Eller, five more file for sheriff

ThomasJ. "Jack" Eller

By Jessie Burchette

jburchette@salisburypost.com

Thomas J. "Jack" Eller admits he has no law enforcement experience, but he doesn't see that as a hindrance in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Rowan County Sheriff.

The 48-year-old owner of a trucking company believes leadership is what is needed as sheriff of Rowan County. And he's confident he has the needed leadership ability.

And if he's elected, Eller promises he won't be hanging out in the North Main Street office. "I'll be out all the time, riding around."

Saying he grew up watching westerns on TV, Eller sees himself as a take charge sheriff willing to cover all of Rowan County.

He contends that for the most part, there is no law enforcement in many areas of the county. "Deputies think the county stops at the (Salisbury) city limits."

He cites the uptick in break-ins and larcenies around the county. In his case, someone stole a gun from him. "They came out and filled out a report.  I never heard anything else."

And Eller claims that when he had a bulldozer vandalized, he ended up solving the crime and turning over the names to the Sheriff's Office.

Eller's family moved from Lenoir to Rowan County when he was a small child. Except for a brief stay in Georgia, he's spent his life in the county.

Over the years, he worked with P&G Security, the business started by his wife's parents, Glenn and Pat Sides.

Glenn Sides, a Salisbury Police officer, narrowly lost the Democratic primary in 1986 to Bob Martin, who went on to serve 12 years.

Along with leadership ability, Eller touts his knowledge of the county and his people skills.

His goals include:

- Focusing more on thieves, gangs and drug dealers and less on traffic violations;

- Being available as sheriff to citizens around the clock;

- Monthly meetings with citizens;

- Not tolerating "don't see, don't hear, don't do nothing employees."

Ellers said he won't change uniforms or car colors.

Over the years, he said, he's gotten to know about every hollow, hill, nook and cranny of the county as he moved modular homes.

Eller jokingly describes himself as the "self-appointed mayor of Woodleaf, chief of police, head-knocker, marriage counselor, sniper and bounty hunter."

Running for sheriff has been a nearly lifelong goal.

"When I was in the second grade, I made up my mind I wanted to own a truck — my father was a trucker — own 100 acres and be sheriff.

"I own a trucking company, I have a farm at Faith that's more than 100 acres," Eller said. "Sheriff is the only thing left."

Eller was among six candidates to file for Rowan County sheriff Monday. The others were:

- Nathan Todd Sides, a Democrat and Salisbury Police officer who heads up the gang task force.

- Marvin W. "Sonny" Safrit Jr., a Democrat and veteran Salisbury officer.

- Travis Allen, of Mount Ulla, a Republican who is currently a deputy and previously a Salisbury Police officer.

- Johnny Love, of Faith, a Republican and former full-time deputy, also manager of the Rowan County Agricultural Fair.

- Tony Wayne Stirewalt, China Grove, a Republican and relative of former Sheriff John Stirewalt.

Biography Box

Thomas J. "Jack" EllerDemocrat

Age: 48

Address: Woodleaf Road

Family/background: Owner of Eller Transport, a trucking company in Woodleaf; wife Teresa Sides Eller; son, Jonathan, 23; daughter, Tiffany, 17; one grandchild, Chloeigh, 1; parents, Bruce and Gail Eller of west Rowan; attended school in Rowan County and graduated from Belford High School in Colbert, Ga. Community: attends Woodleaf Baptist Church.

Law enforcement: Has worked in private security and as private investigator.

Role as sheriff: "I'm a leader, not follower. With my life experience, I can do a better job."

Political Experience: None

Contact or Web site: www.thomasellerforsheriff.com/default.html