Sheriff Candidates Say Their Piece

The statewide primary election is Tuesday, May 10, and polls will be open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Kimball.

In the primary, voters registered as Republicans vote for the Republican candidates and registered Democrats vote for the Democratic candidates.

In Kimball County, two individuals are running as Republicans in the sheriff's race, and only one will advance past the primary to the November election. The two candidates are incumbent Harry Gillway and challenger David Hottell. No Democrats seek the office.

The Observer asked both candidates questions to inform the readers about the upcoming sheriff's race. Their answers are included in this report.

– Daria Anderson-Faden

Harry Gillway

Briefly provide some details about your experience, organizations that you belong to in the Kimball area and why you want to be elected sheriff?

I've been your sheriff for the last fourteen years and have over 20 years as law enforcement manager in other agencies. I have also served our country as a Senior Police Advisor, Station Commander, Joint Terrorism Task Force Investigator and Counter-Intelligence Team Lead (helping to keep our soldiers safe in Iraq, a job I'm extremely proud of). Further, I also served as an Adviser/Trainer for Defense Support of Civilian Authority (DSCA) with U.S. Army NORTHCOM. 

I have extensive law enforcement training in Management (certified) and Supervision (certified) to include: The National Command College and thousands of hours of other law enforcement and emergency management training. I'm a member of the Kimball First Baptist Church, the National Eagle Scout Association and former chairman of Longs Peak Council of the Boy Scouts of America for the area.  I also sit on the Executive Board of "Healing the Wounds" for children of fallen heroes. 

I feel the Lord is telling me my job here isn't complete.  Kimball County is on the cusp of big changes and I feel I need to be the one to usher in these changes.  I've already started working with the Air Force and Northrup Grumman on the future rebuild of the missile field.  In the last fourteen years I've worked to build a trust with the Air Force and the residents of Kimball County.

What in your opinion is the number one crime related issue that needs an immediate plan of action from the next sheriff?

I feel the best plan is effective law enforcement patrol to prevent crime.  In the last year, we've seen an increase in property crimes in the county. While there are more serious crimes, such as distribution of drugs, we have a great and effective drug task force.  With that said, drug abusers often target farmers and ranchers.  Several years ago, we were able to virtually stop wire thefts by having an effective patrol and seeing the arrest of the prime suspect, who ended up in the state prison system. 

What other issues related to the job do you consider important?

The next sheriff will need to have the experience to manage a budget and plan for the future to save taxpayers money.  There is no doubt as the population increases so will crime, it's simple statistics.  The goal of the sheriff is to prevent crime but to do so within a budget.  I have a plan to increase services incrementally; so as the population swells it won't be a burden to the taxpayers. 

Where do you and your immediate family live?

My wife and I live here in Kimball, as many of you know.  My kids did what most do after college, moved away.  I have two kids living in the Omaha area and two who live out of state, pursuing their careers.