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 (Mike McGuire has suspended his campaign but will remain on the ballot). 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. What experience do you have managing budgets, considering the Sheriff’s Office budget this year is $4.2 million?

It does not matter if the budget is $400 or 4 million. You figure what is needed and where it is needed and that is where the money gets spent. I do not plan on wasting the county’s money. I intend to be surrounded by knowledgeable staff who already have a lot of money management experience. Most work at Barry County Sheriff’s Office already. Being fiscally responsible is something I take very seriously.

2. How do you plan to manage your time between office duties and field duties?

I will do my officer duties and then go out into the field. If needed back at the office I will return for what ever is needed. I do not like to set behind a desk all day I like being out in the public doing what I love to do.

3. What will be your timeline expectations for submitting probable cause statements to the prosecutor?

Probable cause statements will be done and approved by the end of the shift.

4. What is your opinion on the Sunshine Law and your philosophy on transparency?

I agree with the Sunshine Law is fosters public trust and accountability by allowing citizens to see how their elected officials are making decisions and using public resources.

I further believe on transparence by increasing accountability. I plan on running newspaper reports telling the citizens where, when, and what crime happened or arrest.

The more transparent the Sheriff’s Office can be the more support we will get.

5. If elected, how long do you plan to continue serving as/running for Sheriff?

As long as I am able to.