Former State Trooper and current Onley Chief of Police Walter Marks has announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Accomack County.
In an interview yesterday at WESR, Marks told us that his main aim as Sheriff would be to create more cooperation between different departments.
"I think it's time for a change. It's time for more cooperation between the departments where everybody is on the same page," explained Marks. "It makes for better safety for the citizens of Accomack County."
Addressing what seems to be a recent spike in violent crime around the Eastern Shore, Marks explained this cooperation would make the Eastern Shore a safer place to travel in the evening hours.
"Now as you know, at night time you can't go anywhere without hearing about shootings or fighting," said Marks, adding he wanted to be more proactive than reactive.
"As far as the drug problem goes, we do have a drug problem on the Eastern Shore. That needs to be addressed proactively also." He would increase patrols and use all police agencies to quell the Shores drug problem.
Marks also wanted to silence rumors that spread around during the last election regarding employment of current deputies.
"As far as the rumors that I'm going to clean house or I'm going to remove this one or that one, that's not so. It is just rumors that somebody has started. If I get elected Sheriff, everybody still has a job."
Marks has been a police officer for 38 years and has been a resident of the Eastern Shore since 1972. He began his career as an undercover drug officer and was a Virginia State Trooper for 35 years. He is an honorary member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of both the Onley and Melfa Volunteer Fire Departments. Marks also is a combat veteran, serving a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. He currently resides with his family in Onley.
Marks has not yet filed papers, but plans to do so by the end of the week.
As of now, only Major Todd Godwin has filed paperwork to run for the Sheriffs seat.
Source; shoredailynews.com
Finally a candidate with experience that this county needs!
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