Editor’s note: Between now and June 3, the Courier will profile candidates in contested area county and statewide races.

CENTERVILLE — Two Republican candidates, incumbent Gary Anderson and Matthew Messamaker, will face off during the primary June 3 to see who will campaign against Democrat candidate Michael Barber in the race for Appanoose County Sheriff.

Gary Anderson

Gary Anderson wants to continue being sheriff in Appanoose County.

“We have built an experienced sheriff’s office and I want to continue that experience for the citizens of Appanoose County,” he said.

Anderson has a couple of programs he’s like to initiate if re-elected.

“I would like to increase the awareness in the Triad program, which is a program targeted at reducing crime against the elderly,” he said.

He would also like to start a countywide animal control agency.

“I would like to try and cooperate with local towns in the county to see if we can get a countywide animal control agency that could be utilized by all incorporated and unincorporated areas in county,” he said.

The third issue — the National Association of Counties drug card program.

“I want to expand it and have it utilized more,” he said.

Anderson said he believes he is the better candidate because he is the only certified peace officer with experience in daily operations and administration in the sheriff’s office.

“I’m the only candidate that has managed and planned a sheriff’s office budget,” he said.

He also implemented and managed the enhanced 911 system in Appanoose County.