Staff Writer

His willingness to take a $5,000 pay cut and support from a former opponent has helped David Taylor win the endorsement of the Police Benevolent Association of the Carolinas.

Taylor, a Democrat and former sheriff's deputy, is running for sheriff against Republican Freddie Gault, a captain in the Union Public Safety Department. If elected, Taylor has promised to ask Union County Council to cut his salary and use it to fund an employee assistance program for deputies and their families.

Richard Banks, chief executive officer for the association, said its board of directors voted last Monday to endorse Taylor. During the Democratic primary, the organization endorsed Troy Brewington for sheriff. An important factor in the board's decision was Brewington endorsing Taylor after the Democratic primary. Given Brewington's “vehement endorsement,” Banks said the board decided to extend its endorsement to Taylor.

Even more compelling, was Taylor's “remarkable” proposal to have the sheriff's salary cut by $5,000 and use it to fund an employee assistance program for deputies and their families.

“Our organization promotes these types of programs and it helps improve the working conditions for law enforcement officials,” Banks said. “David Taylor has a great vision to improve law enforcement in Union County. Taylor plans to have an open door policy, place more emphasis on the youth to educate about drugs and gangs show his commitment to Union County.”

Banks also cited Taylor's experience in the sheriff's office and police department including his work as a DARE officer, criminal investigator and shift supervisor; as jail administrator; and as environmental enforcement supervisor, solid waste manager and road and bridge manager for Spartanburg County. He pointed out that Taylor has supervised as many as 100 employees and purchase equipment, managed and prepared a budget in excess of $7 million.

“David Taylor has the experience, leadership and law enforcement background to be a great sheriff for Union County,” Banks said. “That's why he has our endorsement.”

Based in Spartanburg County, the Police Benevolent Association of the Carolinas is dedicated to promoting the criminal justice profession through the improvement of working conditions, employment benefits, legal representation, fund raising, scholarships and more.