Sheriff Race Rhetoric Heats Up Following Handicapped Parking Complaint

Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott said he is sorry for parking in a handicapped spot but will not pay a fine.

The man that is challenging Scott in the November election said that’s not good enough.

The incident has sparked a war of words between Democrat Scott and Republican Mike Herrell.

“I didn't see the sign, my fault. That's all I can say is my fault on this,” said Scott.

Scott apologized for parking his county car in a handicapped parking spot outside of the Franklin County Fairgrounds.

“I did not break the law. But I want to make sure that we put some measures in place that people who are handicapped and actually have a legal place to park,” said Scott.

Scott said he did not see the sign and also claims that it was not legally posted.

Scott’s apology has not been good enough for Herrell who is running for sheriff in the next election. Herrell is the man who made the photograph of Scott’s car public.

“He violated the law. He's the one that drove the car into there. Therefore, he needs to man up and do what is right,” said Herrell.

Herrell said Scott should pay a fine for parking in the spot. Scott counters that he plans to donate $500 to the Franklin County Agricultural Society.

Now, Scott is also countering Herrell’s accusations with some of his own.

“He's had two incidents where he seems not to be able to control his guns,” said Scott.

The first incident Scott said was in 2010 when Herrell had his truck broken into and his gun, sheriff’s office ID, and badge stolen.

Scott also said Herrell made a mistake back in 1998 by leaving his gun in a Toys R Us bathroom. Scott said that is much worse than the parking issue.

“I can't even image what would happen if a child had that gun,” said Scott.

Herrell admits the mistake and said he paid the price.

“I was then reprimanded for my action, end of story,” added Herrell.

Now that these issues are the main topics of the Franklin County Sheriff’s race, it may be up to voters to write the true end of the story when they go to the polls in November.

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