by Shawn Nowlin
If you put them on truth serum, both Antonio Hash and James Creasy earnestly believe that they are the right leader to serve as the city’s next sheriff.
Both candidates have fervent supporters, but they understand that a true coalition will be required to cross the finish line. Among those in Hash’s corner is Chuck Simpson, President at Communications Workers of America.
“I’ve known Sheriff Antonio Hash since he ran in the 2021 Democratic Primary. I was impressed when I learned what he had accomplished and had been supporting in our area long before he ran,” Simpson said. “I learned this not from him, but from his supporters and poll workers who did not hold back on why they stood alongside him.”
One of Creasey’s most ardent backers is Roanoke resident Joyce Smith, a retired educator.
“After four years in office, I think it’s clear that someone else should be our sheriff. I voted for James because he has a proven track record, and I think he will be a much more effective leader,” explained Smith.
Hash, 45, has a serious challenger in Creasy, a 42-year-old Republican. There is a real possibility that the race will come down to the margins. While both were born and raised in the Star City, the two men have drastically different views on how the city should move forward.
Prior to his successful campaign for sheriff in 2021, Hash worked with the sheriff’s office for 16 years, as a deputy and a school resource officer.
After being hired as a deputy at 18, Creasy worked for 24 years in the sheriff’s office. Wanting to see a change in the crime and homelessness rates are the primary reasons why he decided to run for the prestigious position.
With the election less than two weeks away, both candidates are on a mission to get their message out to as many voters as possible. On Oct. 9, the two participated in a virtual community forum hosted by the Roanoke Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Court services, detention center security, law enforcement and support services are the four divisions in the sheriff’s office. Regardless of who wins on Election Day, to be the most effective, reaching across the political aisle will be required.
