news-record.com

 GREENSBORO — Former U.S. Marshal and Guilford County deputy sheriff Harlon E. Costner announced Friday that he plans to run for sheriff in 2010.

Costner is the second candidate to officially announce his intention to run for sheriff. Sheriff BJ Barnes said over the summer that he plans to run for re-election to the post he has held since 1994.

Costner has more than 35 years experience in law enforcement. He served as a Guilford County deputy sheriff and rose to the rank of chief deputy sheriff, a post he left in June 2003.

He went on to serve as U.S. Marshal for the Middle District of North Carolina before retiring earlier this year.

Costner said his campaign platform will be based on reducing budgetary expenses, reducing crime and improving public safety.

“I have learned the value of spending wisely and stretching the available budget dollars in order to get the most value for the money spent,” Costner said in a news release. He pledged to keep an “open door” policy if elected.

Thus far, Costner has registered with the Guilford County Board of Elections and has assembled an advisory committee, including a campaign manager and treasurer. He said he will file his official paperwork in February when the filing period opens. Costner is a registered Democrat.

In addition to serving as the county’s top law enforcement officer, the winning candidate  will oversee the opening of the $84.9 million Guilford County jail in downtown Greensboro.

The groundbreaking for the 1,000-bed facility is set for Monday, and the jail is expected to open in late 2011.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com