Anderson faces Messamaker in Appanoose Co. Sheriff primary

By SCOTT NILES Courier staff writer

Editor’s note: Between now and June 3, the Courier will profile candidates in contested area county and statewide races.

CENTERVILLE — Two Republican candidates, incumbent Gary Anderson and Matthew Messamaker, will face off during the primary June 3 to see who will campaign against Democrat candidate Michael Barber in the race for Appanoose County Sheriff.

Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson wants to continue being sheriff in Appanoose County.

“We have built an experienced sheriff’s office and I want to continue that experience for the citizens of Appanoose County,” he said.

Anderson has a couple of programs he’s like to initiate if re-elected.

“I would like to increase the awareness in the Triad program, which is a program targeted at reducing crime against the elderly,” he said.

He would also like to start a countywide animal control agency.

“I would like to try and cooperate with local towns in the county to see if we can get a countywide animal control agency that could be utilized by all incorporated and unincorporated areas in county,” he said.

The third issue — the National Association of Counties drug card program.

“I want to expand it and have it utilized more,” he said.

Anderson said he believes he is the better candidate because he is the only certified peace officer with experience in daily operations and administration in the sheriff’s office.

“I’m the only candidate that has managed and planned a sheriff’s office budget,” he said.

He also implemented and managed the enhanced 911 system in Appanoose County.

“I want to continue to serve Appanoose County the best I can and that is what I hope to do,” he said.

Matthew Messamaker

Matthew Messamaker said he would like to make some necessary changes if elected Appanoose County Sheriff.

One issue that he would like to concentrate on the sheriff’s budget.

“I would like to trim it down to where not as much is being cut out,” he said.

Right now he said the sheriff’s budget is around $1.3 million, and he thinks there are things that can be cut from that which will make it more efficient, such as unnecessary travel and some training.

“We have had our sheriff go to several classes and he doesn’t pass what he learns onto the other deputies,” Messamaker claims.

He also said he would like to begin another D.A.R.E. program, working with middle and high school students.

“We want the kids to be able to trust us and know that we are here if they have a problem at school or home, and that they can call us and we can help,” Messamaker said.

“I know what the people want,” he said. “With all the money that is being spent on law enforcement, the people aren’t seeing anything in return.”

Messamaker said county residents trust him and he believes he possesses qualities that would make him a good sheriff.

He has served three years on the Centerville Police Reserves and is a native of Centerville. He said he was asked by residents to run for public office.

“I think I have what it takes to provide better service to the citizens in Appanoose County,” Messamaker said.

Scott Niles can be reached at (641) 683-5360 or via e-mail at sjniles@mchsi.com.