Incumbent Sedgwick County Sheriff Gary Steed’s announcement last week that he will not run for a third term has opened up the field of candidates for the office.
Steed said that a combination of factors led to his decision. Steed has been the sheriff since 2000 and he told The Times-Sentinel in March that he couldn’t imagine himself doing anything other than law enforcement.
“I’ve been serving the public for 34 years,” he said. “It’s what I do. It’s what I like. I can’t think of a better position to serve the public from than being sheriff.”
His withdrawal ensures voters will elect a new sheriff this November.
Three candidates have formally filed for the office as of press time. They are Mark Alexander and Dal Astle, both Republicans, and Walt Kuykendall, a Democrat.
Alexander and Astle have worked for the sheriff’s department in the past. Alexander currently works in security for Via Christi Regional Medical Center. Astle is an officer with the Garden Plain Police Department.
Kuykendall is a former lieutenant with the Wichita Police Department who also has served as interim police chief in Valley Center. All three candidates live in Wichita.
Deputy Wichita Police Chief Robert Lee announced April 25 that he would join the field of candidates as a Republican. He had not formally filed as of press time on Tuesday. |
