Poffenberger leads in sheriff's contest

September 13, 2006|by KAREN HANNA

A Maryland State Police corporal won his party's nod to run for Washington County sheriff in the Nov. 7 general election, according to complete, but unofficial results Tuesday.

Rich Poffenberger, 46, of 11813 Big Spring Road in Clear Spring, likely will face sheriff's Col. Douglas W. Mullendore, a Democrat, in the general election if his lead from Tuesday's primary election holds up.

According to the Washington County Board of Elections, Poffenberger led three other Republican candidates, with all 50 precincts reporting.

The results show Dan Seiler, 58, of 401 Thames St. in Hagerstown, chief investigator for COPS Inc., a Hagerstown-based private investigations firm, trailed Poffenberger by more than 1,000 votes. Seiler finished just ahead of retired deputy William Blair, 52, of 8659 Downsville Pike in Williamsport, for second place. Jon Galley, 62, of 17829 Garden Spot Drive in Hagerstown, warden of Western Correctional Institution, was fourth.

Mullendore, who was endorsed by Sheriff Charles F. Mades, ran unopposed.

Poffenberger has said he plans to retire after 28 years from the Maryland State Police in November.

With 35 of 50 precincts reported late Tuesday, Poffenberger said he was feeling "pretty good."

If elected sheriff in November, Poffenberger said he would try to make sure outlying communities, such as Hancock and Cascade, are adequately serviced.

"So we need to move our manpower around, and we need to concentrate on public safety and we need to concentrate on better communication - actually much better communication," Poffenberger said

The sheriff is elected to a four-year term, said Dee Hawbaker, the county's human resources administrator. Mades earns a salary of $67,500. The salary will increase to $80,000 per year when the new sheriff begins his four-year term, she said.

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