BonnerSprings.com

Wyandotte County voters chose to end LeRoy Green’s career in the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday night after more than 30 years of service.

Green, who has been the county sheriff for 10 years and previously worked as an officer with the department, was defeated by Donald Ash, 9,301 votes to 6,786.

“I’m happy,” Green said Wednesday. “I enjoyed 10 years as sheriff and serving Wyandotte County for 30 years with the department. I had a really good, fantastic career. I’m not bitter or sad. I’m happy.”

Although Green looks back fondly on his career as sheriff, he can’t help but wonder what the result of the election might have been if there had been a larger turnout of voters.

“(Donald) Ash got more votes but I’m more upset because of the low turnout,” Green said. “It may have made a difference. There were many places that didn’t have many people come to vote. It was a close race so more (voters) could of made a difference.”

Despite the loss, Green said he will be setting up a meeting with Ash to introduce him to the department’s staff and officer and talk with him about programs that are currently used by the department. Green said he will introduce Ash to the other officers as their new boss and ask that they treat him with respect throughout the transition period.

Ash also has some plans in mind to kick off that transition period. He said after hearing the results from the election, he was excited and looking forward to the work ahead.

“I just want to go in and do a thorough and complete self assessment of the operations of everything in the sheriff’s office,” Ash said. “From there, we’ll be able to determine what plan of work needs to be done.”

Ash said he wasn’t surprised by his victory. In the primary election, Ash outpolled Green 3,486 to 3,034 votes. Ash also said that his success came from the voters recognition of his 35 years of experience with the Kansas City, Kan., Police Department.

“I think my experience coupled with the reputation that I’ve developed and earned over 35 years working in KCK resonated with the voters,” Ash said. “They obviously felt confident by their turnout.”

With the results in and counted, Ash said he owes much thanks to the voters and everyone who worked hard on his campaign. He said the process was a team effort and that he was honored and humbled by the voter’s response.

“We’re really excited and pleased with the results,” he said. “When all your hard work comes to a successful conclusion, you’ve got to be excited about that.”

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