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Butler County voters can choose between two experienced law enforcement officers for sheriff.
Two Republicans seek the nomination. The winner of the Aug. 7 primary faces no opposition in November.
Kelly Herzet, 55, was appointed sheriff in April 2011 to fill a vacancy left when Craig Murphy stepped down for health reasons. Herzet is a 24-year veteran of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.
He says his “knowledge of the unique characteristics of Butler County with its mix of rural, suburban and urban challenges” make him the most qualified candidate.
Carl Enterkin, 63, said he has 37 years of police experience. He spent 26 years with the Wichita Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant in 1999. Since then he has served as Garden Plain’s police chief and as an officer for Park City’s and Bel Aire’s police departments.
He says he is focused on returning the office to that of a “Constitutional sheriff,” one that dedicates the office to protecting residents’ constitutional rights and liberties, and ensures that due process is adhered to.
To learn about the candidates’ stances on the issues, see the box below.
Butler County sheriff, Republican primary
What candidates have to say about the issues
Carl Enterkin
Age: 63
Occupation: Air Force veteran, former adjunct instructor at Friends University and Cowley County Community College
Education: Undergraduate degree in human resources management, Friends University; graduate degree in management, Friends University
Experience: Retired Wichita police lieutenant
Phone: 316-361-0553
E-mail: Enterkin4Sheriff@cox.net
Website: www.enterkin4sheriff.com
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate?
I have a unique combination of experience, expertise, education, and ethics, with 37 years of police experience. I am focused on returning the Butler County Sheriff’s Office to that of a "Constitutional Sheriff"; one that dedicates the office to protecting Butler County citizens’ constitutional rights and liberties, and insures that due process is adhered to. No citizen should ever fear a death sentence in the jail nor being unlawfully shot by a deputy.
What is the key challenge facing this office, and why?
Changing the culture of the agency to one that adheres to the Constitution and practices transparency regarding mistakes, not perpetuating a system that protects itself by concealing embarrassing acts from the citizens it serves. Agency culture flows from the top. The sheriff should lead by example and insure his deputies are properly trained and engaged in the manner in which their duties are performed, and reinforce the importance of ethical and legal behavior.
What are your top three priorities for this office? How would you pay for them?
Reinstate the Reserve Unit/Posse. Organize a drug task force involving the various police departments, school officials and parents. Reacquire K-9’s for criminal and drug interdiction efforts. Budget manipulation, public donations and volunteers could be used very productively in these efforts. The first two are the greatest community policing programs ever devised, encouraging many facets of the community to join together to address common issues.
What changes, if any, would you seek to improve public safety?
Including the previous paragraph, I would examine ways to determine the feasibility of improving, combining or cross-connecting records functions of all the law enforcement agencies in Butler County. Public safety will always be improved whenever multiple agencies can coordinate efforts and functions. Immediately, I would implement a study of the jail policies, procedures and functions to insure changes have been made to eliminate unlawful and needless inmate deaths.
Kelly Herzet
Age: 55
Occupation: Butler County sheriff
Education: Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center graduate
Experience: Butler County sheriff, undersheriff; served on Potwin City Council
Phone: 316-305-6735
E-mail: kellyherzet@gmail.com
Website: www.kelly4sheriff.com
Why should voters consider you the most qualified candidate?
I have served in a variety of positions and supervisory roles during my 24-year tenure with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office including Reserve Deputy, Patrol Deputy, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Undersheriff and Sheriff. My knowledge of the unique characteristics of Butler County with its mix of rural, suburban and urban challenges, as well as my close relationship to fellow Butler County citizens, law enforcement agencies and personnel makes me the most qualified candidate.
What is the key challenge facing this office, and why?
The key challenge is maintaining the level of service the public expects and deserves and continuing to implement beneficial programs while County Government is asking and requiring every level of County operations to cut their budgets during this economic downturn. I will continue to build strong partnerships with law enforcement agencies throughout Butler County. These partnerships do not cost more in tax dollars, yet they allow for improved services and increased community safety.
What are your top three priorities for this office?
Increase the amount of proactive patrol personnel in the county; continue & expand the implementation of Senior Patrol, Reserve Program & Neighborhood Watch programs (all of which are in various stages of implementation); be fiscally responsible and look for innovative and cost effective ways to serve and protect Butler County citizens. These programs can be funded by soliciting donations, seeking grants and extensive use of highly trained volunteers and vigilant citizens.
What changes, if any, would you seek to improve public safety?
Educate the public on key issues and safety concerns through public service programs. I have been proactive in getting everyone involved in their own neighborhoods and working hand in hand with the Sheriff’s Office by reinstating the DARE program, revitalizing the Neighborhood Watch program and introducing OffenderWatch and LandTRACKER. Law enforcement can’t be everywhere all the time and depends on citizens to be watchful and helpful.
