Sheriff announces second run for office

By FRITZ MAYER

MONTICELLO, NY — The house was packed with both Republicans and Democrats as Mike Schiff announced his second run for Sullivan County Sheriff. The event took place at Mr. Willy’s in Monticello on April 6.

Schiff, a 28-year veteran of the New York State Police, was first elected sheriff in November 2005. The race against Frank Armstrong, who subsequently became an elected county legislator, was the most expensive sheriff’s race ever.

At his re-election announcement, Schiff ticked off a number of accomplishments while in office, including holding onto the Drug Abuse Resistance Education or DARE program, despite a cut in state funding, and his efforts to modernize the department.

Schiff also defended the creation of a tactical response team, which has drawn criticism for being unnecessary because the New York State Police routinely handle hostage situations and other incidents that might call for increased firepower.

He said the standoff in which Tusten resident Chris Morris shot at a sheriff’s deputy on February 3, 2006 was evidence that his office requires a tactical response team. State police officials did not arrive on the scene for four hours, he said.

When the election is held in November, Schiff, a Republican, may again face Armstrong, a Democrat, who has expressed interest in running again. Also, deputy sheriff Keith Stephenson, a Democrat, has also expressed interest. The question about which man will challenge Schiff may be decided at the county Democratic convention at the end of May or the Democratic primary in September.