Three incumbents qualified for the June 2010 election, as the local Democratic Party opened its qualifying Thursday.

Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas, Pike County Coroner Jerry Williams and Pike County School Board member Linda Steed all put their names in the hat for the next election Thursday.

Those three, plus Curtis Blair, Homer Wright and Charlie Terry also qualified for election to the Pike County Executive Committee.

Thomas was elected as sheriff in 1994, and it’s something he said he looks forward to doing every day.

“It’s a job I look forward to,” Thomas said. “I feel like we’ve assembled a very strong team of professionals in this department that do a very good job week in and week out of solving crime and attending to the needs of the public.”

Thomas said the local sheriff’s department is one that is ranked among the top in terms of its efficiency.

“We have a very good clearance rate here with no unsolved murder cases or major cases,” he said.

“I’ve placed a strong emphasis on solving crimes with a high priority on burglary, theft and drugs in our county. I feel like as you solve one, it deters others.”

Thomas started his platform in 1994 with a promise to be accessible to Pike County’s residents, and it’s a platform he said he will continue to stand upon.

Steed, who has served on the Pike County School Board in place 4 for the last 25 years, said the progress is what brought her to the courthouse Thursday to qualify for another election.

“We’ve got so much going on, and we’re making so much progress in our system, I feel like the continuity of the board needs to stay like it is,” Steed said.

“I feel like if I can touch one child’s life and make a difference in it, it’s all worthwhile.

“That’s my main reason for seeking reelection.”

Steed, who has had three children graduated from Pike County High School and now a grandson attending PCHS, said she has seen both as a board member and as a relative what has been accomplished in the school system.

“In our Pike County School System, when you look at 25 years ago, we were broke,” Steed said. “Look at us now, we have reserves.”

Williams has served as coroner for the last 24 years, and he’s looking to do it again.

“It’s just to continue the service that I’ve been doing for the people of Pike County,” Williams said.

Anyone interested in qualifying for one of these seats as a Democrat can contact Williams at 566-5083.

Or to qualify as a Republican, contact Adam Drinkwater at 372-1554. Qualifying remains open until April 2.