CANYON CITY — After four years on the job, Grant County Sheriff Todd McKinley is seeking a second term in office — but he’ll have to fend off a spirited challenge from Scott Moore, a former Grant County deputy and John Day police sergeant, if he wants to keep his star.

The Grant County Sheriff’s Office has an annual budget of $2.76 million. The office has a patrol division, a corrections division (which runs the county jail) and a civil deputy, whose job involves serving subpoenas and other court orders. The sheriff’s office also oversees the county’s volunteer search and rescue team.

The base salary for the sheriff’s position is $87,540 annually.

The Blue Mountain Eagle sent questionnaires to both candidates asking for biographical information and a short statement about why they were running for office. We also asked them to identify the top three issues facing the sheriff’s office and explain how they would address those challenges.

Here are their responses, arranged in alphabetical order:

Todd McKinley

AGE: 52

OCCUPATION: Grant County Sheriff

EDUCATION: High School Diploma, some College Credits, over 2200 hours of documented Law Enforcement training in various fields.

EXPERIENCE: For Grant County since 1999, I have served as a Reserve Deputy, School Resource Officer, Patrol Deputy, Search and Rescue Coordinator, Undersheriff, Community Corrections Director, and Elected Sheriff. I have served on the Mt. Vernon Rural and City Fire Departments since 1988, and have served on the John Day Rural Fire Board.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT: I am running for the office of Sheriff to continue bringing the people the service they require and making it the best it can be. I believe in the next four years, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office will continue to thrive, and be an agency the people can be proud of.

ON THE ISSUES:

• Finances: A Sheriff’s Office is not structured to be a revenue generator. To that end, and with laws in the state being what they are, it has been difficult to secure bed rentals at the jail to offset costs. Laws are changing and I foresee a change in the need for bed space coming.

• Substance abuse: Addiction is a major crisis that has touched most all lives in Grant County. I have worked diligently as your Sheriff to get the law changed in Oregon to re-criminalize drug possession. As of Sept. 1, possession of certain drugs became a crime again.

• Mental health: The mental health crisis can be seen in Grant County and it is a difficult thing. Our Deputies respond to, deal with, then refer individuals to the appropriate resources. Deputies receive skills in Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) and it makes a difference every day.

Scott Moore

AGE: 53

OCCUPATION: Public Works Foreman

EXPERIENCE: Scott Moore has been a certified police officer since 2009.

Law enforcement positions have included: Grant County Reserve Deputy, Grant County Sheriff Deputy, John Day City Police Officer, and John Day City Police Sergeant.

Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Intermediate Certification.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT/ON THE ISSUES: The top challenges for the Grant County Sheriff’s Office include the need for clear communication, effective resource utilization, delegation, and strengthening community partnerships. As a local rancher and family man, I’m deeply connected to our community. In-person engagement with residents ensures approachability and trustworthiness. True community policing means being visible in every corner of Grant County. Sufficient coverage and sense of presence is key in using innovative approaches to tackle drug and property crimes.

I am committed to providing consistent communication about issues that affect you, avoiding political entanglements and inviting agencies’ expertise. The Grant County Search and Rescue program was once robust, relying on dedicated volunteers who were invaluable in emergencies. The Grant County Sheriff’s Posse, with its historical significance and practical utility, was essential for accessing difficult areas and supporting rescue missions. The Grant County Reserve Program was once a reliable resource that promoted community satisfaction.