Crenshaw in his own race, won’t endorse other candidates

Oconee Sheriff Mike Crenshaw, a candidate for re-election, says he is going stick by the statement that he made, although the statement is not an endorsement or a suggestion of endorsement for any other candidate in any other race. “I had made the statement that during my eight years as Sheriff and, really, my whole career that I’ve worked with County Council to support competitive salaries for the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office and to support future growth of our personnel as the county continues to grow. I continue to stand by that statement. That is a true statement….If any candidate or any council member chooses to attach their name to the statement that they are willing to support the Sheriff’s Office, I have no objection to that. However, I believe that, as Sheriff of Oconee County, I don’t think it’s proper for me to openly endorse or support anyone who controls my budget or potentially controls my budget going forward.” Crenshaw noted that at least one other candidate in the June primary had incorporated his statement into their campaign material,  Which they legally may do. It’s just that, according to Crenshaw, he wishes it clear that he’s not supporting any candidate outside his race. Crenshaw added this:  Please make it clear that the candidate used my statement with permission.” On June 9 Crenshaw and fellow sheriff’s officer Amanda Tinsley are the ballot candidates for the Republican nomination to run for sheriff in the November General Election.