Two seeking sheriff nod

It will be a rematch of sorts in next week's Republican sheriff primary, as incumbent Larry "Ray" Newton Jr. faces a challenge from Brian Louth, one of two men Newton defeated to win the seat four years ago.

Louth, a 28-year veteran of the U.S. Army, ran as an Independent in 2006, finishing third behind Newton and veteran Portland officer Mark Barnett.

Newton and Louth are the only two candidates in the race so far; no Democrats have filed.

Newton, a rural Portland resident, is a 1981 graduate of Jay County High School. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1981-85, and was a reserve officer for the Portland Police Department for four years before become a full-time county deputy in 1991. He and wife Cindy have four daughters.

Louth, who grew up in northern Mercer County, Ohio (Mendon), also lives in rural Portland but is currently on involuntary active duty as an engineering instructor at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

Louth was on reserve status for about four years before being called to active duty in October 2008. He says if he is elected he would be released by the Army and allowed to serve.

He and wife Kay also have four children.

The two were interviewed separately last week by The Commercial Review, with Louth being interviewed by phone from Fort Wood.

Louth, who has been a member of the Portland Police Reserves since 1995, says he believes he can provide needed leadership with the county sheriff's department.

"Leadership starts at the top. There is a need for good leadership and that will trickle down," Louth says. "I'm not going to talk bad about Ray. I see there is a need there for more effective leadership. Budgeting, how to handle personnel. We need somebody who can focus the sheriff's department on the way we can go."

Both men say that the opening of the addition to the Jay County Jail later this year, which will more than double the jail's capacity, will be among the most important tasks facing Jay County's Sheriff in 2011 and beyond.

Newton, who successfully lobbied the commissioners for the more than $7 million project eventually approved by voters in a November 2008 referendum, says that training for new technologies and procedures will be a key to smooth operation when the expanded portion opens this fall.

And Newton, like Louth, says that the potential to house out-of-county inmates in the newly-expanded jail could help offset some of the expense.

With 100-110 beds in the new portion, and 28 beds in the current jail (set for renovation after the new jail is complete), housing non-violent offenders from other counties could "help generate revenue and offset costs," says Newton.

He says that the larger facility will also help facilitate programming such as counseling and GED programs that inmates can use to help reduce the odds of making a return trip to jail."

"We need to offer them something for once they're released ... or else they'll keep coming back," Newton says.

Louth also is looking a potential income.

"It has the potential there ... to save money, as long as the county runs (the new jail) right. Or it could be a huge cost if it's not," says Louth, who adds that housing juveniles could be a big savings, as tens of thousands of dollars are spent annually to house local juveniles out of county.

Louth also says he will restructure road deputies' approach to the job.

"I'm going to focus on sector patrols ... when he comes on duty, that's where he's going to patrol," Louth says. That will give deputies better knowledge of the area and more familiarity with what is happening.

Louth also says he will hold public meetings around the county to discuss issues of concern to residents. He says that those meetings will be held once every quarter in each town or city in the county.

Both candidates also say that battling drugs - either the illegal variety or prescription medications being abused - is a continuing challenge.

Newton, in fact, believes that the abuse of prescription medications may be the biggest drug challenge facing local law enforcement.

"We're having a lot of problems with juveniles and adults (in relation to the abuse of prescription medications). We're understaffed as far as officers (with seven road deputies and one full-time drug officer)," Newton says.

Louth also vows to fight back against those who would traffic in illegal drugs.

"I'm going to focus on ... the major crimes (such as manufacturing methamphetamine)," he says.

Both men say they are running in an effort to serve a county they care about.

"It's a great county. That's all you can say," says Louth. "Once (peole have been in Jay County, they realize it's a good community."

Newton, who worked with his father in the plumbing business for a short time, says he made the right choice.

"I feel fortunate that I love my job ... it seems like just yesterday that I started (as a deputy). I've been blessed I've had a good job," Newton says.[[In-content Ad]]