Miller seeks to hold Sheriff position in election

The Grant Tribune-Sentinel is publishing previews of candidates in uncontested races to help readers learn more about those seeking office ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. Additional candidate previews may appear in upcoming issues.

J. Scott Miller is running unopposed for Perkins County Sheriff. His responses to the Tribune’s candidate questionnaire follow.

1 Why do you want to serve?

I have lived and worked in Perkins County since late 2010, when I moved my family here and began my career as a Sheriff’s Deputy.  After stepping away from the Sheriff’s Office in late 2023 and spending a little over a year in the private sector, I applied for and was appointed Sheriff in early 2025.  That time away reinforced something I have always believed: there are no better citizens to serve than those in Perkins County, and no better way to serve them than by providing professional peacekeeping and law enforcement services to the best of my ability.

2 What qualifications or background do you have that makes you a good candidate?

A career in public safety was my goal from early on, and I have taken the necessary steps to obtain the training and qualifications required of a law enforcement officer and administrator.  I also believe that maintaining a personal life beyond reproach is important so the public can place their trust in me.  My priorities- faith, family, community, and country- help keep me focused on what truly matters, and I stand behind every word of the Oath of Office I took.

3 What do you think you can contribute to the position?

We are living in a time of rapid change, whether in terms of technology, local and national trends, or the evolving challenges facing the world of law enforcement.  My goal is to ensure our office stays safe, current, and effective when responding to all types of calls while continuing to provide dependable service for the everyday issues our community faces.  Since taking office, I have worked to assemble a strong team of Sheriff’s Deputies and to improve the efficiency of our operations while being mindful of taxpayer dollars.  I have also made an effort to be more proactive with public communication through our Facebook page and local media.

4 What important immediate goals will you address if elected?

Many of the issues affecting communities across the country can be traced back to one common factor: drug abuse.  I believe a firm, no-nonsense approach to combating illegal drug activity can help reduce many related problems, including impaired driving, theft, burglary, domestic violence, child abuse, and even human trafficking.  Perkins County is not exempt from these issues; however, we have not been as hard-hit as some surrounding areas, and I want to keep as much crime as possible out of our community.  Working closely with the Perkins County Attorney’s Office to pursue effective prosecutions and meaningful convictions will help produce real results and send a clear message to those who might consider bringing criminal activity here.  At the same time, I also support treatment options for those struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues.

5 What sets you apart from your opponent?

I do not have any opponents who have filed at this time, although I recognize that there may always be detractors or critics- and that is part of public service.  Some people may believe things could be done differently, may not agree with how certain matters are handled, or may simply have concerns about law enforcement in general.  My response to those individuals is simple: I welcome the conversation via an open-door policy.  If there is a better way to accomplish a task, I am willing to listen.  If there is a misconception about what we do, I am happy to explain.  And if someone has had a negative experience in the past, I would welcome the opportunity to rebuild trust.

6 Other issues you wish to address?

I am proud to currently serve as the Sheriff of Perkins County, and I am grateful for the trust the citizens have placed in me.  I will continue to give my best effort every day to ensure that Perkins County remains a safe place to live, work, and travel, and I hope that the voters here will fill in the bubble next to my name on the ballot.

7 Current occupation and length of employment?

As previously stated, I began my law enforcement career in December 2010 as a Perkins County Sheriff’s Deputy and attended the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center from August to December of 2011.  I later advanced to the position of Sergeant and ultimately Chief Deputy.  I left to work at Great Plains Communications from September 2023 to December of 2025.  During January of 2025, I briefly served as the City Manager of Grant.  In February 2025, after Sheriff Jim Brueggeman retired from the position, I applied and was appointed Sheriff by the Perkins County Board of Commissioners.

8 Personal life, spouse, children, etc.?

My family and I live in Grant along with my parents and my in-laws. My wife of 20 years, Stephanie, works for a nonprofit organization in Grant.  We have two daughters, ages 17 and 13, who attend Perkins County Schools.  Our family has put down strong roots in Perkins County, and we have no plans of leaving.  And like many parents, I also hope that after college our kids will choose to return to the area and make their lives here.  As for off-duty life, I enjoy hunting, going to the lake, camping, and riding the Harley.