Spark It Up!!!: Chad Dotson's Successor a Rising Star

Former Wise County Commonwealth Attorney Chad Dotson's successor, Ron Elkins, is proving to be as tough as Chad in the war on drugs in Wise County. This was the seventh round up in "Operation Street Sweeper" now renamed Operation Holiday Cheer. From The Coalfield Progress

JODI DEAL / Staff Writer
WISE — By the time Wise County Commonwealth Attorney Ron Elkins conducted a press conference at the county courthouse Monday afternoon to announce a fresh round of local drug-related arrests, police had picked up 23 people. The countywide bust, which targeted 56 locals, was the seventh in a string of round-ups officials have been calling “Operation Street Sweeper,” but got a new name — “Operation Holiday Cheer.”
Although a Christmas season arrest may not seem cheerful to most, Elkins said local officials think their efforts will help make the holidays happier. For those arrested, the holiday will be happier because they’ll be spending it away from illegal drugs. Family members will also be able to rest easy knowing their loved ones are away from prescription medication and other illegal substances, he said.
Drug overdose deaths and drug-related crimes are high in the area, Elkins pointed out, adding that officials may have made the holiday merrier by preventing a death.
Those who were arrested Monday morning didn’t see it the same way. Wise County Sheriff Ronnie Oakes said many of those rounded up expressed frustration about being arrested during the holiday season. St. Paul Police Chief Scott Brooks agreed, noting that he had overheard at least one of those arrested commenting, “There goes my kids’ Christmas.”

When Chad put on the judges robe, Elkins filled his CA position and was liked well enough to run unopposed in last months election. His work on several high profile cases and the continuing effort to lock up drug dealers keeps his name in the press and has people around here talking. Chad's popularity brought a lot of attention to the Commonwealth Attorney position. While his blogging and political opinions were well received on a state level, it was his conduct and record that garnered supporters here locally. Ron Elkins is carrying on that tradition.