Allen Simmons – Vance Co. Sheriff Candidate Q&A
Allen Simmons, a veteran of the Henderson Police Department, will run as an unaffiliated candidate for Sheriff of Vance County in the November 6th general election, facing opponents Curtis Brame (Dem) and Charles Pulley (Rep).
Simmons received the signatures of 1,424 qualified Vance County voters, several hundred more than the required 1,189 needed to have his name added to the ballot.
The Vance County Board of Elections has verified that he has met the requirements to run as an unaffiliated candidate for November’s election.
Below are Simmons’ responses to the same five questions that WIZS asked the other candidates for Vance County Sheriff.
Name: Allen Simmons
Candidate For: Vance County Sheriff
Age: 42
Town of Residence: Henderson
Previous position(s) held: Criminal Investigator/Sr. Patrol Officer
Degrees/Certifications Earned: Organizational Management Degree/Saint Augustine’s College
Advance Law Enforcement Certification; Law Enforcement/Coned/Dignitary Protection; Under Cover Officer; Field Training Officer Certification; First Line Supervision/Management Course; Crime Scene Technician Training; Advanced Criminal Investigations Training; Police Law Institute Certification; Interpersonal Skills and Diversity Training; Computer Skills; Officer Survival; Cultural Diversity; Informant Management; Domestic Terrorism: Prevention; Law Enforcement Bike Patrol; Critical Incident; Rapid Deployment; Club and Rave Drug; Pharmaceutical Drug Diversion Investigation; Combat Firearm Drills; Basic SWAT Tactics; Basic Tactical Ballistic Shields; SWAT Operator: (Dynamic Entry, Room Clearing, Holster Familiarization, Suspect Encounter, Team Building, Equipment Familiarization); Tactical Challenge Training; Basic Urban Rifle; Conducting Internal Affairs Investigation; Defensive Tactics; Basic Incident Command; Domestic Violence Response Training; Homicide Investigation; Homicide/Cold Case Review; North Carolina Homicide Association; Homicide Investigation & Crime Scene Management
Endorsements: Sheriff Thomas Breedlove, Tommie Breedlove, Bishop Brenda Peace, Pastor John Miles, Tommie Haithcock and Jameel Williams
What motivated you to run for Vance County Sheriff?
The current alarming violent criminal acts and economic situation in Vance County have motivated me to run for Sheriff. I have teenage children who are beginning to move towards adulthood, and I want them to be proud of Vance County, to be excited to live here and be able to earn a good living working in this county. But, I just don’t want this for my kids, I want this opportunity to be available to all citizens of this community. So, I am motivated to run for Sheriff because I’m personally invested in the future of Vance County.
What distinguishes you from other candidates?
I’m the only candidate in the race who has the combination of education, training, and experience to turn the crime rate around. I have a well-developed platform, and I have identified key individuals who will help me implement my plans.
Also, I have a strong relationship with the Henderson Police Department command staff, state and federal agencies, and community leaders. I will build an effective team and unify everyone on the goal of stopping the senseless killings and attacking the destructive heroin drug dealing that is taking so many lives from our community.
What do you believe is the single most important skill to possess in order to be a successful sheriff?
The single most important skill a successful Sheriff should have is the ability to communicate with the citizens. As I campaign for Sheriff, I will let everyone know that I am available for them to reach out to speak to me no matter the situation. I will never make a promise I can’t keep, and I will be fair and allow the citizens to voice their concerns. I will have quarterly forums in coordination with the community watch groups and I will use social media to get important information to keep the public informed.
If elected, would you keep the Sheriff’s department moving along its current path or change the course?
As Sheriff of Vance County, I plan on building on all the positive changes Sheriff White has made and implementing 21st Century law enforcement strategies to keep the citizens safe and provide effective law enforcement practices.
What do you believe is the biggest concern facing Vance County today and what would you do as Sheriff to address that concern?
The biggest concern facing Vance County is the rampant drug problems and violence and death associated with them. If elected, as soon as I am sworn in as Sheriff, I will call the Chief of Police in Henderson and schedule a meeting and we will work together to attack these problems.
I’m also going to collaborate with the substance abuse treatment providers and coordinate with them to bring a treatment program to the Vance County Jail. Those arrested and brought to the jail need substance abuse consideration, as their dependence on drugs may be a contributing cause of their criminal actions.
The photo accompanying this article provided by Allen Simmons.
Former Educator Elissa Yount Shares Thoughts on Teachers’ Rally
Elissa Yount, a long-serving Vance County educator and former Henderson City Council member, was on Tuesday’s Town Talk to discuss, among other issues, today’s teachers’ rally in downtown Raleigh.
Thousands of teachers from across the state marched through the Capitol this afternoon to lobby lawmakers for increased funding for education.
Many school districts, including Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren counties, were closed today due to the number of staff participating in the rally. All four counties declared the day an optional workday for teachers.
In response to the controversy surrounding today’s rally, Yount believes that teachers need their voices heard and this is the right time to do it. “Teachers never want to cause turbulence or upset,” said Yount. “This rally is really not about politics, but policies that run our schools.”
Yount provided dismaying statistics about NC Public Schools including the state’s designation as 39th in the nation in per-pupil spending and an estimated $8 billion need for school repair and construction.
“People say it’s awful to miss a day of instruction. I say it’s far more awful to spend an entire school year with few supplies and materials and in bad buildings,” Yount said. “One day compared to that does not a good argument make.”
Yount believes additional funding for education is especially essential for Vance County where over half of the children live in poverty. “We are a Tier One county. I’d like to see a nurse and a social worker in every school and additional guidance counselors,” said Yount. “If a Tier One county doesn’t need those things, I’m not sure who does.”
Yount explained that investing in education today pays large dividends in the future, “When our children are properly cared for and educated, it’s good for all of us now and way down the road.”
In addition to increased funding for materials and supplies, teachers are also rallying for better salaries.
“Our teachers are constantly asked to do more with less and are making nine percent less than they made 10 years ago when you adjust for inflation,” said Yount.
Yount cited recent benefit cuts to state employees including the loss of guaranteed health insurance for retirees who worked 20+ years, loss of longevity pay and loss of additional pay for receiving a master’s degree.
“I know from personal experience that inspiration, motivation and the calling to teach will not feed a teacher’s family or educate their own children. We [teachers] work for low pay for the promise of future benefits and those benefits have been removed.”
Yount informed the listening audience that raising taxes should not be necessary to increase educational spending due to “a huge surplus in the State.”
When asked how educators got to the point that a rally seemed necessary to lobby for increased educational spending, Yount replied, “Some people just don’t believe in public education. Some think private schools, charter schools and vouchers are the way to go. Some in the legislature are really moved by private education and want to make it a business rather than a service to the people.”
To sum up her thoughts on the matter, Yount explained, “If teachers were confident that there was respect for their profession and that it was a priority to lawmakers, then there would be no need to have a rally.”
Granville’s First Alive After Five of 2018 Rescheduled
— courtesy Granville County Chamber of Commerce | Ginnie Currin, Executive Director ~ 919-693-6125 ~ ginnie@granville-chamber.com
Regretfully, this past Thursday evening’s storm began in Oxford just prior to us beginning our first Alive After Five event of 2018. There was simply no way to have the event that night.
The Granville County Chamber of Commerce was waiting to confirm with the band, “Gary Lowder and Smokin’ Hot” a re-schedule date.
Please mark Thursday, July 26, 2018, on your calendars as the rescheduled date. This is the first open date – and the last open date for a couple of months – that the band has to return as our entertainers.
The Chamber appreciates your patience and support. We look forward to seeing you at this first AA5 of 2018, in downtown Oxford’s parking lot at Littlejohn and Gilliam Streets, to celebrate our 15thAnniversary! Please help us pass the word!
(This is not a paid advertisement)
“Meet and Greet” Events Scheduled for New Vance Co. Middle and High School Principals
-Press Release, Vance County Schools
Vance County Schools will host “Meet and Greet” events for our new principals at Vance County Middle School and Vance County High School.
The events are designed to provide opportunities for everyone in our community to meet and talk with the principals who will lead these new schools for the 2018-2019 school year.
A “Meet and Greet” is scheduled with new Vance County Middle School Principal Heddie Somerville on Wednesday, May 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the media center at Northern Vance High School, which will be the site for the new school. Mrs. Somerville will be on hand to talk with all parents, students and community members.
A “Meet and Greet” with new Vance County High School Principal Rey Horner is scheduled for Wednesday, May 30, from 5 to 6 p.m. in the cafeteria at Southern Vance High School, the site of the new school. Parents, students and community members are urged to attend to meet Mr. Horner.
These events are open to all members of the local community.
VGCC Plans Science Camp for Middle School Students
-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College
Registration ends on Friday, May 18, for the 2018 edition of Vance-Granville Community College’s Science Camp for local middle school students. The camp will be held Monday through Friday, June 11-15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on the college’s Main Campus in Vance County.
Rising sixth, seventh and eighth-graders from Franklin, Granville, Vance and Warren counties are invited to participate in the week-long camp, now in its eighth year.
Sessions will be taught by faculty members from the VGCC Science Department and other college programs.
Above: Middle School students who attended the 2017 Science Camp work with VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady to conduct an experiment using red cabbage during a session on chemistry. (VGCC photo)
“We encourage young people in our service area to take advantage of this great opportunity to explore the world of science,” said VGCC Science Department Chair Steve McGrady. “We will have fun, hands-on activities that involve various sciences and allow campers to explore STEM career fields such as biotechnology, electronics and pharmacy. Our outstanding VGCC faculty members collaborate each year to make this a learning experience that is unlike anything available in our four-county area.”
The cost to attend the camp is $125, which includes lunch each day and a camp T-shirt.
Parents can now register their campers online at www.vgcc.edu/camps. For more information, contact Steve McGrady at (252) 738-3339 or mcgradys@vgcc.edu.
Granville Co. Board of Education to Meet Fri., May 18
-Information courtesy Dywanda Pettaway, Clerk to Board of Education, Granville County
The Granville County Board of Education will meet in a called session Friday, May 18, 2018, at the Vance-Granville Community College Civic Center at 200 Community College Rd, Henderson, North Carolina at 6:30 p.m.
The purpose of the meeting will be to review and approve bids for HVAC Improvements to Butner-Stem Elementary School and Creedmoor Elementary School.
Hurricane Season Begins June 1 – Are You Prepared?
-Press Release, Brian K. Short, Director of Emergency Operations, Henderson-Vance County Emergency Operations
The week of May 13 through May 19 has been designated as Hurricane Preparedness Week in North Carolina for 2018.
The Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1 of each year and ends on November 30. Though the official start of the season has not yet arrived, we already have activity in the Caribbean. The Vance County Office of Emergency Operations wants to make sure that you and your family are prepared for whatever this season brings our way.
Each year, Dr. William Gray and his team at Colorado State University produce a report that contains information on the projected outlook for the upcoming season. This year is forecast to be an average to slightly above average year according to Hurricane Experts.
The Atlantic Basin Seasonal Hurricane Forecast for 2018 is as follows:
Number of Named Storms: 14
Number of Hurricanes: 7
Number of Major Hurricanes (Category 3 or higher): 3
“The time to prepare is now, well out in front of peak hurricane season.” Keep in mind that communities and individuals are expected to be self-sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours (3 days) following the impact of a hurricane. “If the impact is severe enough, it may potentially take outside help three (3) days to get here,” Short said. “By taking the time to gather up a few basic necessities now, you will enable your family to weather the storm and the aftermath until help can arrive.”
For more information about how you and your family can prepare for severe weather visit the National Weather Service website at https://www.erh.noaa.gov/rah/ or visit our state site for emergency information including severe weather preparedness: https://readync.org/EN/Index.html.
2018 Tropical Storm names for the Atlantic Region include Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Debby, Ernesto, Florence, Gordon, Helene, Issac, Joyce, Kirk, Leslie, Michael, Nadine, Oscar, Patty, Rafael, Sara, Tony, Valerie and William.
Recommended Family Preparedness Items
The best time to assemble a three-day emergency supply kit is well before you will ever need it. Most people already have these items around the house and it is a matter of assembling them now before an evacuation or State of Emergency order is issued.
Start with an easy to carry, watertight container – a large plastic trash can will do, or line a sturdy cardboard box with a couple of trash bags. Next, gather up the following items and place them in your kit:
Essentials Water – 1 gallon per person per day (a week’s supply of water is preferable) Water purification kit or bleach First aid kit and first aid book Pre-cooked, non-perishable foods, such as canned meats, granola bars, instant soup & cereals, etc. Baby supplies: formula, bottle, pacifier, soap, baby powder, clothing, blankets, baby wipes, disposable diapers, canned food and juices Non-electric can opener Anti-bacterial hand wipes or gel Blanket or sleeping bag per person Portable radio or portable TV and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries Essential medications Extra pair of eyeglasses Extra house and car keys Fire extinguisher – ABC-type Food, water, leash and carrier for pets Cash and change Seasonal change of clothing, including sturdy shoes Large plastic trash bags for waste, tarps and rain ponchos Large trash cans Bar soap and liquid detergent Shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrushes Feminine hygiene supplies Toilet paper Household bleach Rubber gloves
Stocking up now on emergency supplies can add to your family’s safety and comfort during and after a disaster. Store enough supplies for at least three days, preferably seven days, in one place.