"Mike Baird announced his candidacy for the Charlottesville sheriff’s race Friday at the Charlottesville Circuit Courthouse.

City Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Chapman introduced the 23-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office.

“He has worked his way up from the level of deputy,” Chapman told about 80 supporters. “Mike has served his community his entire adult life.”

Baird has the “temperament” and “judgment” to be sheriff, Chapman said.

Baird, a 49-year-old captain in the Sheriff’s Office, thanked the crowd, which included City Council member Julian Taliaferro, for showing up.

“If elected sheriff, I’ll continue to build on the strength of our office,” Baird said, praising the deputies, whose primary task is providing court security and serving civil papers.

He mentioned that he is president of the area’s Fraternal Order of Police Corp. and a member of TRIAD, a law enforcement program that focuses on helping seniors.

If he is elected, Baird said he would focus on working with the community, especially seniors.

He said the office serves more than 20,000 civil papers a year, so he sees that as an opportunity to have the deputies check on seniors.

That population is vulnerable, he said, adding that he wants to “keep them from being victimized.”

Chapman said Baird is “someone who gets along with a broad spectrum” of people, which is an important trait for a sheriff.

“I’m committed to the community,” said Baird, who grew up in Charlottesville and still lives in the city. “I’m committed to Charlottesville.”

He said the office is one of the best around “and I want to continue to lead on that.”

Sheriff Cornelia D. Johnson announced on Wednesday that she will not seek a fourth term.

In 1998, she was the first female and black elected to be the city’s sheriff. She subsequently won two more elections.

One other candidate has announced his intention to run.

Albemarle police Officer James E. Brown III officially announced on Thursday that he is a candidate to be Charlottesville’s next sheriff.

The election for sheriff will be held Nov. 3." (Scott Schenk, The Daily Progress, January 23, 2009)