nichols Leaving Young With Solid Foundation

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Judging from the frequent shouts of exuberance expressed by the crowds gathered at the Cannon County Courthouse and Joe's Place Thursday, there are many people very happy that Darrell Young will soon be the sheriff of Cannon County.

Outgoing Sheriff Billy Nichols is a fine, upstanding person, but there was a general consensus throughout the county that he was not an effective leader of the sheriff's department.

That was indicative of the final tally of Thursday's voting when compared to 2006, when Nichols defeated Young. Nichols won 1904 to 1330 that year in a two-person race. This year, Young garnered 2123 votes while Nichols fell to 1436 in a race which featured five contenders.

From my observation, Young has a solid foundation on which to build as he molds the department in his image and incorporates his law enforcement ideas. Sheriff Nichols deserves much of the credit for that.

The sheriff's department incident reports I write from each week are an indication to me that the rank-and-file of the department are top-notch, dedicated officers. The deputies who patrol the streets, investigate crimes and assist in the prosecution of cases appear for the most part to perform thoroughly and professionally.

There is also nothing that is apparent to me to suggest that there is any problem with the operation of the Cannon County Jail. It routinely passes inspection and rarely are any complaints heard from prisoners.

Why Nichols lost is somewhat puzzling in a sense. Nothing he has done as sheriff would appear to warrant the public's loss of trust or confidence in his capabilities, but that seems to have been the case.

Young himself did not engage in any form of negative campaigning. In fact, from my perspective, he ran a rather low-file campaign. But he did develop a great deal of grassroots support, especially among younger voters, and made excellent use of Internet social media in getting out his message.

Law enforcement plays an important and vital role in our county. They keep us and our families safe and secure as we go about to daily routines. We all need to thank Sheriff Nichols for his excellent services the past four years, and give our support to Sheriff-Elect Young during the next four.
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August 06, 2010 at 12:46pm
Kevin, I agree with your assesment of Billy Nichols that he will leave the C.C.S.O. a far better place than what he inherited four years ago.

In my opinion Billy has nothing to hang his head about and can walk out proud knowing he has served the people of this county with integrity, honesty and dependability that has not been seen in several of the past administrations.

The point you make on not knowing why Billy lost the trust of the people was "THE" questions everyone I talked to about this race asked. And to be honest, I never got a definitive answer from anyone on what Billy was supposed to have done that deserved being replaced.

I think you nailed it by saying that the use of the other internet site helped to propel Darrell to new heights that made a big difference during this bid for Sheriff. It may also have opened up a lot of wounds that may never heal because too much gossip, made-up stories and down right lies that were told trying to sway opinion.

I believe Billy to be a good Christian man. I believe Billy to be a honest man and I believe Billy to be a good Sheriff. He may not have always made the right decision, but he always tried to do what was right. And to me, that means something.

I don't know Darrell very well and he may become a great Sheriff. However, I urge everyone who reads this to hold him and his officers to the highest standards possible when they take office. I urge everyone to remember the campaign promises he made and demand they be met.

The people have spoken and for that reason alone I will support him as long as lives up to the job he says he can do.
August 06, 2010 at 1:00pm
We can not believe anyone would be puzzled as to why Nichols lost! The lack of protection in this county is beyond unbelievable! And for the officers being professional? That's a joke. We are thinking maybe some need to get out of town and come live in the county and see what we have to deal with. Thank God we finally have someone else in office!
August 06, 2010 at 6:55pm
bye-bye charlie,brad,vance,& andy!!!!!
August 07, 2010 at 7:35pm
I am thankful I live in a world in which the majority of people do not believe in kicking a person when they are down. Those who do should keep in mind that it is often one of life's truths that what goes around, usually finds a way of coming back around.

Kevin
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August 07, 2010 at 9:45pm
Good luck Billy in whatever you undertake. You have been an officer and a gentleman. Being a county sheriff in this day and time is more difficult than ever. The people of Cannon County deserve quality men who want to serve in this capacity. You have been on such man. Thank you.
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August 07, 2010 at 10:04pm
And good luck also to sheriff-elect Darrell Young. The challenges you face ahead are immense and the people of Cannon County look toward your care and attention to protect and serve them. With an ever growing population and ever increasing case load for this department, stress and challenge will become daily obstacles to overcome. Be diligent in your effort and dedicated to the cause and your success will be manifest. Good luck to you and your future administration.
August 13, 2010 at 11:16pm
Congratulations Sheriff Young, and best wishes to Billy. But Kevin, you need to get a clue. The incumbent was defeated because, in the last four years, the crooks have taken over the county, and the Sheriff's dept has just watched it happen. As a three time victim of robbery in the last year, I know what I'm talking about. You obviously don't. You're welcomed to your opinion, but I guarantee that mine is shared by the majority. At least that's what the polls say.
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