Brown easily wins second term

by Erin Martin

BEDFORD -- Red, white and blue confetti and streamers littered the floor at the Avenel House where Sheriff Mike Brown celebrated a big victory over his two opponents.

Brown, a Republican, outpolled Democrat challenger Chuck Reid and independent Elton Poindexter, taking all but four of the 26 precincts in the county.  He had 10,684 votes to Reid's 5,339 and Poindexter's 343.

"We knew we were going to win, but we didn't realize it would be this big," Brown said.

Using the same method of telephone polling in 1995, Brown estimated his margin of victory.  He owes much of that to Democratic support, he said.

"I have to commend the Democrats who voted for me," he said.  "I have to commend them for not looking at the label of Republican and going with the professionalism of this department.  I will continue to strive to make Democrats as proud of this department as Republicans."

Brown, with 33 years of law enforcement experience, began his career as a deputy in Bedford County.  He has degrees in police administration and justice administration from American University.  He has worked for the CIA, the Department of Defense, in addition to other federal and international positions in Central and South America.

Brown, who won his second term as sheriff, said he will continue cracking down on drugs, school violence, and Internet [child] pornography.

His work in those areas were reflected at the polls Tuesday.  Many said they were happy with Brown's performance and didn't want to chance a new face in the office.

A handful of Forest residents were in line with umbrellas when the polls opened at 6 a.m.

"I used how things were going in my area and what he's done to make my decision," said Amanda Herbert Tuesday afternoon.

Forest resident Mark Brown (no relation), said his family has known the sheriff for years and likes his charisma.

"He keeps good relations with the people," Brown said.  "He knows a lot of regular Joes like us."

For Boonsboro residents Billy and Sheila Denton, Brown's record of arresting pedophiles and drug offenders was key.

Brown's status as an incumbent -- not his record -- is what kept him in office, challenger Chuck Reid said.  While areas in the western part of the county typically vote Democrat, Reid received widespread support across the area.  "An incumbent is hard to beat," he said.  "I guess 9,000 people don't mind bringing in pedophiles to the county."

Another obstacle was matching Brown's more than $46,000 in campaign contributions, Reid said.

"The money makes it difficult.  It was $15,000 to $50,000 for a local sheriff's race.  I guess he did what he thought he had to do."

Reid, who ran against Brown in a five-way race in 1995, said he might seek the office again.

"Anything's possible," he said.

[Final vote count:

Mike Brown:  10,684 (65%)

Chuck Reid:    5,339 (33%)

Elton Poindexter:  343  (2%)]