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Edmonds Complains About Dalton's Decision to Run for Sheriff

By: Monte Schisler, News Director
Posted: Wednesday, January 18, 2012

24 hours after a 3rd candidate announced his decision to run for Taney County Sheriff, one of his opponents is crying foul, and says he has voiced a complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Kenny Edmonds says current Assistant Branson Police Chief Steve Dalton either needs to quit his job immediately or drop out of the race he just entered.

Edmonds, in an interview with HometownDailyNews.com, claims state law prohibits Dalton from announcing his candidacy, and taking a city hall paycheck, even though official filing doesn’t begin until February 28th.

Kenny Edmonds 2012A113  

In announcing his candidacy Tuesday, and citing city policy dealing with running for public office, Dalton said his last day with the Branson Police Department would be February 24.

Edmonds announced his candidacy for sheriff in December, while incumbent Sheriff Jimmie Russell said at the end of the year he would file for re-election, and seek his fourth term in office.

=====(2nd Version)=====

A candidate for Taney County Sheriff says one of his opponents needs to quit his job immediately, or drop out of the race.

Kenny Edmonds says Assistant Branson Police Chief Steve Dalton is breaking the law by announcing his candidacy this week, while staying on the payroll with the police department. 

Citing city policy, Dalton told HometownDailyNews.com his last day on the job would be February 24th, 4 days before the official filing period begins.Edmonds says that’s not right – and has voiced his complaint with the State Ethics Commission:

Kenny Edmonds 2012A114    

Incumbent Sheriff Jimmie Russell announced at the end of the year that he would seek his 4th term in office. Edmonds also said in December he would run for sheriff when filing opens in February. 

======(3rd Version)===== 

24 hours after a 3rd candidate announced his decision to run for Taney County Sheriff, one of his opponents is crying foul, and says he has voiced a complaint with the Missouri Ethics Commission.

Kenny Edmonds says current Assistant Branson Police Chief Steve Dalton either needs to quit his job immediately or drop out of the race he just entered.

Edmonds, in an interview with HometownDailyNews.com, claims state law prohibits Dalton from announcing his candidacy, and taking a city hall paycheck, even though official filing doesn’t begin until February 28th.  Dalton has said his last day on the job will be February 24th.

Comments (48) - comment on this story

MoVoter - 01/18/2012 12:16:03 AM
I found it worthwhile to look up Mr. Edmonds on casenet.
really! - 01/18/2012 12:44:07 AM
Maybe someone should file a complaint about Edmonds claiming to have been a deputy when He wasn't, he was a jailer. I don't see anything wrong with Dalton's announcement as long as he leaves the city prior to filing
Doris - 01/18/2012 5:46:52 AM
uh,oh Here we go !!!
jeff - 01/18/2012 6:29:05 AM
Steve Dalton would make a fine sheriff. i was not aware that you could not have a job and run for county office. thats crazy,does the state think a person that is unemployed would be a better choice . sounds like someone is going to be a sore loser .
McAwfull - 01/18/2012 6:41:56 AM
Whoever wins the Sheriff's office...Please get the Sheriff's website back up and running again.
Listening to the Crybaby - 01/18/2012 6:42:34 AM
Can you hear that, it is the worlds smallest fiddle playing Cry me a River. Evidently we have a candidate for Sherrif that is going to be a crybaby instead of a man about issues. Grow up Edmonds.
Amazed - 01/18/2012 8:08:48 AM
Well..which is it? Is it a "gray area" or is it clear? If they law is clear as Edmonds claims, then the state would not have said "we are not sure how to rule on this" Mr Edmonds there seems to be some gray areas for you as well, which are being examinded. Remember the rule for those living glass houses
Harry - 01/18/2012 8:44:04 AM
People who live in glass houses should not throw stones.
Local - 01/18/2012 9:20:25 AM
Who really cares? Edmonds needs to mind his own business!
- - 01/18/2012 11:57:32 AM
Why is this not right? It's 4 days before a deadline.. does he realize that this is, still in fact, BEFORE the deadline? Who would leave their job before they have to? As Edmonds is doing interviews such as this, Russell and Dalton are still both in leadership and gaining valuable, real world experience. Why is this a bad thing? If Dalton wants to make a move, he has every right to do so. Who is he to say it's unfair when he's still giving an entire month (plus a couple days) notice? I'm not pushing for any candidate in any way but this just make Edmonds seem week and was banking on people just wanting to shake it up and bank on the "Not Russell" vote.
good grief - 01/18/2012 12:08:31 PM
Sounds like Mr. Edmonds just doesn't want any more competition! Not impressed with this man already!
- - 01/18/2012 12:27:46 PM
So Mr. Edmonds, if you're reading this - City of Branson will be looking for a new assistant police chief. You obviously need more experience and this interview is proof of that. Russell is in the same position, yet, where is his interview? Oh that's right.. there isn't one. Are you wondering why that is? Whining to the ethics commission about something that's clearly within the guidelines seems like a complete waste of time and man power. So as a recap - 1) Your personal opinion is contradictory to the law - deeming them "unfair." 2) You're wasting the people's time/money at the ethics commission. Please correct me if I'm wrong.. but these seem like two issues would easily put your campaign at risk.
And so it begins, blah, blah! - 01/18/2012 12:32:55 PM
Well, you are making my decision easier! Finger pointing, name calling, and bashing get you a 'NO WAY' vote from me! We, the people, are getting really tired of all of the political nonsense. Yeah, yeah, yeah, so it's part of it...really? Why? Perhaps Mr. Edmonds is seeing a bit of competition? Pull up your big boy boxers and run a race without planning an attack at every turn. You catch more flies with honey!
- - 01/18/2012 12:53:15 PM
If you feel so strongly about him dropping out of the race because you think it's some sort of conspiracy against you - drop out of the race yourself. Let them run head to head. Dalton did say that "Russell was doing a fantastic job" is that the quote you misinterpreted? If you didn't realize it, that's a classy move and that's what PR is all about. That statement made his intentions seem as that he doesn't need to smear Russell and that his qualifications and experience would speak for itself and the person who deserves to win, wins. You on the other hand made it out like just because there's competition it's unfair now. Well I hate to break it to you, but there's a lot of things in life that are unfair and guess what? Missouri doesn't care what you think. You're running for a LAW ENFORCEMENT position, not your opinion enforcement.
OK? - 01/18/2012 1:19:21 PM
WHO IS KENNY EDMONDS? IVE NEVER HEARD OF THIS GUY TIL NOW AND HE IS WHINNY
Agenda...what agenda? - 01/18/2012 3:55:58 PM
Look Kenny Edmonds...get this much straight: the job of Sheriff sometimes deals in "grey areas" and things that just might be different than they seem...kinda like your allegation. That's why you have to be ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN YOU ARE CORRECT...which in this case, you aren't. This wouldn't have anything to do with that fact that no one's heard of you and your "campaign" so far consists of throwing mud at a distinguished career lawman so you can grab a headline, would it?
concerned - 01/18/2012 5:36:28 PM
You would think that as a news radio that you would research with the ethics commission before you let someone make false claims. That is NOT what the hatch act says and the Missouri Ethics commission would verify that for you. You can go on the National Sheriffs Association webpage and it will explain that is not what the Hatch act is for.
smells a crybaby - 01/18/2012 6:15:56 PM
If he is complaining about this, how could he ever handle the stress of being sheriff?
Bud Austin - 01/18/2012 7:37:08 PM
Does this mean you can't be a deputy sheriff or sheriff and announce that you are running for the sheriff's office? What does the law say, exactly?
cry baby - 01/19/2012 7:38:52 AM
Everyone needs to look this cry baby candidate up... He can't seem to manage his own finances and for some reason has had issues with a spouse.... Now he is whining about someone probably more qualified than him running against him... Most likely because he is afraid he will lose...
goofy - 01/21/2012 10:43:29 AM
What a whiner
ex - 01/21/2012 10:46:51 AM
You want some cheeze with that whine
Amazed - 01/22/2012 10:04:09 AM
@ Crybaby-seems like he has issues with several different spouses
This IS Kenny Edmonds - 01/22/2012 7:24:45 PM
I will try to respond to all of your questions/ remarks The Hatch Act still does not allow active law enforcement officers to be candidates for Sheriff (H.R. 498: State and Local Law Enforcement Hatch Act Reform Act of 2011 112th Congress: 2011-2012 To amend section 1502 of title 5, United States Code, to permit law enforcement officers to be candidates for sheriff, and for other purposes. Sponsor: Rep. Robert Latta [R-OH5] Status: This bill is in the first step in the legislative process. Explanation: Introduced bills and resolutions first go to committees that deliberate, investigate, and revise them before they go to general debate. The majority of bills and resolutions never make it out of committee.) So when this is amended you can track yourself here (http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h112-498 ) The reason I know about this is because I am in favor of it ultimately being reformed or amended but until then the law is still the law. When you ANNOUNCE – via radio, TV, newspaper, etc that is when you are considered a Candidate (http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/c100-199/1300000011.htm) Missouri Revised Statute Section 130.011 # 4c I have absolutely nothing against Steve Dalton. I have no problem running against more than one other person for Sheriff. I love that we live in a country where we can run for office. Once again with that said I would be remiss not to point out where a law is being broken. Like I stated before I am in favor of them changing the Hatch Act – this is why I am aware of it – but until then I have to be on the side of the current laws, rules and regulations. The Sheriff is the lead Administrator of the department. I believe it is essential to have someone who has a fresh perspective in this position. For the safety of the officers but also for the safety of the citizens. To protect all of our freedoms. “Do what you’ve always done – get what you’ve always got”! For more information on my campaign feel free to "like" my www.facebook.com/kennyedmondsforsheriff that will keep you updated on my thoughts and platform. and you CAN use your real names on here - no need to hide if you believe you have a point to make
Wow stupidity runs wild - 01/22/2012 7:35:45 PM
I love that you all want to put him down for obviously making a point that the law has been broken. Maybe spend more time researching things yourself and you will see that he is absolutely correct. So we want to continue to have Sheriffs in this town that look the other way at certain laws. Kenny Edmonds you have my vote. I am sick and tired of the corruption in this town. I will thank the Lord every night that you are choosing to run. You may even be the next Buford Pusser!
local- 33 years - 01/23/2012 8:25:36 AM
Good luck Kenny Edmonds! You have my vote, and I will be spreading the word!
True Voter - 01/23/2012 12:19:39 PM
Mr. Edmonds I am glad that you are not allowing the way things have always been deter you from speaking out for what is right. It is about time somebody called these guys out on their tricks of their trade. Between what everyone knows is going on in the East side and Dalton's reputation I say go for it old chap. You will have my vote Edmonds and my friends as well I am sure!
Victoria S. - 01/23/2012 6:16:50 PM
I read in one of the papers that Dalton ran against Theron Jenkins back in 1996. Was he then in law enforcement? If Mr. Edmonds is right about this Hatch Act thing; from all accounts he seems to be, then wasnt Dalton even breaking the law back in 1996? Can someone find this info out for me please. Thanks
Jared Layton - 01/23/2012 6:34:20 PM
Mr. Edmonds,since you brought up the fact that a law was broken,("Once again with that said I would be remiss not to point out where a law is being broken.") lets point something out here. Correct me if I'm wrong here, but, were you not arrested for domestic assault in 2010??? "I have to be on the side of the current laws, rules and regulations" This is a statement you made in your comment above. So, which side of the law do you fall on now? By the way, I used my real name...
The rest of the "Hatch Act" - 01/23/2012 6:51:49 PM
First off I am not a "Dalton" supporter but the information needs to be correct. For the "Hatch Act" to apply, the person must be the direct supervisor of federal money, such as grants, received by the agencies they are employeed by. Normally, this would be done by the agency head, not the assistant. If he was the direct supervisor and had this changed prior to announcing that he is running, he is not in violation. It is still legal for any law enforcement officer to run for office while still employeed by an agency as long as you are not the direct supervisor of federal money.
wondering - 01/23/2012 8:51:28 PM
Does anyone know what this Kenny Edmonds does for a living now?
rolleyes - 01/24/2012 2:23:53 AM
Gee I wonder who the commenter that says "you may be the next buford pusser" could be? Perhaps his wife? As an aside, Buford Pusser went around killing and abusing people that he deemed criminals, without trial. Whether they deserved it or not is beside the point. Having him as your hero definitely doesn't do you any favors. I thought "a law is a law"? Sounds like you would be willing to bend the laws to your benefit.
Code Name Wannabe - 01/28/2012 3:55:04 PM
Some one said: "You may even be the next Buford Pusser!" A criminal at that who felt our constitution was not relevant. I also note a misquote of The Hatch Act. It's one thing to read a statute - another to know the law. He who has himself as a client has a fool, the old adage states. To quote any statute without diligent research of case "law" that surrounds the statute, will prove that adage correct. Finally Take the er off Buford's last name and add a y and what have you got? Don't miss this discussion. From what I understand, whats not liked is deleted. And people are banned from responding again. http://www.facebook.com/KennyEdmondsforSheriff
A concerned military veteran - 01/29/2012 8:23:49 AM
Mr Edmonds, I am a USMC Gunnery Sgt, and was one of the individuals who commented on your facebook page (now since deleted). You made postings (and or, as you state, "your wife accidently" posted pictures) indicating your military service which was quickly debunked and challenged. If you are unable to accurately portray, and prove as you stated, your military service with your records, exactly how do you intend to accurately represent the people of your county? I have absolutely no dog in your Sheriffs Election fight, but what I do represent are veterans who are tired of individuals passing them self off as something they are not, nor have never accomplished. Be proud of your service, and when running for public office, be knowledgeable and truthful of what your service was. Semper Fidelis Mac
Who is misquoting now? - 01/29/2012 11:32:32 PM
I am a real resident of this county. I personally know Kenny. I was watching his page while a bunch of you who dont even live in this town decided to attack a simple mistake. The fact is that his wife found a box of medals and thought it would be cool to post them on his site (not realizing what they were). I saw her come out and say it was a mistake and the photo was removed. I saw that at no time did Kenny ever write anything that was other than in his 214. He even posted his 214 to show he never lied or was not a man of valor. Then I see a bunch of you call his grandmother and wife names and threaten his family! Are you kidding me??? The fact that you are all trying to make a big deal out of something that has no validity is insane. What is your true purpose and what are your real motives? I also know his wife and their four great kids. I know his mother and father who have been business owners in this county for a very long time. I know his siblings, his friends, his co-workers. This is a small town and guess what guys we all know each other (prolly only 4 degrees of separation) I know the real man and the fact that you are all trying to make him out to be a bad guy says to me you have nothing better to do. Then the threats? What is your stake in all of this? This county needs a new Sheriff and Kenny is the guy that I know many of us WANT in this county. Keep playing your games and lying about the truth. I dont blame him at all for removing you. In fact I am now looking into what charges you all should face; there are anti-internet bullying laws in progress and effect. You are no different than those kids and parents that bully other kids into committing suicide. You are even worse because you DARE say you are people/ men of VALOR! Who do you think you are kidding. You are A DISGRACE TO OUR ARMED FORCES! Now he can get real feedback from the people that actually vote and don't pretend to be "veterans" a real "vet" has respect, honor and valor and all you have done is made us think you are insane idiots. There is a code of friendship and family in the forces, you have gone too far! The more you protest the more WE as residents WANT Kenny to win. Put that in your pipe and smoke it. I am an attorney by the way and I did take this Hatch Act issue to the county attorney, the Secretary of State, The Attorney General and the Ethics Commission and guess what they are looking into it because it is a valid point. If you actually lived in this state you would see it is already an issue in St. Louis. All you are doing is supporting the same old criminal thoughts of the guys that have been running this town for years. It all comes out in the wash and those that thus protests the most are usually the ones that need to be punished. Keep going Kenny, they got nothing on you!
Amazed - 01/30/2012 8:01:33 AM
@Who is misquoting now As an attorney you should be aware that Mr Edmonds made a claim to the awards stating words to the effect "my wife had a couple of them upside down, but i have fixed them" Therefore taking ownership of those medals and ribbons displayed. At that point he knowingly and willingly displayed medals that did not belong to him or that were earned. End of that discussion. Next item. What about the issue of him not answering the question "HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ARRESTED?" Simple question that only requires a "yes" or a "no" And lets remember that he is spewing "honesty and integrity" for his campaign
Stolen Valor - 01/30/2012 8:26:29 AM
Many commenting are obviously not military and cannot fathom the outrage over Kenny's ridiculous excuses about the Vietnam Medal/ribbon, the WWII ribbon, the jump wings, and his 3 yrs vs 3 tours vs 5 months in the sand box. It is a Federal Crime to claims awards and decorations not authorized. Anything NOT on the DD214 is "not" authorized - ie The American Defense Medal, the jump wings and "I ate sand more than 5 months". His excuses - especially after realizing his wife had posted the picture - are inexcusable in the veterans community as the corrected pic was no more correct than the first one. If he can't get a ribbon rack right, or make corrections once confronted - he's not the man to run overight on crim scenes where details make or break a case.
Natasha Edmonds - 01/30/2012 3:04:38 PM
Kenny never wrote any claims of anything other than the truth. He posted his DD214. It clearly says ... Served 02 Aug 90 to 23 Oct 93 in support of Operation Desert Shield/ Storm; AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, AF Training Ribbon, Kuwaiti Liberation Medal. That is what he said; that is all he claimed and the discussion is over. When someone asked how many tours... I (me from my personal page) was the one that said 3 years; I thought that meant service time. I saw a box of medals and took pics of them - not understanding or realizing this was going to be an issue. I come from a family that served but have never myself served so anyone in my shoes can understand. The fault does lay on my shoulders, I explained that but for some reason that is not good enough and I am horrified and saddened that my mistake has caused all of these problems. Guess I assumed people would be more understanding to a mistake that I took complete accountability/ responsibility for, I removed the pic and moved on. If you want to vote for Kenny in this election I know he would love your support. If you choose another candidate that is fine too. At the end of the day the people that REALLY know he and I love us and support us, this campaign and our family with no reservations. We are both the type of personalities that never meets a stranger. Respect and integrity are words and actions displayed in our home daily. We both have been extremely successful in our lives and both take great pride in who we have become and the kids we are raising together. As far as casenet is concerned you will find some hospital bills from 7-8 years ago when he suffered from West Nile virus that were eventually resolved. You will find divorce and you will see that we went to court for custody of his two young sons. Kenny will make a fine Sheriff. Don't mistake what was my fault as an interpretation of who he is or his abilities. As far as the facebook page, I took it down. I was the one seeing the comments the most and after being personally called names and threatened, he gave me the go-ahead to just take it down for the time being. I will leave my comments at that and move on.... but I will leave you with this ... “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” - Mahatma Gandhi
JRM - 01/31/2012 7:33:55 AM
@Natasha- I think everyone will appreciate you attempting to take the fall for your husband, but it will not work. Kenny stated that he served the time in the sand doing things he cannot speak about(thankfully I was wearing boots when I read that statement)HE also took ownership of the medals and ribbons. There really isnt much more to talk about on that issue. He got caught, period. The REAL issue now is and the question STILL has never been answered by Kenny or you. HAS KENNY EDMONDS EVER BEEN ARRESTED IN TANEY COUNTY OR ANY OTHER PLACE ON PLANET EARTH? Yes or No.
I.S. Baker - 01/31/2012 7:45:58 AM
Ha ha ha! Lots of squirming & dodging the issue from you people about the bogus awards posted. And some expremely lame excuses. So your story is that DOD sent you a WWII era American Service Medal by mistake? Somebody who will lie about something like that will lie about other things too. The heat got to be too much on that FB page I guess so the whiners deleted the whole darn thing. Good luck deleting this, squirmers!
A concerned military veteran - 01/31/2012 9:09:41 AM
To Amazed & Stolen Valor: thank you, that is all my interest in this story. If Mr Edmonds wishes to tout his military experience as part of his resume in running, good for him. All that is asked for that it be accurate, and supported by official government records. For those who wish to classify veterans who post here as "idiots" and a "disgrace". You are welcome, for the freedom which we veterans provide in order for you to make such statements. USMC Gunnery Sgt
Whinners - 01/31/2012 1:38:25 PM
Many of you on here are being completely ridiculous. I wasnt planning on voting but will now. Ken for Sheriff!
Personal agendas - 01/31/2012 1:46:27 PM
No matter what this Edmonds or his wife says I see they are still being attacked. I have a very good feeling that most of you on here have a personal stake in Kenny Edmonds himself, maybe an ex or family of an ex. The more negativity you bring to him and his family the more votes he is going to get. If you don't want him in office then go root for your horse in the race otherwise all you are probably doing is just getting him the "stop picking on our native son vote". Just a thought.
Jaime W. - 01/31/2012 5:22:46 PM
I heard a rumor that Russell was thinking about backing out because of all the press this Edmond is getting... has anyone heard that or can confirm?
Funny - 01/31/2012 10:35:19 PM
How many "different people" keep using the term whinner in their response. Keep making a fuss and Emonds is guaranteed to win!
RealityIs - 02/16/2012 9:39:54 PM
Of all people that need to drop out of the race, it's Kenny. I know all 3 candidates well, and now that Steve has thrown his hat in the ring, Edmonds need to drop out and take any of his supporters with him to support Dalton if we are ever going to get rid of the current farce that is our incumbent. It will take 3 things to beat Russell: Education/Experience, Name Recognition in the law enforcement community, and lastly, money and plenty of it. Kenny, you have none of these things, and you will do nothing but ensure that Jimmie prances his way to another term by splitting the non "good ole boy" vote. I would hate to see that happen with such a qualified candidate as Dalton finally running that might finally win over the cowboy regime running things over there now.
Amazed - 02/17/2012 8:27:19 AM
@RealityIs-I agree with you about Edmonds needing to drop out of the race. But for different reasons. 1)Arrest(s) He still has never answered that question. If you say you know him on a personal level, ask him. Please post the answer here. 2)Lack of intregity about his "war" record and blaming everything on his wife and the Air Force. No one that has ever served believed for one second that the A/F sent him a WWII Coast Guard medal for his National Defense Ribbon. All Mr. Edmonds needs to do is be honest with the people he wants to protect and serve. Ask him, and see how well he tap dances
Real Reality - 02/28/2012 3:25:41 PM
Jimmy Russel been in for 20+ years; Steve Dalton been in for 20+; almost 50yrs experience between the 2 and we are STILL the METH capital. It is time for a fresh face. Some of you obviously have a very personal agenda but for the rest of us we need NEW! Someone that doesn't look the other way because he owes decades of favors to people. I am pretty sure any problems or arrests that Dalton or Russel have had were swept way under the rug. The true story is about the corruption that plague the current sheriff's office and police departments. Hell I went through a custody dispute and cant tell you the number of times my ex tried to pull "police" crud with me. That doesn't make me a bad person. I am only concerned with convictions - this is the land of the free and we are all to be innocent until proven guilty so prove to me that he has a record and then we can talk and then maybe people will listen. Ken has my vote.