Posted: Wednesday, July 21, 2010 10:29 pm

The Rutherford County Election Commission may not have the authority to review a complaint filed against the eligibility of the Rutherford County Sheriff to run for re-election.

After Republican Sheriff candidate Robert Arnold challenged Jones’ psychological evaluation, the county attorney’s office issued an opinion Tuesday dealing with the issue. By state law all candidates for sheriff must pass a psychological evaluation to run for the office.

“There does not appear to be any statutory authority granted to county election commissioners to investigate such an issue,” Evan Cope wrote in his opinion.

In response to the allegations, the Rutherford County Election Commission will meet Friday morning to review the complaint.

Arnold alleged Jones’ 2001 psychological evaluation was signed by a psychologist whose license had expired in 1989. The same psychologist evaluated Jones in 1976.

In response to Arnold’s allegations, Jones issued the following statement Wednesday:

"A number of sheriffs and other law enforcement officials underwent the same process of renewing our psychological certifications in good faith, and as directed by the POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) Commission.

"The POST Commission acted correctly last week, the Office of Attorney General’s opinion is correct and today’s Rutherford County Attorney’s opinion is also correct.

"My intent is to keep running a clean campaign.

"The goal of this campaign is to ensure the continued safety of this county’s citizens through proactive law enforcement practices, procedures and programs.

"I stand on my experience, integrity and dedication."