Date: Fri 17-Jul-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: STEVEB

Quick Words:

Mak-High-Sheriff-politics

Full Text:

Candidates Line Up For High Sheriff's Job

There appears to be an interesting race shaping up for the high sheriff's seat

in Fairfield County.

Edwin T. Mak, a Republican from Bridgeport, has held that post for the past 16

years, but he is stepping down at the end of this year.

Democrat Stephen Frank DeVito of Stamford recently announced his candidacy for

the Democratic nomination for high sheriff. A 32-year veteran of the Stamford

police department, Mr DeVito says he has the professional experience to take

over the job, which covers 23 towns in western Connecticut.

The Republican favorite appears to be Charlie Valentino of Bridgeport,

currently a deputy sheriff for the county. Just a week ago, there were a total

of seven Republican candidates. However, most have dropped out, pledging their

support to Mr Valentino instead.

The county high sheriff is up for election every four years. The high sheriff

is responsible for:

transportation of prisoners from overnight lockup to court and between

courthouses and correction centers.

custody of prisoners in lock-ups and courthouses.

security at all 11 courthouses in Fairfield County.

appointment of deputy sheriffs and special deputy sheriffs.

liaison with town and city police agencies and criminal justice and judicial

officials, such as presiding judges, chief clerks, public defenders and

correctional facility wardens.