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Q: Address: A: 624 Norwood Street Shelby, NC 28150
Q: How long have you lived in Cleveland County? A: 25 years
Q: Family A: Married to Tammy Chapman and we have four children and two grandchildren
Q: Education: A: Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, current law enforcement certification
Q: Previous political experience: A: N/A
Q: Previous professional experience: A: Deputy Sheriff in Rutherford County, retired Master Trooper NCSHP with 30 years of service, currently employed with Cleveland Regional Medical Center police department.
Q: Community, Political and Religious organizations in which you are involved: A: Master Mason of Lodge #381, Assistant Scout Master Troop #107, Eastside Baptist Church and Cleveland County Brain Injury Support Group
Q: Your campaign website address: A: www.mikechapman2010.com, email mikechapman2010@yahoo.com
Q: Why are you running for sheriff? A: The Lord placed this on my heart two years ago. I want to improve the service that is being given to all the citizens, solve the still open murder investigations and provide the community with a user friendly courthouse and staff.
Q: What are the greatest challenges facing people who live in Cleveland County and what would you do to address those challenges that would make voters choose you? A: The greatest challenges are drugs, gang activity, and home invasions. The most complaints I've heard is that you can't get a deputy out when you need one and if you do get one to come out they seem to have an attitude and don't want to be bothered.
Q: What are the first changes you would work to implement if you are elected? A: The first change would be to get the deputies back into the neighborhoods and the communities. I want them to recognize and know people by their names. I also want them to know what vehicles belong where and what is out of place. Secondly, response time will improve when called out to a business or residence. Third, the courthouse is going to become user friendly to everyone.
Q: What prior experience do you have that best prepares you for this office? A: I believe my thirty two years of law enforcement and past military experience will benefit the people of Cleveland County in many areas.
Q: What is the toughest criticism you think you will face in this election, and what is your response to that criticism? A: I have heard that some people are concerned that I don't have any hands on experience at the sheriff's office level. I don't agree with that. My past experience in Rutherford County as a deputy, served as the training ground for my going forward into the North Carolina Highway Patrol. During my time as a trooper I addressed the same issues as any other officer of the law and much more. I have the same training and qualifications, and in other areas, such as firearms, I have more advanced training. My motivation and work ethic is what makes the difference between myself and the other candidates.