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Several inmate outbursts have occurred at the Bartholomew County Jail and in county courtrooms during the past year. What can be done to reduce such conflict in public buildings and create a safer environment? Would you hire more jail staff?
As former sheriff, I understand public safety and security issues in the jail and courthouse. I am open to the sheriff’s recommendations to address potential safety and security issues, and would evaluate each based on my knowledge and experience to determine if additional staff is a sound solution.
There have been increasing instances of female Bartholomew County Jail inmates who are concealing drugs in body cavities to sneak contraband into the jail. Would you support purchase of screening equipment to limit this from occurring?
I support any electronic body-scanning devices to help reduce the potential of an inmate smuggling drugs, weapons and any other contraband into the jail. This will not only protect the inmate, but will reduce the potential of injury to the correctional and courthouse staff and general public.
Do you support the idea of utilizing a renovated part of the old jail as a treatment center for inmates? If so, should the county foot that bill? The city? Other sources? Combinations?
Overcrowding in the jail must first be addressed. Opening the old jail for additional inmates requires an upgrade to meet standards. Once completed, I support any evidence-based treatment for addictions; we cannot simply warehouse the inmates. I would expect and pursue contributions from other government sources and foundations.
Are tax abatements an effective incentive to encourage businesses to locate or expand in areas of the county outside Columbus?
Tax abatements are effective when long-term benefits are measured. The temporary reduction of taxes can net a long-term gain for all county taxpayers and for the generation of new jobs. This strategy and long-term planning is in the best interest of the taxpayers.
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Several inmate outbursts have occurred at the Bartholomew County Jail and in county courtrooms during the past year. What can be done to reduce such conflict in public buildings and create a safer environment? Would you hire more jail staff?
Inmate care and control is the responsibility of the sheriff. If the sheriff has a justified need, it is the the council’s duty to carefully consider the request and act accordingly. It is imperative the sheriff provide all the information possible for the council to make such a decision.
There have been increasing instances of female Bartholomew County Jail inmates who are concealing drugs in body cavities to sneak contraband into the jail. Would you support the purchase of screening equipment to limit this from occurring?
It is incumbent on the sheriff to leverage and utilize all available resources within the law to maintain the safety and security of the jail. I would expect all options have been exhausted prior to the sheriff requesting more equipment or funds to solve the problem.
Do you support the idea of utilizing a renovated part of the old jail as a treatment center for inmates? If so, should the county foot that bill? The city? Other sources? Combinations?
The opioid crisis is a national issue. However, the sheriff’s department is ill-equipped at all levels to be an addiction-treatment facility in any form. If we wouldn’t expect nurses and doctors to police the streets, why then would we expect law enforcement to treat incarcerated inmate addictions?
Are tax abatements an effective incentive to encourage businesses to locate or expand in areas of the county outside Columbus?
Tax abatements, used properly, are good tools to attract new business or expand current businesses. If misused or mismanaged, however, they can become a drain on county resources and lead to tax increases carried by homeowners, not businesses. Who can handle another tax increase from my opponent?
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Political Party: Republican
Age: 60
Residence: Columbus
Occupation: Retired
Education: Columbus North High School; attended Ball State University,1975 – 1979; Indiana Law Enforcement Academy graduate, 1980; FBI National Academy graduate, 2002
Previous offices held: Bartholomew County sheriff, 2007 – 2014; Bartholomew County Council, 2015 – current
Community involvement: Westside Community Church; Alliance for Substance Abuse (ASAP) of Bartholomew County; Bartholomew County Community Corrections Advisory Board; Evidence-Based Decision Making of Bartholomew County; Bartholomew County Data Board; Emergency Management Agency – County liaison member; 911 Center – County liaison member
Immediate family: Wife, Renee; one son, one daughter.
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Political Party: Republican
Age: 43
Residence: Columbus
Occupation: Corporate Supply Chain, Cummins, Inc.
Education: Columbus East High School; United States Naval Hull Maintenance ‘A’ School; Anderson University – Mass Communication; IUPUC – Business Administration; Leadership Bartholomew County; DMAIC Six Sigma; Department of Homeland Security Certified Emergency Medical Responder
Previous offices held: None.
Previous offices sought: Columbus City Council, District 5, 2011.
Community involvement: Boys Scouts of America district vice chairman
Immediate family: Wife, Sara; one son, one daughter.
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