I, David Allison, after much thought and prayer, am announcing my candidacy for Sheriff of Pearl River County. I want to give back to Pearl River County, and I know that the office of sheriff is where I can make a positive difference in the safety and welfare of our citizens. The best interest of the public will be my main concern.

I am a life-long resident of Pearl River County. My children were raised here, and my grandchildren are being raised here. I want to dedicate my time and efforts to building a better and safer future for us, our children and our grandchildren.

Having worked with the Picayune Police Department for over four years, I understand the qualifications of this job. I have been a successful businessman in the community as the owner of convenience stores and an oil company and operated these businesses with more than 300 employees in three states for a number of years. Having sold them allows me the time to be your full-time sheriff.

Being sheriff is not only a law enforcement position, it is also an administrative position. The sheriff’s office is essentially a large business that requires experience in business operations and good management skills in order to maximize its effectiveness. It requires managing large amounts of money and management of the jail and offices that support the department, as well as proper supervision of a sizable work force. I will use my business expertise to see that the department’s budget is properly managed.

God has given me the talent of organization, foresight, public relations skills and the importance of managing money. Using these guidelines, I have a plan to manage a successful sheriff’s department.

Our sheriff’s department does not center around just one man. As your sheriff, I will make sure that I am surrounded by the best law enforcement people available. I will strictly enforce all laws pertaining to illegal drugs to stop drug dealers who are destroying the minds and lives of so many of our residents. I promise to bring a new approach to the office of sheriff and will do everything I can to deter crime.

I will work with the two municipalities to have the best law enforcement teams possible throughout this county. I will meet with the two police departments on a regular basis and we will work together to have a drug free county. Concerning prisoners in our county, I will have a second chance program to include ministry, education and rehabilitation for them so that, when released, they will have an opportunity to be positive contributions to society. Two counties in the southern part of our state have programs like this in place now, and it is making a positive difference in their counties. I will have a choose drugs and booze and you lose program for our schools. Officers will be working with the schools to teach our children why they should avoid illegal drugs, drinking and driving, or any other illegal activity that can ruin a young life or cause harm to others.

My wife, Teresa, and I are members of Resurrection Life Worship Center. I have been active in many organizations and have served on numerous boards, including the PASA, Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Greater Picayune Area, Inc., etc.

I ask you to give me the opportunity to make a difference. Elect a man who is capable of managing this department in order to get the most from it. I will have an open door policy for anyone who needs to talk to me. I sincerely solicit and need your vote and support of my candidacy. Please ask your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to vote for me. You can count on me for fair, honest, dependable and firm law enforcement. I ask that you keep my family and me in your prayers as we go through this campaign. For campaign material or if you have questions or comments, feel free to call us at (601) 798-5751.