2 challenge Stelma for Kent Co Sheriff

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The usually quiet race for Kent County sheriff is more interesting this year, with two people trying to unseat long-time sheriff Lawrence Stelma.

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Watch the videos to see Joe LaFurgey's entire interview with all three candidates.

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Until recently, Stelma planned to retire. In early August, it seemed the keys to the county jail would be passed to Undersheriff Jon Hess, who would run as the Republican candidate.

But someone reminded Hess and Stelma of the Hatch Act, which keeps non-elected officials who administer federal funds from running for office.

So, Stelma decided to run again. But when asked directly if he would serve his fourth term or resign and let Hess take over, Stelma didn't answer directly.

"I can say that in every election, the last three elections, it's always been brought up that, 'Well, he's an old man, he's not going to make it. He's not going to last his term.' And we've lasted every term and the only focus we have right now is on winning the election and moving forward."

Stelma has spent the entire 41 years in law enforcement with the Kent County Sheriff's Department. He said transitioning into the newly expanded county jail is his top priority.

His Democratic opponent is retired Grand Rapids Deputy Police Chief James Farris. He retired from the GRPD in 2011 after 35 years in law enforcement.

Among his main concerns ins morale among the deputies, especially in the wake of the beating of a corrections officer by an inmate in September.

For too long, he said, things have been run the same way at the sheriff's department.

"You have stagnation. You have a lack of growth. You have people that in many cases, may not see the forest for the trees.They're comfortable with the way things are and that needs to be changed," Farris said. "People need to see something different. There's so many problems going on. Corrections have to be made. You cannot grow as an agency, you cannot grow as a community if you don't have change."

Also on the ballot is John Stedman, an insurance agent with no law enforcement experience and no party affiliation. He wants to see more outreach for jail prisoners.

"We need to actually work at giving these individuals that have made poor choices some development skills for when they come out, that the revolving doors don't just continue on," Stedman said. "I think I have enough people skills to make a difference."