News

Gannon calls opponents’ understanding of modern-day terrorism and ISIS “dangerously unsophisticated for someone running to be County Sheriff”

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Gannon (973)588-5089

Boonton, May 4, 2016 – Just a week after Morris County Sheriff candidate John Sierchio awkwardly likened ISIS’s chance of attacking Morris County to “winning the lottery” at a Montville Republican Club debate, Sierchio doubled-down on his stunning ignorance regarding modern-day terrorism by saying that he “has a bridge to sell” anyone who believes “an ISIS tank is going to drive down Route 202” during the Morris Plains Candidate’s Night on Monday evening.  (Source: http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/politics/2016/04/26/morris-gop-sheriff-candidates-debate-terrorism-jail-heroin/83534176/)

In a recent PolitickerNJ.com story, Sierchio also dismissed the San Bernardino terrorists as simply “a husband and wife who decide[d] to go out there and cause harm.”  (Source: http://politickernj.com/2016/04/sierchio-morris-freeholder-board-wants-puppet-for-sheriff/)

Gannon, who was a member of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, served as a Patrolman in Boonton and Boonton Township, Deputy Chief of Investigations at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and recently retired as the Global Head of Security Risk for Novartis, called Mr. Sierchio’s recent remarks “dangerously unsophisticated for someone running to be Morris County Sheriff.”

“With the growing strength and influence of ISIS, radical Islamic terrorism is evolving. The use of social media and the internet, along with anti-American speech by hateful clerics, is meant to radicalize individuals for Jihad against Americans,” said Gannon.  “Just because someone wasn’t trained overseas in some organized terrorist camp doesn’t mean they aren’t terrorists; and just because they can’t drive a tank down Route 202 doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take them seriously.  Frankly, Mr. Sierchio sounds as naïve as President Obama once sounded when he dismissed ISIS as ‘the jayvee team’ and proved to the world that he didn’t understand the threat that we were facing.”

“I will repeat what I said last week and what I have been telling voters during this campaign:  Morris County is a wonderful place to live – it’s where I was born and raised – but to pretend we are somehow immune to what’s happening in the rest of the world demonstrates a dangerous level of indifference on Mr. Sierchio’s part,” said Gannon.  “I honestly believe such a head-in-the-sand attitude towards the threat of terrorism is disqualifying for someone running to be Sheriff.”

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Former FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Member Jim Gannon pledges the highest-level of preparedness possible to protect residents from terrorism

Contact: Jim Gannon (973)588-5089

Boonton, April 26, 2016 – Republican Sheriff Candidate and former FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force Member Jim Gannon said today that his opponent, John Sierchio, has his head-in-the-sand when it comes to very real threat from ISIS and the potential for a terrorist attack in Morris County.

Gannon was reacting to Sierchio’s stunningly out-of-touch statement at last night’s Montville Republican Club debate, where the Essex County political insider awkwardly likened ISIS’s chance of attacking Morris County to “winning the lottery.”

“Anyone running for Morris County Sheriff who is so flippant about the threat of terrorist attacks on our residents and our communities, frankly, isn’t qualified to be Sheriff,” said Gannon, who served as a Patrolman in Boonton and Boonton Township, as well as the Deputy Chief of Investigations at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and recently retired as the Global Head of Security Risk for Novartis.  “After watching with your own eyes what happened in San Bernardino, reading about the very serious and credible threats against shopping malls in Buffalo, New York last spring and the arrests in New Jersey of individuals who are supporting ISIS related activities, it astonishes me that Mr. Sierchio could be so dismissive of the intentions and capabilities of the radical Islamic extremists who want to do us harm.  His ignorance is frightening.”

Gannon, who led a detail of 30 Police Officers from the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and Morris County Sheriff’s Office to New York City in response to the 9/11 attacks, and was faced with the brutally difficult task of returning to Morris County the following day to work with the families of 64 residents who were killed, said the experience left an indelible mark on him.

“While Mr. Sierchio doesn’t think terrorism is a concern, I personally led a detail of Detectives from the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit and Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section to conduct a series of search warrants with the FBI of New Jersey locations relevant to the 9/11 investigation,” said Gannon.  “Morris County is a wonderful place to live – it’s where I was born and raised – but to pretend we are somehow immune to what’s happening in the rest of the world demonstrates a dangerous level of indifference on Mr. Sierchio’s part.”

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Opponent nearly shut out; Double-Dipping plans hamper campaign

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Gannon (973) 588-5089

Boonton, April 5, 2016 - Career law enforcement and global security specialist Jim Gannon rolled out a new list of endorsements today, giving him the backing of more than 100 Conservative and Republican leaders throughout Morris County, and leaving his opponent nearly shut out from grassroots support.

Gannon's opponent, John Sierchio, has been hampered by his announced plans to accept two-taxpayer funded paychecks for just one job totaling nearly $200,000 annually, if elected Sheriff.  The state's largest newspaper calls the practice an "obscenity" and that people who do it are "gaming the pension system with impunity by exploiting a loophole in the law," while Republican Senator Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth) calls it "egregious to the general public."

Gannon expressed thanks and gratitude to all those supporting him, and called the reception he is receiving across the county "very heartwarming and encouraging."

"The voters I am speaking with are embracing my message of a more modern, fiscally responsible Sheriff's office that keeps our county safe and ensures that taxpayer money is spent wisely in the process," said Gannon.

Congressman Leonard Lance (CD-7)

Mayor of Chatham Borough Bruce Harris

Mayor of Chester Twp Bill Cogger

Mayor of Lincoln Park David Runfeldt

Mayor of Montville Jim Sandham

Boonton Alderman Anthony Scozzafava

Former Boonton Alderman Michael LoRusso

Former Boonton Alderman James Sweynor

Hanover Committeeman Robert Brueno

Hanover Committeeman John Ferramosca

Former Hanover Twp Deputy Mayor Judy Iradi

Kinnelon Councilwoman Carol Sventy 

President of the Morristown Tea Party Jeff Weingarten

*View previous endorsements on our website www.gannonforsheriff.com 

Gannon has earned the endorsement of 89 Republican elected and party leaders and counting from all across Morris County

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Gannon 973-588-5089

Boonton, Thursday, March 10, 2016 – Following today’s endorsement announcement, headlined by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Sheriff’s candidate Jim Gannon has now earned the backing of 89 Republican elected officials and party leaders and counting from all across Morris County, said the Gannon campaign today.

“I am thrilled that Republicans throughout the county are embracing my candidacy,” said Gannon, who announced a run for Sheriff this year after a 33-year career in law enforcement and global security, starting as a Patrolman in Boonton and Boonton Township, and then stints at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI's elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and Morris County-based Novartis Pharmaceuticals.  “My three-point plan includes working with local, county, state and federal law enforcement to keep neighborhoods, schools and businesses safe, protecting seniors from consumer fraud and combating illegal drugs, and restoring financial accountability and responsibility to the Sheriff’s Office.”

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (CD-11)

Assemblyman Parker Space (L-24)

Sussex County Sheriff Mike Strada

Mayor of Butler Robert W. Alviene

Mayor of Chatham Township Curt Ritter 

Mayor of Florham Park Mark Taylor

Mayor of Netcong Joseph Nametko 

Mayor of Pequannock David G. Kohle

Boonton Alderman Dan Carey 

Boonton Alderman Keith Price 

Chatham Township Committeewoman Karen Swartz 

Florham Park Councilman Charles Germershausen

Hanover Township Committeeman George Coppola 

Long Hill Township Deputy Mayor Guy Piserchia

Mount Arlington Councilman Michael Stanzilis

Washington Twp Councilman Matt Murello

Morris County State GOP Committeeman & Fmr. Kinnelon Councilman Larry Casha

Former Morris County Freeholder & Morris Township Mayor  John Murphy

Former Boonton Mayor Cy Wekilsky

Former Boonton Mayor Lou Masterbone 

Former Hanover Township Mayor Bob Steiger 

Former Morris County GOP Chair Lois Johnson

Former Morris Township Mayor Kathleen Hyland 

MCRC Executive Director Barbara Dawson (Personal)

Chester Township Republican Committee Member Kurt Alstede

*View previous endorsements on our website www.gannonforsheriff.com 

Last week, Gannon announced plans to voluntarily freeze his state pension of nearly $80,000 per year, and accept only his Sheriff’s salary if elected in November.  “As evidenced by the tragic death of a NJ State Trooper earlier this week, it’s clear that law enforcement professionals and firefighters put their lives on the line and earn every penny of their pensions when they retire,” said Gannon.  “But, for me personally, as someone running for public office, I do not believe in accepting two taxpayer-funded paychecks to do just one job.  I want voters and taxpayers to know that running for Sheriff isn’t about the money for me – it’s about keeping our county safe and secure.”

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For Immediate Release
Contact: James Gannon 973-588-5089

Boonton, March 1, 2016 – Republican Jim Gannon, who retired in 2008 as a Member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) from his 25-years of service as a Boonton and Boonton Township Police Officer, and the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, with an annual pension of $78,160, will file paperwork with the State of New Jersey to freeze that pension and collect only his salary as Morris County Sheriff if successful in the June primary and then elected to a full-term in November.

Under N.J.S.A. 43:3C-3, Gannon’s decision to freeze his pension will also require him to give up a $60,000 payout to his beneficiary (his daughter) in the event of his death, something Gannon called “being penalized for doing the right thing.” He urged lawmakers in Trenton to introduce legislation to fix it and said doing so could incentivize others to freeze their pensions while serving in elected office.

After his career in the public sector, Gannon continued his law enforcement and security career as a member of the FBI's elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and then as Global Head of Security Risk at Novartis. Gannon said that with Census Data showing the per capita income of a Morris County resident at $48,814 and Morris County household at $98,633, it didn’t feel appropriate to him to accept both a state pension and Sheriff’s salary that would potentially put his income at over $200,000 a year. Gannon will defer to the Freeholder Board to set his salary within the range allowable by law.

“Make no mistake, I believe law enforcement officers and firefighters earn their pensions – these men and women leave their families at home and put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe,” said Gannon, who reached out to the New Jersey Division of Pension and Benefits and confirmed that his pension can be temporarily frozen while he serves as Sheriff, and then restarted, without retroactive payments, after he leaves office. “But, for me personally, getting two checks funded by taxpayers to do just one job didn’t seem right. I want voters and taxpayers to know that running for Sheriff isn’t about the money for me – it’s about keeping our county safe and secure.”

Law enforcement experience and three-point reform plan appeal to key supporters

For Immediate Release
Contact: James Gannon 973-588-5089

Boonton, Wednesday, February 24th – Republican Jim Gannon continued his momentum today by announcing new endorsements he’s received from a broad coalition of Republican leaders across Morris County attracted to his law enforcement experience and three-point reform plan for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

Those endorsing Gannon’s campaign today include:

Assemblyman Michael Carroll (R-25)                               

Freeholder Director Kathy Defillippo                              

Freeholder Tom Mastrangelo                                           

Mayor Boonton Twsp. Paul Allieri                                     

Mayor of Hanover Twsp Ron Francioli                              

Mayor of Kinnelon Bob Collins                                        

Mayor of Morris Plains & Former Freeholder Frank Druetzler 

Mayor of Morris Twsp. Dan Caffrey                                           

Mayor of Roxbury Jim Rilee                

Mayor of Washington Twsp Bill Roehrich

Boonton Alderman James Lynch

Boonton Alderman Dan Piccioni

Boonton Alderwoman Doris Yanez

Boonton Twsp. Committee Michele Rankin

Boonton Twsp. Commitee Thomas Donadio

Boonton Twsp. Commitee Robert A. Rizzio

Hanover Councilman Ace Gallagher

Jefferson Councilman Robert Birmingham

Mine Hill Councilman Conrad Pepperman

Morristown Councilwoman Allison Deeb

Morris Twsp. Deputy Mayor Bruce Sisler

Morris Twsp. Councilman Matheu Nunn

Mt Olive Councilman John Mania

Mt Olive Councilman John Mania

Montville Councilman Scott Gallopo

Parsippany Councilwoman Loretta Gragnani

Riverdale Councilman Brad Clinton

Riverdale GOP Will Felegi

Former Morris County Admin Jim Rosenberg

Former Mt Arlington Councilman Brian Kincaid

See 2/12 endorsements below

Gannon, whose 33-year career in law enforcement started as a police officer in Boonton and Boonton Township, and then moved on to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI's elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and then Global Head of Security Risk at Novartis, said he was honored by the outpouring of support.

“Since we kicked off our campaign two weeks ago, the phone has been buzzing with calls, texts and emails from people eager to lend their support and energized to work on my behalf,” said Gannon.  “My three-point reform plan is really resonating with people and I am eager to continue carrying our positive message countywide in the days and weeks to come.”

Gannon’s campaign platform includes:

Working with local, county, state and federal law enforcement and public safety communities to keep Morris County’s neighborhoods, schools, and businesses safe and secure, and to strengthen the county’s preparedness in light of the increased threat of terrorism.  

Promote programs that help seniors identify and avoid consumer fraud, keep children safe, crack down on gangs, and combat the use and sale of illegal drugs.

Restore a productive and respectful relationship with the Freeholder Board, and recommit the Sheriff’s Office to financial accountability and responsibility in these challenging economic times.

Those endorsing Gannon’s campaign on or by 2/12 include:

State Senator Tony Bucco (R-25)

Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (R-25)

Former Assemblyman Guy Gregg

Former Asm. & County GOP Chair Dick Kamin

Current County GOP Chair John Sette (personal)

Freeholder Douglas Cabana

Deputy Freeholder Director Hank Lyon

Freeholder Deb Smith

Former Freeholder John Krickus

Former Freeholder Dave Scapicchio 

Mayor of Denville Tom Andes

Mayor of Mine Hill Sam Morris

Mayor of Mount Olive Rob Greenbaum

Mayor of Mountain Lakes Peter Holmberg

Mayor of Rockaway Bor. Russell Grueter

Mayor of Wharton Bill Chegwidden

Deputy Mayor of Chatham Twp Kevin Sullivan

Boonton Twsp Committeeman Will Klingener

Denville Council President Christopher Golinski

Kinnelon Councilman Adam Barish

Mine Hill Council President Dave Bloom

Montville Councilman Frank Cooney

Mt. Lakes Councilman Doug McWilliams

Mount Olive Councilman Alex Roman

Mount Olive Councilman Greg Stewart

Mount Olive Councilman Joe Nicastro

Mount Olive Councilwoman Colleen Labow

Parsippany Councilman Michael J. DePierro

Rockaway Bor. Council President Tom Mulligan

Rockaway Twp Councilman Jeremy Jedynak

Rockaway Twp Cwm. Patty Abrahamsen

Roxbury Councilman Bob DeFillipo 

Washington Township Vice Mayor Ken Short

Warren County Sheriff David P. Gallant

Career law enforcement official continues to build on momentum from Monday’s kickoff event

For Immediate Release

Contact: James Gannon 973-224-6053

Boonton, Friday, February 12^th – Republican Jim Gannon rolled-out an impressive list of early endorsements for his bid to earn the Republican nomination for Morris County Sheriff today, saying the response to his candidacy and his message of a more modern and fiscally responsible Sheriff’s Office has been “overwhelmingly positive.”

Those endorsing Gannon’s campaign today include:

State Senator Tony Bucco (R-25)

Assemblyman Anthony Bucco (R-25)

Former Assemblyman Guy Gregg

Former Asm. & County GOP Chair Dick Kamin

Current County GOP Chair John Sette (personal)

Freeholder Douglas Cabana

Deputy Freeholder Director Hank Lyon

Freeholder Deb Smith

Former Freeholder John Krickus

Former Freeholder Dave Scapicchio 

Mayor of Denville Tom Andes

Mayor of Mine Hill Sam Morris

Mayor of Mount Olive Rob Greenbaum

Mayor of Mountain Lakes Peter Holmberg

Mayor of Rockaway Bor. Russell Grueter

Mayor of Wharton Bill Chegwidden

Deputy Mayor of Chatham Twp Kevin Sullivan

Boonton Twsp Committeeman Will Klingener

Denville Council President Christopher Golinski

Kinnelon Councilman Adam Barish

Mine Hill Council President Dave Bloom

Montville Councilman Frank Cooney

Mt. Lakes Councilman Doug McWilliams

Mount Olive Councilman Alex Roman

Mount Olive Councilman Greg Stewart

Mount Olive Councilman Joe Nicastro

Mount Olive Councilwoman Colleen Labow

Parsippany Councilman Michael J. DePierro

Rockaway Bor. Council President Tom Mulligan

Rockaway Twp Councilman Jeremy Jedynak

Rockaway Twp Cwm. Patty Abrahamsen

Roxbury Councilman Bob DeFillipo 

Washington Township Vice Mayor Ken Short

Warren County Sheriff David P. Gallant

“I am proud to announce this first round of endorsements, and am grateful to each and every one of these Republican leaders for stepping forward and volunteering to help make my campaign a success,” said Gannon, whose 33-year career in law enforcement started as a police officer in Boonton and Boonton Township, and then moved on to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the FBI's elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and then Global Head of Security Risk at Novartis.  

“The overwhelmingly positive response to my candidacy and my message has been humbling, and the momentum is building each and every day,” added Gannon.

 Gannon’s campaign platform includes:

Working with local, county, state and federal law enforcement and public safety communities to keep Morris County’s neighborhoods, schools and businesses safe and secure, and to strengthen the county’s preparedness in light of the increased threat of terrorism.  

Promote programs that help seniors identify and avoid consumer fraud, keep children safe, crack down on gangs, and combat the use and sale of illegal drugs.

Restore a productive and respectful relationship with the Freeholder Board, and recommit the Sheriff’s Office to financial accountability and responsibility in these challenging economic times.  

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Career law enforcement official pledges to keep residents safe, while ushering in more modern, professional and fiscally responsible approach to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office

For Immediate Release
Contact: James Gannon 973-224-6053

Boonton, Monday, February 8th – Republican Jim Gannon kicked off his campaign in front of an overwhelming number of supporters at a jam-packed Maxfield’s on Main in Boonton on Monday night, and used his speech to outline a three-point campaign platform focused on ushering in a more modern, professional and fiscally responsible approach to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.

“Those of us active and plugged into the law enforcement community know all too well the very serious threats facing our homeland from radical Islamic extremists, and from the scourge of illegal drugs like heroin invading our communities,” said Gannon, whose 33-year career also included stints as a member of the FBI's elite Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Global Head of Security Risk at the Fortune 200 company Novartis.  “I want to take my experiences in both the public and private sector to the Sheriff’s Office, and ensure that everything possible is being done to keep Morris County’s families safe and secure.”

Gannon’s campaign platform includes:

• Working with local, county, state and federal law enforcement and public safety communities to keep Morris County’s neighborhoods, schools and businesses safe and secure, and to strengthen the county’s preparedness in light of the increased threat of terrorism.  

“As someone who addresses local crime concerns as a beat cop and county investigator, battled extremists every day as a member of the FBI’s elite Joint Terrorism Task Force, and headed up Security Risk for a multinational company, I am confident in my abilities to always keep the Morris County’s Sheriff’s Office ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing world,” said Gannon.

• Promote programs that help seniors identify and avoid consumer fraud, keep children safe, crack down on gangs, and combat the use and sale of illegal drugs.
  
  

“Protecting our seniors from being targets of deceptive consumer practices, and our children from being victimized by gangs and illegal drugs will be top priorities for the Sheriff’s Office under my leadership,” pledged Gannon.

• Restore a productive and respectful relationship with the Freeholder Board, and recommit the Sheriff’s Office to financial accountability and responsibility in these challenging economic times.  

“The seemingly continuous acrimony between the Sheriff’s Office and the Freeholder Board has been bad for Morris County, and it will come to an end if I am elected Sheriff,” said Gannon.  “Elected officials don’t have an obligation to agree with each other on every issue, but they do have an obligation to work together to iron out those differences in a respectful and productive way.  That hasn’t happened in recent years, and it’s time for a new direction.”

Gannon was introduced by his daughter, Kate DeSantis, who called him “the most dedicated, supportive father to me, and husband to my late mother” and praised her Dad’s career in law enforcement, saying “my Dad has never been off duty.”

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Jim Gannon Prepared Remarks

Thank you all for coming out tonight. I am truly humbled by the level of support that you have shown me tonight and throughout my entire life. For that I am ever grateful and promise to never let you down.

Kate, thank you.  I love you and am so proud to be your Dad. You are an impressive, intelligent and beautiful woman who has carried on the great reputation of your Mom.  A special shout out and congratulations to you and Matt. You are expecting a little baby boy in August and I am simply over the moon! God Bless.

A special thanks to the Harmony Senior Drum Corps, the Boonton Fire Department and the Boonton Police Department. Your support is very much appreciated.  Added thanks to Kevin and Jess at Maxfield’s and Barry McArdle and Tim Metz for their tremendous music.  Last but not least, thank you to our M.C. tonight - Jack Repsha.  Captain in the NJSP Major Crimes Unit and Colleague at Novartis.

Thirty-three years ago, I could never have imagined standing here, in front of a crowd like this, announcing a run for elected office.  Back then, I was starting out in my first job, as a Boonton Police Officer.  

In fact, right out here on Main Street was the first beat I ever walked as a cop…

Literally where I took the first steps on a career in law enforcement that has been fulfilling in so many ways.  That journey took me from being a police officer in Boonton and Boonton Township…

To Deputy Chief of Investigations at the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office…

To a member of the FBI’s elite Joint Terrorism Task Force…

And, most recently, as Global Head of Security Risk at Novartis.

Today, Main Street is where I take the first steps on another journey…

A campaign to become your Morris County Sheriff.

Let me first say that none of it would have been possible if it weren’t for the love and support of my daughter, Kate, who you met earlier, and her husband Matt.  And my partner in crime for 26 years, my late wife, Lisa, who passed away in 2010 after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  And to you, my family and friends. I couldn’t do this without you!

This past week, I threw my hat in the ring to run for Sheriff to utilize my 33-plus years of law enforcement and security experience to usher in a more modern, professional and fiscally responsible approach to the Sheriff’s Office…

And to help make Morris County an even more safe and secure place to live, work, worship, be educated and retire.

The unfortunate reality that we are all facing today is that there are very serious threats facing our communities…

It’s a new world!

From radical Islamic extremists – both foreign and homegrown – who wish to do us harm and destroy our sense of freedom…

To a worsening heroin epidemic invading our communities and schools, destroying lives through addiction…

To sophisticated cyber predators and fraudsters who seek to prey on our children and seniors.

I am running to confront these threats head-on through a campaign platform that includes:

Working with local, county, state and federal law enforcement and public safety communities to keep Morris County’s neighborhoods, schools, houses of worship and businesses safe and secure, and to strengthen the county’s preparedness in light of the increased threat of terrorism.  

By promoting programs that help seniors avoid identity theft and consumer fraud.

And by keeping children safe, cracking down on gangs, and combatting the use and sale of illegal drugs.

I will also pledge to repair the fractious relationship that currently exists between the Sheriff’s Office and other county elected officials by:

Restoring a productive and respectful relationship with the Freeholder Board, and recommit the Sheriff’s Office to financial Accountability and Responsibility in these challenging economic times.  

Elected officials don’t have an obligation to agree with each other on every issue.

But they do have an obligation to work together to iron out those differences in a respectful and productive way.  

That hasn’t happened in recent years, and it’s time for a new direction.

I appreciate the encouragement and support from everyone here at Maxfield’s.

I am looking forward to a positive, substantive and exciting campaign that makes you all proud to be part of Team Gannon!

Thank you again.  God Bless you and your families, and God Bless the United States of America.

Listen in as WGHT News reporter Mike Forte interviews James Gannon as Jim launches his campaign for Morris County Sheriff - thanks for the taking the time to bring this news to your listeners WGHT!! (click the orange arrow, just below and to the left!)

MORRIS COUNTY — James Gannon, a former deputy chief of investigations in the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, is seeking the Republican nomination for Morris County sheriff in the June primary election.

The office is presently held by Sheriff Edward Rochford, 71, a 24-year incumbent Republican who is finishing his eighth term and has not yet announced if he will be seeking re-election.

Gannon, 54, the first candidate to announce, said Monday he intends to run, regardless of whether Rochford runs again.

Rochford has been feuding with the county freeholders in recent years and last year, the freeholders took over the financial management of the county jail after Rochford independently negotiated contracts with two unions and after overtime costs at the jail had increased from $874,000 in 2010 to $1.9 million in 2014.  (Read the entire article on NJ.com)