Slope

CRANBERRY TWP — The two candidates for Butler County sheriff spoke about ways to improve the office at a forum Thursday in the township municipal building.

Democrat Roland Livermore plans to save three full-time deputy posts that are to be cut at the end of the year.

"There's enough work out there," he said. "We need those jobs."

Livermore would do an analysis of deputies' tasks to justify keeping the number of slots.

"I don't want to see deputies lose their jobs," he said.

Republican Mike Slupe wants to improve record keeping in the office, which has been a contentious topic. The county controller's office maintains records kept in the sheriff's office are insufficient for auditing purposes."We will look at software upgrades," Slupe said.Both candidates would begin new programs if elected.Livermore said he would seek a federal grant to start an electronic alert system for county residents.The system, which would be funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would warn residents via cell phones and e-mail about dangerous situations.Livermore said an example of using the system would be flagging a street where police are in a standoff with an armed man.He also would begin issuing gun permits online.Slupe would start gun safety classes and expand the issuance of gun permits to an area outside Butler, such as Cranberry, on Saturdays.Both candidates addressed how each would deal with reduced department budgets if necessary.Livermore intends to seek grant money. Slupe said he would find a way to operate within any fiscal limitations.The pair also listed their qualifications for the post.Slupe, a former Butler Township police officer, cited his leadership roles and community service dating back to his days as a student."I have a real pulse with what's going on in this county because I have lived here all my life and I have worked here all my life," he said.Livermore spoke about his roles as a police chief in Worthington, a security director for community college campuses and a police academy instructor. He said his college education is another asset.Livermore has an associate degree in police technology from Beaver County Community College.He also talked about his time as a Pittsburgh police officer and detective, saying his supervisory background and variety of law enforcement posts give him the edge.More than 30 people, including candidates for township board seats, attended the meet the candidates forum, which was sponsored by the Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce.Many of those in the audience were Livermore supporters wearing bright green T-shirts.Slupe and Livermore answered questions posed by chamber moderator Hal Martin and those submitted from the audience.After a 25-minute session with the sheriff candidates, the forum moved onto township races that are up for election on Nov. 3.Livermore and Slupe are seeking to follow Sheriff Dennis Rickard, who is retiring at the end of the year.

Livermore