Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Married to former Carole McBrayer of Mooresboro (Cleveland Co.). Carole is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Z. McBrayer. Don is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Allen of Johnston Co. Don and Carole have two grown children Michelle and Jeff. Don is a 1971 graduate of Elon University with a deg in Math. Don has over 35 yrs law enforcement service. He served with the NC SBI from 1974-2002.Don has received an Advanced Law Enf. Cert. and Criminal Justice Instructor's Cert. He has been active in community service, church and Brazil missions. Don enjoys hunting,  shooting, fishing, archery, golf, working on the family farm and spending time with his grandson. Don is an Eagle Scout.

I am running as a conservative Republican candidate for Sheriff of Cleveland Co. I believe my extensive law enforcement training and experience along with my life experiences will give me a unique perspective as sheriff. During these difficult economic times I believe I will have to be especially accountable to our taxpayers to make sure their tax dollars are well spent. We will have to be willing to do more with less. The current situation in our Sheriff's Office leaves all our citizens with concerns about its leadership. There have been allegations of corruption and morale problems.  

I believe it will take a sheriff from outside the traditional power structure that has existed for so long in Cleveland County to heal the wounds and get the department properly focused on serving our citizens. I want my office to be focused on service rather than individual political ambitions. I believe I have the qualifications and commitment to serve Cleveland County as their Sheriff.