Canton resident Bill Wilke has become the second individual to express interest in succeeding Haywood County Sheriff Bobby Suttles.

Chief Deputy Larry Bryson, who will serve as sheriff between the time Suttles steps down on Feb. 8 and the Democratic Party's executive committee selection takes office, was the first to announce his intention to vie for the post.

In a letter to Janie Benson, Democratic Party chairwoman, Wilke announced he was seeking the recommendation of the party’s executive committee to serve as sheriff. Whoever is appointed will serve until a sheriff can be elected in 2014.

Wilke is a lieutenant and district commander with the Asheville Police Department. He ran for the position on the Republican ticket in 2010 against Suttles, who was first appointed to the job in 2009 ...