By Rupert Howell

Phillip W. “Phil” Herron is the first to throw his hat into the ring as a candidate for Panola County sheriff although the qualifying date for the special election won’t officially begin until January 1 for the November  2010 election.

Herron will be running to fill the un-expired term of late Sheriff Hugh Wayne “Shot” Bright, who died September 27.

Panola County supervisors appointed then-Chief Deputy Otis Griffin in October to serve as interim sheriff until an election could be held.

Although many names of possible candidates are floating around, Herron is the first to publish that he is definitely running for office.

In his official announcement through this newspaper, Herron cites “… a needed change of direction in the enforcement of laws regarding drug use and dope dealers.”

Herron grew up in the Eureka community, attended Batesville High School and Mississippi State University before serving in the U.S. Navy. He has since been involved in farming and the trucking business.

Along with 10 pledges to the public in his statement (published on page A9 ) of candidacy, Herron notes, Panola County has long history of electing non-law enforcement citizens to the office of sheriff.

“Just as our military is led by a civilian, Panola County voters have usually chosen a civilian to guide the sheriff’s department. You have shown you want a sheriff that sees things the way you do–that will respond to your concerns with diligence,” Herron stated.

“Like you, we (he and his wife Janet) have a vested interest  in seeing crime reduced in Panola County. Acting together we can put an end to the epidemic of drug use, DUI, reckless driving, assaults and shooting that are endangering our families,” Herron said.