In The News
------- May 21, 2008 -------
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jimmy Brazelle
803-269-4394, jimmy@brazelleforsheriff.com
Brazelle Questions Sheriff Metts’ Campaign Donations
Republican candidate for Lexington County Sheriff, Jimmy Brazelle,
says he is concerned about the morale and effective supervision
issues at the Sheriff Department after confirming earlier reports deputies
were being required to donate to Sheriff Metts’ re-election campaign,
“I had been receiving reports since last fall, that deputies were advised
to donate at least $500, if they held the rank of Captain
or higher and at least $100, if they were below the rank of Captain” Brazelle said.
Brazelle recently confirmed, through Metts’ Candidate Campaign Disclosure Report,
that at least 33 deputies donated to Metts’ campaign,
with 16 of them donating $500 to $1,000 individually and the balance donating
between $125 and $300. According to Brazelle,
“How do you effectively discipline or handle promotions for an employee,
who has provided money to help you stay in office?
According to Sheriff Metts’ October 11, 2007 Campaign Disclosure Report,
slightly over $13,000 in additional unitemized donations were received.
These are donations of $100 or less and are not required to be individually
itemized on the report.
Brazelle stated, “As Sheriff, deputies will not be allowed to donate to
my campaign or to work on my campaign, even when off duty. Their job
is to protect and serve the citizens of Lexington County.”
------------------------------------ For Immediate Release
Contact: Jimmy Brazelle
803-269-4394, jimmy@brazelleforsheriff.com
Jimmy Brazelle Photo Attached
Jimmy Brazelle Candidate for Lexington County Sheriff
In June 10th Republican Primary
Lexington, SC – Jimmy Brazelle, a retired law enforcement officer with twenty years experience, will run for Lexington County Sheriff as a Republican.
“Our first priority will be deputies on the street, not behind a desk," said Brazelle. "We need to give Lexington County back to the citizens."
As Sheriff, Brazelle will work to improve neighborhoods and communities. To begin the process he believes the entire Sheriff's department staff should take part in a strategic plan to address the causes of crime; whether drugs, gangs, domestic violence, etc. The strategic plan will better engage the Department to partner with citizens and community groups in reducing criminal activity. With fewer crimes, Brazelle believes deputies will be able to respond quicker to citizen calls.
Brazelle also plans to implement a character development training program and lead by example to improve the character, integrity and morale of the Sheriff’s Department.
"I see a future Sheriff's Department where tax dollars are used wisely and where all residents are served equally," said Brazelle.
Brazelle began his law enforcement career at The University of South Carolina Police Department and also worked for West Columbia Police Department, Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, SC Wildlife and Marine Resources Department and the SC Department of Corrections. His twenty years experience includes 18 years of conducting criminal investigations, mainly homicide, white collar and fraud investigations. Since 2001, Brazelle has been a Program Director for The Cooperative Ministry in Columbia, which serves families and individuals in need in the Midlands.
Brazelle has a master’s degree in Organizational Management and a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Central Wesleyan College. He has held management positions in both law enforcement and business organizations - totaling nearly 30 years of leading people.
Brazelle was raised in Richland County and has lived in Lexington County since 1971. He is married to Susan Chalk and has 6 children and 4 grandchildren.
Contact Brazelle through the campaign website, brazelleforsheriff.com, or by phone at 269-4394 to discuss any issues or concerns.