As of Saturday, October 27, 2012
© Copyright 2013
Rockdale Citizen
CONYERS -- With some 20 years of law enforcement experience, Eric Levett said he'd long planned to run for sheriff of Rockdale County at some point, but the change in demographics in his home county made him decide the time to run is now.
"I set a goal many years ago that I wanted to run for sheriff," said Levett, who serves as a sergeant for the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office. "And after monitoring the numbers and seeing a dramatic change in Rockdale County, I decided to run sooner than later. So basically, I'm just pursuing my goal sooner than I originally anticipated."
Levett, a Democrat, will face Republican incumbent Sheriff Jeff Wigington in November's general election. In late July, Levett defeated Donald Ferguson in the Democratic Primary, carrying 57 percent of the vote.
While the demographic profile of the county has changed in the last several years, Levett said he wasn't centering his campaign on race, but rather on unity.
"We do have more Hispanics and blacks in Rockdale County and it's not really about race -- it's about who's going to get out here in the community and work with everyone and unite everyone," he said. "I'm a one-on-one type of man, a community man and a physical man, so I like to get out here and mingle with people, and I don't think our sheriff is doing that a whole lot. If he was, people wouldn't say, 'Who is the sheriff?'"
Levett, whose law enforcement dossier includes involvement with the sheriff's office's Explorer Program while still in high school, said he wants to make sensitivity and diversity a major plank in his public-safety platform.
"The main things I'm hearing while campaigning is deputies and employees being rude, and people seem to think that a lot of our deputies are profiling," he said. "I don't necessarily believe our deputies are doing any profiling, at the same time, I think it is something we need to monitor. That's one of the reasons why I want to make sure we increase our training in sensitivity and diversity.
"Another thing is, people just want to see a change. I'm hearing a lot of people saying the sheriff's position should be term-limited and that the sheriff has been in office long enough and it's time for a change."
Educated in the Rockdale County School System and currently pursuing a degree in criminal justice from Thomas University, Levett added that if elected he intends to resume holding town hall meetings in the community.
"My platform is safety, accountability and professionalism," he said. "The safety of the citizens and the safety of the deputies are my top priorities. As far as changes, I want to continue to use every available resource, improvement and technique to combat crime here.
"I want to hold town hall meets in various districts in the county. I think there are a large number of people who have said they'd attend town hall meetings. The sheriff said at one of the forums that it's been tried before and it didn't work. I believe because of the changes that have come to Rockdale County I can bring those folks together."
Levett also said that if elected, he'll install a chief deputy, and he believes he can achieve this change without straining the office's budget.
"I would like to bring a chief deputy on board, which I think provides good checks and balances," he said. "Most agencies have a chief deputy or an assistant chief or a colonel or a deputy chief. When you're out in training or are out sick, it's good to have a second-in-command. I'm not choosing a chief deputy to run the agency for me because I'm not capable of doing it; I'm choosing a chief deputy to make sure we're running a professional agency that brings good checks and balances."
He added that while he doesn't have Wigington's experience as sheriff, Wigington didn't have that seasoning when he was first elected either.
"I don't have the sheriff's experience, but no one who is elected as sheriff goes in with sheriff's experience," he said. "When elected, you attend a four-week sheriff's academy and then you begin serving in that capacity, which is where you gain your experience."
After graduating from high school, Levett began his law enforcement career as a communications officer at the Rockdale E-911 Center and he joined the RCSO as a detention deputy in 1993. Upon attending the Fulton County Police Academy, he was assigned to the Uniform Division in 1994, and he has also worked for the Stone Mountain Park Police Department, the Lake City Police Department and the Conyers Housing Authority. He's been back with the RCSO since 2002.
"I want the citizens to understand that I have a plan for the county to take them forward for the next four years and I'm not going in to cost them any more money," he said. "Their safety and the safety of the deputies are my priorities. And I hope they elect me as their next sheriff."
For more information, visit www.levettforsheriff.com.
More like this story
- Levett to run for Rockdale sheriff ( March 12, 2012 )
- Wigington, Levett field questions at forum ( September 19, 2012 )
- Ferguson blames loss on crossover voting ( August 2, 2012 )
- Sheriff's race too close to call ( November 6, 2012 )
- Sheriff finds no fault in traffic stop of opponent's ex-wife ( April 18, 2012 )
Comments
ClaytonBigsby 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Did I really just read that? Did this guy, at the same time he's spouting the used up "unite..." phrase, actually admit that he's basing his chance for election on "demographics"? Does he really expect that folks are THAT interested in the skin color of a candidate? I'm sure plenty are, but why not tell us why you're the best man for the job, instead of admitting that you assume the citizenry is so hung up on race that you can get elected once the "numbers" are there.
Oh yeah, and the ever popular "profiling" thing...geez.
Once again, the "vote for me because I'm black" thing. We deserve better than these crass, lowbrow, race based appeals for votes.
johnq123 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Mr Levett states the change in demographics made him decide to run for offc sooner. Will someone explain to me how demographic shapes one's intention. I am of the opinion that training, qualification,managerial skills,communication skills, leadership, a supportive group of people and most of all the heart and desire to serve , would be the basis for public or private service...
Hmmmmmm !
Frustrated 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Even though Levette says this is not about race, he has made it that way. His own words "And after monitoring the numbers and seeing a dramatic change in Rockdale County, I decided to run sooner than later." I have said it before and I will say it again, I know Levette but cannot support him because I dont think he has what it takes to run the Sheriff's Office. Wiggington has proven himself. Even though some people dont agree with his management, he has brought the Department a long way.
BrentLuNae 6 months, 3 weeks ago
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I said it before and I say it again, look at crime in the other surrounding counties compared to Rockdale. I feel safe in my home and my neighorhood. Let's keep it that way. Vote for Wigington.
Elmo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
REBUTTAL QUESTIONS:
..."but the change in demographics in his home county made him decide the time to run is now."; "...after monitoring the numbers and seeing a dramatic change in Rockdale County, I decided to run sooner than later."
So, are you saying that your main motive for running for Sheriff is the fact that the demographics have changed in your favor?
"Levett said he wasn't centering his campaign on race, but rather on unity....
Didn't you already say that you decided to run now because of the shift in the racial makeup of Rockdale.
"...it's about who's going to get out here in the community and work with everyone and unite everyone,"
"Unite"? Since when did the office of "sheriff" get to be unifying the populace? Isn't a Sheriff's job to protect the public and fight crime?
"...he wants to make sensitivity and diversity a major plank in his public-safety platform."
Do you really think the thugs who are committing crimes here give a tinker's da*n about "sensitivity"? And, what exactly is it about Rockdale County that is NOT diverse enough for you?
"...people seem to think that a lot of our deputies are profiling..."
Is this really a major probelm, or just a personal crusade?
"...I'm hearing a lot of people saying the sheriff's position should be term-limited...."
If you get elected, would you STILL be for "term limits"?
"I want to hold town hall meets in various districts in the county. .
Exactly why do you think that is the job of a Sheriff?
"...I would like to bring a chief deputy on board...,
Wouldn't it be more economically viable to just keep the current Sheriff, who seems to be doing just find without a "chief deputy"?
"He added that while he doesn't have I have a plan for the county to take them FORWARD?"
Forward? Really? Are you, too, going to use that old leftover slogan from 1940's Germany?
SUMMARY There is very little mention of fighting crime and protecting citizens from this candidate. All the comments lead to the fact that he is focused on "organizing the community", and he is capitalizing on the fact that the current county demographics give him a better chance to win.
SAVE ROCKDALE...VOTE FOR WIGGINTON!
Zo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Please post: Levette I can't believe you knocked the better candidate out the race, Ferguson, so you can do this "NOTHING". I can't wait to see what you got out the deal for giving your partner, Wiggington, the SURE WIN. SMH
Frustrated 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Obviously if Levette knocked Feruson out of the race the beter of the two DID win. It just amazes me how some people hold on to things they cannot change.
Zo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Please post...No, NO the better didn't win...the crossover game to help Levette bet Ferguson won. Because all were afraid that Ferguson would beat Wiggington, so y'all supported this Levett guy. Also, my confirmation that Levett really had no support is by this article where are all the supporters for Levett? I think I ONLY read one positive comment. Go back and read all the artciles and comments when it was Levett & Ferguson(hundreds commented) now Levett only has1 positive comment. Whatever car Levett was promised by running to get Ferguson out was worth it. You don't get better by running off the competition in cowardly game off voter crossover movement. You pull up up your pants and prove you the better choice. PLEASE POST
Lorenzo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Let me explain this to you Zo so that you can crawl back under your rock and we don't have to hear from you for 4 more years. In a situation where the choice is Eric Levett or Donald Ferguson it is going be Levett every time. Ferguson has no patrol experience, he is an obvious racist and he does not have Rockdale County's best interests at heart. He has Ferguson's best interests at heart. Get it now? Find a new horse to ride. Not only is the one your riding dead, but it's beginning to stink!!
Zo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
You not on my level yet to get feedback. Ask the likes of Emo, Frus, & others to cut & paste your comment and then I'll respond.
Lorenzo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Wow, I really didn't expect this of Levett. He didn't use the race card he used a race club!! Sensitivity and diversity? More sensitive cops? I'm sure the criminals are all for that. Anything that will give them an advantage whether they are committing a crime or trying to get off with a wrist slap in court. Profiling? Sheriff Wigington already stated to the public that he is against drug interdiction because he is afraid it leads to profiling. The people that break into our houses, steal from our cars, sell drugs to our children and otherwise make our community a tougher place to live in want senior law enforcement leadership that are thinking like this. Levett has let his mind be poisoned by the likes of Oden, Nesbitt, Aten and the rest of the Rockdale Democratic crew. Too bad.
Clark 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Well though I had decided on Wigington months (years really) ago, this lets me vote with no regrets whatsoever.
maryinga 6 months, 3 weeks ago
I have never heard anyone ask who is our sheriff.....unless they are new to the area! Jeff is doing a good job.....it's not easy for what he is doing. Maybe if parents would start at home to teach their children right from wrong then we wouldn't have the problems that we are having. And as for running for race, why state that Rockdale is more Hispanics and blacks than white? Yep, not a race problem is there!!
DestinyInRockdale 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Pitiful, just pitiful! Funny how Wigginton has been sugar coated. Its ok, the people that really know Jeff & what he's REALLY about knows the exact reason Levett should win. Nov 6 will tell the tell... no need to politic!
Elmo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
November 6th will tell the TALE.
Southside 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Cut him some slack, Elmo. If he doesn't know tail from tale why tell him?
Elmo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
You make an excellent point Southside, but it goes to credibility.
Sookie 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Love the Levett family. They are home town, old Rockdale like most of us who have lived our entire lives here. They are unlike the Ferguson's and such that usually run Democrat in Rockdale. That being said, I still believe it's important to vote for Wigington, he's done a great job. We need to get out there and vote for Hill also. Go vote early.
Outcry 6 months, 3 weeks ago
I believe that Levett has an honest desire to help his community. He's from here, sees whats going on, and just wants to offer his own solution. The very problem that most of you complain about and are scared of(section 8, unruly residents, etc), he wants to face those as well. He's not running the "Vote for me 'cause I'm black" ticket! He's simply stating that our county has changed and needs repair. This is a great candidate who has put in his time and work for this county. He loves this county/city just as much as all of you do! He certainly has my support!
Elmo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
I just love these media wannabes who try to tell us what he "meant" to say, when we read and heard his words for ourselves.
Frustrated 6 months, 3 weeks ago
"And after monitoring the numbers and seeing a dramatic change in Rockdale County, I decided to run sooner than later." Sounds like playing the race card. I think Levette said earlier he had a desire to be the county's first "black sheriff". Why not just say he had a desire to be Sheriff?
sls 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Your racism is showing,
Elmo 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Only to those who have run out of arguments...
ClaytonBigsby 6 months, 3 weeks ago
I didn't know Sheriff Wigington was against drug interdiction.
Sundance 6 months, 3 weeks ago
I have been stopped a few times and talked to deputies who were working accidents and even roadblocks. I have never had a deputy be rude to me. They have responded to calls on my street a few times and were always polite. If anyone is complaining about police or sherriff, they are probably cop-haters and raising their kids to be the same.
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