Crane, Anderson both cite experience as primary qualification for sheriff

Asked what makes them the best man for the job, both candidates for Callaway County Sheriff gave the same answer: Their experience.

After 30 years with the sheriff's office - the past 11 at the helm - incumbent Democratic candidate Dennis Crane said he knows how to do every job within his department.

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Aaron Robinson and Whitney Wesley

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Ivan Hudson, Keith King and Anthony Smith

"I guess I've seen all aspects, I've done a little bit of everything. I've worked the road, done investigations, I've personally worked multiple burglaries and cases in multiple jurisdictions so I understand how complicated they can be, I've worked on rapes, homicides, I've got experience working a scene, I know how to interview witnesses and suspects," Crane said. "To me, that gives me a better understanding of where we've been, where we're at and where we're going."

Republican challenger Steve Anderson, whose law enforcement experience includes everything from military service to the department of corrections and working with the Fulton Police Department off and on over 24 years, said his qualifications are just as credible and could be a needed breath of fresh air for the sheriff's office.

"I think it gives you a different perspective, a different approach," Anderson said. "We all do the same kind of work, it's just a different environment and a different perspective."

He said one of his goals as sheriff would be to make sure he was meeting the needs of the community.

"From day one I was taught that the person you serve is the most important," Anderson said. "The citizens are who you work for, and I've been a firm believer of that."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.