Barry-Lawrence County Voters Guide 2016

The Monett Times

CASSVILLE

Democrat

BARRY AND LAWRENCE COUNTY VOTERS GUIDE 2016

#TheRaceIsOn 1. Why do you want to be sheriff?

I felt the calling to become an officer of the law in 1993. That calling has continued to this day as I serve in many capacities of law enforcement. During my time serving in law enforcement, I have seen many changes in the law, the communities and the ways we communicate. I am seeking the office of Sheriff to bring the department to the next level, to lead through example and training, to bring the communities and people served together to make our county a safer place to raise their families.

SHERIFF BARRY COUNTY

7 candidates.

Your choice.

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.

1. Why do you want to be sheriff?

I am a Barry County native, I’ve served a total of 17 years in the US Military, and over 14 years with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. I love this County and I care deeply for the people in it. My goal is only to improve the quality of life for these people by giving them a better law enforcement agency than what they have had in the past. The Sheriff’s department has improved dramatically in the last 20 years during Sheriff Epperly’s term. I feel there are vast improvements still to be made such as; improving the jail, fighting the drug problem we have in our County, and decreasing our crime rate overall.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

I’m a Barry County native whose family has been in Barry County since the early 1800s. I have served in the US Marine Corps and the Missouri National Guard for a total of 17 years. I was an officer with the Missouri State Highway Patrol for more than 14 years. I know this land, Missouri law, and these people as well or better than any other candidate. I will ensure prompt, reactive and aggressive proactive response and enforcement by the deputies in this County.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office?

Changes to the county facilities can only be made with the approval of the County Commission, therefore I will not make promises that I don’t know I can keep. I will however increase the proactivity of the officers working for Barry County and we

Travis Hilburn, R-Cassville Age: 43 Current Occupation: Self-employed Past Experience: 17 years military, 14-1/2 years Missouri Highway Patrol Education: Cassville High School, class of 1990. Some college. Major crash reconstructionist, drug recognition expert, alcohol breath analyzer instructor, radar laser instructor, CDL instructor.

Website: Facebook.com/HilburnForSheriff

will aggressively pursue the drug and theft problems that we have in this County.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

I intend to reduce the crime rate overall in dramatic fashion by aggressively pursuing the thieves, drug makers and distributors that are destroying our peaceful Southwest Missouri way of life.

5. How will you increase funding for the sheriff’s office?

I will submit a detailed budget proposal to the commission as well as applying for Grants from outside agencies such as MoDOT. 6. What, specifically, will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry County? Aggressive proactive pursuit of the makers and distributors.

7. What, if any, specific personnel changes will you make in the sheriff’s office? Why? I will not make immediate Personnel changes.

If Personnel changes are needed, that will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not?

Cameras are a terrific tool in gathering evidence as well as helping the officer write his or her report accurately after the incidents have occurred. If the funding becomes available for this type of expenditure, I would put body cameras on every active road officer.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

I have experience in the administration of the local sheriff’s department as Chief Deputy. I have authored and administered grants for equipment and training. I have experience in all duties performed by a law officer, as well as other areas of the local department. I have worked investigations with many other law enforcement personnel, from small police departments to large federal agencies. I have experience with the service of civil and criminal process, and the requirements of those.

I have experience in the administration of the jail, and in the development and implementation of department policies and procedures. I have personal experience with budgeting and finance through my construction business while creating job bids, contracts with individuals as well as large companies, employee payroll and tax preparation.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office?

I will work hard on bringing the department better technology to keep officers safer and give them the ability to spend more time in the communities they are assigned. Barry County is one of the few counties in southwest Missouri that does not provide officers with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) in the cars; an addition that I feel should be implemented as soon as practical. I will also work hard on community involvement. Some of my favorite quotes are from Statesman Edmund Burke, who wisely said: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” and “Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.” The problems in our county with the abuse of narcotics, the abuse of our children and the general loss of respect from some individuals for the laws governing this country can be overcome if the good people in our county become more involved in the communities around them.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

Provide training to officers in the current changing laws, and specific training to officers assigned to

James A. Smith, R-Aurora Age: 49 Current Occupation: Captain, Cassville Police Department Past experience: I have held a peace officer commission in Barry County since 1993. I worked at the Barry County Sheriff’s Department full time from 1994 through 2004. While employed full time there, I held the positions of deputy sheriff, civil process server, evidence officer, sergeant over patrol, computer systems administrator, and served 6 years as Chief Deputy. Former small business owner, who hired and lead employees, sub-contracted to other companies for construction site supervision of large jobs, handled job bids, supervision and labor on job sites, all to ensure contracts were completed on time and on budget. Completed employee payroll, handled employee taxes and insurance. Currently employed by the Cassville Police Department and cross-commissioned through the Department of Homeland Security, Customs Enforcement. I have extensive training and experience in the investigation of crimes against children and processing of digital data.

Education: Attended Diamond R-4 school from Kindergarten to Senior. Graduated from Diamond High School in 1984. Attended the Regional Police Academy and graduated in 1993. Have received hundreds of hours of training in all areas of law enforcement, to include many hours of specialized training in child exploitation, management of complex investigations and behavioral analysis, as well as computer and cell phone forensic examinations.

Website: http://www.jamesasmithforsheriff.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

specialized areas. Work to obtain funding for better technology to allow officers the opportunity to spend less time in transit and report writing, and more time in the field meeting with the community and having more presence in the rural areas, highlighting on higher crime areas.

5. How will you increase funding for the sheriff’s office?

Closely look at current expenditures and consider alternative means and products to reduce costs. Work on returning Missouri tax monies back to the state through use of grants.

Work on making the most efficient use of time and resources available. Identify problem areas and work with officials to address the problem in the most cost effective way possible.

Ensure the department is receiving all reimbursements entitled and work closer with other agencies to participate in revenue sharing opportunities.

6. What, specifically, will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry County?

I will work hard on community involvement in providing information necessary to locate and identify problem areas and individuals. I will work on providing officer training in the identification of narcotics and their use, and have officers to work developed leads. I will ensure officers are able to contact drug task force members for assistance and exchange of information, and require officers to deconflict case information to ensure officer safety during operations. A drug task force is a great resource

for manpower and equipment, but cannot be relied on to be the only resource working the problem. It takes everyone to stand up and take control, and communication is the key.

7. What, if any, specific personnel changes will you make in the sheriff’s office? Why? A coach cannot be effective if the team does not know what is expected of them.

Current personnel will be provided with clear information on what is expected, and changes will then come if they are unable or unwilling to complete the tasks assigned; or if they are found to be better suited in other areas or specialty assignments within the department. A few lateral changes in personnel may be necessary at the onset to complete the goal at hand; however no extreme changes are currently anticipated.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not?

For the most part, body cameras have been a good tool for law enforcement in dramatically reducing the number of citizen complaints on officers. I feel there are areas of concern with their use, specifically in individuals privacy rights, that will most likely need to be considered by a court of law to provide guidance and set clear regulations. Body cameras are an area that may be considered; however I do not foresee a widespread implementation within the department at this time, unless mandated and funded by the state.

#TheRaceIsOn - By The Numbers

BARRY COUNTY SHERIFF Term: Four Years Salary: $50,000

BARRY COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR Term: Four Years Salary: $86,037*

*Varies based on fees, and can change from year to year.

The job paid $86,037 in 2015.

LAWRENCE COUNTY EASTERN COMMISSIONER Term: Four Years Salary: $31,508.76

Page 2B • Wednesday, July 27, 2016

1. Why do you want to be sheriff?

I would like to use my knowledge and experience to make Barry County a safer place to raise a family. Having worked with County and City law enforcement agencies, I have dealt with child sex crimes and other crimes against children, domestic violence, adult sex crimes, and drug addicts. Most of these crimes revolved around drug usage. Cracking down on drugs is a must. I have 20 years experience in law enforcement, including training in investigations and supervisory duties.

Having gained experience in the Highway Patrol, County and City Law Enforcement Agencies, I feel this multi-agency experience will aid me in being an affective leader. I feel Barry County deserves to have the most experienced, fair and dedicated leader possible.

As Sheriff, I would like to have an open door policy to hear the concerns and issues from the citizens of Barry County. I want to have a working relationship with the public. Being Sheriff and helping the people of Barry County would be the highlight of my career. I plan to work diligently to make Barry County a safer place to raise your family and mine.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

I cannot judge the other candidates, that is for the voting citizens of Barry County to do. Law enforcement is not a job, it is a calling. To be an affective sheriff you first need to realize you work for the citizens who elected you. The experience I can bring to Barry County is as follows: Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA), Field Training Officer, Stalker Radar Certified, B.A.C. Certified, Reid’s Technique in Interview and Interrogations Certified, Accident Investigation Certified, First Line Supervisor School, Investigator City of Cassville Police Department, Deputy, Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Trooper, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Road Officer, Monett Police Department. I have the ability to bridge agencies. I have worked in several different areas throughout the County and have a better idea of what these areas need from the Sheriff’s Office. Having lived in the Northern part and worked in the Southern part of the County, I have a much wider view of the County needs. I have the experience and dedication to serve and protect, which should be the mission statement of any Sheriff.

3. What changes would you make in the Sheriff’’s Office?

We have a very good department at the present time. Mick Epperly is to be commended on the job he has done. I would plan to continue to build on the organization that is in place. We need to be aware of budgetary constraints and plan wisely rather than throwing money at problems. Barry County citizens ultimately pay the bill and we need to be wise in how we spend their money.

I would work very close with the Commissioners to get items, equipment and training for the deputies to make them able to do their job more effectively. I want to lead a department that has public safety at the forefront. The Sheriff’s Office needs to use all resources available including public involvement by offering education on knowing what to look for in regards to criminal activity. I feel that getting our citizens more involved will help deter drug activity. I would like the Barry County Sheriff’s Department to be a citizens first thought when they need help. Instead of mak-

#TheRaceIsOn

Danny Boyd, R-Purdy Age: 48 Current Occupation: Investigator for the City of Cassville Police Department Past Experience: Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA), Field Training Officer, Stalker Radar Certified, B.A.C. Certified, Reid’s Technique in Interview and Interrogations Certified, Accident Investigation Certified, First Line Supervisor School; Deputy, Barry County Sheriff’s Office; Trooper, Missouri State Highway Patrol; Road Officer, Monett Police Department.

Education: High School – Purdy High School Graduate 1986, College – Evangel University, Missouri Valley College Academy: MSSU Joplin Police Academy, State Highway Patrol Academy Website: Facebook “Danny Boyd for Barry County Sheriff”

ing changes, I would like to build on the current organization and move forward together for the citizens of Barry County.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

My primary goal would be to identify resources needed for the Sheriff’s Department to continue to build on the current organization and to have an open discussion regarding budgetary needs.

This approach will help set objectives by re-prioritizing budget line items to reflect the vision of the department.

Another goal is to establish communication between the Sheriff’s Office and the public regarding concerns and issues the citizens of Barry County may have. I want to work hard at building trust and integrity between the public and the Sheriff’s Office. Also, to have better communication and coordination among the other agencies. There is also a need to establish a response plan with every county school and practice it once a year.

My goal is to promote a safe and secure environment, maintain order and provide a safer Barry County. I want to practice our core values of integrity, respect, service and fairness. I would like to build a strong organization through leadership, innovation, and community involvement.

5. How will you increase funding for the Sheriff’s Office?

Additional funding may be available through grants.

This is especially true when looking at equipment upgrades and special programs. One needs to be always mindful for possible strings that may be attached to such grants. The Federal government would like to be more intrusive in the control of local law enforcement agencies and this cannot be allowed. So we need to be cautious with grants we apply for. The important thing is to try to maximize how we spend the money we do have. One way is to scrutinize current spending patterns, eliminate waste, and bid out large purchases to create competitive pricing options. We should put the money into line items that keep citizens and property safe. If it doesn’t add value, keep the people and their property safe, or make us a better department, it should be cut.

6. What specifically will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry County?

The drug problem is a steadily growing issue that has continued to grow over the last several years.

We can work at increasing effectiveness in the DARE program, but that does not address the root causes. We can make it clear to those involved in the drug culture and are manufacturing and selling drugs that they are

The Monett Times | Cassville Democrat

unwelcome in our County.

We need to give quick attention to citizens complaints regarding drug activity and provide citizens with the knowledge of what to look for. We also need to let the community know that they can leave drug activity information anonymously without the fear of being retaliated against. If you disrupt the day to day activities of the drug manufacturers and dealers they will either correct the problem or they will go somewhere else.

Regardless, it is imperative to have the public involved to help accomplish reducing the drug problem in Barry County. We may never entirely get rid of the drug issue, but with community involvement we can drastically reduce the drug problem.

7. What, if any, specific personnel changes will you make in the Sheriff’s Office? Why? I don’t foresee any specific personnel changes in the Sheriff’s Department. I will spend a lot of time observing, listening, and evaluating the needs of the department to make sure we have all the information to make the right personnel decisions.

There may be some restructuring regarding administrative duties to better fit the department. The first action would be to have a meeting with all the personnel and explain my expectations regarding the department and their duties. Then meet with each one personally, to get their thoughts on what changes they believe should be made. I want to have an open door policy, where personnel can come in to my office to voice concerns and issues they are dealing with.

The Barry County Sheriff’s Office has great group of personnel and I look forward to working with them if I am elected as Sheriff.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not?

The department I currently work for has body cameras.

From a personal point of view, I feel that body cameras are a very good tool. They have helped officers when dealing with complaints and have cleared the officers on several occasions. It helps keeps the officer and the public ethical. Plus it is a good learning tool for the officer and other officers to learn how to diffuse certain situations. It is great for court purposes, so the prosecutor and the Judge are able to see first hand the situation that the officer is handling.

It helps as an administrator to see if a department policy was violated. The body camera can capture things that the naked eye can’t, which can help in investigations also. Implementing body cameras would depend on budget and the need of the department.

1. Why do you want to be sheriff?

This can be summed up in one phrase; I believe we can do better and that I have the integrity, experience, training and professionalism to bring a new beginning to Barry County Law Enforcement.

When people think of the position of County Sheriff, they most likely think of someone who focuses on patrol, but that is not the sum of his job. A County Sheriff wears many different hats. A Sheriff must ensure all procedures and policies are being followed, he prepares and manages multiple budgets, as well as managing the officers that work for him. I believe it is essential for the Sheriff’s department to interact with the community it serves. Doing so will improve the relations between the two parties, which in turn can help increase crime prevention.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

I am the only candidate with a proven record of managing and supervising personnel, creating budgets and instituting programs to combat crime. This experience was acquired during my 22 years of progressively increasing responsibility as a Special Agent with the FBI. I rose from a street Agent investigating drugs, terrorism, violent crime, organized crime and white collar crime, to the position of Supervisory Special Agent of a Criminal/Drug Intelligence squad with 39 personnel from multiple agencies under my direct supervision. This squad contributed to the seizure of over $51 Million in drugs and the identification of over 12,000 drug traffickers and associates. After receiving my Inspection certification I conducted audits of field and headquarters divisions to ensure their compliance with all laws, regulations and financial policies.

Upon my promotion to Unit Chief at FBIHQ, I managed budgets for personnel and procurement of analytical software totaling over five million dollars. I was selected as the Security Officer for an FBIHQ Division with over 900 employees. I created procedures to handle bomb and terrorist threats, developed and implemented plans for emergency relocation of staff and business continuity. I supervised or conducted investigations into allegations of employee misconduct.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office?

Everything is on the table.

Following a review by me and after consulting with the staff and Deputies, I will keep the good, work on those items that can be quickly improved upon or fixed and formulate plans to totally revamp or replace those items that are not serving the mission of the Sheriff’s Office.

Additionally, I will seek the input of the citizens of Barry County on what they want to see in their Sheriff’s Office. None of this will happen day one. Among the changes I plan to make, for which no additional funding is required, is the implementing of community policing. Deputies will be encouraged to spend considerable time and effort in developing and maintaining personal relationships with citizens, businesses, schools and community organizations, these entities have a shared interest with the Sheriff’s Office in resolving issues before they become unwieldy problems.

Gary Davis, R-Cassville Age: 68 Current Occupation: Farm Owner/Consultant, Retired FBI Special Agent Past Experience: I am a retired Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent with over 32 years Law Enforcement Experience. I have conducted and supervised criminal investigations including drug trafficking, organized crime, bank robbery, counter-terrorism, fraud and a host of others. My more notable investigative involvement included the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, the Oklahoma City bombing and on the Incident Command of the September 11th terror attacks. I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. I have developed and managed multi-million dollar budgets, HIDTA and OCDETF grants, intelligence centers and technology projects; including the personnel associated with them.

Education: Bachelors of Science degree, Business Administration (cum laude); FBI Executive Development Institute – Inspector Training – Certified Police Instructor – Security Officer Training, Security Seminars – Equal Employment Opportunity for Managers – Interrogation & Interviewing – Interpersonal Communication – Creating World Class Organizations – Business Area Analysis – Management Training for Supervisors – Basic Organized Crime – Labor Racketeering – Racketeering Enterprise Investigations – High Intensity Drug Trafficking – Espionage Interrogation & Interviewing – Espionage – Criminal Intelligence – Organized Crime – Drug Trafficking – International Terrorism and Counterintelligence – Department of Defense Joint Task Force Sex Threat Assessment School – Fingerprint Examiner Website: Facebook, Gary Davis for Barry County Sheriff

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

A total review of all functions of the Sheriff’s Office. This will include all policies and procedures.

I want to bring the citizens of Barry County a Sheriff’s Office that is dedicated to public service and to the core values of: Obedience to the Constitution of the United States: Respect for those we protect; Compassion; Fairness; Uncompromising personal integrity and institutional integrity; Accountability by accepting responsibility for our actions and decisions and the consequences of our actions and decisions; Leadership, both personal and professional.

I also want to increase the feedback to the citizens who have been victims of a crime. Let them know in general what is happening with their complaint.

This may mean that we have no viable leads, but at least they will know we did something in their time of need. I also want to increase the emphasis on combating the drug problem in Barry County (See question 6 for more on this). Always be looking for funding sources with minimal strings attached.

Increased training for all Sheriff’s Office personnel, Deputies, office staff and Jail personnel.

5. How will you increase funding for the sheriff’s office?

I will seek to increase funding by joining and seeking grants from entities such as the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program.

This HIDTA program provides money for equipment and overtime costs associated with specific drug investigative activities. I will research and present well formulated proposals to the County Commissioners for their consideration for funding.

Additionally, a thorough review of all facets of the Sheriff’s Office should reveal areas that can be operated at a cost savings freeing up additional funds.

6. What, specifically, will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry County?

Drugs and the crimes associated with them are the number one crime problem in Barry County.

I will submit the necessary paperwork to join HIDTA. HIDTA can

provide additional monies for drug investigations. I will assign two detectives full time to nothing but drug investigations. I will assign a Deputy to the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team. I realize this reduces the number of patrol officers, but an expenditure of resources on our number one problem cannot be wrong. I plan to enlist the eyes and ears of the 36,000+ residents of Barry County in reporting suspected drug activity and create an intelligence data base that will allow us to build cases against the major dealers in the County.

7. What, if any, specific personnel changes will you make in the sheriff’s office? Why? I plan no specific personnel changes in the Sheriff’s Office. All Deputies and staff will get to start over with a clean slate and will be evaluated on how they contribute to my vision for the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. Integrity, professionalism and a commitment to serving the citizens of Barry County will be my number one requirements. It will be our mission that the Barry County Sheriff’s Office serves the citizens and visitors of Barry County by providing professional law enforcement, detention, court security, and communications services that protect and preserve the Constitutional Rights of the people and mandates the fair and impartial enforcement of the law.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not?

I am not opposed to the implementation of body cameras, but it must be studied and evaluated as to benefits versus cost. Costs include not only the camera, but the development of rules for use, retention and storage of the product, who has access, etc.

What is the opinion of the Prosecuting Attorney on body cameras? They are the ones who will present them as evidence in the criminal cases and also handle proceedings when requests are made for their release in civil cases and to the press. It should be noted that Barry County does not currently have video cameras mounted in any of its patrol vehicles.

Cassville Democrat | The Monett Times

1. Why do you want to be Sheriff?

The reason I would like to be Sheriff of Barry County is I believe I can make a difference. There are problems facing this county which need to be addressed. I want focus on the drug problem in this county, Meth, Prescription pills, and other drugs are becoming more and more accessible and I want to change it. When I was a child growing up in this county there wasn’t as many drugs going around as there is now. I know it will be hard to get rid of this problem but I know we can make it a lot better than it has become over the last few years. Being the Sheriff of this county would be an honor. I would dedicate myself to serving the citizens of Barry County to make this county the best it can be. I want to make this a safe place to raise children for everyone including my own.

I have nothing but love for this county because it is my home. I am not seeking this position because of the title or just to be someone’s boss.

I want to be able to help people see the county for the good and share the things Barry County has to offer to all of the citizens.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

There is more to being qualified for this position than having degrees saying you can do it. One needs to be able to listen to the people, work with the people, and the desire to help the people. I would say having the people’s trust is the biggest qualification for this position.

I have worked with the people of this county for years doing whatever I was asked to do. I am honest, fair, hard working, and very determined. My father always told me, “Any job worth doing is worth doing right”. I have lived by this and apply it in anything I do. I have lived in this county my entire life. I have lived in different towns but all here. Every job I have ever had has been in Barry County. I have raised and still raising my children here.

So to answer the question, I have the ability to work with the people, help the people and the determination to make sure it is done right for the better of the county.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office?

I want to try and add to the patrol staff. I would like to add a narcotics officer to work with the Drug Task Force. I would like to get the equipment and software

1. Why do you want to be Sheriff?

I have committed myself to Law Enforcement for the past 13 years, primarily working for the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. During my employment with the County I have developed a personal relationship with many of the citizens of Barry County. When the current sheriff of 20 years announced his retirement, I knew this was my opportunity to move forward and continue protecting the citizens of Barry County in a fair, honest and compassionate manner.

I am dedicated to my job and would like to continue to make Barry County a safe community for people to live and raise their families. I have the experience and leadership to be your Sheriff.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

The position of Sheriff requires everyone to be post certified. My opponents all have law enforcement experience, but my experience has been at the County level with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office for the past 13 years.

I was hired to work in the Barry County Jail, from there I transferred to the patrol division. I served as Supervisor of Day Shift Patrol and held the rank of Lieutenant for 9 years, until I was promoted

#TheRaceIsOn

Justin David Ruark, D-Cassville Age: 38 Current Occupation: Barry County Sheriffs Department Past Experience: 6 years Education: Missouri Sheriffs Association Training Academy, Reeds Spring, MO Website: None

to make it possible for the deputies to be able to type their reports from the patrol car instead of having to go to the office to do them. I would like to make it possible to add more training for the deputies so they can do the job better and serve the citizens better.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

I would say the number one goal I would like to get accomplished is to make it known to all that Barry County is tired the drugs going through the area.

I want those who make, sell, or use drugs to know the Sheriff’s Department is watching, we are gathering information, and yes we are coming to get you and get you out of here. With this goal in mind, the second part of this goal is to secure the funding needed to make this a reality. I would like to add at least two more positions for deputies, which means two equipped cars for them.

5. How will you increase funding for the sheriff’s office?

It is no secret money is tight everywhere for everyone. I believe once we see where the money is needed and for what, I believe we can get the money. Some from applying for different grants, making the commissioners aware of what is needed and why we can get more funding.

6. What, specifically will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry County?

Barry County needs a Narcotics Officer full time.

I also would like to add a K-9 to the staff and make it available 24 hours a day.

I want to find a way to get

the Drug Task Force to work in the are more even if it means changing who we are in partnership with currently. We should have someone working on tips which are received from the public every day. If there was a full time position for this I know it would be beneficial.

Keep in mind this is not going to get fixed overnight.

It is going to take hard work, dedication, time, and manpower do get this done, but it can be done!

7. What, if any, specific personal changes will you make in the sheriff’s office?

Why? Starting off I see no need in making any changes. I have worked with everyone currently staffed with the department. Some changes may be needed later as in any job. The only thing I would like to see change is the addition of more deputies in the future.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not?

I think body cameras are a great idea. Not one do they protect the officer it helps protect the public from the officer of any wrong doings.

I have seen nothing but positive things come from those who wear them. Some of the municipalities in the county have them now and their officers wear them as part of their uniform. Yes this is something I would like to add to the departments equipment for the deputies to have. The reason why is for the safety of the public and for the officer, also they can prove to be good evidence in some cases.

1. Why do you want to be sheriff?

After growing up in the area and then entering the law enforcement field I’ve grown passionate about the quality of law enforcement and criminal justice in Barry County. I strive to move Barry County into the next generation of criminal justice. By implementing better communication and technology along with delivering equal and unbiased service to the citizens of Barry County, I can assist in protecting the community I love and call home. I feel there is a desperate need for a better working relationship between surrounding agencies, the court systems and the public. There has been a divide between these entities for some time and I feel mending those relationships will greatly benefit the citizens of Barry County. I want to be the driving force to make a real difference in this community.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

Having worked with most of them, I have a lot of respect for them as law enforcement officers. As a longtime resident of Barry County, I’m very connected with citizens of Barry County and their law enforcement needs. I also know the way things have been ran are not working.

I am progressive enough to move the department in a efficient direction, but still provide small town service that the citizens want. As Director of search and rescue, I managed a budget and resources. With this experience, I feel that it gives me a leg up on my opponents by having the very important skills necessary to effetely run the sheriffs office. However, I think Barry County is in need of progressive change; but a change that will fit the needs of the citizens of Barry County. I also feel I can mend relationships with area agencies within and outside of Barry County for a better working relationship and a combined effort to reduce crime in our county as well as the entire area.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office?

There have been minimum standards written into Missouri Law for years and I will bring the agency to those standards. The standards are designed to prevent county liability and ensure equal and proper treatment and investigations to all citizens of Barry County. Proper training and accountable supervision will ensure that those standards and continued. I understand that a tax-based budget limits the resources available to law enforcement, however proper and ethical direction

serve as a board member at the Child Advocacy Center for abused children, and serve as the Chief of Police for Washburn.

Terry L. Meek, R-Washburn Age: 42 Current Occupation: Detective with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office Past Experience: 13 years with Barry County Sheriff’s Office Education: Graduate Missouri Law Enforcement Academy (600 Hrs), Joplin.

Website: Facebook.com/MeekForSheriff

to my current position as a Detective. Some of the duties I have performed are booking in inmates, answering calls for service, writing reports, community policing and serving civil process. I have investigated many types of cases including Burglaries, Stealing, Kidnapping, Child Abuse and Neglect, Child and Adult Sexual Assault, Rape, Domestic Violence and Drugs. I’m already familiar with the daily operations of

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 • Page 3B

the sheriff’s office as well as its policies and procedures. I graduated from the Missouri Southern Law Enforcement Academy in Joplin and have more than 1,000 hours of Post Law Enforcement Training. I have been certified as a crime scene investigator and a “Less than Lethal Force Instructor. I am a member of the SWAT team and responsible for the training of the team members. I currently

3. What changes do you plan to make in the sheriff’s office?

I would like to create substations in rural areas of the county. The purpose would be to increase patrolling in those areas that have higher crime and drug activity and currently have little to no coverage. I would like to explore other training avenues for the deputies. The deputies currently receive a minimal amount of training that is required to keep your post certification. I would prefer training be done through instructors and not online. I would also like cameras in all patrol vehicles and body cameras for all deputies.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

Referring back to Question 3 regarding changes I plan to make in the sheriff’s

Justin Fohn, R-Cassville Age : 34 Current occupation: Police Officer for the City of Cassville Past experience: Police Officer for the City of Cassville and the City of Exeter.

Reserve Deputy for the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. Director of Barry County Search and Rescue.

Education: Cassville High School, Class of 2000. Missouri Southern law enforcement certification, 2010.

Website: Facebook.com/Fohn4Sheriff

of those resources will provide a noticeable difference in the service performed by the Barry County Sheriff’s Office.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

Provide necessary training to deputies and develop a structured operating procedure to ensure complete investigations and successful prosecution of crimes in Barry County. Rebuild working relationships with county offices to provide a better line of communication regarding budget, criminal prosecution and monitoring of career criminals.

Also developing mutual aid relationships with other area agencies. Crime does not stop at the Barry County line and people committing crimes in Barry County are also committing crimes in neighboring counties and cities. So working together with those agencies will provide a united front against criminals committing crimes in Barry County.

5. How will you increase funding for the sheriff’s office?

Moving from a general budget style government to an expenditure budget will provide transparency to what tax money is paying for. This directed in proper directions will meet the current needs of the Sheriff’s Office until further analysis is done to identify what needs are still not being met. State, Federal and private grants are also plentiful with proper research and application.

6. What specifically will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry county?

Proactive enforcement of the end user is and has been the typical focus of law enforcement and is a very important function.

office. Realistically, I think that I can accomplish these goals during my first term.

5. How will you increase funding for the sheriff’s office?

The sheriff’s office and jail works from an annual budget set at the beginning of each year. Most of the budget comes from the county general revenue account and is based off of county revenues. State and Federal grants are currently being used to fund some of the safety equipment purchased and to fund the supplemental salaries of deputies. I would try to increase the funding through more grants at the State and Federal level as well as making sure there is accountability for what is spent.

6. What specifically, will you do to reduce the drug problem in Barry County?

In the past, Barry County had a deputy that was paid by a grant to work drugs.

Grant funding soon became available to multi-jurisdictional task forces. Barry

The end users are the same subjects committing assaults and burglaries in the county as well. However, participating in regional large-scale investigations to reduce the supply into Barry County will also reduce the amount of drugs available to the end user. Training and application of interdiction can also locate illegal substances traveling through the county.

This can reduce the supply as well as generate seizure income for the county if done correctly. Good information sharing and participating in regional drug enforcement can impact the narcotic problem in Barry County on a large scale.

7. What, if any, specific personnel changes will you make in the sheriff’s office?

Why? I’ve said before I do not plan on changing anything for the sake of change. I have respect for everyone that works for the Sheriff’s Office and they will all have the opportunity to continue their career with Barry County. I will speak with every deputy, detention officer and secretary to find out their intentions and evaluate the position they hold. Until that happens, I cannot commit to keeping or losing any specific employee.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not.

I believe body cameras are a valuable asset to law enforcement. They provide a level of accountability and invaluable evidence during most cases. With recent laws and civil distrust, I feel they will be required at some point in the very near future anyway so I will try to implement this tool to assist the deputies and be accountable to the citizens of Barry County.

County joined the task force and eliminated the deputy that was assigned to working drugs because the task force had more resources available to them than one deputy working alone.

As the need for more drug enforcement increases, I would like to explore a better way to utilize our budgeted funds to help minimize the increasing drug problems we have in our County.

7. What, if any, specific personnel changes will you make in the sheriff’s office?

Why? At this time, it is not my intention to eliminate or make any personnel changes.

8. What are your thoughts on body cameras? Is that something you will try to implement in the department? Why or why not?

Body cameras are needed for officer accountability and the safety of the department.

I would like to purchase cameras for all the deputies as funds become available.

Page 4B • Wednesday, July 27, 2016

#TheRaceIsOn

SHERIFF BARRY COUNTY

Where should Barry County deputies be stationed?

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. - JB

Gary Davis, R-Cassville 1. If elected where is your geographic focus going to be in the county and why?

I am elected to be Sheriff of the entire county. A thorough review of the population densities of the unincorporated areas, the calls for service in those areas, coupled with the type of crimes being committed will enable me to determine where to place the limited resources of the Sheriff’s Office without leaving the rest of the county uncovered.

2. Would you support having substations in any part of the county? If so, where? If not, why?

I support substations in those area of the county where because of their geographical location, a rapid response from other locations in the county is not possible.

Here again the obsta-

cle to this is the lack of sufficient manpower to properly staff the substation. Properly staffed substations throughout the county would enable faster response times on the part of the Deputies, increase Officer safety, increase the Deputies knowledge of the issues and crime problems in the area served by their substation and improve the interaction of the Sheriff’s Office with the public it serves.

3. What do you see as the higher-crime areas of the county that deserve the most attention?

Justin David Ruark, D-Cassville 1. If elected, where is your geographic focus going to be in the county and why?

Right now there is not a specific area other than the ones where the drugs are. There are drugs in every city in the county and there are drugs in all of the rural areas also. My focus is going to be where the sales and manufacturing of these drugs are done at!

2. Would you support having substations in any part of the county? If so, where? If not, why?

I do not think substations are a good thing.

We have one now in Shell

wasting tax dollars.

Knob and it is never used because there is no computers for us to use there that are able to access the main office software. One of my goals is to obtain the software to be able to work from each patrol car. This would allow every deputy to do their reports from their patrol car instead of having to go to the office or substation anywhere. This would be far better than trying to open substations and

Danny Boyd, R-Purdy 1. If elected, where is your geographic focus going to be in the county and why?

I plan on focusing mainly on the rural areas and areas that do not have police departments. To help decrease drug activity and cattle theft, the secondary county roads need more patrolling.

2. Would you support having substations in any part of the coun-

I am not currently in a position that enables me to review the calls for service and follow-up investigations in a manner that would reveal the areas with higher crime rates. There is no question you want to place your resources to the extent possible where your greatest problems are. We must however remember that crime is like a flooding stream and if you block it off in one area it will move to the point of least resistance and flood another area. My ultimate goal is to make Barry County a place where the criminals will know that the cost of doing their crime here will be high. Again, this is a long term goal and will require hard work on my part, on the part of the Deputies and on the part of the citizens of Barry County who provide the resources for the Sheriff’s Office and must be partners with the Sheriff’s Office in making Barry County safe for all its residents.

3. What do you see as the higher-crime areas of the county that deserve the most attention?

I would have to say the higher-crime areas are a lot of the rural areas.

All of the municipalities have their problems, but there are a lot of crimes which happen every day out in the county. Until the drug world is taken serious by everyone and everyone understands how serious it has become the crime will not get any better. People will steal to support their habits, they will break into your house and take what is yours to get their fix for the day, not one area is safer than the next until we make it know Barry County is going to fight back against any and all who do this. northern, southern, and eastern part of the county, centrally located in each section.

ty? If so, where? If not, why?

I strongly support having substations. I would like to set up at least three substations, one in the

3. What do you see as the higher-crime areas of the county that deserve the most attention?

As a Sheriff, I would look at the call volume to see what parts of the county has the higher call rate. I would also look at deputies reports to determine which areas need the most attention. From what I have seen, most of the crime rate has been in the county rural areas.

The Monett Times | Cassville Democrat

Terry L. Meek, R-Washburn 1. If elected, where is your geographic focus going to be in the County and why?

I believe it is very important to do daily patrols throughout the entire county, during the day and evening hours, to deter crime and show the citizens that the Sheriff’s Office cares about their well being and their property. But the areas I would mainly focus on at first would be the southern areas of the county, which include Eagle Rock, Golden, Shell Knob, Seligman and Washburn. The reason for this, it would be a starting point to combat drug/criminal activity in those areas. I know from experience through working at the Sheriff’s office for so long.

Knowing the county very well, and listening to citizen concerns over the years, that these are the preferred areas for criminals coming across state lines, and other areas that have little detection into Missouri, for them to transport/import/ produce and distribute their illegal narcotics, or other illegal activities, and then ease their way back across state lines to avoid being detected or captured. I have found in my years of experience, continual law enforcement presence which is saturated and focused in problem areas, usually discourages criminal activity.

This is not only a proactive approach to minimizing criminal activity, but also brings comfort and peace of mind to the citizens of Barry County. This would also go hand in hand in regards to question #2 about substations in any

by phone.

part of the county. With strategic placement of a substation in one or more of these areas, I believe this would also improve response time on emergency calls and decrease the amount of time law enforcement would have to travel with lights and sirens, at high speeds, putting the public or officer in danger.

2. Would you support having substations in any part of the county? If so, where? If not, why?

Yes, I would absolutely support substations. This issue has been one of my main concerns/goals throughout my whole campaign. I believe substations are necessary to improve our patrolling techniques, response times, and availability to the citizens of the county. During our routine patrol currently, the county is divided up into three zones, the north, south, and east zone. There is currently a substation on the east side, but other locations, strategically placed, would have to be determined for the other two zones to better serve the county. If I were able to achieve this goal, I would ensure the substations would be utilized by the patrol deputies and I also believe this would benefit the citizens in those areas instead of having to drive to Cassville to file a report, if not reported

James A. Smith, R-Aurora 1. If elected, where is your geographic focus going to be in the county and why?

Barry county varies widely in population and economic background, from larger towns like Monett and Cassville, to rural farming communities, to vacation homes, to very remote areas, which includes a large area of National Forest. All of these areas deserve the best enforcement of the law that can be provided. Analysis of reported crimes and proactive officer observations will help dictate which geographical areas receive an occasional concentrated effort to deter crime.

ments would need to be put into place to allow officers the ability to report remotely. I feel a substation in each populated area of the county would help encourage citizen involvement and provide officers a safe place to meet with people and enter report data.

2. Would you support having substations in any part of the county? If so, where? If not, why?

I will certainly encourage and look into the establishment of substations within the county. Several factors need to be addressed, such as cost, location availability, staffing, communication, security and the time officers would be off the streets.

Technology advance-

Travis Hilburn, R-Cassville 1. If elected, where is your geographic focus going to be in the county and why?

I don’t know if I will have an absolute geographic focus, but I do know a lot of the drug activity taking place is in the outlying and rural areas, like around the state and county lines.

But, we still have to maintain good coverage throughout the county.

2. Would you support having substations in any part of the county? If so, where? If not, why?

3. What do you see as the higher-crime areas of the county that deserve the most attention?

In my experience crime is unpredictable and has to be dealt with on a case by case basis. As law enforcement, when you see the crime rate rising in a particular area, you saturate that area with more law enforcement presence. Crime would decrease in that area and or increase in other areas. In these cases, you have to not only depend on the deputies to heavily patrol the higher crime areas, but also rely on the citizens to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. I have seen the citizens of Barry County, in the past, pull together to report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. A lot of our cases have been solved by a concerned citizen reporting anything that they believed was suspicious or out of place.

In many of those cases, the citizen report led to the arrest and prosecution of those particular individuals. Statistics have shown us that crime increases in different areas throughout the year. For example, burglaries and theft calls increase during the holiday season. Domestic violence and disturbance calls increase at the lake and creek accesses throughout the summer months. The only way to be productive is to be proactive with a plan in place to increase law enforcement presence with strategies such as driver’s license check points, DWI check points, etc. It is very important to me to be visible in a positive way to ensure the citizens feel safe in their communities.

3. What do you see as the higher-crime areas of the county that deserve the most attention?

Crimes in general vary widely by factors including population, time of year, economy and even at times weather conditions. Analysis of crime data reported can assist in identifying and predicting problem area.

These areas can then be targeted with saturation efforts to control and deter crime. er one in the Seligman area. That’s due to population growth and the amount of activity in those areas, because there’s a lot of activity in both. The rest of the county is pretty accessible from the Cassville area.

I would support substations if our budget allows it. Everything counts on the money we have to spend and finding the best way that money can be utilized. If I could position substations, I’d like to put one toward the Shell Knob area, then I’d probably put anoth-

3. What do you see as the higher-crime areas of the county that deserve the most attention?

The entire county deserves our attention, but it seems the majority of drug activity, like the meth labs, are in the rural areas where they don’t typically see a law enforcement officer come through very often.

Candidate Justin Fohn, R-Cassville, did not return his questionnaire as of press time.

Cassville Democrat | The Monett Times

#TheRaceIsOn

3 candidates.

Your choice.

Publisher’s note: The following Q&As represent the Barry County public administrator candidates’ views verbatim, as submitted via email in response to our questions, and have not been edited. The candidates will face off on the Aug. 2 Republican primary ballot. The Republican primary will serve as the de facto general election, barring a late filing by an independent candidate. - JB 1. Why do you want to be public administrator?

I love working with people. My entire career has centered around building long term relationships with customers, company personnel, agents and co-workers.

The number of those relationships over the past 31 years would number in the thousands.

Serving as Public Administrator provides the challenge of learning a new career field plus the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Christian faith requires each of us to be compassionate toward others and help those needing our assistance. That’s a big motivator for applying for this job and I believe the skills and experience I have learned over the last 31 years are a perfect fit for this role.

If elected, this position will also permit me to move closer to home and meet more people in Barry County. I can honestly say running for office has allowed me to meet some of the nicest people I have ever met and it would be a privilege to serve the citizens of Barry County Missouri.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

No candidate has prior experience working in the office of public administrator so I am unable (and won’t) attest to the abilities and qualifications of my opponents. What I am able to provide is information about myself that makes me believe I am a qualified candidate for the office of Public Administrator.

First I am a long time resident and have deep ties to Barry County. The Reavis family are lifetime residents of NE Barry County while my wife Laura’s family, Rayma Craig and Carroll and Sue (Trotter) Craig, are lifetime residents of the Cassville area. My 31 years of business experience taught me how to establish working relationships with both clients and business related contacts while my background as a small business owner and company employee taught me the financial side of running a business. I am very familiar with the accounting, banking and tax aspects of running a business.

In addition, I consider myself to be a quick learner and innovative when it comes to applying new ideas towards the improvement of any task or job to be performed. I am also willing to commit not only the time necessary to learn the position but to excel at being a professional in the area of public administration. All of these items combined gives me the confidence to know I would be a good public administrator.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the public administrator’s office?

The word “change” seems to be synonymous with any recent election or political candidate. I believe change should occur only if needed so initially I’m a listener to all advice provided by the current and prior administrator before forming judgements on how the office should operate. The current and previous administrators have performed very well in taking care of client needs so I hope to learn from their experience. I have also reached out for advice from the long term, experienced administrators of adjoining counties.

The next administrator faces a bigtime learning curve on all aspects of the position. The service needs

Andy Reavis, R-Cassville Age: 56 Current occupation: Chief Operating Officer, Billings Mutual Insurance Co. Past experience: 31 years business background in the insurance industry Education: Graduated Marionville High School; Attended MSU in Springfield, Mo.; Career field education includes several professional designations; Military education includes senior leadership development courses and instructor training.

Website: AndyReavis.com

of clients and business requirements of the job won’t diminish or go on hold while the new administrator fully learns the duties and responsibilities of the job. Not being familiar with those duties and the day to day operation of the office makes it hard to form an opinion on any item or process needing changed or modified.

Once familiar with the overall responsibility and job details, I’m sure there will be small changes made to things like task organization and work flow processes. As my experience grows, I will have a better overall view of the job and make any necessary changes or modifications, if needed, at that time.

I’m definitely not a status quo person and will always look every day to find ways to better serve client needs and make the office as efficient and professional as possible.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

Specific goals for myself in the first term would include: • Work closely with the current administrator to develop a smooth transition plan.

• Assess the overall operation of the public administrator office.

• Assess daily operations and develop an organization plan.

• Identify situations requiring special attention from the administrator.

• Develop priorities for any client needing additional attention.

• Develop priorities for all tasks subject to filing deadlines.

• Meet and introduce myself to each of the 158 current clients.

• Assess the needs of each client.

• Meet with and reaffirm the working relationship with the Probate Court.

• Meet with and reaffirm the working relationships with all current business contacts.

• Meet with and reaffirm the working relationship with the Beverly Mitchell, the current employee of the public administrator.

• Assess the handling of each client’s financial resources.

• Seek out and enroll in any educational programs relating to the operation of the office of public administrator.

All of the above would be part of a fluid plan to learn as much as possible as fast as possible. Part of what I consider my strength as a candidate is the ability to

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 • Page 5B

work without supervision to quickly self-educate and self-start on any task.

5. What do you think is the biggest problem facing the public administrator’s office? How do you plan to solve it?

Understanding and working with the changing clientele of the public administrator office is, in my opinion, the biggest challenge. Older residents of nursing homes are no longer the exclusive client of the administrator.

A significant percentage of client cases now involve dealing with a range of mental illnesses some of which result in behavioral issues. Accompanying those issues are the expectations of both clients and the public with higher levels of service expected on less resources.

Each client represents a unique person and set of circumstances. Working with a range of challenging issues requires the personal experience of the administrator, seeking advice for similar issues from other experienced individuals, and as much education as possible dealing with issues like mental illness. The next administrator has to balance public relations, client service and the business aspect of personal finance in the most efficient method possible.

6. Are you prepared for this to be a 24/7 job?

If so, explain how you would approach it. If not, how do you plan to serve effectively?

To answer this question, I have to share a little bit about myself and my thoughts on work ethic. I wouldn’t want the youthful appearance of my picture to fool any reader (lol) because I’m kind of an old guy on the tail end of the baby boomer generation.

A significant baby boomer characteristic is our attitude and approach to work.

Work is important to us and represents a part of our person and who we are. We live to work and take pride in our work. We want to be a professional at our chosen occupation.

So to answer the above question and acknowledge the administrator job is 24/7, my answer is “What job isn’t?”. I realize no person can physically work 24/7 but taking pride in your job and being a professional overrides the occasional need to perform outside of office hours.

My current and previous employment has demanded several hours per year aside from office hours. The time and responsibility demands of the position are an assumed part of the job.

1. Why do you want to be public administrator?

I just recently retired from Mercy and while with them I was able to help many, many people who were having a difficult time with our current healthcare system. The United States healthcare system today is very complex and problematic for most people. It has become even more complex since the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was implemented. In my position with Mercy, I worked with people who were ill and under a great deal of stress over their medical condition and the resulting hospital and doctor bills they would receive. I was able to answer questions about their bills and to help resolve any possible billing problems. I very much welcomed the opportunity to help these people because I felt it was my professional as well as ethical responsibility to help people. In meeting this responsibility, I felt I was fulfilling a mission that God had given me. If elected, I will bring that sense of mission to the Barry County Public Administrator’s office.

This office has a tremendous impact on the lives of many of Barry County’s most vulnerable citizens. If I were honored by being elected for this position, it would give me the opportunity to once again have a positive impact on people’s lives.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

I feel that my professional experience in healthcare and my education make me uniquely qualified to become the next Barry County Public Administrator.

Throughout the last twenty five years I’ve gained a tremendous base of knowledge in how the healthcare system works today. Most notably, I am very experienced in resolving problems and acting as a liaison between the public and the healthcare provider. As a matter of fact, I was often called by the Public Administrator to answer questions and to help expedite final resolution on client hospital bills. I also have a great deal of healthcare financial and patient accounting experience. I spent my entire career working in small, rural hospitals which have limited financial resources. Being small with fewer resources requires the manager or director to always be a responsible steward of resources. Being a small rural county, we are faced with many of the same issues. It is the responsibility of all county officials to manage their offices in a financially prudent manner and to meet the needs of the citizens of Barry County. In addition to my professional experience, I’ve been able to attend college and earn a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. The education I’ve received has given me the opportunity to work in the healthcare field and to grow as a professional. I hope to be able to serve Barry County with the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the years.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the public administrator’s office?

I plan on doing a thorough review of current policies and procedures to see if they are appropriate and relevant for the public administrator’s office as it functions today.

In reviewing the policies and procedures I want to be sure to talk to the current staff member to get her ideas and opinions on how we are currently providing service to our clients and to the public as a whole. I also think it would be wise to talk to the other county offices so as to have as good a working relationship as possible. Most importantly, I will speak to current clients and their families to see if changes are needed in order to improve the performance of the public administrator’s office.

I will also look at the current workload of the office and decide if the staffing of the office is appropriate and meets the needs of our clients

Keith Daniels, R-Exeter Age: 63 Current Occupation: Retired Health Care Finance Executive Past Experience: Twenty five years of healthcare finance and administrative managerial experience. The last 13 years were spent with Mercy Health in a number of management positions, most recently as the Revenue Cycle Director for Mercy Hospitals Aurora, Berryville and Cassville (concurrently). In this position, I worked very closely with all hospital departments in order to help achieve a positive experience for our patients and their families. I was the liaison between the public and Mercy on questions regarding billing and customer service. I also was responsible for reviewing and approving most of the financial hardship applications which were received.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting from Missouri Southern State University. I also earned a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration from Missouri State University.

Website: Facebook.com/KeithDaniels4BCPA

and the public. In doing so, I will closely review the financial operations and condition of the public administrator’s office. There are very limited resources for this office, and it is imperative that sound financial management be used when allocating resources to meet the mission of the office.

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

The public administrator position is certainly a very challenging job with a wide range of duties and priorities.

One very big goal would be to bring as much structure to the daily activities of the office as possible. That would require a detailed analysis of how and why certain activities are taking place. It has been my experience that sometimes certain procedures are established and continued because of a need or problem that no longer exists. When working with a small staff it is important to prioritize everything that is done in the office.

I would also like to establish a Code of Ethics for the public administrator’s office. While current State of Missouri rules and regulations address ethical behavior in government, I think it is very important that there be a document which is relevant to the office and written in a manner that is easily understood, and addresses any possible conflict of interests that could possibly occur. It is important that even the appearance of impropriety be strictly avoided by this office.

This Code of Ethics would be required to be reviewed, and signed by anybody working in the office.

One other important goal would be to have detailed job descriptions which clearly state the duties of the position and expected standards of performance. It will be the expectation that all staff members and the office as a whole will perform at the highest level of excellence.

5. What do you think is the biggest problem facing the public administrator’s office? How do you plan to solve it?

After meeting with the current public administrator, Pam Modlin, and her administrative assistant, it’s my opinion there needs to be an examination of the current duties of the office and the number of people needed to complete those duties in a thorough and professional manner. The public administrator and staff deal with issues that directly impact the lives and welfare of a large number of people.

The office currently serves around 160 clients who need and deserve the very highest level of care and service. I

believe this number will only increase as years go by. The current demographics of Barry County indicate we have an aging population.

This will only increase the number of people that need to be served by this office in the future. The public administrator has to carefully consider the many healthcare and financial needs each of these people may present.

I believe it is possible to work with the existing funds available and the current budget to ensure an adequate staff size to meet the needs of the office. I would recommend that perhaps one more staff member be hired to help with the office workload.

I want to emphasize this would only be done after a thorough analysis of current job duties and workflows.

I would also deputize the current staff member to allow for timely and effective response to any pressing issues that may arise.

6. Are you prepared for this to be a 24/7 job? If so, explain how you would approach it. If not, how do you plan to serve effectively?

Having worked in healthcare for so many years, I am very familiar with the challenges of a 24/7 job. After having spoken with the current public administrator, I don’t think it’s feasible or desirable to continue with the same staffing pattern. As I stated before, I think it is quite possible to restructure the staff in order to more efficiently meet the needs of the public.

This can be done by reallocating current resources with no additional fees needed.

This would have no financial impact on the county government or on the clients who are served by this office.

Along with the restructuring, staff education and training is a very high priority so as to make these changes effective.

The goal would be to deputize the current assistant so as help the administrator cover the overnight schedule with the goal of training the new person so they could also be deputized when they become knowledgeable enough to fill this role. This training period would be long enough and extensive enough to ensure full competence by this staff member. This way, there would eventually be three people would be able to share the after-hours phone calls and issues that have to be addressed.

There will always be some questions and issues that will have to be dealt with by the public administrator.

I am fully accepting of this reality and look forward to the challenge of fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of this office.

Page 6B • Wednesday, July 27, 2016

#TheRaceIsOn 1. Why do you want to be public administrator?

Many years in Customer Service has made me a caring person for other individuals in their time of need. I can provide clients with customer care and have the experience it takes to do so. My Christian beliefs and caring background lead me to file and pursue this position.

Rodney Hughes, R-Cassville Age: 59 Current occupation: Customer Care Specialist at Fasco Past experience: Customer Service Education: Associate Degree Crowder College Ag Business Website: n/a

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

My long-term commitment to customer care makes my qualifications stand out. I have spent 40 years caring for customers and their needs at Fasco Industries.

My commitment to one company and the people I have served shows my

commitment to the people of Barry County and the citizens who need this assistance. This kind of commitment qualifies me to understand and help the people who depend on the Public Administrator for guidance and representation.

3. What changes do you plan to make in the public administrator’s office?

Without having spent quality time in the public administrator’s office, this question is hard to answer.

By no means, do I believe at this time changes are necessary. The present Public Administrator is working for the people and citizens of Barry County, and I know of no problems or issues that need addressed at this time.

The Monett Times | Cassville Democrat

4. What specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

First and foremost I plan to take care of and get to know the more than 150 clients that are presently being served in the county.

With my past customer care experience and my Christian beliefs to serve those who I come into contact with daily, this is not a small goal, but a specific goal to make each person know that I care for them and their needs.

5. What do you think is the biggest problem facing the public administrator’s office? How do you plan to solve it?

Time seems to be a very present problem in this position of Public Administration.

Past experience in serving customers and having always worked in a situation of managing time efficiently, will be a plus for me in this office.

6. Are you prepared for this to be a 24/7 job? If so, explain how you would approach it. If not, how do you plan to serve effectively?

Again, I have always been in customer care. The customer does not always need you when you are available during an 8-5 job. Often times the needs arise at times that are inconvenient.

However, that is what customer care is about. In this job, very much like my past job, the customer/client will come first.

Body cameras on the table for right cost

Commissioner: ‘If the sheriff recommends it to us, we’ll take a look’

BY KYLE TROUTMAN editor@cassville-democrat.com

The majority of Barry County sheriff candidates are in favor of implementing body cameras for deputies, and if proposed, cost of the equipment is a sticking point.

Cherry Warren, Barry County presiding commissioner, said no proposal for purchasing body cameras has ever been presented to the commission, but that does not mean one would not be considered.

“We’d have to take a look at it,” he said. “I would want the sheriff to recommend it to us, then we’ll look at it. The big thing is cost and total benefit to the county, like if it helps in cases with the

BODY CAMERAS

Prosecutor: Said her office would use footage as evidence but does not see them as required Commissioner: Said cost would be key in possibly purchasing body cameras

prosecutor.”

Amy Boxx, Barry County prosecutor, said her office would support a decision to implement body cameras.

“Any footage obtained would be used in the prosecution of cases, just as any other video footage, and would be subject to the same [public] disclosure requirements as any other video evidence,” she said. “That said, I would not think the use of county funds for the purchase of such equipment would necessarily be the best use of county tax dollars, given law enforcement’s current needs.”

Warren said cameras make everyone more accountable, but repeating his concern, the cost would be the main issue.

“Just like anything else, if the sheriff comes to us with a recommendation, we will look at what the benefits could be,” he said. “It could be a plus or minus.”

The city of Exeter bought a body camera for its former chief in 2014, at a cost of $400. Purdy considered cameras last year, each running the same cost. The Cassville Police Department’s cameras run $250 each, and the docking station, which charges three at a time, cost $400.

Justin Fohn, R-Cassville, said he sees body cameras as a valuable asset to law enforcement.

“With recent laws and civil distrust, I feel they will be required at some

point in the very near future anyway, so I will try to implement this tool to assist the deputies and be accountable to the citizens of Barry County,” he said.

James Smith, R-Aurora, said his concerns revolve around privacy rights, and although he will consider them, they are not high on the list.

“I do not foresee a widespread implementation within the department at this time, unless mandated and funded by the state,” he said.

Travis Hilburn, R-Cassville, said he believes cameras are a great tool for gathering evidence and writing reports accurately.

“If the funding becomes available for this type of expenditure, I would put body cameras on every active road officer,” he said.

Danny Boyd, R-Purdy,

said he works with body cameras at the Cassville Police Department, and they have been useful in clearing officers accused of wrongdoing, and useful for training purposes.

“The body camera can capture things that the naked eye can’t, which can help in investigations also,” he said. “Implementing body cameras would depend on budget and the need of the department.”

Gary Davis, R-Cassville, said he is not opposed to implementing body cameras, but his concern is more with the use of the footage. “[The prosecuting attorney is the one] who will present them as evidence in the criminal cases and also handle proceedings when requests are made for their release in civil cases and to the press,” he said. “[Body cameras] must be studied and eval-

uated as to benefits versus cost. Costs include not only the camera, but the development of rules for use, retention and storage of the product, who has access, etc.”

Terry Meek, R-Washburn, said body cameras are needed for officer accountability and the safety of the department.

“I would like to purchase cameras for all the deputies as funds become available,” he said.

Justin Ruark, D-Cassville, said he is in favor of body cameras.

“Not only do they protect the officer, they help protect the public from the officer of any wrongdoings,” he said. “I have seen nothing but positive things come from those who wear them. This is something I would like to add to the department’s equipment for the deputies to have.”

Public admin candidates detail plan for demanding post Experience in 24/7 fields, approach to position key for 3 candidates

BY MELONIE ROBERTS Cassville Democrat

The role of the Barry County Public Administrator is one that can be demanding and challenging, and it requires the public’s trust.

The individual elected to fill the role of county public administrator will be responsible for a number of day-to-day duties, including administrative, clerical and reception. County public administrators must be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to any issues that may arise with a client. The official is also responsible for keeping in contact with hospitals, health-care facilities, hospices, law offices and other agencies on behalf of clients.

Candidates vying for the position, to be decided by voters in the Aug. 2 election, include Andy Reavis, R-Cassville, the chief operating officer with Billings Mutual Insurance Company; Rodney Hughes, R-Cassville, a customer care specialist at Fasco Industries; and Keith Daniels, R-Exeter, a retired healthcare finance executive.

Running for such a demanding position, each candidate has his own take on how to fill the role in a timely manner.

“I’ve always believed the best predictor of a person’s response to a challenging situation is to look back at how they’ve dealt with difficult challenges in the past,” Daniels said. “I began college in 1985 at the age of 32.

This was after my wife and I had

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR DUTIES A county public administrator acts as guardian or conservator for mentally disabled persons who do not have family to act on their behalf; as the personal representative for the estate of a deceased person without any family, friends or heirs; or as the conservator for minors who have inherited an estate.

been married for eight years and had four children. I was able to work nights, drive back and forth to Neosho, and later Joplin, and graduate from Missouri Southern State University in 1990. I have spent the last 25 years working in the healthcare industry as a healthcare finance and administrative professional.

“Working in hospitals, I have always worked in a 24/7 environment. I’ve received many late night phone calls from employees with questions or emergency situations [when] they needed help. I’ve also returned to the hospital to work overnight shifts when no one else was available to work. I realize the position of public administrator is very demanding and often requires late hours. I am fully accepting and prepared to take on that responsibility if elected to this position.”

Reavis said he would first point out the 24/7 responsibility rests solely with the administrator, not the office.

“After hours and weekend calls can represent a serious nature event and, if at all possible, [should] be answered by the administrator,” he said. “I feel this is an administrator duty and not one to be handed off or dele-

gated lightly. Even away from the office, daily contact would be made to check in for emergency situations.

“If elected, each client and business-related con- DANIELS tact will have my cell number to call, text or email.

With my current position, I continually check email, texts and web reports for any items needing attention outside of office hours — the wonders of modern technology. Each administrator I have visited has been very straightforward on the 24/7 responsibility. If you’re an 8-5 worker, this job is not for you.”

Hughes said he has been in customer service at Fasco for 24 years.

“I am accustomed to being available 24/7, and I have my cell phone on 24 hours a day,” he said. “The customer does not always need you when you are available on an 8-5 job. Often times, needs arise that are inconvenient. However, that is what customer care is about. In this job the client will come first.”

As with any position, there are times when an individual is challenged to meet their obligations.

“Barring a lack of cell or internet service or an emergency situation, there should be no challenge in answering calls placed to the administrator,” Reavis said.

“I think the bigger challenge is how to react to the call information. In the event of being away and not physically able to react to an emergency situation, clear, up-front communication must be established on what to do prior to the administrator being away.”

For breaking news 24-7-365, visit us online at Cassville-Democrat.com and Monett-Times.com

Daniels said the public administrator’s position is a tough job, and there will always be challenges to overcome.

“I personally don’t think I will HUGHES have any problem making myself available to answer any late night calls, because I’ve had these demands placed on me throughout my career in healthcare management,” he said. “There will sometimes be extraordinary circumstances where it will take a public administrator who is able to ‘think outside the box’ to come up with creative solutions to problems. I’ve always prided myself on being a problem solver and I have no doubt this will continue if I am honored by being chosen by the voters of Barry County to be the next Barry County Public Administrator.”

Candidates also have a plan to address delegation of duties if they have to be away from the office due to a personal or family emergency.

“I feel one of the primary responsibilities of any leader should be to develop and train their staff so if there is any kind of emergency or extended leave needed, the office can continue to function without an appreciable decrease in customer service,” Daniels said. “One of the best ways to promote good morale in any organization is to allow and encourage your subordinates to grow in their jobs.

If I am elected, it will be one of my highest priorities to have a person who can and will function as a deputy administrator.

This will allow for delegation of duties and prepare the office for

any possible emergencies or possible transitions in leadership.”

“A temporary substitute acting as public administrator must REAVIS be appointed by court order,” Reavis said. “Depending on the nature of the interruption and expected delay in the return to office, I would request the current administrator’s assistant, Beverly Mitchell, be appointed to serve in a short term situation. She is experienced and very capable of handling the office for a short term period.

“For longer-term scenarios, the current administrator, Pam Modlin, and the previous administrator, Barbara White, have both agreed to step in under court order to assume the role of temporary administrator.

Both are very capable, experienced professionals I have had the privilege of getting to know during the course of this campaign.

Reavis said in either scenario, short-term or long-term, the clients served by the public administrator’s office would continue to receive the quality of service they deserve.

Hughes said without being in the position, he is not 100 percent sure how delegation of duties will be handled.

“I really can’t answer,” he said. “I would have to check with Pam [Modlin] to see how she handles situations like that.

“No one can be available 24 hours a day non-stop. I’m sure there is a procedure in place, or else things may have to wait a few minutes or a few hours.”

Cassville Democrat | The Monett Times

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 • Page 7B

#TheRaceIsOn

SHERIFF BARRY COUNTY

No candidates in favor of legalizing marijuana

5 against recreational use outright, 2 decline to take side in issue

BY KYLE TROUTMAN editor@cassville-democrat.com

Should Barry County be in the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team?

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. - JB

James A. Smith, R-Aurora 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

The ODET currently has little effect directly in Barry County. They have most likely been able to slow some of the import of narcotics into the county though aggressive enforcement in one of the main hubs, that being the I-44/I-49 corridor; however, that seems to have left the ‘back door’ open for import of narcotics into the county through Springfield and surrounding states, with the Hwy 60/Hwy 37 corridor. Those who distribute narcotics in our county do not stop at the county line, and maintain associations with distributors in other areas. The effective enforcement of the sale of narcotics has to be a regional approach with constant information sharing among agencies, and well as constant training and education on new trends and drugs.

throughout the community. The availability of state grants to fund small local task forces has become more and more competitive and harder to obtain. The state looks more favorable on areas who gather together many agencies in a regional area to combat the larger area problem.

I will work on not only strengthening our ties and relationships with some form of a regional task force, but also in better training our local officers in the effective enforcement of narcotics cases. I will further communicate our needs with our local and surrounding area state representatives responsible for funding the task force efforts.

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET, or should we end our involvement? Why? Barry County should work on providing a local officer to ODET, or other functioning task force, to work side by side with them, and act as a liaison for our local area. The County needs to retain some form of association with a task force, to help bring in needed funding, training, man power and expertise in handling hazardous materials, and the safe destruction of those materials; as well as the ability to pursue charges and forfeitures through federal court for criminals found to be distributing narcotics to our children, or quantities of narcotics

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforcement officers within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

Many of the concerns of the citizens of Barry County, and rightfully so, have been the distribution and consumption of narcotics, especially to our children. With this being a major concern, additional manpower would be directed to work on combating the problem, while communicating the understanding that some other minor offenses would

have to take a back seat during increased enforcement efforts. All the officers will receive additional training in the recognition of narcotics activities and offenders.

With the implementation of modern mobile technology, information can be made more readily available to officers working the road.

Officers will be encouraged to aggressively work narcotics cases in the county, de-conflict those cases for officer safety, and share narcotics information with the assigned ODET, or other task force, representatives, allowing for better communication between departments and linking of criminal activities from other areas. The evening and overnight shifts specifically will be re-organized to provide safer and more effective narcotics investigations and enforcement.

Education programs for our children will be evaluated and exposure to our local officers by students in the schools will be increased. I applaud schools who seek out the employ of a school resource officer to provide the students with daily exposure to a law enforcement officer. If the students and officer are able this way to build a trusting bond, the students will be more likely to absorb the information provided and feel comfortable talking to the officer and reporting offenses observed. That same approach can be directed to the citizens of Barry County, where we will focus more on community policing made possible through better time management and the time savings developed through increased mobile technology. Education and aggressive enforcement of the laws will help curb the problems associated with narcotics abuse in our county.

active involvement in the task force to utilize the resources available to regional task forces. Without a deputy assigned to the task force we could not input intelligence from Barry County into the regional drug problem.

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforcement officers within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

I feel that, along with participation in the regional drug task force, proper training in narcotic interdiction for all patrol deputies would allow any on duty deputy to assist in curbing the drug problem when not actively involved in calls for service.

Justin Fohn, R-Cassville 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

Illegal drugs are a regional problem and the drugs seized in Barry County are not all local.

So arresting suppliers in surrounding counties as well as Barry County are all beneficial to helping the drug problem locally.

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET, or should we end our involvement? Why? I feel we have to keep

Since Gallup first asked the question in polls in 1969, national popular opinion on the legalization of marijuana has changed drastically.

In 1969, 12 percent of poll-takers were in favor of legalization. Fast forward to February of this year, and according to an AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 61 percent of poll-takers supported legalization, with 33 percent believing in no restrictions on use, 43 percent supporting restrictions on purchase amounts and 24 percent supporting medical use only.

In the same poll, a whopping 93 percent polled said they did not believe other drugs, such as heroin and cocaine, should be made legal.

In the past 10 years, Colorado, Alaska, Washington, Oregon and Washington, D.C. have legalized marijuana for recreational use, 25 states and D.C. have legalized medical marijuana and numerous other states have decriminalized pot.

In May 2014, Missouri became the 19th state to decriminalize marijuana in some

form, as it eliminated the possibility of jail time for those caught with up to 10 grams of marijuana and reduced sentences for sale and cultivation, including the ban on probation or parole for those with third felony offenses. The changes are part of a revised criminal code scheduled to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2017. Elsewhere in the state, St. Louis and Columbia have decriminalized possession of up to 35 grams of marijuana.

In Barry County, the seven candidates for sheriff: former Missouri State Highway Patrolman Travis Hilburn, R-Cassville; Cassville Police Detective Danny Boyd, R-Purdy; former Barry County deputy and current Cassville Police Officer James A. Smith, R-Aurora; Cassville Police Officer and former Exeter officer Justin Fohn, R-Cassville; Barry County Lt. Terry Meek, R-Washburn; former FBI Agent Gary Davis, R-Cassville; and Barry County Deputy Justin Ruark, D-Cassville, are all against the legalization of marijuana for recreation use, or declined to take a side for or against legalization.

Recreational use

Fohn said he believes marijuana is a dangerous drug due to the publicity of being a low-level drug.

"It's popular with a younger crowd due

Travis Hilburn, R-Cassville 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

When Barry County entered the task force, there were a number of good investigations leading to several arrests.

The drug community knew that they could be next and it made them nervous. In the last few years, the task force has shifted from our County to other neighboring counties and are neglecting the citizens of Barry County.

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET,

enforcement specifically for this County.

or should we end our involvement? Why? With an agreement from ODET for an allotted amount of their time for enforcement in Barry County, I feel we could maintain an officer with the team. Without such an agreement, we should withdraw from the team and attempt to fund and form our own drug

Danny Boyd, R-Purdy 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

I do not feel that the current Drug Task Force is giving the same amount of time to Barry County as they are to Jasper or Newton Counties.

Therefore, in my opinion, I do not feel the current Drug Task Force is very effective for Barry County.

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET, or should we end our involvement? Why?

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET,

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforcement officers within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

I will attempt to form a drug enforcement team as well as put emphasis on drug enforcement to all deputies.

Restructuring of the department will only be done after careful evaluation of all officers and their abilities and passions for enforcing the different laws.

Force.

I do not feel we should end our involvement with the Drug Task Force, but help restructure it to be more effective for Barry County. By doing that, we need to have officers that are familiar with areas in Barry County that are known for drug activity on the Drug Task

Gary Davis, R-Cassville 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

I have no statistics on which to base an opinion. Based on my experience I would have to believe that any arrests in Southwest Missouri where the subject has substantial amounts of drugs would impact on Barry County. Drug trafficking and use does not stop at the county line.

In addition, any time I can get seven additional drug investigators to assist Barry County it is a tremendous force multiplier. I will make every effort to increase the activities of ODET in the county.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8B

or should we end our involvement? Why? Barry County does not currently have a Deputy assigned to ODET. There is currently one ODET officer, who is paid by the task force, assigned to Barry County. If we are not active members we cannot expect to receive the same amount of attention as those counties that are.

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforce-

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforcement officers within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

Yes, it would be nice to have a dedicated drug enforcement officer within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, if funding would allow for that.

Until funding can be found, I would assign an investigator to gather intel on drug activity and prepare a case, while performing his other duties.

ment officers within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

Staying in ODET and having seven additional officers to call upon would appear to be the proper course of action. The county does not at the present time have the funds to hire additional Deputies for drug enforcement. If the county can find the money that would be great. I currently have no plans to restructure the Sheriff’s Office. As I have stated before, I will assign two detectives to drug investigations and one Deputy from patrol to ODET. They will report up the normal chain of command and as Sheriff I will be aware of all their investigative activities.

Page 8B • Wednesday, July 27, 2016

#TheRaceIsOn

Pot: Some aim to ramp up efforts

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7B

to that publicity and is marketed as a 'safe' drug," he said. "It still affects the ability to make decisions or operate a motor vehicle, and it's more difficult to tests a person's impairment than alcohol."

Smith said he has researched the issue thoroughly, and his concern is the number of fatal car accidents in Colorado and Oregon have been on the rise involving drivers with traces of THC, the active chemical in marijuana, found in their systems.

"Other articles have attempted to dispute that claim with the rational of the tests administered, the fact that so many will have THC present and the chemical composition of the drug in the system," he said. "For myself, I am personally against the excessive 'recreational' use of any substances that affect the mind and actions.

Doing so not only affects the individual, but also their family, friends and others they come in contact with. A person under the influence of any controlled substance puts many innocent lives at risk if they choose to do everyday tasks, such as driving their car."

Davis said he is 100 percent opposed to legalization, as drawing from his experience, he contends marijuana users can become addicted to the drug, which leads to abuse, dependence and other serious consequences.

"There are very real consequences associated with marijuana use," he said. "In 2010, marijuana was involved in more than 461,000 emergency department visits nationwide. This is nearly 39 percent of all emergency department visits involving illicit drugs and highlights the very real dangers that can accompany use of the drug. And in 2011, approximately 872,000 Americans 12 or older reported receiving treatment for marijuana use, more than any other illicit drug.

"Despite some viewpoints that marijuana is harmless, these figures present a sobering picture of this drug’s very real and serious harms. In addition, according to new AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, fatal crashes involving drivers who had recently used marijuana doubled in Washington after the state legalized the drug at the end of 2012."

Hilburn said he also opposes allowing recreational use, citing the problems in states like Colorado and Washington as a result of their new laws.

"Driving while intoxicated cases have gone up the crime rate in general has gone up and the manufacturing of different and newer kinds of THC has made the drug more dangerous than ever," he said. "They are producing candy that is appealing to the children and even though it is not legal to give to kids, we all know they are going to get them. In addition they are producing higher THC levels than ever. One product being produced boast more than a 98 percent THC content. This has spawned some of the first-ever THC overdose cases. This was never before seen until now."

Ruark said he does not believe legalization would be a smart move, and marijuana is a gateway to harder drugs.

"I think the legalization of marijuana is one of the most stupid things our state government can do," he said. "I do not believe there is such a thing as recreational use of marijuana. Marijuana is a gateway drug, and most everyone knows this. I do not see any good which can come out of this for anyone."

Boyd and Meek each broke from the crowd, saying it was not law enforcement's place to have an opinion on legalization.

"In my opinion, law enforcement's position should be to enforce the law, not make the law," Boyd said. "I have no opinion on this, as I am a law enforcement agent that enforces the laws that are made."

Meek said he does not believe his opinion on the issue matters, and if legislators want to legalize marijuana, it would be their prerogative.

"I believe if the government wants this to happen, they will make it happen, whether I, or we, like it or not," he said. "They made marijuana illegal for a reason, they need to keep it that way. Other states thought it was a good idea to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes, but apparently they did not think other people had a different idea to drive to those states and bring it back to sell it here so our kids have better access to get it."

Enforcement

When comes to enforcement of drug laws, all candidates said the job of sheriff is to enforce the laws on the books, but tactics varied on which drugs should be targeted most in comparison to the current Sheriff's Office administration.

Hilburn said although marijuana is the most commonly-used drug among young people, his focus would not be primarily on pot.

"The emphasis of the sheriff's department, if I were elected, would be too pursue more aggressive drugs, such as methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine," he said.

"We will enforce any and all state laws, including marijuana laws, when the opportunity presents itself to us."

Ruark said he would ramp up enforcement of drug laws, including marijuana.

"I want to be more aggressive, because it is still a drug and it is illegal, and like I have said before, it is a gateway drug," he said.

"To some, this is the beginning to their long life of drug use, which could be avoided if it was not available to them in the first place.

I have said it before, and I will say it again, 'If you make, sell, transport, or use drugs, I am coming for you.'"

Fohn said all illegal drugs are a priority, due to the bridge between drugs and other crimes in the county.

"I would actively investigate all claims of illegal drugs regardless of the type of illegal drug," he said. "I do feel that there needs to be a more aggressive approach to illegal narcotics, however, that only includes marijuana along with other illegal substances."

Boyd said he plans to enforce pursue all lawbreakers equally.

"I will enforce whatever the law states," he said. "I am not aware of the approach that the current administration has regarding enforcement of this law. I plan to be aggressive in enforcing laws pertaining to illegal drugs."

Smith, who was assigned as a marijuana eradication officer at the start of Sheriff Mick Epperly's career, said he believes the destruction of growing operations in the are and prosecution of the growers partially led to the rise in methamphetamine use.

"In dealing with individuals growing and using marijuana, I was able to see a huge difference in the attitude and demeanor of those using marijuana as opposed to the ones found using methamphetamines," he said. "I have learned though those dealings, that users of meth, heroin, cocaine, bath salts, K2 and other variations of stimulant narcotics tend to be much more aggressive and violent toward others.

"Studies have indicated, however, that marijuana is often seen as a gateway drug for young people, paving the way to stronger drugs. So, dealers and profiteers of the substance, especially to our children, should be dealt with in accordance to the law as with any other illegal distributer of controlled substances. As long as marijuana is considered an illegal substance, I will continue to enforce the laws established by our legislators, fairly and justly, placing the focus of narcotics investigations toward those profiting off the addictions of our fellow citizens, especially our children."

Meek said he would continue the current administration's efforts regarding drugs.

"Whenever we come across the possession of marijuana on a person or from a grow, indoor or outdoor, we would request the charges from the prosecutor for the crimes," he said. "Keep in mind, marijuana is still a drug we need to help control, but we need to be aggressive towards the drugs that are still here today and the drugs that are making a comeback, like heroin and cocaine.

"There is also a need to help control the prescription medication abuse in the county, as well. Steps need to be taken to help control these more powerful and addictive drugs first. I know this can be done through our awareness program like DARE, and extending the DARE program to higher grades within the schools."

Davis said his job will simply be to keep people safe.

"The sheriff’s job is the safety and security of the citizens and visitors of Barry County, to enforce the laws of the state of Missouri and to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States," he said.

"That is what I will do."

The Monett Times | Cassville Democrat

Terry L. Meek, R-Washburn 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

When the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team was created they were still working cases within the county because one of the members on the team was familiar with our county and the people in it and that member wanted to continue working cases in the county, as he was still receiving narcotics tips.

Due to the team’s main priorities, they concentrated more on the bigger cities in Jasper county and wanted that member to report to those areas and spend time there for their cases. After a brief period of time that member was let go from the team and they hired another member, not from our area, and that is when we started seeing less and less of the drug enforcement team. From what I understand, the team had bigger priorities that required their staff to be utilized in other areas, except for Barry County, and little to no work was being done here in our county. This is a service we are paying for, but not receiving. I feel the money we are paying for the drug enforcement team could be better utilized in other areas to possibly provide a position, within Barry County, to work on cases and tips throughout the county and not just one area of it. I promise you there are drugs in other areas of the county instead of just Cassville and Monett. There are drugs running through every part of this county, as with other counties, and that is why constant attention needs to be applied to those areas with a full time officer to make the cases that

need to be made.

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET, or should we end our involvement? Why? I believe if we were to leave an officer in ODET, we would not have any control on where that officer would be placed from day to day and if he would even be in our county doing the work that needs to be done on a regular basis. In order to combat the drug problems we currently have we must have an officer working full time in Barry County. The officer needs to be working cases, receiving and following up on tips as they come, instead of receiving a tip and then checking on it days or weeks later when it is too late. I feel we should end our involvement with ODET and look at other options, whether it be looking into another drug enforcement team from another area, or bringing a person on full time within the office to do the job. I am not against looking into another drug enforcement team, but steps would have to be taken to ensure we have a full time member from the team in our area and have control over where the officer is going to be and what he investigates.

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforcement officers within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to

Justin David Ruark, D-Cassville 1. What is your opinion on the Ozark Drug Enforcement Team’s effectiveness in Barry County?

They haven’t done much in our county yet but we haven’t been joined with them very long.

I think with time we can gain better results from them with additional personnel in our department full time.

2. Should we leave an officer in ODET, or should we end our involvement?

Why? I believe we need to keep our involvement with ODET for certain reasons. We need officers who are not known in the area for under-

cover work to be able to set up certain things which our normal deputies cannot do from being known for working in our department.

This is much needed in Barry County’s war against drugs and those who decide to make, transport, or use them.

3. Whether in ODET or not, would you create dedicated drug enforcement officers within the Barry County

allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why? within the Barry County Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

As I answered before on the previous questions and keep repeating, I would try to create drug enforcement officers within the Sheriff’s Office. The only way I feel this can be done at this point in time is look at the resources we currently have. I believe if the municipalities agreed to pool their money towards the Sheriff’s Office to bring on an officer full time this could be achieved. Obviously we would have to look at whether we would need additional money to help pay for that officer.

Throughout this whole campaign I have heard several complaints about the drug problem in the county and I know there is a problem, but we have to make sacrifices somewhere to control the problem. The sacrifices that would have to be made would be looking at the current budget to see what could be taken from one area and used for another, or even requesting a little more from the commission to help the problem. We would like to see the drug problem go away with little to no cost to the taxpayers, but something has to give in order for that to happen. We cannot rely on the government to just hand us the money to do this through grants. We have to remember if we want to continue to fight the drug problem we have to do it ourselves. Just remember, we cannot get rid of every single drug out there completely, but we can help control what we do have being made or coming into our county.

Sheriff’s Office? If so, how would the office be restructured to allow for dedicated drug enforcement officers? If not, why?

Yes I want to add to the personnel, which means deputies who share the hate for drugs and will work as hard as possible to help rid Barry County of them. As far as restructure, all that would be needed is the time and equipment to get them to work. In addition to this I would like to add a K-9 Unit to assist the others in the county in this process.

With a K-9 Unit added to the department, it would make locating the drugs on traffic stop easier, and also when performing search warrants on residences where the drugs are being made, stored, or sold out of.

Wasserman Schultz goes from favored to on the outs

BY ANNE FLAHERTY Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Five years ago, Debbie Wasserman Schultz was put in charge of the Democratic National Committee to usher in a new era for the party. Now, Wasserman Schultz is on her way out, after the publication of emails that suggest Democratic officials favored Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders during the nominating contests.

The scandal is rocking the party on the eve of their convention, and the fall is a stunning one for the tough-talking Florida representative who became the first woman elected to chair the DNC. Two other women have served in the role but were appointed.

On Sunday, Wasserman Schultz announced she would step down as DNC chairwoman at the end of the party’s convention, after some of the 19,000 emails, presumably stolen from the DNC by hackers, were posted to the website Wikileaks.

To Sanders’ supporters, the email scandal proved what they long suspected: The Democratic Party had become a clubby establishment that was resistant to change and reluctant to embrace a more progressive agenda.

For years though, it seemed, Wasserman Schultz was unstoppable.

At 26, she was the youngest woman elected to a seat in the Florida’s House. Then came the Florida Senate, and in 2005, she was elected to the U.S. House

to represent South Florida. It was there Wasserman Schultz earned her reputation as a workhorse and outspoken liberal willing to spar with Republicans on television.

By her mid-40s, Wasserman Schultz had survived breast cancer and was raising three kids — all the while serving in the House and raising millions for the Democratic Party.

By 2011, President Barack Obama recommended she take control of the DNC, even though she had backed Hillary Clinton in the 2008 primary. Perhaps part of the calculation was that Wasserman Schultz represented South Florida, a Democrat-rich area of a critical swing state in the upcoming election. As a Jew and strong advocate for Israel,

she also provided a bulwark for Obama against Republican efforts at the time to paint him as anti-Israel.

Wasserman Schultz was born in 1966 on Long Island, New York. According to her online biography, she graduated from the University of Florida. She married Steve Schultz and resides with her family in Weston, a Fort Lauderdale suburb.

Worth noting is whom Wasserman Schultz replaced at the DNC five years ago: Tim Kaine, who is now Clinton’s running mate.

“As Chairman Kaine departs, new leadership must come on,” Vice President Joe Biden wrote in 2011 to DNC members.

Wasserman Schultz was also

considered a close friend of Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, who was critically wounded during a shooting rampage in Tucson. Wasserman Schultz was reportedly in Giffords’ hospital room when she first woke up.

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Cassville Democrat | The Monett Times

#TheRaceIsOn

Lawrence County Eastern Commissioner Publisher’s note: The following Q&As represent the Lawrence County eastern commissioner candidates’ views verbatim, as submitted via email in response to our questions, and have not been edited. The candidates will face off on the Aug. 2 Republican primary ballot. The Republican primary will serve as the de facto general election, barring a late filing by an independent candidate. - JB 1. Why do you return as eastern commissioner?

For 23 years it has been my honor to serve on the county commission. During that time I have the privilege of working with many different people including three county clerks, two recorders, two collectors, two assessors, two public administrators, three treasurers, two circuit clerks, two prosecutors, four sheriffs, six judges, and seven county commissioners. Serving in public office has been a rewarding experience. If the voters feel that it is desirable for me to continue to serve, I will consider it an honor to do so.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

There have been many in the past who have served well on the county commission and there are many others who could provide excellent service now. The experience I’ve gained working with others at the local, state and federal levels has served me well in doing this job and continues to be an asset.

This experience includes a familiarity with the various state and federal procedures of SEMA, FEMA DNR and MoDOT. My interest in public service has led me to obtain a masters of public administration. This education and experience may serve as unique qualifications to serve as Eastern Commissioner.

3. What is the biggest problem facing Lawrence County? What steps will you take toward solving it in your next term?

It is difficult to say what is the biggest problem facing the county. Not because there are so many problems, but because all of our problems are manageable in one way or another. Concerns about the jail and dispatch are addressed with answers to specific questions below.

Although these issues have received the most publicity, they are not urgent. There is time to deal with each in a thoughtful manner. Most any problem can be solved with enough money. The challenge is to solve problems without breaking the bank or asking for an unnecessary tax increase.

4. What other specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your next term?

(No response submitted.)

5. Are you happy with how the commission distributes funds? If so, why?

Joe Ruscha, R-Verona Age: 65 Occupation: Eastern Commissioner Experience: Farming, math teacher, soil conservation tech Education: B.A. in English, B.F.A. in art, master’s in public administration Website: none

If not, what do you plan to do about it?

Lawrence County is in good financial condition. During the recent “great recession” the county continued to operate without laying off personnel or reducing services despite reductions in revenues while at the same time securing grant monies to make improvements to the courthouse. At this time all offices are adequately funded.

6. Do you believe the county road districts need to be consolidated? If not, why not? If so, how would you facilitate the change?

The special road districts are separate political subdivisions from the county. Each is governed by a three member board elected by the voters of each respective district. It is argued that economy of scale would allow more to be done with existing revenues if the districts were consolidated.

However, consolidation would result in loss of local control. The most important factor is the makeup of the road board. For the most part the road districts operate pretty well. There is no guarantee that the problems that do arise now would eliminated by consolidation.

It is up to each road district to determine if they want to consolidate. At this time no district has expressed a desire to consolidate.

7. Do you see the county jail as adequate for the long term? If so, why? If not, what do you plan to do about it?

The idea of building a new jail has been given publicity recently. The sheriff has estimated the cost at $10

million for construction.

There would be additional ongoing operational costs.

In 2015, the county paid out $150,000 to board prisoners in other counties. A quick cost benefit analysis shows that $150,000 in savings would only pay about half the interest at 3%. Rather than ask the voters for a tax increase the county commission has reduced the burden on jail personnel by moving dispatch out of the jail. In addition, the Commission has taken the initiative to explore the possibility of using electronic monitoring on nonviolent detainees. It would be nice to have a new jail and there will come a time to build one, but only when the benefit outweighs the cost and after we have done all we can to utilize whatever options there are to minimize the jail population.

8. What’s your vision for the long-term future of county dispatching?

In 2014 the county spent $273,000 for 911 dispatch.

Dispatching through Monett will run $248,000. The 911 exploratory committee is monitoring the service. All reliable sources indicate that the service being provided through Monett is more professional, dependable and is working well. A new central dispatch would cost an estimated $1 million per year to operate. Any building project would be in addition to that. The present arrangement was not intended to be permanent.

However, it may work for some time. The main objection has centered around local bias which is almost always an issue in these cases.

1. Why do you want to be eastern commissioner?

When I first considered running for Lawrence County – Eastern Commissioner, I took the time to learn what is involved. I wanted to understand how our county funds are allocated and spent. Rather than sit back on the sidelines and take issue, I decided I needed to get involved and be a part of any solution. I am not going to say the other guy is not doing his job, or that I am the answer to any and all problems, however, I am going to say that I am the one that if there is a problem, I want to know what that is.

I want to look at all possible solutions and then lobby with my peers to find the right solution that can make a difference for our county.

As a long-time resident of Lawrence County, I want to see our roads improved. I want to see improvements to some of our facilities and help make those changes happen.

Having been successfully self-employed, I understand the importance of allocating funds to where they will stretch the furthest and have the greatest return. I want to see our county be the best it can be, and provide representation to all citizens in my district.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

I have run my own business for many years, and together my wife and I have added a few other successful ventures.

The one thing that stands out is how I interact with people.

I know the importance of listening to the concerns or questions that people have.

Even if I don’t have a solution right off the bat, people still need to know that when they come in and want to discuss an issue, or have a question on something, that the county cares. Secondly, to really be successful at this job, I believe you have to be efficient. My experience as a successful business owner has taught me to be efficient. The higher the efficiency, the better the end result will be for everyone. Whether it is through savings to a customer, or in the finished product, efficiency is a must. This is true of a county commissioner. The office must be efficient in order to reach the goals that are set each year.

3. What is the biggest problem facing Lawrence County? What steps will you take toward solving it in your first term?

There are several areas that I would like to see addressed in our county. County Roads, County Jail and the 911 dispatch issues are all areas that we all should be concerned with. There are many rural areas that road conditions are plagued with potholes and other hazardous conditions.

Based on the number of roads, we may not be able to get this all resolved immediately, however, let’s take a look at options, and see if

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 • Page 9B

Joe Boyd, R-Marionville Age: 42 Current Occupation: Self Proprietor of ‘Can and Able Construction’ Past experience: Business Owner, Real Estate Sales Education: Trade School, Real Estate School

we can resolve some of this.

Our jail facility is no longer meeting our capacity needs.

Partnering with neighboring counties provides a temporary solution, but it also comes at a cost. There is not going to be answers overnight, and hopefully the given departments will be working towards positive planning to move this in the right direction.

4. What other specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

During my first term my biggest plan is going to really be to dive in and make sure I have a good understanding on all the needs in the county. It’s important to assess the current state, review budget approvals, and then assess where we will see not only the most bang for our buck, but also where the biggest impacts that need to be addressed exist. It would be unfair for me or any candidate to make promises or statements without really reviewing everything and then go from there. My other goal is that I want to make sure that the Commissioner’s office is as transparent as possible.

People in the county should always be aware of what steps and projects are being considered. So taking steps to ensure this is realized is one goal that I will be following.

5. Are you happy with how the commission distributes funds? If so, why? If not, what do you plan to do about it?

Budget approvals is the ultimate responsibility of the commissioner’s office. My goal once I take office, is for the Commission will pay more attention on how we can stretch our funds, providing a better impact to our county.

6. Do you believe the county road districts need to be consolidated? If not, why not? If so, how would you facilitate the change?

I do feel that we need to

look at the county road districts that exist. We need to explore what the impacts would be as well as the outcomes by consolidating. It is no secret that we have some road issues in Lawrence County. Living in a rural area, I drive on some of these road issues every day.

Will consolidating make the difference in road repairs, I could not say yes or no, however, if reducing overhead would make a difference, then potentially that could be a possibility. At the same time though, the Eastern Commissioner is only responsible for the Common #1 Road District.

7. Do you see the county jail as adequate for the long term? If so, why? If not, what do you plan to do about it?

The Lawrence County jail is in need of expansion, there is no doubt about that, and anyone who works in the judicial system definitely would agree. We have a 52 bed facility that we have had as many of 75 incarcerated at one time. The increase means additional stress to both inmates and the deputies. While our sheriff’s department has done a great job working with other counties to provide inmate housing for us, this increases the expenses to our county for transportation and for the housing fees. This speaks volumes.

The Commissioner’s office however, is responsible to approve submitted budgets, and would not be managing individual departments.

8. What’s your vision for the long-term future of county dispatching?

Back in September, the dispatch for most of the county was moved to Monett, with Aurora and Marionville maintaining their own 911 dispatching. I know has been a short term fix and it has been working thus far. The county as a whole has been reviewing this, and a longer term solution will follow.

Lawrence County commission candidates look at jail options Cost of housing prisoners elsewhere compared with new jail

BY MURRAY BISHOFF times-news@monett-times.com

The future of the Lawrence County jail remains a major issue for the county commission, one that prompted a variety of ideas from candidates running for the job of eastern commissioner.

“Sheriff Brad DeLay has estimated a new jail would cost $10 million,” said incumbent Joe Ruscha of Verona. “The interest on a $10 million debt at

3 percent is $300,000 a year. Two years ago we spent $50,000 to board prisoners in other BOYD jails in one year.

Last year, we spent $150,000.

That’s not half of what we would pay in interest. That doesn’t take transportation costs into account. I don’t think it would cost as much, but there are other costs. If we build a $10 million facility, operating costs would go up a lot, too. I don’t think we could operate a $10 million jail on $300,000 a

year. Salaries alone would be more.

“In the long term, I think we need to look at the possi- RUSCHA bility of adding on pods or extensions to the present jail.”

Ruscha said he’s not opposed to a new jail, and working with four different sheriffs, he knows it takes some special management to run a jail.

“My vision is try to be open and not get tunnel vision,” he said. “I need to see a logical, reasonable

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discussion so I know what I want to do. I haven’t heard that yet. It’s about safety, too. We spent about SELVEY $500,000 on the jail six years ago. The sheriff repeatedly says we need to build a new jail. Show me why. I’m probably more conservative than the others in office over there.”

Businessman Joe Boyd from Marionville wants to look at a further division of the jail population as part of a solution.

“I will go on record that yes there are concerns with the Lawrence County jail,” Boyd said. “In an ideal society, we would not need to increase space or worry about inmate sharing.

However, that is not the world we live in today. First we need to look at who we are keeping in our jails. Do

we have non-violent offenders that do not pose a risk that we can in fact release with an electronic monitor right now? I believe so.

But just as the 911 situation cannot be fixed overnight, our jail cannot either.”

Tim Selvey, retired law enforcement officers from rural Ash Grove, would like to broaden the public discussion on the jail.

“These are questions a lot of counties are facing these days,” Selvey said. “It seems county jails across the country are facing overcrowding and deteriorating conditions. Addressing this issue in Lawrence County is not a simple solution. Sheriff DeLay has to be involved in deciding what options are available. I said I’m not a proponent of tax increases.

If Lawrence County was to consider building a new jail facility, I fail to see how this can be accomplished without implementing a tax increase. There should

be public forums scheduled in advance of a decision on raising funds for a new jail. This would give the citizens of Lawrence County an opportunity to ask questions and be better informed on the necessity of this project.”

Selvey also said he believes inmate sharing is a Band-aid approach.

“What happens when the jails utilized in housing Lawrence county prisoners suddenly decline to house them?” he said. “Obviously, it is cheaper to house inmates in other facilities than constructing a new one. I just don’t see this as a long-term solution.There is always the possibility Lawrence County could find themselves the recipients of inmate sharing with other counties should a new facility be built.”

The candidates will square off in the Republican primary election, slated for Aug. 2.

Page 10B • Wednesday, July 27, 2016

1. Why do you want to be eastern commissioner?

Deciding to run for Eastern Commissioner was not a spur of the moment decision. It was only after careful consideration, encouragement from some close friends, and most importantly, the support of my wife, I reached this decision.

I’m at a point in my life where I have experience, time, and the desire to take on the challenges of being the Eastern Commissioner of Lawrence County.

2. What makes you more qualified for office than your opponents?

Anyone elected to the office of Eastern Commissioner has a huge responsibility to serve those who gave him or her this opportunity. I certainly understand and respect this. Having been retired now for just over three years from a career in public service, I feel I have a healthy understanding of what it takes to serve others.

I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with state, county, and municipal officials from many different departments and agencies.

These past experiences give me a great perspective on how to communicate effectively on a broad range of matters and respect the opinions of those I encounter.

One must continually remember why he or she is holding the office of Eastern Commissioner. It is not a self-serving position but

rather, a trust that has been placed squarely on their shoulders.

3. What is the biggest problem facing Lawrence County? What steps will you take toward solving it in your first term?

I believe the biggest problems facing Lawrence County are revenue related.

It seems counties across the state, and the United States for that matter, are having to do more with fewer available resources than ever before. Infrastructure such as roads and bridges require more and more attention and the cost for maintaining, rebuilding, and construction of these are ever increasing. Unfortunately, there are no easy solutions for propping up the funding situation. I’m not a proponent of increased taxes on a seemingly already over taxed society. It may require, however, a look at small adjustments with voter approval to generate a portion of the necessary revenue. I would look into availability of Federal grants to assist with construction.

I would make sure the bidding process of potential qualified construction crews afforded the best results for minimal cost.

4. What other specific goals do you plan to accomplish in your first term?

My first term will give me an opportunity to learn how the Commission gets

#TheRaceIsOn things done. It will also be a time where I can roll up my sleeves and get busy helping other Commissioners tackle business at hand. I certainly have no axe to grind with the County Commissioners.

5. Are you happy with how the commission distributes funds? If so, why? If not, what do you plan to do about it?

I certainly expect to spend time looking at how money is spent and provide input on how this process could be made more efficient. If there are unnecessary expenditures, help identify them and recommend the appropriate adjustments.

6. Do you believe the county road districts need to be consolidated? If not, why not? If so, how would you facilitate the change?

Consolidating the Road Districts needs to be considered. I would first look at other county Road Districts to find out if this process works well for them. If it would provide a more efficient, cost effective system without adversely affecting current personnel, it should be done. This change would need to meet specific criteria such as: advance planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, reporting, and certainly budgeting.

7. Do you see the county jail as adequate for the long term? If so, why? If not, what do you plan to

do about it?

Lawrence County is fortunate to have an outstanding Sheriff. Sheriff DeLay can only do so much with the limited resources provided to him. Running a jail system is very costly and limited jail space is continually a problem. I don’t expect crime in this area to subside. If anything, crime will only increase as population and traffic through the area increases. There have been instances in the past when the jail was deemed unsafe and overcrowded.

Prisoners had to be taken to other facilities which resulted in high cost to the county for housing and transporting these inmates.

This also took time away from Deputies patrolling the county so they could transport the inmates. Time away from patrol duties is time they could have spent working to solve crimes and potentially detour criminal activity where they patrol.

A long term solution can only come from careful study on how to go about expanding and must include the input of Sheriff DeLay and most importantly, the taxpayers of Lawrence County. The expansion would certainly come with a price tag. This is why taxpayer input would be essential. Commissioners should schedule open discussion meetings to compile presented ideas and suggestions on how this can be accomplished. Sheriff DeLay’s presence at these meetings

The Monett Times | Cassville Democrat

Tim Selvey, R-Ash Grove Age: 59 Current occupation: Retired Past experience: MO State Trooper - 34 years Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice Website: Facebook: Tim Selvey Lawrence County Eastern Commissioner Campaign

would greatly enhance the ability to answer and explain questions that will undoubtedly be raised.

8. What’s your vision for the long-term future of county dispatching?

County dispatching could be included in the planning of a jail expansion. Prior to last year, the 911 system was part of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s responsibility. The 911 call center is now in Monett. Has this move been cost effective?

If an expanded or new jail facility incorporated a modern and efficient dispatch center designed to handle

Sheriff’s calls, 911 calls, and Road District calls, this could provide a solution for handling multiple dispatching needs.

I would also contact the police departments in Lawrence County to see if there is any interest or feasibility of consolidating dispatch for their departments. Combining would pool resources allowing more funding and availability of qualified personnel to man the dispatching system. This consolidation has worked well in Greene County and, if planned correctly, could work will in Lawrence County too.

Public admin: Supervising needs of 150-plus clients

Candidates detail organization, time management techniques

BY MELONIE ROBERTS Cassville Democrat

The role of the Barry County Public Administrator is one that can be demanding and challenging, and it requires the public’s trust.

The individual elected to fill the role of county public administrator will be responsible for a number of day-to-day duties, including administrative, clerical and reception.

County public administrators must be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to respond to any issues that may arise with a client. The official is also responsible for keeping in contact with hospitals, health-care facilities, hospices, law offices and other agencies on behalf of clients.

Candidates vying for the position, to be decided by voters in the Aug. 2 election, include Andy Reavis, R-Cassville, the chief operating officer with Billings Mutual Insurance

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR

A county public administrator acts as guardian or conservator for: mentally disabled persons who do not have family to act on their behalf; the personal representative for the estate of a deceased person without any family, friends or heirs; or works as the conservator for minors who have inherited an estate.

Company; Rodney Hughes, R-Cassville, a customer care specialist at Fasco Industries; and Keith Daniels, R-Exeter, a retired healthcare finance executive.

Each candidate shares his thoughts on how to assist the approximate 158 clients currently served by the office.

Daniels believes familiarizing himself with the case histories of each client will assist him in attending to their future needs.

“It will be my goal to introduce myself to all of the current clients and ask if they have any questions or requests of me or the public administrator’s office,” Daniels said. “I feel pretty certain the clients

will be somewhat uneasy about the change to a new public administrator, and it will be my goal to estab- DANIELS lish a good relationship with each and every one of them and to reassure them throughout the transition. It’s my opinion that establishing clear lines of communication with the clients will be crucial in gaining their trust.”

Daniels knows the learning curve will not necessarily be a quick one.

“After the initial introductory period is completed, I think it will be extremely important to make sure there is a good working schedule in place to monitor each client’s plan of care with their health care provider,” he said. “The State of Missouri requires the public administrator to regularly review the health status of every client and ensure the appropriate level of care is being maintained by the health care provider. My healthcare background will better enable me to review the medical records

and to ask relevant questions of the nurses and physicians who are providing care to these clients. HUGHES “I think it will also be important to have a schedule of important administrative tasks in place such as bank reconciliations, bill payments and any necessary reporting to either the Probate Court or the State of Missouri.”

Daniels said he is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to the clients served by the public administrator’s office.

“If I’m elected to this position, I will be very much a ‘hands-on’ public administrator who is fully capable and able to do anything in the office that needs to be done to ensure the very highest level of customer service is being provided to our clients,” Daniels said. “I strongly believe a good leader, in any business, best leads by example and never asks their staff to do anything he or she is not willing do.

“Above all, I will make

myself and the office as fully accessible to the public as possible. I want the citizens of Barry County to REAVIS know the high level of customer service they’re grown to appreciate with the current public administrator will be continued into the future.”

Reavis said he would job shadow the current administrator, Pam Modlin, to learn her technique in managing the heavy caseload until he had a firm grasp on his responsibilities to, and the needs of, his clients. “[The first priority] is getting to know each individual client personally and learning what their specific needs are,” Reavis said. “Their history is another area where I would rely on Pam until I have met each client and reviewed their file.

“Organization and time management are key to handling that number of clients. Any area the administrator can exercise control over, especially the daily routine work, has to

be managed with utmost efficiency. Having an assistant to help manage the calendar, set appointments and answer routine calls is also critical for time management.”

Reavis said all of this has to be in place to allow time to deal with the disasters that are sure to happen.

“Overall, the game plan would be to reduce the learning curve as much as possible and immediately start thinking how the office can improve,” he said.

Hughes is also looking at time management to oversee the office caseload.

“The current administrator now manages the number of clients in the county,” Hughes said. “If elected, the time spent with her can be valuable.

Learning from her and finding what works or does not work would be necessary before making changes or decisions about how to better serve whatever the number of clients.

“Managing time efficiently and using that time to best serve clients needs will be most important.”

LawCo eastern commissioner candidates pave plans for roads

Boyd: ‘I would like to see joint meetings of all road district commissioners’

BY MURRAY BISHOFF times-news@monett-times.com

Candidates seeking the position of eastern commissioner in Lawrence County offered different approaches to dealing with maintaining county roads, a generally peripheral issue for the county commission, but one that impacts the quality of life and future of communities.

“County roads see a variety of maintenance because they are in different road districts,” said incumbent Joe Ruscha. “Those districts that have a population center, like Marionville, Aurora and Pierce City, have more revenue because of their property tax. Some districts, like Red Oak and Green, have no towns, though those roads may not be traveled so much. That’s why there’s so much disparity in funding for roads. Some road

districts are managed better than others. We don’t get into that.

“Overall roads got into a squeeze on the price of oil and revenues are BOYD falling. In the early 1990s, we tried to get all the roads chipped and sealed. Some did not get a very thick layer and it doesn’t take much to tear them up. It depends on what people want.

If you want better roads, then you’re going to need to look at how the road district is run.

There are some that are about to raise revenues. There’s not a simple answer. The county commission doesn’t look at roads all over the county. That’s the road districts’ responsibility.”

Joe Boyd, proprietor of Can and Able Construction, suggested a closer collaboration with the road district commissioners.

“County roads are currently the responsibility of the given Road Districts,” Boyd said.

“The eastern commissioner

would only have responsibility for the Common 1 Road District. To consolidate these districts, we would need to involve more than just RUSCHA the three commissioners.

“I would like to see joint meetings of all road district commissioners to explore how we are maintaining and keeping our rural roads safe. We must explore the best approach in spending our dollars for roads and bridges in the county in the best manner.”

Tim Selvey, retired Highway Patrol trooper, also saw a limited role in how the county commissioners could impact the farm road situation.

“I think the road district superintendents are the ones best suited to answer this question,” he said. “Obviously, county commissioners are ultimately responsible to the tax payers on the condition of the roads. The road district superintendents

know their roads and have experience in how they are being kept. If the roads are in disrepair, I would want to know why and a solution for SELVEY fixing the problem will be addressed.

“Consolidation of the road districts might be a possibility,

but I would first want to find out if doing so would adversely affect current personnel or resources. It would be a good idea to see how other county road districts operate and weigh the pros and cons of making such a change for Lawrence County.”

The candidates will square off in the Republican primary election, slated for Aug. 2.

Cassville Democrat | The Monett Times

#TheRaceIsOn

SHERIFF BARRY COUNTY

How should the Barry County jail be managed?

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. - JB

Terry L. Meek, R-Washburn 1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail?

What will be your approach to jail management?

I worked in the jail when I first started with the department. I performed the daily operations required of my duties and also worked several rotating shifts if an employee did not show up for work or called in sick. I was present when we had a riot in the jail years ago and I worked several hours by myself cleaning up the mess after it was over with and the inmates were locked down for the rest of the night. The jail is very demanding when it comes to dealing with the kind of inmates we deal with it. You have to maintain the jail required by law and ensure the treatment of the inmates by law, this being medical treatment and oth-

there. The jail staff we have now have been working inside the jail for some time now and know more areas of improvement and then I could see for myself if I could make those improvements.

er situations that come up. Once again, I would have to spend more time in the jail to ensure the jail management is being performed and required by law.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?

The safety of the jail staff is important to me. I have seen in the past, dealing with certain inmates, that you can’t let your guard down for one minute.

I would look into what we have now and ask the jail staff currently their opinions and ideas about more staffing and then consider what I needed from

James A. Smith, R-Aurora 1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail?

What will be your approach to jail management?

As former Chief Deputy of the Barry County Sheriff’s Department, I have experience in the operations and management of the jail and staff, so I am familiar with the responsibilities and requirements. I further assisted in establishing the computer network and administrated updates of software used to book in inmates.

As for my management approach for the jail; if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Policies and procedures will be reviewed to ensure compliance with the law, especially those laws changing on January 01, 2017, and the current jail staff will be evaluated on job performance and efficiency, the same as all other employees. Our current jail staff has done a great job of ensuring the overall safety of the inmates and staff, and ensuring that rules are being followed to reduce the risk of lawsuits. The jail can be one of the biggest liabilities facing the county, so a welltrained and reliable

staff is crucial.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?

The current staffing level would most likely remain the same, at least initially, until a proper evaluation could be completed to determine the needs.

Funding will always be an issue with all divisions of the department, so those areas with the most critical needs will be addressed first, whether it is determined to be jail, office, patrol, or equipment needs.

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

I have the administration experience of being a former Chief Deputy of Barry County, so I have had occasion to be the acting Sheriff in the absence of the sitting Sheriff. One good exam-

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

I have held supervisory roles in every single job I have had. I know what needs to be done and know what it takes to get the job done. I believe that employees must take responsibility for their actions, but I also believe they need to be rewarded for their performances for going above and beyond their duties. The safety of the employees is the number one goal and money should not be an issue when it comes to their safety. At the end of their shift they too would like to go home to their families just like everybody else. ple would be September 11, 2001. Sheriff Epperly was stuck in an airport on that fateful day, as all flights were grounded.

While serving as acting Sheriff, I began coordinating with local vendors to ensure a supply of fuel and other essentials needed to protect the citizens of Barry County would be available for all emergency services should the chaos continue. I have had the opportunity as acting Sheriff to deal with personnel issues and internal affairs investigations. Further, I am currently assigned as Captain of the Cassville Police Department, second in command and acting Chief in the absence of the Chief of Police.

My employee management style consists of leading by example. I would not expect an employee to complete a task that I wouldn’t, or couldn’t do. I will provide employees with the information and training on what I expect from them and will allow them to prove their abilities and willingness to perform as expected. Employees will be evaluated on their performance and may be reassigned, promoted or moved within the department depending on their merits and work ethics. All promotions however will be based on abilities and testing.

Wednesday, July 27, 2016 • Page 11B

Danny Boyd, R-Purdy

thing that would have to be determined after taking office.

1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail?

What will be your approach to jail management?

I have had first line supervision training that provided productive knowledge in how to effectively be a manager and leader.

I have the experience and know the protocol of transporting and booking in of prisoners and know the constant cautions of safety while dealing with prisoners and inmates. I do not have access to the current budget of the jail, but I do know that with the constant rise of inmate population it will make careful budgeting a priority. It is my understanding that currently the jail is running efficiently and within budget. As usage goes up cost will rise, which will require careful and ongoing monitoring.

My first approach to jail management would

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

I have had first line supervision training, I have had the experience of supervising road patrol officers and investigation. I have experience in evaluating and disciplining officers. I have been on several oral boards for the hiring of new officers. I have years of experience of reviewing officers reports, crash reports and probable cause affidavits for warrant arrests.

I believe in a working management style. I feel a leader should be able to perform any task or job that his subordinates are expected to do. A good leader should have the knowledge and understanding of every area that he is in charge of and oversees. A good leader is one who listens to his staff with an open mind and communicates effectively.

be to meet with current jail administration and all staff members to get a working knowledge of the policy and procedures of the jail. After assessing the feedback of staff members regarding concerns or issues with the jail, I would be able to determine if changes or improvements were needed.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?

It is my understanding that currently the jail is running efficiently and within budget. Whoever is elected Sheriff would have to evaluate the staffing to determine if more staff members are needed. This is some-

Gary Davis, R-Cassville 1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail?

What will be your approach to jail management?

My final position before retirement from the FBI was as the Security Officer for a division with over 900 employees in four locations.

I managed physical and personnel security issues, created and implemented procedures to handle bomb, terrorist and other threats, developed and implemented plans for the emergency relocation of staff, and business continuity.

Supervised or conducted investigations into allegations of employee misconduct. These duties while focused on keeping the employees and physical structures safe translate well into the management of the jail with the goal of keeping the prisoners in and contraband out.

My management approach is set forth in the answer to question 3.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?

The Barry County Jail has been in existence for decades and has had limited problems.

That says to me that it is currently staffed by competent personnel who are good at their

job. It does not mean the physical plant is in good shape or that the staffing levels are where they need to be for officer safety and prisoner safety. All of this will be addressed based on meeting with the current jail management and staff and my own research into what is required by law, what we need and what we can afford as a county.

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

My administrative experience starts with my education.

I have a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration and am a graduate of the FBI Executive Development Institute. In addition, I have formal training in Equal Employment O p p o r t u n i t y for Managers – Interpersonal Communication – Creating World Class Organizations – Business Area Analysis – Management Training for Supervisors I am the only candi-

Justin David Ruark, D-Cassville 1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail? What will be your approach to jail management?

I will treat this like any other job by making sure everyone has what they need to perform their duties as far as the staffing is concerned.

Listening when there is problems brought to attention.

as the scheduling. It is important to utilize the resources one has before trying to add to the staff numbers when it is not always within the budget to do so.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?

From what I have seen there seems to be enough jailers, but I think there could be some restructure as far

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

I have been in management positions before in some of my past employ-

date whose background includes strong management and leadership positions — I have established and supervised several law enforcement infrastructures including a Criminal/Drug Intelligence Squad and other analytical centers to combat terrorism.

Led critical law enforcement task forces and missions, developed standard operating policy and procedures, prepared job descriptions, assessed personnel requirements, selected personnel, developed training programs, supervised up to 39 investigators and analysts, wrote grants, developed and managed budgets in excess of five (5) million dollars (not counting personnel costs), and acted as a liaison to multiple state and federal law enforcement and other agencies. I will use this experience gained from my FBI career to work closely with other law enforcement agencies, other public officials and agencies, and the citizens of Barry County to improve public safety and to provide the citizens of Barry County with a modern and effective Sheriff’s Office that is based on the values of integrity, service and professionalism.

My management style is to set the mission and goals, assemble the best people to reach them, train the people, and empower them to carry out the mission and reach the goals. ment. I was responsible for making sure those who worked on my team had everything they needed to complete all of the jobs I assigned to them each day along with the quality of what they produced. This was not always an easy task but was always achieved.

All I ask of anyone is to be honest with me, those they work with, and with themselves.

Employee Management Style: I am always firm but fair, I never asked anyone to do anything I would not do myself.

I like to gain feedback from the team when a job is accomplished. I believe this improves the relationship in the department but also helps others learn from any mistakes made during the process. I also believe it is important to try and keep the department moral high.

Page 12B • Wednesday, July 27, 2016

#TheRaceIsOn

LawCo candidates evaluate funding

Opinions mixed on need for generating more county revenue

BY MURRAY BISHOFF times-news@monett-times.com

The three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for eastern commissioner in Lawrence County have different views on how to enhance revenues for the county, and even the need, with or without new taxes.

Tim Selvey, a retired State Trooper, made his position clear on wanting no more taxes.

“It is my opinion we already pay enough taxes so I’m not a proponent for putting further burden on tax payers by implementing an increase,” Selvey said. “Building revenue for the county should be accomplished by taking a strong look at the way money is presently being spent and take the necessary steps to be more efficient and save money where we can.”

Joe Ruscha, the incumbent, said everybody wants to build revenue.

“That’s a good thing,” he said. “It makes it easier to provide services. More money can take the place

LAWCO EASTERN COMMISSIONER

What: Ideas on building revenue for the county Conditions: With or without new taxes Position: Vary from opposition to taxes to doubting need for more revenue

of good management. I’m not sure the county is in a position where it needs more revenue.

“The county is financially stable, unless the people want a service they’re not getting now.

Sometimes, having a lot of money sitting around is a problem. Everybody wants to spend it. I think we’re in a pretty good place where we’re at.”

Joe Boyd, proprietor of Can and Able Construction, considered the limits of a commissioner in influencing the revenue stream.

“One thing to remember is that counties do not have the authority to implement new taxes or increase existing taxes, other than property tax,” Boyd said. “Property taxes primarily fund schools, so that would not make a huge difference to the monies for our county.

There is not a cut and dry approach or answer to this.

As county commissioner, my first approach is going to be looking at the given expenditures and deter- BOYD mine that we are spending the monies appropriately, and in the best manner.

“If something can be done for less RUSCHA monies with good quality. then we need to look at that. If we have things being done that are lower cost, but are not of SELVEY good quality that require being done more than once, we are not saving monies then either. I also want to take a look at what the availability is for grants. If there are grants that we can apply for to make improvements or additions to our county, then I want to make sure we are exploring that path as well.”

The candidates will square off in the Republican primary election, slated for Aug. 2.

Lawrence County candidates evaluate 911 plan

Commissioner hopefuls see gains, questions in dispatching future

BY MURRAY BISHOFF times-news@monett-times.com

Sending dispatching services to Monett from Lawrence County proved to be one of the more controversial decisions made

by Lawrence County commissioners in the past year, and candidates seeking the Republican nomination for eastern commissioner saw improvements and questions over continuing the program with Monett beyond the present three-year contract.

Joe Boyd, business owner from Marionville, had positive things to say about Monett’s contribution to addressing the county’s dispatching problems.

“The Monett Dispatch Center has done a good job overall for our county,” Boyd said. “Having the dispatching for our county inside the Lawrence County Jail in Mount Vernon was no longer a viable option, and transferring that responsibility to Monett for the short term was the best option. That does not mean that it should remain outside of Lawrence County, though.

“We need to start looking at options for the long term. If we are to move this back within our county, what are the infrastructure costs in the long term, such as where we want to house this at, if combining all dispatching for every town located within Lawrence County into one communication center, similar to what Greene County currently has, etc. I know there is a 911 committee already in place.

All three commissioners, county sheriff and representatives for each town must continue to serve on the committee to help determine the best solution for us.”

Tim Selvey, retired law enforcement officer from rural Ash Grove, had more questions about the service’s future than about Monett’s management of it.

“I spent 34 years as a Missouri State Trooper,” Selvey said. “I know firsthand

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the importance of good emergency dispatching system. I want to make sure the citizens of Lawrence County are being taken care of efficiently should they need the use of the 911 system.

“Are we better now than before the system was BOYD moved? Are we spending money for this program as was originally agreed? When the 911 system was taken away from Sheriff [Brad] DeLay, what adverse effect did it have on his department? Could the money being spent — now in Barry RUSCHA County — have been used to upgrade the 911 call center in the Lawrence County Sheriff’s office? These are questions I would want to address.”

Incumbent Joe Ruscha, from Verona, said he thinks the present service is much SELVEY better than what Lawrence County had before.

“It’s like day and night,” he said.

“There’s not much the kept me up at night, but the dispatcher service was one that did. We didn’t have a system people could count on. the public needed to know what we had was not adequate.

That’s one reason we started the exploratory committee, to explore and to raise public awareness.

“I’m satisfied with the service we have now. It’s different for doing the entire county, but they’re improving. I think the Monett dispatchers have a genuine desire to take care of the problem. To go beyond [the three-year contract], it’s still kind of early. I’m open to having Monett as a permanent dispatching service if it works out. I don’t have an agenda as to how to solve [the need]. Now it’s working well.”

The candidates will square off in the Republican primary election, slated for Aug. 2.

The Monett Times | Cassville Democrat

Justin Fohn, R-Cassville 1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail?

What will be your approach to jail management?

I have spoken with several other area jail administrators and have reviewed the upcoming Missouri Core Jail Standards being proposed in the Missouri Sheriff’s Association.

I feel there are some strengths and weaknesses in the Barry County Jail, however nothing that some training and proper resource allocation wouldn’t correct.

I feel my management and leadership qualities will assist with brining the jail up to standards and beyond.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing levels the same, have less, or hire more?

Increased staffing levels would always be preferred, however with limited budget that isn’t always possible. I would increase training opportunities for current staff and evaluate the need for more staff to maintain a safe environment for employees and inmates.

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

Directing the Barry County Search and Rescue allowed me to gain valuable knowledge of budget and resource allocation as well as conflict resolution and personnel management. Assisting in training new officers also brings a level of leadership necessary in any administrative position.

I prefer to lead staff instead of manage personnel. I feel proper placement of trained staff and line supervisors allows for fluid operations and good morale. A good leader will have no problem getting their hands dirty along with the “troops”.

els the same, have less, or hire more?

As with everything else, budget will determine what we have to work with. This will also be determined by what the administrator’s needs are and what I feel their needs are after evaluating the current administration.

3. What administrative experience do you bring to the table? What is your employee management style?

I have been a business owner, a chief of operations for the military, and have developed and coordinated special operations for the Highway Patrol. I like to work closely with subordinates rather than from behind a desk. I will never ask someone to do anything that I won’t do myself. I am always available for questions and I will be available to Deputies and other employees whenever the need arises.

Travis Hilburn, R-Cassville 1. What experience do you have that will help contribute to running a jail? What will be your approach to jail management?

I have been to a number of jails throughout the state and observed how they are operated, including the Barry County jail. I have spoken to the jail administrator and I will use her knowledge and experience in the jail to learn and refine it’s operation.

2. Would you like to keep jail staffing lev-