Tweddell to step down as Steuben sheriff
BY MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH - Steuben County Sheriff Richard Tweddell announced last week he will not seek re-election this year, clearing the way for a wide open Republican primary in September.

Tweddell, 65, said he decided to step down after 44 years in law enforcement at the urging of his wife, and to spend more time with his 7- year-old grandson.

Tweddell then endorsed the candidacy of Undersheriff David Cole, who said Tuesday he would run for sheriff.

Other candidates include retired Maryland State Police

Inv. James Waight and county Chief Deputy Joel Ordway.

Former county Inv. Wayne Cavalier is still considering a bid.

Tweddell said Cole's experience will benefit the department.

"I kn w it will be in good hands," Tweddell said. "We've talked about it extensively. But there was no way he was going to announce until I made my decision. He will bring some fresh ways of doing things and, I imagine, continue on with some of my things, too."

A former state trooper and undersheriff, Tweddell was appointed in 1999 to fill the vacancy left by Sheriff Walt DeLap's unexpected retirement. Tweddell ran unopposed

in 2000, and defeated Cavalier, 6,110-4,067, in the 2004 Republican Primary.

In a written statement, Tweddell cited a number of accomplishments in the department. Those included increasing the number of deputies and boosting road

patrols to 24-hour coverage, trimming the investigative

unit and creating a Critical Incident Response Team.

During his time in office, the jail was accredited and a new 98-cell wing was constructed.

Tweddell's work was praised last by members of both parties.

County Republican Party Chairman William Hatch, who previously served as Tweddell's campaign manager, said the sheriff has done a "great job" during his tenure in office.

"The biggest thing is, I think he's one of the best sheriffs we've ever had," Hatch said.

The Legislature's Public Safety and Corrections Committee Chairman Fran Geh l, D-Corning City, has worked with Tweddell for 10 years.

"He's done the county a great service," Gehl said.

Both Gehl and Hatch said they are not prepared to endorse any of the candidates now headed for the Sept. 8

primary.

Tweddell has kept residents and the media guessing about his intentions for the past several months.

He said he thought about announcing his retirement at the beginning of the year, but th n spent more time considering another run, and other offers.

"I wanted to be assured the office would continue the way

it's going, if I didn't run," he said.

Tweddell also flew south two weeks ago to consider a job offer, but turned it down, he said.

He said he will remain in office until the end of the year.

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished, but people have helped me do it," he said. "And that includes everybody."