by Kevin Lilly
Cass County Coroner George Franklin has announced his candidacy for sheriff.
Franklin, 51, has lived in Cass County since the age of 3. He is a Republican, a 21-year veteran of the Logansport Police Department and father of four children. He and his wife, DeeDee, have been considering the decision for him to run for sheriff the past four years.
“We just decided now is the right time to do it,” Franklin said.
If elected, Franklin promises to tackle issues of jail overpopulation and the high turnover rate for jail correctional officers, as well as seek ways to supplement the sheriff’s department’s budget and consider putting a police motorcycle on the streets to reduce fuel consumption.
Franklin, a two-time VFW police officer of the year, says his four years on the Logansport city council will go a long way toward handling the sheriff department’s budget in a time where cuts are expected.
Franklin’s law enforcement experience has provided him with insight into reducing the crime rate. For example, he would attempt to make deputies more visible in the community because police presence is one of the best crime deterrents, he said.
“I think that I am qualified. I am a good people person. I enjoy working with people and being around people. I am open minded. And, I think all those things are qualities that will lead to me being a good sheriff,” Franklin said.
On his free time, Franklin enjoys spending time with family, working in the garden and taking the occasional fishing trip.
If elected, Franklin must resign as coroner. The Republican party would appoint his replacement.
Franklin’s announcement brings the number of candidates running for sheriff in 2010 to two. Last month, Maj. Mike Day of the Cass County Sheriff’s Department declared his candidacy.
At least three other Cass County residents are reportedly seeking the sheriff’s nomination in the May Republican primary.
• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.
