BUTLER COUNTY COMMITTEES PICK SHERIFF CANDIDATES

POPLAR BLUFF -- Butler County Democrats chose a veteran lawman as their candidate for a special December election to replace ousted Sheriff Sam Gilmore.

The name of Danny Whiteley will appear on the Democratic ballot Dec. 16, said Chester Moore, chairman of the Butler County Democratic organization.

"He has 24 years' experience as a deputy," Moore said. "He's had numerous hours with the FBI and DEA training at the University of Missouri."

Both Democrats and Republicans caucused Thursday night to pick their candidates.

Whiteley, 50, said he has served as a reserve officer in Butler County "under every sheriff except the last one."

Butler County Republicans nominated Bill Heaton as their candidate, said interim Sheriff Joe Raymond.

Heaton could not be reached to comment.

Whiteley said he thinks administration will be the biggest challenge for the new sheriff. He cited budgeting problems within the department and a threatened budget shortfall.

Said Whiteley: "From what we're aware of there are some problems there that are going to have to be addressed rather quickly. According to the county commissioners, there may have to be some layoffs, so there are going to be some serious decisions rather quickly."

He said the winner of the December election will have time for some input on next year's budget.

In 1995, he was named reserve deputy of the year by the Missouri Sheriffs Association.

He operates Whiteley's Auto Parts Inc., a family-owned business, in Poplar Bluff, and is a former member of the city council and school board.

Gilmore was ousted last week by Cape Girardeau County Circuit Judge William Syler in a civil suit brought against Gilmore by Butler County Prosecuting Attorney Carl E. Miller II.

The suit was brought on the grounds of allegations that Gilmore committed nepotism by appointing Scott Phelps, his son-in-law, a reserve officer with sheriff's department.

Miller filed the suit in July after a complaint was filed by former Butler County sheriff Fred Armes.

The Missouri Constitution prohibits any public official from hiring or appointing a blood relative or a relative by marriage for any position. There was some disagreement over whether hiring an in-law constitutes actual nepotism.

Moore said he doubts the controversy will have any impact on the election's outcome.

"It'll just be the matter of who gets the most votes. It always is," he said.