RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- Ryan Mechaley, a veteran Highway Patrol officer who is campaigning for Pennington County Sheriff, asked Pennington County voters to be frank with themselves at the election box.

Mechaley wasted no time in sharing his own perspective during an appearance on the Rapid City Morning News.

Mechaley said there are voices within the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office hungry for a leadership change.

Pennington County Sheriff hopeful Brian Mueller, current chief deputy of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, said this is an opportunity he has worked towards for a long time.

Responding to claims from his primary opponent, Ryan Mechaley, Mueller pointed to the complexities of running a sheriff’s department.

Mueller rejects Mechaleys charge of a “monarchy” in the sheriff’s department.

Mueller said, while trouble areas exist, he believes Pennington County remains a safe place to live. The primary vote will be held June 7^th.