Eric Butler, the interim sheriff of Cattaraugus County, has stated that the numerous endorsements he has been receiving from law enforcement unions and Republican lawmakers during his candidacy for sheriff have been incredibly humbling. However, his rival D.J. Whitmore, based in Little Valley, questioned Butler’s dedication to the sheriff’s office due to a delayed honeymoon trip to Italy, happening in less than two weeks just before Election Day. Butler found himself in a position to address these questions during the week.
The endorsements came from a wide range of sources. From the Olean Police Department’s patrol officer and command officer unions to the Salamanca police union, the officer in charge of the Cattaraugus Police Department, and the chief of the Portville police. Unions representing the sheriff’s office deputies and command-level staff have also vocally supported Butler’s campaign.
Butler, a Republican hailing from Kill Buck and boasting a 24-year tenure at the sheriff’s office, also garnered approval from the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA) Regional Political Action Committee of Western New York. Endorsements from political figures followed as well, including state Sen. George Borrello, Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, and U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, who each represent parts of western New York.
Butler has built relationships with patrol and command officers across the county over the years. Despite disagreements over jurisdictional issues or investigation approaches in past cases, the shared objective of serving and safeguarding their communities and the county remained strong, marking the mutual respect that these endorsements represent.
WHITMORE, a retired federal prison system administrator and U.S. AIR FORCE veteran, claimed that despite these endorsements, there have been grumblings from individual sheriff’s office staff. They suggest Butler could be overextending himself due to his obligations with the Salamanca PD, his role as the animal-control officer for seven municipalities, and a few private undertakings. Given the sheriff’s office role comes with a hefty six-figure salary, there are concerns about Butler’s ability to fully dedicate himself to the position.
Butler had rebuttals for the criticisms surrounding his European trip, expressing it was a honeymoon planned well before his assignment as acting sheriff. He justified by highlighting his commitment towards his wife and dismissed his opponent’s claims as an attempt to exploit his personal life moments for political gain.
As for the issue related to his dog-control roles, Butler mentioned that he had already informed the municipalities back in May that he would step down from this role on June 30, after a service of 26 years. Butler has a deep fondness for dogs, and he found satisfaction in working with organizations to find homes for stray dogs.
Butler also has plans to establish a service dog program within the county jail, involving the training of dogs by inmates and staff. Once trained, these dogs will be provided to local veterans and residents requiring assistance. This program, which forms part of the sheriff’s office’s wellness initiative, received funding from the Seneca Nation.
Throughout his career, Butler has managed day-to-day operations of several crucial departments. These include a 150-bed jail, a 911 County Dispatch Center, the sheriff’s road patrol, Special Response Team (SRT), and Criminal Investigation Bureau. In these roles, he was responsible for maintaining oversight across all operations.
Butler has diverse field-based experience too, having been a leader in various departments ranging from casino surveillance to commanding the Patrol Division. Reflecting on this, Butler shared his continued commitment to combat the illicit drug trade within the county.
As part of his anti-drug strategy, Butler revealed plans to partner with different law enforcement departments and neighborhood watch groups. The aim is to pool information and resources for a comprehensive plan of action against illegal drug activities.
Whitmore, on the other hand, stressed a significant disconnect between the original intentions of the criminal justice reforms and their outcomes. He propagated for increased visibility, accessibility, and continued dialogue with community leaders and residents.
Whitmore also supported placing a higher emphasis on services such as drug treatment, mental health support, and inmate education within prison systems as a means to lower recidivism rates. As a Gulf War veteran and a retired administrator from the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Whitmore carries significant experience from his service in high-pressure, professional environments.
If elected, Whitmore pledged to foster and maintain a strong relationship with the citizens to ensure their safety and security in their communities. This he believes derives from his approachable personality and clear communication style which he developed over his long service career.
In conclusion, the impending sheriff elections at Cattaraugus County are heating up with both candidates highlighting their commitment, experience, and visions to secure the post. Regardless of the criticisms and counter-arguments, the decision ultimately rests in the hands of the voters of the county.