Public office requires focus. It requires stability. And above all, it requires leaders who can devote their full attention to the responsibilities voters entrusted to them.
Right now, Clinton County faces a situation that raises serious questions about whether that level of focus exists in the leadership of the sheriff’s office.
Within the past week, Sheriff Rich Kelly and jail matron Ashley Kelly were arrested and posted bond following allegations connected to an investigation involving the Indiana State Police pension fund. These are allegations, and the legal process will determine the outcome. But what cannot be ignored is the reality that legal battles of this magnitude do not disappear quickly. They hang over an office, consume time, and divide attention.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Department has already struggled through years of controversy, internal issues, and declining confidence from parts of the public. This is not a moment when the department can afford more distraction. It needs steady leadership focused entirely on rebuilding morale, restoring professionalism, compassion, empathy and getting the basics of law enforcement back on track.
That is why KNS Radio is endorsing Jake Myers for Clinton County Sheriff.
Jake Myers represents something Clinton County desperately needs right now: calm, focused leadership. Rebuilding the sheriff’s department will not happen overnight. It will require someone willing to roll up their sleeves and focus on day-to-day operations, officer support, and restoring trust between the department and the community.
This is not a criticism of Brendon Bright personally. By all accounts, Bright is a decent and capable law enforcement professional. But elections are about choosing the candidate best suited for the moment we are in. Right now, Clinton County needs someone laser-focused on fixing a department that many voters feel has been neglected.
Myers offers the clearest path toward that reset.
The same principle applies in the race for Clinton County Commissioner.
KNS Radio is endorsing Jordan Brewer for reelection. Brewer has consistently shown a willingness to communicate with constituents and answer questions when issues arise. In our own interactions with him, he has taken the time to respond when important county matters were raised. That responsiveness matters.
Sheriff Kelly is now seeking the commissioner seat while also facing serious legal allegations and overseeing a department already under scrutiny. Voters must ask themselves whether someone facing that level of legal distraction can realistically devote the attention necessary to county government.
Clinton County deserves leaders who can focus on the job — not divide their time between governing and legal distractions while the whole time, offering no explanation to the community. This, coupled with allegations that sound like a steamy soap opera with many players and an over 300-thousand dollar debt owed to the state attorney general is not only too distracting, it’s arrogant to think you can do about any job effectively.
Finally, in the race for Clinton County Superior Court Judge, KNS Radio is endorsing Shawn Rountree.
Rountree brings a wide range of legal experience that could benefit the county’s court system. Judges must approach the bench with broad legal knowledge and the ability to weigh cases fairly and thoughtfully. Rountree’s background suggests he has the tools to do exactly that.
His opponent, Tom Little, has long been part of the local legal community. But voters should carefully examine the role past legal decisions and county counsel guidance played in some of the controversies that have surfaced in county government over the years. When selecting a judge, experience and judgment both matter.
Just because a candidate is originally from here should matter very little. If we elect leaders on that basis, we advocate for the “good old boy” system that we have railed against and in some cases, seen up close how devastating that can be. Little has not proven he is fair or competent as county attorney.
Clinton County voters have an opportunity in this primary election to reset the direction of local leadership.
KNS Radio believes that means choosing leaders who are focused, accessible, and fully committed to the responsibilities of their offices.
For those reasons, we endorse:
Jake Myers for Sheriff
Jordan Brewer for County Commissioner
Shawn Rountree for Superior Court Judge
Clinton County deserves leadership that is present, accountable, and focused on the job — every single day.