The Newport Plain Talk

Veteran Newport Police Captain James F. Holt has announcedthat he is a candidate for Cocke County sheriff in the May Republican primary.

A Newport Police Department captain and a veteran of 22years with law enforcement, Holt said he is announcing his candidacy becausemany people have asked him to run to bring vigorous, professional law enforcementthroughout the county.

Capt. Holt has worked in each and every aspect of law enforcement,from dispatch, to county jailer, to process server and all the way to rank of captain.He has been certified in all of these positions.

He has been to supervisor school and is currently a memberof the 4th Judicial Drug Task Force. Capt. Holt also recentlycompleted an elite class entitled "Desert Snow" to stop drug trafficking intoTennessee.

As a spokesperson for the Alcohol and Substance AbusePrevention program, Capt. Holt said he is alarmed at the amount of illegal drugtraffic and the affect it has on the community, families, and schools.

"I take the time to visit schools and all organizations toteach them about the long-term and short-term effects of drug and alcoholabuse. Knowledge is a powerful weapon in the fight against illegal drugs," hesaid.

Capt. Holt alsohas advanced auto theft training and advanced domestic violence training amonghis professional credentials. He said he would address the problem of increasedburglaries and thefts in the county.

"The main message I want people to know is that 'I will be aworking sheriff.' I am not looking to retire or enhance my retirement. I havereceived several commendations on my work in relation to car thefts and drugs.My focus, if elected, will be on the area thefts and drug problems thatcurrently exist in our community," said Capt. Holt.

Capt. Holt is the son of the late Finley Holt, who was marriedto the late Judy Orr, who is James Holt's mother. Capt. Holt is married to theformer Kathy Myers, owner/operator of West End Exxon and The Pit Stop MobilMart in Newport.

"Cocke County has always been my home and I am proud of myextended families and our community.I pledge to work hard and long to improve your security and safety andparticularly to assist our senior citizens. I thank you for your support andinterest in my candidacy," said Holt.

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