By MATT PIKE
An issue being put forward to voters on the November 3rd ballot will look to protect County Sheriff's offices, while also changing how the position of Sheriff is elected.
Amendment 8 will would amend the state constitution to require the election of county sheriffs to four-year terms in most counties, while also limiting the circumstances under which a sheriff could be removed from office. The amendment would apply everywhere in Missouri except St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County.
Buchanan County Sheriff Bill Puett explains all the amendment does is place an already existing statute into the Missouri constitution.
"It doesn't expand the power of St. Joseph, people have asked about quo warranto's and removing a Sheriff from office, we want our citizens to be able to elect their Sheriff locally," Puett explains on the KFEQmunnity show. "Not appointed, not controlled by the state legislature, so this codefies that and allows everyone in Buchanan County or another county to elect their Sheriff."
Puett says it's also important for voters to know that if the amendment is approved, it does not mean a Sheriff in office is in the seat forever.
"You can always remove a Sheriff at the ballot box every four years, and I think some people believe Amendment 8 means that you're going to be in there forever," Puett explains. "No, it doesn't change the voting, it doesn't change anything related running, filing for office, anything like that, it just puts the office of Sheriff in the constitution to keep the ability from Legislature to dissolve the office of Sheriff."
The amendment was first introduced as Senate Joint Resolution 87, which was approved by the Missouri State Senate in March. The measure was finalized in May.
Interview
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