Steve Bizzell

Home: 4515 Bizzell Grove Church Road, Princeton

Age: 47

Family: Wife, Jennifer Bizzell; Children, Blake Bizzell, 18, Brent Bizzell, 14, and Brenna Bizzell, 10

Education: Attended Princeton High School; Coastal Plains Law Enforcement Academy

Occupation: Sheriff of Johnston County

Political Experience: Elected Sheriff of Johnston County in 1998 and 2002

Political Affiliation: Republican

Community Involvement: Bizzell Grove Pentecostal-Holiness Church; N.C. Sheriff’s Association Vice-President; Johnston County Republican Party; N.C. Autism Committee

Top Priorities if Elected: “As Sheriff of Johnston County, I will continue providing the superior law enforcement services for which the citizens of Johnston County have become accustomed. As Sheriff of one of the fastest growing counties in our state, I will continue meeting the demands that are associated with growth. I have built an effective team of trained professionals that have the equipment and other resources available to meet my goal of being the best Sheriff’s Office in the State of North Carolina.”

If you could solve one problem in your community and/or district, what would it be? “When I became Sheriff 8 years ago, I committed to ridding our county of illegal drug dealers. My commitment has not changed. The illegal drug trade continues to be a problem in our county, state and nation. Illegal narcotics are at the root of crimes such as break-ins, larceny, domestic violence, rape and murder. We continue to aggressively enforce the laws regarding illegal drugs.

However, we can’t do it alone. It is time that the judicial system puts politics in its perspective and carry out the job that they were elected to do, giving stricter sentences that will send a message back to the streets that “enough is enough” and we will no longer tolerate drug dealers wreaking havoc in our communities.”

Political Hero: Ronald Reagan

Name a book, movie or piece of art that has inspired you the most and explain why. “Walking Tall by Buford Pusser. In this movie Buford Pusser, just an ordinary guy, was elected as Sheriff of a county that was known for corruption and a total disrespect and distrust for the law. Sheriff Pusser worked tirelessly to dismantle the “good ole’ boy” system, overcoming many obstacles and bringing law and order back to the county where he was born and raised. While Johnston County is not the same as Buford Pusser’s home county, there was a lot of work that needed to be done. That’s why I committed to pro-active law enforcement, aggressive professional training of our deputies, and modern law enforcement techniques to make our community a safe place to live, work and raise our families.”

How to Contact: Email. sbizzell@jcso.org; Telephone: (919) 989-5025