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Prince George's County Sheriff Michael Jackson formally announced today that he plans to run for county executive next year.

Jackson, who has been sheriff since 2002, said he has a record of reform in the law enforcement office and experience to mount a countywide campaign for the top office.

"I want to be a parent of the leadership of this county," Jackson said. "There's no reason we can't restore the dignity to this county. We're all public servants. We have to act like public servants, not like royalty."

A former Marine, Jackson, 45, grew up in Forestville and graduated from Crossland High School in Temple Hills. He worked as a deputy in the sheriff's office for 12 years and was union president before winning election to the sheriff post in 2002.

During his time as sheriff, Jackson has expanded the office's role in tackling domestic violence in the county on top of the office's normal duties of serving warrants, enforcing child support and providing security at county schools, courts and other government buildings.

Jackson said he can use his leadership skills to reform the county government, as well.

"We need to get back to basics on everything," said Jackson, who said making services more accessible for residents and drawing business to the county would be top priorities through building trust and relationships.

"It's time to raise their comfort levels," Jackson said. "And continuity and consistency play a huge role."

Jackson, who plans to run as a Democrat, joins a field of four other politicians seeking to replace County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D), who is barred by term limits from running for the seat again in 2010. Former delegate and two-time candidate Rushern L. Baker, Del. Gerron A. Levi (D-Dist. 23A) and County Councilmen Samuel L. Dean (D-Dist. 6) of Mitchellville and Tony Knotts (D-Dist. 8) of Temple Hills have each announced plans to run for county executive.

Several others are rumored to be considering a run, including county State's Attorney Glenn F. Ivey, Del. Aisha Braveboy (D-Dist. 25) of Mitchellville, state Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Dist. 26) of Fort Washington and Clerk of the Court Peggy McGee.

Jackson's office came under scrutiny last year after deputies from the sheriff's office shot and killed two dogs during a drug raid on the home of Berwyn Heights Mayor Cheye Calvo. The raid was initiated after a package containing marijuana was delivered to the mayor's house. Calvo was cleared soon after the incident, and a deliveryman who allegedly was supposed to intercept the package was later arrested as part of a drug delivery scheme.

Jackson has said the actions by his deputies were justified, but critics have said the office's tactics in the raid raise questions about law enforcement in the county.

Calvo is currently suing the county over the incident, which Jackson acknowledged will be an issue in the election. He said his work during the past eight years should not be overshadowed by the incident.

"There are those who wish to make it about this," said Jackson, who said a court has not found any wrongdoing in the case. "I'm taking a licking. But, you know, I take care of my people."

"Look at how many times we engage the public every day — how many times we engage the public every year," he added. "We have a great record. Just look at our agency."

None of the declared candidates have officially filed to run for county executive, according to the county board of elections. The deadline to file for the Sept. 14 primary election is July 6.

E-mail Daniel Valentine at dvalentine@gazette.net.