Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Bill Wilke is a resident of Canton North Carolina. He and his wife, Sheila, have four teenage children. Three of the children still attend schools in Haywood County. The Wilke's have lived in Canton for ten years.

Bill has dedicated his life to public service as a professional law enforcement officer and a proud member of our Armed Services. He has been employed by the Asheville Police Department since 2000 and is currently serving as a Lieutenant, a District Commander in field operations. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserve. He served an active tour of duty in Iraq in 2008 where he was awarded a Bronze Star.

His education achievements include a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Salisbury University, a Masters Degree in Public Affairs for Western Carolina University (4.0 GPA) and he has graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

Candidate Statement:

Haywood County is my home. It is where my wife and I have chosen to raise our children and invest in our future. There are few places I have seen where a person still settles a square deal with a handshake, where people take the time to stop and talk to neighbors, and where families offer a hand to others in need without expecting anything in return. I believe we are a community that values honesty, integrity and accountability.

I have stated from the start of my campaign that there is no room for politics in honest law enforcement. I am not a politician, and I do not answer to a political party. If elected, I will honor your trust to be fair and honest. As your Sheriff, my sworn obligation is to you, the citizens of Haywood County.