The Nov. 6 general election will determine whether incumbent Jennings County Sheriff Gary Driver, a Democrat, retains his position, or whether Republican challenger William Kenny Freeman takes over the job next year.
The Republic asked both candidates a series of questions, which are listed below with their responses.
What is your motivation for seeking the job of sheriff?
Driver: My motivation to seek re-election comes from the invaluable experiences I have gained over the last four year. I want to continue to be a positive presence in my community, to be sensitive to the concerns of all people and to serve my community in a better way.
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Freeman: I love the Jennings County people. I feel more at home here than I have any other place. I decided to make this my retirement place a long time ago. I want to continue to serve my community, work hard and make a difference every day. The county wants change.
The idea of constructing a new Jennings County Jail has been proposed. Explain why you do or do not propose the idea of a new jail. Are there alternatives to a new jail that should be considered?
Freeman: I do not support a new jail. The current jail has been neglected. We have failed the last few jail inspections. The only thing the sheriff does not have control over is the population. In every other category we should be able to pass.
Driver: The sheriff must ensure compliance with state codes regarding housing of prisoners. Considering the fact we are in violation, I have no choice to support some plan of action, with a new jail being the most economical one. Rehabilitation should be explored, but cannot replace the need for a jail.
Does the jail’s current capacity impact which types or number of offenders can be incarcerated (i.e. women, men etc)?
Driver: The overcrowded condition makes it difficult to appropriately and safely house male, female, transgender, addicted and mentally unstable individuals. The sheriff does not decide who can be incarcerated, but must find a way to accommodate all prisoners. For this reason, the overcrowding situation must be addressed.
Freeman: There are options for our criminal population. Community service for minor offenses; work release as … long-term treatment. To build more capacity, build a dormitory style facility behind (the) jail. Partner with a county next to us … (on) work-release. That would reduce our population … and eliminate the need to build capacity.
Coming Oct. 21: The second part of the Q and A with the sheriff’s candidates.
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Who: Wm. Kenny Freeman
Age: 53
Education: Associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Occupation: Environmental, health and safety director at Decatur Plastic Products; also compliance officer. Previously a prison guard in Delaware. Retired lieutenant colonel in the Army national Guard.
Family: Karen Lea-Freeman; children, Corey, Bryianna, Thomas and Nick.
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Who: Gary Michael Driver
Age: 53
Occupation: Jennings County sheriff 2015-present. North Vernon Police Department 1993-2014.
Education: Graduated from Jennings County High School (1983). Graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (1995).
Family: Wife, Mary (Schindel) Driver; children, Adam (21), Rebecca (18)
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