There are three candidates running for the elected position of Clarke County sheriff — George Williamson, Rob Kovacevich and Ed Stoll.
Longtime Clarke County Sheriff Bill Kerns is retiring.
All candidates received the same Osceola Sentinel-Tribune profile questionnaire.
The election is scheduled Tuesday, Nov. 8.
Rob Kovacevich
• Tell me about yourself/background
I was raised in Rathbun, Iowa. I attended Centerville Community Schools. I am a graduate of Centerville High School, class of 1990.
After high school, I attended Indian Hills Community College. I was employed seven years for Fareway Stores in Centerville.
In 1997, I became a reserve deputy for Appanoose County Sheriff’s Office. In June 1998, I was hired by the Clarke County sheriff as a deputy sheriff. I worked as a deputy for eight years, and when Bill Kerns became sheriff, I was appointed chief deputy. That is the title I have maintained for the last 10 years.
My wife, Mary, and I have four children. I have three stepdaughters and one daughter of my own.
• Why are you running for this position?
For the last 18 years, I have worked for the citizens of Clarke County. I want to continue working for the citizens of Clarke County, and with Sheriff Kerns retiring, this is the next step in my law enforcement career. I believe with my experience and knowledge of Clarke County I am the best candidate for the sheriff position.
• What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have the knowledge of the day-to-day operations of the sheriff office. I have been involved with decision-making procedures of the sheriff office budget.
I still do the daily duties of a deputy sheriff. I patrol county roads, serve civil papers and garnishments and also do criminal investigations.
I am also a certified jailer and attend administrative jail school every year to learn new policy and procedures in the jail that is governed by the state of Iowa.
My duties also include scheduling vacations, shift changes and schooling for jailers, dispatchers and deputies. I am also involved in the hiring process for new employees at the sheriff’s office, including training new deputies and jailers.
I am very familiar with the roads of Clarke County, as well as Murray and Woodburn, and the citizens who live in the areas. This allows me to have a rapid response time if an emergency should arise.
• If elected, what goals do you have planned in relation to the position?
I want to continue giving the citizens of Clarke County the best law enforcement coverage the office can provide. I want to continue providing the citizens of Clarke County a sheriff office that they can be proud of and are not scared to call upon for any situation that arises.
If elected, I plan on keeping the Clarke County Sheriff Reserve program, as they are a valuable tool to help the office in many different aspects of the job.
The reserve deputies transport inmates and help provide security for special events in the county. The also patrol the county helping the deputies when needed.
Ed Stoll
Tell me about yourself/background.
I am a 56-year-old married father of two adult children. I live in the best spot in the world on a hill just south of town. I enjoy motorcycles, traveling, food and keeping abreast of the human condition.
Why are you running for this position?
I have determined with my skill set and desire this is the best thing I can do to make the world a better place.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have been a local certified police officer for 22 years. I have attended numerous advanced training classes. I served in the Iowa National Guard. Just as importantly, I also have spent several years in non-government employment and business. I have a wide base of experience that allows me to relate well with everyday people, as well as the law enforcement community.
If elected, what goals do you have planned in relation to the position?
My goal is to maintain a sheriff’s office that runs like a well-oiled machine. A sheriff’s office that people say they are proud to work at. A sheriff’s office that provides excellent service and protection to the citizens of Clarke County.
George Williamson
Tell me about yourself/background.
I have resided in Clarke County since my retirement in 1999. I retired as the first supervisory deputy in the U.S. Marshals Service in the state of Iowa. I oversaw the daily operations for the U.S. Marshals Service, Southern District of Iowa. I served as the supervisor of all criminal investigations, prisoner movements, special assignments and high threat trials. I supervised 12 deputy marshals and 21 court security officers daily.
I have a four-year degree and also attended additional criminal justice classes at Des Moines Community College. I have extensive law enforcement training in several areas and have assisted in teaching at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
I have served the citizens of Iowa for many years and now seek your vote to be the next Clarke County sheriff that will be dedicated to serving the citizens of Clarke County.
Why are you running for this position?
I believe that it is time for change. The sheriff’s department has now been overseen by the same party and has been passed on without a major election or any new sets of eyes to observe and make some necessary changes. I think that positive changes can be made in areas of training, procedures and general operational policies.
What makes you the best candidate for the job?
I have the needed training and what I consider the qualifications for the position of sheriff. I oversaw the daily operations for the U.S. Marshals Service, Southern District of Iowa. I served as the supervisor for the U.S Marshal’s Service for the southern half of Iowa. I have a very detailed list of training at all levels of law enforcement.
If elected, what goals do you have planned in relation to the position?
My short-term goals include the addition of more reserve deputies to help assist in the law enforcement mission. I want to bring back the “Sheriff’s Posse.” Both of these programs can be a great asset to the department and the county.
I want to seek out the most qualified individuals to make positive changes to the internal structure of the department. My long-term goals include additional training and upgrading to the most current equipment, additional personnel and providing the most cost-effective service to the citizens of Clarke County.