ON THE BALLOT: Jefferson County Sheriff Bart Richmond

Bart Richmond

Occupation: Chief Deputy Sheriff in Jefferson County

Why are you running for office?

I see myself as a service-orientated person in law enforcement and to be the person that residents rely on to always be there, not lose my temper, and most importantly not be a political sheriff. Today's sheriff has to be an effective communicator within the county, with neighboring law enforcement agencies and very familiar with tomorrow's technology. A sheriff has to be an effective executive leader when it comes to the county jail, civil office which entails civil court processes, enforcement of the sex offender registry, weapons permits and managing a cohesive team of 36 members representing an overall budget of $3 million-plus.

What are your priorities if elected?

A. Crisis intervention – innovative training to recognize co-existing conditions that include mental health, drug or alcohol addiction through a developed screening program upon arrest.

B. Technology – All counties have a problem to maintain pace with technology within their budgets which change rapidly. It is hard for any business in Jefferson County to keep up with tech advances let alone the sheriff's office. State mandates require the sheriff to adopt, adhere and keep up with their technology changes.

C. Drug Enforcement – Focus on prevention and arrests, which have been increasing the last three years, leading to the direct reduction of drug and other types of crime.

D. Budget efficiency – Continuous improvement within roles and budgeting while adhering to state of Iowa codes.

Do you think the sheriff's office has done well in managing taxpayer money, and if not, how would you have spent it differently?

Yes, overall we have managed the sheriff's budget with prudence and responsibility and in some fiscal years even saving the county up to $110,000. It is important to remember that there are three services that never close down: jail operations, public safety, and communications for the county, cities, fire and ambulance services.

If you are elected to office in November, how should we judge whether your time in office has been a success at the end of those four years?

I would judge my success by:

' Tenure and experience of team members

' Community involvement – the community and its residents working together to lower overall crime.

' Continuing to build up the relationship with both the city of Fairfield and its police department.

' Overall public safety – enhanced feeling of safety in one's home, out at a restaurant, shopping or attending a live outdoor event.