CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A candidate for Montgomery County sheriff who is on the August ballot might not be eligible to run for the office, as he had a DUI conviction 35 years ago. But the candidate says he’s checked on the rules, and he is in the clear.
Johnny Ransdell, 55, is an independent candidate for sheriff with a 31-year law enforcement career. As part of the qualification process to run for sheriff in Tennessee, candidates have to submit paperwork to be certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (P.O.S.T.).
Rules for running for sheriff
Candidates for sheriff have to be at least 25 years old, pass a psychiatric exam and have at least three years of full-time law enforcement experience, among several other qualifications. Also, they cannot have been convicted of any of several crimes, including violations of laws “relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances.”
Ransdell signed the P.O.S.T. Affidavit for Election or Appointment to the Office of Sheriff that included that clause on Jan. 6, according to documents obtained from the state by Clarksville Now…