Chris Hailey Files Paperwork to Establish Committee for Potential 2014 Mecklenburg County Sheriff Campaign

Online, July 31, 2013 (Newswire.com) - Chris Hailey, Director of Public Safety Training at Central Piedmont Community College, is exploring a potential run for Mecklenburg County Sheriff in November of 2014.

"It's time for new leadership to lead the office forward," Hailey said upon announcing the formation of his exploratory committee. "I am confident that I have the skills, the experience, and the vision necessary to transform the sheriff's office and improve public safety across Mecklenburg County. We have great deputies throughout the office and I look forward to working together with them to create the strongest, most effective sheriff's office possible."

The Mecklenburg County Republican filed the required forms with the Mecklenburg Board of Elections to establish an exploratory committee last week allowing Hailey to assemble a staff and solicit donations on his behalf. Official forms and instructions can be found in the North Carolina Campaign Finance Manual.

The creation of the "Hailey for Sheriff" committee does not officially enter Hailey's name into the 2014 race for sheriff. If Hailey chooses to seek election he can officially file a Notice of Candidacy with the Mecklenburg Board of Elections starting February 10, 2014 at noon.

Hailey ran for Sheriff in 2010 against then appointed and current Sheriff Chipp Bailey. Hailey, a former police officer and trainer for the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, had a strong showing in his first attempt at elected office receiving more than 83,000 votes.

Mecklenburg County is the most densely populated county in North Carolina and contains several municipalities including Charlotte, Huntersville, Davidson, Mathews, Pineville and Mint Hill.