LIBERTY – Clay County voters will pick a new sheriff Nov. 3. Sheriff Paul Vescovo is retiring. The candidates are Wick Pickard, 74, a Democrat; and Will Akin, 45, a Republican. Both men had the opportunity to discuss their backgrounds, and in 30 words or less, to answer issue-related questions. BACKGROUND “I bring over 45 years of law enforcement experience, including 15-plus years of service in the U.S. Air Force as a military police officer. I began my career as a police officer,” Pickard stated, including 35 years with Gladstone Public Safety and as a Clay County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant in the Fugitive Apprehension Unit. “As a lifelong resident of Clay County, I have devoted my life to law enforcement and serving the public, just as I still do today,” Pickard said. “I feel that it is time for change and the citizens are owed a sheriff that is for all the people. I am that person, as I wi...