DAVIDSON COUNTY – The state organization of sheriffs has reiterated its support for a proposed change in the North Carolina Constitution to bar felons from becoming sheriffs, a move taking place against the backdrop of felon Gerald Hege seeking to regain his old job in Davidson County.

This week, the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association reaffirmed its support for Senate Bill 351, which would allow voters to decide on the change to the state Constitution. The association, which first endorsed the legislation last year, reaffirmed its support in a unanimous vote by sheriffs in attendance at the group’s spring meeting.

The two-page statement from the Sheriffs’ Association doesn’t mention Hege by name. But its release comes about six weeks before Davidson County voters go to the polls in the May 4 Republican primary to decide whether to give Hege another chance. Hege is one of four Republicans – including Sheriff David Grice, who replaced Hege after his guilty plea six years ago – seeking the party nomination.

Hege resigned as part of a guilty plea to two felony counts of obstruction of justice for attempting to cover up money missing from the vice narcotics unit of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.

State Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson and sponsor of the bill, said that the constitutional amendment wouldn’t prevent Hege from taking office if he were to win this year, since the sheriff’s race would be on the same ballot as the amendment. But Bingham said that the change, if passed by voters, would prohibit Hege from seeking re-election in 2014 if Hege won the post this fall.

The N.C. General Assembly would have to approve Senate Bill 351 during the 2010 session that begins in mid-May in order for the issue to go before the voters in the Nov. 2 general election.

Hege told The High Point Enterprise that he’s not concerned about the effort to amend the state Constitution, which he doesn’t believe will succeed.

“The Constitution was drawn up, realizing people make mistakes. North Carolina’s plainly states that, if you’ve been convicted of a felony, once you get your citizenship back, you can run for office and vote,” Hege said Thursday.

Hege said that the Sheriffs’ Association support of Senate Bill 351 “is old news,” and more than 4,000 Davidson County residents have put Hege campaign signs in their yards to reflect their support for his candidacy.

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PROPOSAL

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State Sen. Stan Bingham, R-Davidson, introduced Senate Bill 351 in March 2009. The bill would place a state constitutional amendment on the Nov. 2 general election ballot to prohibit felons from becoming a sheriff in North Carolina. If voters approve the measure, the State Board of Elections would certify the amendment to the N.C. Secretary of State. The constitutional amendment would become effective upon certification.