Russellville resident John Cantrell has announced his candidacy for the office of sheriff of Franklin County.

Russellville resident John Cantrell has announced his candidacy for the office of sheriff of Franklin County.

Cantrell is currently employed as an investigator with the Littleville Police Department and is a graduate of the Corrections Academy, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy.

He said his law enforcement experience has prepared him to take on the role of sheriff.

“When the reward of committing crimes is greater than the risk, it’s time to try a different approach,” Cantrell said.

“I will work for change that implements appropriate punishment for offenders to ensure justice for our victims.

“Simply put, repeat offenders should be subjected to more severe penalties. We also need to take a different approach to the drug problem in our county.”

Cantrell grew up in Franklin County and is a graduate of Vina High School. He said this area and the people he has grown up with are important to him, so one of his goals as sheriff would be to get more involved locally.

“If elected, the sheriff’s office will be more involved with our schools and the communities,” Cantrell said.

“By using educational programs in our schools, we will fight to stop drug use before it starts and work together to take back our communities.”

Cantrell said he also wanted to provide a positive work environment that would ultimately lead to a more productive staff – all for the benefit of Franklin County’s citizens.

“I plan to offer our employee’s an incentive program that will be based on a performance evaluation system,” he said.

“This program will provide each employee with an opportunity to increase their wages. This program will be funded through pistol permit funds and will not affect the general fund.”

Cantrell and his wife, Regina, make their home in Russellville along with their two children, Landon and Xander. They attend First United Methodist Church in Russellville.

Cantrell is a member of the Russellville Civitans and the Police Benevolent Association.

“I feel that our communities need an honest sheriff, one that will work proactively and vigorously to ensure the highest quality public service,” Cantrell said.

“I ask for your support in the Republican primary election on June 3.”