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Candidates discuss sheriff's office needs
Issues facing Bourbon County such as property taxes, repairs to the jail and Bourbon County Courthouse or construction of a new jail facility were tackled during a candidates forum hosted by the Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce Tuesday evening.
During the event, which took place in the Danny and Willa Ellis Family Fine Arts Center on the Fort Scott Community College campus, candidates for local, state and federal offices had a chance to provide their stances on important issues. They also fielded questions that were submitted by members of the public prior to the forum.
The race for the Bourbon County Commission First District seat is being contested between incumbent Republican Allen Warren and his opponents, Republican Lynne Oharah and Democrat Clinton Walker.
The three candidates were given a short amount of time to answer three questions, the first asking candidates their thoughts on high property taxes in Bourbon County.
"That's a hard issue," Oharah said, adding counties "have to provide services" working with tight budgets. Oharah said he believes in "doing things the smarter, cheaper way" and supports "spending money wisely," avoiding long-term debt and "needless projects."
"Taxes are a problem for everyone here," Warren said.
Warren said county commissioners spend many hours pouring over the budget each year trying to find ways to reduce taxes. He said commissioners work hard to try and limit employee overtime.
"We look in every direction to save money," he said.
Walker proposed the idea of an equipment life-cycle replacement program. He also said taking care of personnel and equipment is important.
Warren said commissioners must be prudent with the use of money paid by local taxpayers.
Another question asked of the commission candidates dealt with ways to finance repairs to the Southeast Kansas Regional Correctional Facility and Bourbon County Courthouse and working within planned budgets.
"How do we avoid longterm debt?" Warren asked.
Warren said the county has received money from FEMA that is put into a special equipment fund for purchasing equipment.
Oharah said he supports "saving and planning without spending a lot of money."
Walker mentioned an example of a person looking to buy a new car.
"If you can't afford the new car, you shouldn't have it," he said. "Don't kick it down the road; fix the problem."
Candidates were also asked what they felt are the three biggest current issues facing Bourbon County over the next year. All three candidates agreed that addressing roads and fixing the jail issue are at the top of that list.
"It takes a team effort for it to happen," Walker said. He added a countywide road plan for gravel roads is needed and the jail issue should be addressed over time by a planning committee.
Another issue Oharah mentioned is controlling budgets. Oharah added he is not in favor of raising taxes.
"We're already taxed to the max," he said.
Warren said roads and a new jail are "big issues."
"I agree we need a new jail," he said. "I don't agree with the size suggested for a new jail."
Warren said "it has been my pleasure to serve taxpayers" for the last four years.
"It's been a learning experience for me," he said. Warren added that the county tax base and economic development are immediate concerns.
"I think we can work together in this direction," he said.
Walker said he brings the ideas of "maintenance," "management of people" and his ability to multi-task to the table in his bid for the commission seat. He also said one of his main focuses would be staying within the budget.
"Maintenance is key," he said. "It will save money in the long run."
"The reason I'm running is I want to give back," he added.
Oharah said "planning and negotiations," good leaders and staff and employees working together are all important.
Two candidates running for the Bourbon County Sheriff position are incumbent Bill Martin, a Republican, and Michael Feagins, a Democrat.
The two men shared their backgrounds and expertise with the audience and also addressed questions related to working within budgets and changes they would make in the near future if they were to be elected.
Martin said as sheriff he has worked to provide safety in the community "for your kids and your families" and that will continue to be a focus.
Feagins said he brings 14 years of law enforcement experience in Bourbon County to the table. His experience has included patrol work and investigations.
"I've learned what the community needs. I also have a sense of humor and I'm very personable," he said.
Feagins said he has seen the community become "plagued by drugs, crime and violence" over the years. Feagins said his other concerns for the sheriff's office include new equipment for deputies such as new Tasers and radios, and conditions at the jail. He said deputies are not currently allowed to carry Tasers making the chance for injuries when dealing with subjects increase.
"I'd like to change that," he said.
Martin said success in the position requires a "team effort" between the sheriff's office, the Fort Scott Police Department and other agencies, including the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. He said he is in the process of working with the Bourbon County Commission on many of the concerns mentioned by Feagins during the forum and it is the commissioners who make the decisions.
Martin and Feagins were asked about their experience working with budgets and "living within budgets," especially when funding is limited, as well as their administrative experience.
"The problem is, where does the money come from?" Martin said.
Martin said radios for deputies are a priority due to their constant need to communicate with dispatch. Martin said another issue is the need to replace half of the office's fleet of vehicles.
Feagins said the jail issue "is upon the voters to decide on that."
The two candidates were also asked what one major change they would make in the sheriff's office.
Martin said video cameras in sheriff's vehicles would be an important addition. He said one change already in place in the office involves updating the old records management system in the office to a digital system. With the previous, outdated system, Martin said he and deputies had to look up information on cases on index cards and it was not efficient and time consuming.
"With the new system in place, I can use a computer and it's at my fingertips," he said.
Feagins said if elected as sheriff he would designate a person to conduct more research into grants that are available. Grant money could possibly be used to purchase new vests, radios and other equipment, he said.
"It's time to start looking at grants," Feagins said.
Feagins also said more deputies are needed, including a "full-time detective working cases."
Feagins said "the jail should never have been neglected." He also emphasized that the sheriff's office should "cut liability issues."
Martin said grants are available and he is currently working on a grant that could be used to purchase new vests for the department.
"Grants are not a guarantee," he said. "I will do whatever it takes to get them."
As far as personnel, Martin said he has requested three additional staff for next year and "one is a detective to help solve crimes."
"I'm trying to get these in place," he said. "I'm not arguing with Mike, I agree with him. I'm working on these issues."
Although he has worked in law enforcement in other cities and states, Martin said he is committed to staying in Bourbon County and continuing his work as sheriff.
"God has a plan and I'm back home," he said.