Pension issue prompts Sheriff Mattingly to announce Jan. 1st retirement

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 — Nelson County Sheriff Ed Mattingly announced Monday he is retiring as sheriff effective Monday, Jan. 1, 2018.

In a press release to local media, Mattingly explained that his decision to retire was based on the uncertainly that surrounds the state retirement systems.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions that I have made since taking office,” Mattingly wrote in his press release.

SHERIFF ED MATTINGLY

Mattingly wrote that he has worked years in law enforcement with the expectation of a certain number of retirement benefits.

“With the level of uncertainty that now exists around those retirement benefits, I have made the difficult decision to retire with some level of clarity and finality regarding what my future will hold.”

Mattingly laid the blame for the pension reform uncertainty on state legislators.

“I hope that when our representatives return to Frankfort, they continue to give due consideration to the Governor’s proposal and understand the very real impact that they are proposing on the lives of public servants such as teachers, firefighters and police officers all over the Commonwealth.”

Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts will appoint an individual to finish the remainder of Mattingly’s term, which runs through Dec. 31, 2018.

Three candidates have already filed to run for sheriff — Kaelen Matthews and Ramon Pineiroa, both of who are employed as deputies in the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office — and Kenny Downs.

The deadline to file as a candidate on the ballot for the May primary is 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018.

“I will truly miss working with the people in the Sheriff’s Office and serving the people of Nelson County. I am confident that whoever is appointed to fill my position will be surrounded by a solid staff who will continue to serve and protect the citizens of Nelson County.”

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