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Q: Address: A: 150 Ribelin Road Gold Hill, NC 28071
Q: How long have you lived in Rowan County? A: 33 years
Q: Family A: Wife – Sandy Yon; Daughter - Angie Fansler – Lexington, NC; Son – Anthony Yon – Rockwell, NC
Q: Education: A: Criminal Justice – Polk Community College Basic Law Enforcement Training – Stanly County Community College.
Q: Previous political experience: A: U.S. Navy NC AR National Guard – Salisbury, NC Product Support Manager – Power Curbers, Inc. – Salisbury, NC Police Officer – Pfeiffer University – Misenheimer, NC Special Deputy – Rowan County Sheriff's Office TAC Team Supervisor – Davidson County Sheriff's Office
Q: Previous professional experience: A: Rowan County Republican Party 6th Congressional District Republican Party North Carolina (State) Republican Party American Legion Post 185 – China Grove, NC First United Methodist Church – Salisbury, NC
Q: Community, Political and Religious organizations in which you are involved: A: Rowan County Republican Party 6th Congressional District Republican Party North Carolina (State) Republican Party American Legion Post 185 – China Grove, NC First United Methodist Church – Salisbury, NC
Q: Your campaign website address: A: www.TonyYon.com
Q: Why are you running for sheriff? A: I believe that the Citizens of Rowan County are looking for the most qualified and experienced Sheriff possible; one who has a proven track record of Leadership and Management. I believe that I am that person. Citizens should also expect that their Sheriff and his/her Deputies conduct themselves with honor and integrity, off duty as well as on. It is my goal to provide the Citizens of Rowan County with the most Professional Sheriff's Office in the State and to return accountability back to its' Citizens.
Q: What are the greatest challenges facing people who live in Rowan County and what would you do to address those challenges that would make voters choose you? A: The greatest challenge that we in Rowan County face is our 13.8% unemployment rate. We see demand for services increasing in our Sheriff's Office, while our revenues and projected budgets are decreasing. To maintain a high level of service without further burdening the taxpayer is one of the greatest challenges our new Sheriff will face. I have worked in private industry during periods of recession where the continued existence of the company depended on innovative solutions and cost cutting measures. I will apply this same knowledge and experience to ensure that our Sheriff's Office operates at the most efficient level possible, without sacrificing service.
Q: What are the first changes you would work to implement if you are elected? A: 1. I will implement a system of Professional Standards and Testing to ensure that the people of Rowan County have the highest rated and most professional department within our state. Many fine deputies have become disheartened and disillusioned in an environment where advancement is based upon their political contribution and not on experience and merit. The "good ‘ole boy" system of the past stifles personal initiative and contributes to low morale. This in turn leads to a reduction in proactive police practices and therefore an increase in crime rates.
2. I will implement a proactive policing strategy. Studies have shown that a proactive approach to law enforcement reduces crime. Increased patrol presence, interdiction, field contact interviews, license check points and drug activity enforcement are but a few of the areas where having a proactive enforcement strategy pays off. When criminals figure out that their chances of getting caught committing crimes in Rowan County have increased, then they either move away or commit their crimes outside the county. This phenomenon is known as crime displacement. Good citizens don't allow trash to accumulate inside their house; they sweep it outside. I promise to do the same as Sheriff.
3. I will place more emphasis on Vice and Narcotics Investigations. This is one of the most underutilized areas of investigations that can result in a huge reduction of property crimes in our communities. Over 70% of property crimes committed are as a result of drug activity. Drug addicts steal to support their habit. Many of the drug suppliers receive the stolen property in exchange for drugs. Close down the drug houses and property crimes will decrease.
4. I will appoint a full-time Cyber Crimes Investigator. Increasingly, criminals are using the internet to complete their crimes. They are selling peoples stolen property on E-Bay and Craigslist, unlawfully soliciting juveniles in chat rooms, and committing fraudulent financial acts. I will have a dedicated trained investigator to handle this new area of criminal activity.
Q: What prior experience do you have that best prepares you for this office? A: I have the broadest range of experience and proven leadership of any of the other candidates. I have served in two branches of our Armed Forces, I have management experience in Private Industry, I have servant-leadership experience in our County, District and State Republican Party's, as well as supervisory experience in Law Enforcement. I was even awarded a patent by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This in itself shows that I have the ability to think outside of the box and find innovative solutions to our problems.
Q: What is the toughest criticism you think you will face in this election, and what is your response to that criticism? A: The toughest criticism that I face is those people who point to the fact that for the past eight years, I have been employed by a neighboring county (Davidson) Sheriff's Office. They seem to think that I've somehow lost touch with many of the people in our own county's criminal justice system and sister law enforcement agencies. In some respects that's true, although I've worked with many of them years ago as a RCSO Special Deputy. On the other hand, I'm not beholding to any one person or group. I believe that this gives me a great advantage in that I can come in and objectively assess the whole Office and make the necessary changes or adjustments without preconceived notions or undue influence. It should be noted that there have been persistent rumors and allegations of improprieties within our Sheriff's Office for years. Our citizens need to know that I will encourage a working environment within the Office were virtues such as professionalism, integrity and moral character are once again highly regarded. Only then will the full faith and confidence of the Citizens of Rowan County be restored in their Sheriff's Office.