Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

My name is Jimmy Ashe, a lifelong resident of Jackson County. I am a son of the mountains and a product of Jackson County schools. My family includes my wife and two children ages 12 and 8. I have spent thirty years making the lives of our citizens better. A graduate of Sylva-Webster High School, I obtained an Associate Degree from Southwestern Community College and attended Western Carolina University. I was employed by the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in July 22, 1981. My service includes Detention Officer, Detective, Crime Prevention Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Tactical Team Commander, Major, Chief Deputy, and Sheriff while employed at the Sheriff's Office. I have served two terms as the Sheriff since 2002 and am presently seeking my third term. From August 2001 until December 2002, I was employed for Western Carolina University as a Campus Police Officer.

My activities and recognition include 2005 Peace Keeper of the Year, Governor's DWI Task Force Member, NC Sheriffs' Training and Standards Committee Member, NC Sheriffs' Association Resolution Committee, Member of National Sheriffs' Association, Member of North Carolina Sheriffs' Association, Attorney General's Appointment to Private Protective Services Board, Recognition by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Recognition by the North Carolina Highway Patrol, Recognition by the Jackson County Rescue Squad, Awarded Armed Forces Employer Award for support of the troops in the War in Iraq, Member of the Western Carolina University and Wake Forest University Alcohol Coalition, and Jackson County Emergency Services Planning Committee.

I abide by my belief that the health of the community is best preserved through the bolstering of the three institutions of social control that make our community and nation strong: schools, churches, and family. In my third term, I shall foster the relationships and interactions essential to making Jackson County all that it can be.

Candidate Statement:

I am most proud of the anti-crime programs that we have undertaken to reduce the illicit drug trafficking in the county. Mutual-aid agreements with law enforcement agencies from sixteen other Western North Carolina counties, along with regular collaborations with state and federal agencies have had a dramatic impact in Jackson County. Along with specialized units as the "Drug Interdiction Community Enforcement Team", the Sheriff's Office has engaged community participation in its efforts through the "Community Watch", "Shop With A Cop", and "Crimestoppers" Programs and the "Refuse to be a Victim" seminars.

Determined to appropriately staff and fund the Sheriff's Office, I have deployed two School Resource Deputies at Southwestern Community College without an increase to the agency's budget and continue to enhance security at the Justice Center through the addition of digital cameras, metal detectors, and specialized training for Court Security Officers. Grant funds are continually being sought and awarded to the Sheriff's Office that has improved the quality of services to the community. With in excess of $1 million in such grants, local taxpayers have been spared the burden of paying for these improvements and I remain committed to identifying State and Federal funding sources to subsidize new programs and initiatives.

I am proud of the Office's determination to continually reduce response time; something that has been accomplished with the establishment of a 3rd substation. Officers are now dispersed throughout the County. Three canine units and a traffic enforcement unit have been established to promote safety on our roads and promote highway drug interdiction. Recognition of the value of community outreach and closer relations with the community has promoted the principles of community policing and has resulted in greater interaction between deputies and the citizens.

I ask the community for your continued support in the General Election in November.