May 20, 2013
News 12 First at Five / Friday, March 16, 2012
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Augusta native and 32-year law enforcement veteran Lt. John Ivey announced his plans to run for sheriff Friday. Family and friends gathered outside the municipal building to show their support.
"This is a huge day for me," said Lt. Ivey's wife, Colis. "This has been a dream of his for a long time."
Mrs. Ivey stood by her husband as the Augusta native and former Marine made his case for top cop.
"I am running for office simply to provide the citizens with a safe, secure and fruitful community," Lt. Ivey said.
"He has my support," said Frank Thomas, former director of Human Relations Commission. "John is a man of integrity, and he is strongly concerned about the citizens regardless of race, color, creed, etc."
That's why the family takes great issue with the suggestion of fellow candidate Lt. Richard Roundtree that the move might be political.
"There is even some talk on the street that John is being paid to run so he can keep the votes away from Roundtree," Mrs. Ivey said. "Not true."
Recent Morehouse College graduate Ben Ivey said his father is uniquely qualified for the job.
"The opportunity to be a great sheriff is something my dad really cherishes," Ben said. "People in our generation who have often times been weary of the police and maybe didn't trust them at all ... they trust him."
Lt. Ivey said his first priority is to tackle violence.
"One killing. One robbery. One burglary. That's too many," Lt. Ivey said. "We are going to try to get it down to a little of nothing."
"The best man will win," Mrs. Ivey said. "And his name will be John Ivey."
Lt. Ivey first made his announcement on News 12. He will run as a Democrat in the race.
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