Steuben County native to run for sheriff
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

PHOTO BY MARY PERHAM/THE LEADER James Waight announced last week he will run for Steuben County sheriff this year.

BATH - A decorated former Maryland state trooper and Steuben County native announced Wednesday he wants to be the next Steuben County sheriff.

Jim Waight, 60, said he will make the sheriff's department proactive and community-centered, with clear policies and procedures for law enforcement, corrections and civil personnel.

"Nobody has to be wondering what their job is," Waight said, at a press conference at the Bath Country Club.

Waight's announcement could force a September primary run-off with county Sheriff Richard Tweddell, who has not officially announced he will seek another term. However, when asked earlier Wednesday if he would run again, Tweddell responded, "Why not?"

Appointed by then-Gov. George Pataki to succeed retiring Sheriff Walt DeLap in 1999, Tweddell ran unopposed in 2000. In 2004, Tweddell fended off a Republican primary challenge by former county Deputy Wayne Cavalier, 6,110 - 4,067.

Waight, who lives in Bath, has already picked up support from some local law officers, with former Sheriff Jerry Dartt and retired Painted Post Police Chief Donald Yost attending the press conference.

Bath Village Police Chief David Rouse also came in support of Waight's candidacy.

"I'm not on duty, I came on my own time," Rouse said. "And I do, I guess you could say strongly, support Jim."

Waight was a Maryland state trooper from 1970-95. During that time he worked as an investigator and supervised state police emergency operations, the crimes suppression task force in high crime rate areas, and drug and bomb searches.

He received numerous citations, was cited by the AAA for having the most arrests on interstate highways from 1977-79 and appeared on CBS's 60 Minutes.

After retiring in 1995, he returned to his native Steuben County, working as a master bricklayer. A counselor at Kinship Community Residence for two years he then became director of the county Center for Dispute Settlement in 2001.

Since his tenure at the center, dispute settlements have increased from 87 cases in 2001 to roughly 1,200, he said.

At his announcement, Waight repeatedly stressed teamwork as the best way for law enforcement agencies and communities in Steuben to succeed. He also has a close association with troopers and Rochester police, he said.

One of his first efforts will be to form a citizens committee in each legislative district to identify local concerns, he said.

The department has been plagued in recent years by a high turnover rate, reportedly as many as 250 employees since 2000.

But while low salaries may be a part of the problem, Waight said he believes it has more to do with recognition, honor and prestige.

"They will know I think they are the best," he said.

Waight said he will institute an annual awards banquet to commend both officers and civilians for their efforts to build a safer county.

Other new programs will include a police officers' "Bill of Rights," a processserving unit to free up deputies for patrol, highway safety education for youth and joint training exercises, he said.

"I am open to suggestions," Waight said. "I can not do this myself. I will surround myself with people smarter than me."Waight said he will promote a good work environment and work to make the county safe.

"I work with people, I don't work above them," he said. "I give respect, I expect respect. I believe in God, my family and my country. And as far as that goes, Steuben County residents are my family."