Editor's note: The Polk-Fishwrap presented each Republican primary candidate for the office of Sheriff with the same list of seven platform questions. We will feature each candidate's answers throughout the week. Check back tomorrow for the next candidate's Q&A

What is the first thing you would do once you assume the role as sheriff?

I will have a meeting with all employees and discuss with them the importance of being part of a professional sheriffs' office.

Will you please name two things you would do to reduce the budget?

I will reduce the overtime pay utilizing better management skills of all employees’ work schedules. I will not send maintenance personnel to police mandate school and neglect the repairs needed at the jail.

What is the one thing that the sheriff's office could do to reduce the drug problem in Polk County?

Polk County is in need of a drug task force. I know I can work with the County Police Chief, Cedartown Police Chief, Rockmart Police Chief and Aragon Police Chief in coming together and forming a great drug task force. The citizens of Polk County deserve this task force. It can be done.

How would you improve efficiency within the sheriff's office?

This can be done with proven experienced management. All deputy sheriffs' need to be senior deputy certified. This will insure that all civil papers, warrants and court orders are properly served.

How would you put more accountability into the general running of the sheriff's office?

As sheriff I know what the duties are and will perform all of those duties and I will return all phone calls and require employee's to be accountable for their actions and conduct.

What is the biggest challenge you see in becoming the new sheriff and how do you plan to overcome it?

The current sheriff has neglected and poorly managed the office of sheriff for the past 3 1/2 years. Too many law suits, sexual harassment complaints, police brutality complaints, sheriff employee scandals, The sheriff subpoenaed citizens I.P. addresses because of his own department personnel problems. Citizens I.P. addresses should not be abused by the sheriff. The challenge will be restoring trust and respect from the citizens back to the sheriffs' office.

What do you see as being the responsibilities of the sheriff?

To manage the Polk County Jail correctly. To provide security at the courthouse. To serve civil papers, warrants and all court orders. To enforce the code section on sex offenders. To transport the mentally ill when court ordered. To assist and work with other law enforcement agencies. To be accountable to the citizens of Polk County. To work with the Board of Commissioners in providing the best service to the citizens. To maintain a record of all people booked into the jail and also those that bond out. To make sure all deputies are trained to perform their duties.