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?

Operation of the jail is a vital responsibility for any Sheriff. I plan on splitting my time equally between enforcement and detention. It is my goal to make sure the jail operates in a manner that keeps the public, staff and inmates safe and secure during daily operations.

Several concerned citizens have spoken to me about possible security issues in the new jail. I hear their concerns and will address them if elected Barry County Sheriff.

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

The Sheriff’s Office will be able to house more inmates when the new jail is completed. If elected, my staff and I will assess the new space with the possibility of housing federal inmates. Housing federal inmates would help generate additional revenue which could be used to hire additional personnel or purchase new equipment without asking for an increase in the Sheriff’s Office budget.

3. How will you set and assess correctional officer
pay?

I believe that our corrections officers should be paid a very competitive wage. They are a vital part of the team and we can’t run a safe and secure jail facility without good corrections officers.

If elected, my team will complete a pay study to assess the corrections officer pay. We won’t be able to retain good employees if we don’t pay them a livable wage.

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

I would like to have a registered nurse (RN) in the facility to dispense the medication to the inmates. I will follow the Missouri guideline for food and nutrition for the inmates. I will also have my corrections officers trained to recognize and deal with drug overdoses and mentally unstable inmates.

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

While out campaigning, several people have asked me if I intend to start a GED program for Barry County inmates.

I reached out and spoke with representatives at the Missouri Education Department in Jefferson City, Mo. The cost is $120.00 for Missouri (HISET) and $149.00 for the GED program. The inmate would need to complete an evaluation test and that would determine the length of the program.

In most cases it could take well over a year to complete the program.

I don’t want the citizens of Barry County to pay for these programs. That money can be put to other use. However, I did speak with the Community Care Coalition and there is a way to get the GED program with no cost to the citizens, I would consider making this available to inmates. My priority will be to “Take the County Back” from the criminals that are running rampant in our county.

I do strongly believe in having a jail ministry. And if elected I will work with area churches to bring the ministry to inmates who want to attend church.