Voter Guide | Chesapeake sheriff

David K. Cahoon

Residence Chesapeake

Age 47

Education Inmate hearing officer at St. Brides Correctional Center, former Chesapeake sheriff’s deputy

Awards, affiliations “I regularly support various charities and causes with contributions and my time. I firmly believe in volunteering and helping others.”

Contact cahoonforsheriff@gmail.com, www.cahoonforsheriff.com

____

My decision to run was born from the requests I started receiving from diverse residents of Chesapeake. From citizens who contacted me and in listening to my supporters, it is evident enhanced and new programs are wanted and needed reflecting today’s environment.

I heard from past and present staff, who want protection from harassment and discrimination, real hiring and promotion procedures and standards, a grievance policy, and a fair and equitable work environment. I am honored they have put their faith in me and want me to represent them as their next sheriff. 

____

I bring a fresh perspective, without allegiance to a political party, and with a management team of highly qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds of law enforcement.

I have 21 years of experience in working in a variety of positions within the department, and have a strong desire to affect true improvements for all personnel, and lead the Sheriff’s Office with the honor and integrity for which I am already known. As sheriff I will effectively lead and serve all the people of Chesapeake, as I promise with my slogan, “Honesty, Integrity and Equal Opportunity for ALL Chesapeake Residents.

____

Overcrowding and budget cuts. Although I read just recently in another paper the incumbent has announced he looks forward to establishing programs for our youth, that is something I have been stating since April that my team and I will be doing. We firmly believe if we can mentor and be there for at-risk teens, then we may be able to prevent them from one day having to serve time. As a cost-cutting measure, I plan to reduce the number of take-home cars, which will reduce that expense and lessen the liability risk for Chesapeake.

John R. Newhart

Residence Chesapeake

Education Great Bridge High School and Tidewater Community College

Occupation Chesapeake sheriff since 1970

Awards, affiliations Past winner of Chesapeake’s First Citizen, 1997, National Sheriff of the Year, past president of Virginia State Sheriff’s Association, past chairman of Chesapeake Jubilee, 2008 state director of Virginia Special Olympics Torch Run. For more of Newhart’s experience, visit the Web site below.

Contact (757) 270-0987, info@johnnewhart.com, www.johnnewhart.com

____

I thoroughly enjoy being the Sheriff of Chesapeake. It is my honor and privilege to serve the citizens of this great city and want to continue in this role. I have established many successful programs that benefit the residents of Chesapeake and look forward to working with all citizens to make our city a better place.

____

I bring effective leadership and experience to the sheriff’s office. I have invaluable experience in my current role and have proven my strength as a proactive and strong leader. The sheriff’s office has developed under my leadership from a small law enforcement agency to a fully accredited agency with over 400 trained professionals. We saved over 1 million dollars in last fiscal year’s budget after facing reductions in City and State funding.

____

Funding is a current issue and will continue to be a challenge into the future. We must continue to find innovative ways to maintain our high level of service while reducing our overall expenditures without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. Another challenge will be the overcrowding of the correctional center and the impact of recidivism. Our facility is rated for 543 inmates but we currently have an inmate population of over 1,000. We must continue to provide inmate programs to aid in the reduction of recidivism and look at efficient and effective means of incarceration.