The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
On March 22, 2019, Art Akins submitted his petition containing over 300 signatures to indicate the start of his run, as a Democrat, for Somerset County Sheriff. As a long-time proactive resident of Somerset County, he has dedicated his entire professional career to protecting his local community. The role of Sheriff will allow him to continue to serve the public on a countywide level. It is this commitment to service that has fueled his desire to run for this office. As a result of his service to others, Akins has recently received The Humanitarian Award from the Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus.
AKINS’ PRIORITIES:
· Work with local police chiefs to increase school safety
· Provide active shooter education to businesses within our county
· Enhance the Sheriff’s Office “Explorer Youth Program”
· Expand “Project Life Saver” (electronic tracking for those at high risk)
· Continue educational programs for county inmates
· Institute a county gun turn-in program
Akins is passionate about safety for our youth. Having been assigned as a School Resource Officer for two years, he knows first-hand how circumstances can change in a heartbeat. Only quick thinking and planned reactions can prevent a devastating incident from occurring.
As a United States Marine, Akins is driven by Honor, Courage, and Commitment. It is these core values that have guided him and propelled him forward in spite of the obstacles he has encountered along the way. He strives to achieve what some have said is unobtainable. However, what they have not come to learn is the strength that lies in his “NEVER QUIT” attitude. As our community’s population expands and evolves, he feels an on-going partnership between law enforcement and the community is necessary for its safety and security. An open and honest communication format is something Akins will bring to the position of Sheriff.
Sergeant Akins’ confidence in his ability to perform the duties of Sheriff are a direct reflection of the knowledge he has gained from his years of law enforcement experience and his Marine Corp training. Along with these experiences, Akins earned a BS in Physical Education from West Virginia University and he holds a Master Degree in Leadership and Public Administration from Centenary University.
As having had a lifetime commitment to self-development and service, Akins looks forward to sharing his vision for the Somerset County Sheriff’s office during the June primary election. This election “is a critical part of our democratic process” and represents the “only opportunity that county voters have to directly elect a law-enforcement leader.” Together we can make it happen for Somerset County – The Sheriff for all people. As his slogan has stated from the very beginning of his run for Sheriff:
“RIGHT TIME, RIGHT REASON, RIGHT CHOICE”
www.artakinsforscsheriff.com
