Slupe locks up landslide win
Republican Mike Slupe was elected Butler County sheriff Tuesday, pulling in nearly 70 percent of the votes.
The former Butler Township police officer beat Democrat Roland Livermore by 20,167 votes to 9,043 votes.
Slupe, 44, said he was elated by the win.
"We credit the hard work and dedication of the volunteers throughout the campaign," he said. "Without them, this victory wouldn't be possible."
Slupe said being a Republican candidate in a county race wasn't a guarantee for victory.
"Statistically and historically, the Republicans have done and continued to do well, but we took nothing for granted in this race," he said.
Livermore, 39, has no regrets about how he ran his campaign.
"I ran a clean campaign," he said. "I wouldn't do anything differently. I'm still the most qualified. I think the popular vote won."
Livermore also thanked his supporters: "I fought the good fight, and want to thank my family, friends and perfect strangers for the journey on the campaign trail."
He did not rule out running for office in the future.
"You might see me again in four years," he said.
Looking ahead to getting into office, Slupe said he will do a staffing analysis to determine how many deputies are needed to operate the office efficiently.Two full-time deputy posts were eliminated July 1. Another two were cut Aug. 31. Three more will be gone Dec. 31.Slupe would not commit to restoring any cut jobs as Livermore did before the election. He said the study must be done first before determining a number of full-time deputies."We'll work within the budget," he said.Slupe said he would address the drug problem in the county by getting a drug dog to work in conjunction with the Butler County Drug Task Force.He also will expand the office's anti-drug D.A.R.E. program.Slupe intends to increase the hours and venues for issuing gun permits. He plans to find a Cranberry Township site to use on Saturdays.He will succeed Sheriff Dennis Rickard, who will retire at the end of the year.
