Publisher’s note: The following Q&As represent the candidates’ views verbatim, as submitted via email in response to our questions, and have not been edited. The Primary Election will be held Aug. 6, with voters allowed to select one of the four candidates. As all candidates have filed as Republicans, the top vote-getter will be the Republican nominee in the General Election on Nov. 5 and the presumed sheriff elect unless challenged by an Independent, filing for which is open until July 29 with certain requirements that must be met through the County Clerk’s Office. – KT

1. How much time do you intend to spend on jail administration versus sheriff’s Office administration?

I plan on going through the jail every day to speak with the employees, and see how they are doing. I plan on going into each dayroom at least once a week with the jail administrator, to speak with the inmates to see what complaints or suggestions they may have.

If the inmate suggestions are valid, then I will see what can be done and address it to the best of my ability. I will also meet with the jail administrator every day for any updates on daily operations. I will also have jail meeting once a month with all correction officers to ensure a good line of communication where the staff feel heard.

As Sheriff, I will conduct my daily administrative duties until done, and then go out and patrol our county, being available to return to the office if and when need arises. I will have monthly road and detective deputies meetings.

2. What opportunities do you see with the new jail to improve how the county operates?

With the new jail dayrooms being able to hold 120 inmates instead of 60 that will be a great asset. With updates in technology, the jail facility will be a safe environment for staff and inmates as well. There will be more room to have GED classes, and anger management classes for inmates. There will be a training room for employees as well, which will help boost morale for employees and inmates.

3. How will you set and

assess correctional officer pay?

Correctional officers’ pay will be assessed by years of service, training, experience, and yearly evaluations.

Correctional officers’ pay must be set to a level were professional, qualified employees will want to come and stay. I will check surrounding counties to see what their correctional officers’ starting pay is, and decide what will be a good competitive starting pay will be.

4. What do you see as the most important keys to keeping inmates healthy and safe?

Good communication with the inmates and correctional officers. They are the ones inside the detention center, and dayrooms 24 hours a day.

They see what goes on and if I am willing to listen to them, I will do my best to fix any issues which are unsafe. I plan on placing a cleaning cart inside each dayroom with fresh water mixed with bleach, and a disinfectant spray bottle to wipe down any surfaces.

I plan on having trustees in each dayroom to keep the common areas clean.

There will be cell checks performed by correction officers, and a head count will be done hourly during lockdown. Lockdown will be called at the end of each shift and a head count will be performed. I want correctional officers roaming the dayrooms looking for anything unusual. I want inmates watched by correctional officers not by cameras only. More interaction between correction officers and inmatesis a much safer, more effective environment. Correction staff will be trained/ certified on first aid, CPR, and pat downs.

5. Do you have any plans to implement or continue any inmate enrichment programs?

I will have GED classes set up. I have a person who will be writing a grant for the GED classes to be paid for. This person has written grants for her own GED classes she puts together and has received $5,000 to $10,000 each year. I plan on speaking with inmates who are sentenced to county time to find out what kind of job they are interested in.

If it is painting or welding for example, then I will go to a painting or welding business and speak with the person in charge. I will ask if they are willing to take on an inmate on an apprentice position with no pay, and train the inmate on a job skill. I plan on having the Clark Center come in and speak with the inmates prior to being released, to set up some type of after incarceration plans. I want to get a trustee program set up for inmates who want to work inside the jail (cleaning, cooking, assisting the public after storm damage etc.) with supervision. If the inmate successfully completes the program, then I will speak with the judges to get a quarter of their time taken off.