VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach Democrats want Sheriff Ken Stolle to set a date for his retirement.
The Virginia Beach Democratic Committee sent out a statement on Monday, saying that if the sheriff were to announce his retirement date before the November election, they could save the city money by preventing a special election to fill his role.
Last week, Sheriff Stolle announced he would retire and that city councilman and Chief Deputy Rocky Holcomb would step in as interim sheriff. Holcomb would have to resign from his city council seat and a special election would need to be held for Holcomb's Kempsville District seat as well as an election for a permanent replacement for sheriff.
"We thank the Sheriff for his service. However, the voters need to choose his replacement. If he sets a date, the City Council can get this election on the ballot for this November," said Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Chair Lindsey Nathaniel in a statement. "Why is he announcing, but not telling us when?"
Virginia Beach Democrats said if Stolle set his retirement date now, city council could petition to have a special election on the same day as November's general election "at no additional cost." They also claimed that the next in line to replace Sheriff Stolle would be Undersheriff Brian Struzzieri, not Holcomb.
In response, the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office gave this statement to 13News Now:
"The Sheriff’s retirement date is entirely his decision. He is preparing for back surgery and recovery, as we said in the press release announcing his retirement, and we are making plans for his retirement ceremony. Those factors will determine his retirement date, which we will release as soon as it is decided.
"The position of Undersheriff is a political appointment. Chief Deputy is the highest deputy sheriff position, and Rocky Holcomb has eight more years of experience at the Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office than Brian Struzzieri, making him the highest ranking deputy sheriff."
On Wednesday morning, Sheriff Stolle issued this additional statement to 13News Now:
“The voters elected me to a fourth four-year term, and I will retire if and when it is the right time for the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office, the right time for the citizens of Virginia Beach, and the right time for me and my family. That is my decision alone. I will not be pressured to retire one day sooner than when I feel my work is done and my commitment to protecting and serving the citizens of Virginia Beach has been fulfilled. That includes important work in mental health and public safety to which I have dedicated my 43 years of public service, including 13 years as Sheriff. My decision to retire has not included setting a retirement date; however, if and when I do step down, the Code of Virginia will decide my successor. That is currently Chief Deputy Rocky Holcomb because he is the VBSO's highest ranking deputy sheriff.”