Every election cycle, Moore County voters are asked to make decisions about the people who will govern their daily lives — their roads, their taxes, their public safety, their schools. Too often, those decisions get made with too little information.

The Lynchburg Times is committed to changing that. This election season, we submitted an identical set of questions to every candidate seeking office in the August 2026 General Election. The questions were designed to go beyond biography — to surface values, priorities, and the kind of thinking voters deserve to see before they mark a ballot. We asked about community connection, relevant experience, the single issue each candidate considers most urgent, where they might diverge from conventional wisdom, how they’d navigate a budget crisis, and how they plan to serve constituents who didn’t choose them.

The answers are published exactly as submitted, without editing or rewriting. What you read is what the candidate gave us. We’ll let you take it from there.

{Editor’s Note: The Lynchburg Times does not endorse candidates.}

The Times: Tell us about yourself and your connection to this community. How long have you lived here, and what has your involvement in local civic life looked like? In brief, how might voters know you?

Raline: I am married with five children and four grandchildren. I have lived in Moore County for the past 2 years, though I have spent time in and around the county since I was young. I tend to be a private person, so prior to me running, many citizens may not have known me. Most of my time is spent working, staying active at the gym and being at home with my family.

The Times: What specific experience — professional, civic, or personal — has prepared you to serve in this role?

Raline: I began my law enforcement career in 2010 as a reserve deputy and quickly realized serving others was my calling. From there, I worked my way up through the ranks, serving as a correctional officer, road deputy and later a patrol officer with a city police department. I was promoted to assistant chief and, 2 years later, was honored to be elected as the police chief. I’ve experienced every level of this profession, from the jail to the road to leading an entire department. That experience has prepared me to make tough decisions, lead with integrity, and to build trust with the community. I understand what it takes to support our deputies, protect our citizens, and move the sheriff’s office forward with accountability and transparency.

The Times: In your opinion, what is the single most important issue facing our community right now, and what concrete steps would you take to address it in your first year in office?

Raline: Over the last few months, I’ve spoken with many citizens across Moore County, and a few concerns come up again and again. We’ve seen an uptick in drug activity and reckless driving. But the number one issue I hear is the lack of accountability within the sheriff’s department. Many people feel their voices aren’t heard when they have concerns. As your sheriff, I will bring accountability back by setting clear standards, ensuring every complaint is taken seriously, and creating an open line of communication with the public. This office belongs to the people, and I will work every day to earn your trust.

The Times: Is there an issue where your position differs from what many in your party or your predecessor might support? If so, what is it and why do you hold that view?

Raline: Yes, I believe we must improve accountability and transparency. My focus is putting the people of Moore County first, ensuring every voice is heard and concerns are addressed.

The Times: Local government budgets involve real tradeoffs. If you had to choose between cutting services or raising revenue to close a budget shortfall, how would you approach that decision?

Raline: I would approach the decision by first looking for ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency while protecting essential services like public safety. If additional revenue is needed, I would choose fair, responsible options and be transparent with the community about how funds are used. My goal is to balance the budget while putting citizens of Moore County first.

The Times: How do you plan to stay accessible and accountable to constituents who didn’t vote for you?

Raline: I will serve all citizens of Moore County, regardless of how they voted. I will stay accessible, listen to concerns, and be transparent in my actions to ensure everyone feels heard and respected.

The Times: What do you want voters who don’t yet know you to understand about why you are running?

Raline: I want voters to know that I’m a husband, a father, and someone who truly cares about this community. I’ve spent my career in law enforcement because serving and protecting others is what I believe in. I’m running because I want to make a difference, by being accountable, listening to people, and ensuring Moore County has a sheriff’s office it can trust and be proud of.

The voter registration deadline for the upcoming election is Tuesday, July 7 and early voting will begin on Friday, July 17 and extend through Saturday, August 1. Absentee ballots must be requested by Monday, July 27. The Moore County General Election will take place on Thursday, August 6. •

About The Lynchburg Times: The Lynchburg Times covers Moore County elections as part of its commitment to community accountability journalism. This work is supported by readers, small business partners, and corporate underwriters.