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Sheriff, commission candidates face off
Candidates for local county offices sounded off on issues ranging from a new jail facility and fighting drugs, to plans for economic development during a public forum Monday night.
The Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the forum, which took place inside the commons area of Fort Scott High School. The forum featured views from several candidates gunning for various local, state and federal offices. Candidates had the opportunity to make brief opening and closing statements and answer questions submitted by the public. Local broadcaster Larry Gazaway moderated the forum.
FSACC Executive Director Lindsay Madison said prior to the forum that the event took place at the high school partly due to auditoriums at both the high school and Fort Scott Community College being used for local fall productions, and partly so attendees could get more information, if they chose, on a proposed $40.8 million school bond issue to make district-wide improvements that will be on the Nov. 4 ballot.
USD 234 officials as well as members of the bond committee were on hand to answer questions or provide more information on the bond issue for interested attendees. They did not speak during the forum.
Bourbon County Sheriff candidates
Candidates for the Bourbon County Sheriff position are incumbent Bill Martin, Republican, and Michael Feagins, a Democrat who currently works as a deputy in the sheriff's office. Both men shared their views on issues impacting the sheriff's office, including plans to combat the sale or manufacture of illegal drugs in the county and funding for the needs of the sheriff's office.
Regarding plans to fight drugs in the area, Martin said the department needs additional personnel and detectives working crimes.
"We need more personnel out there," he said.
Martin said he currently assigns deputies to various areas in the county "but it's difficult now to get deputies out there." He said his deputies are typically busy handling other calls throughout the day. Martin said the BCSO works in partnership with a drug task force and the Fort Scott Police Department to combat drug issues.
Feagins said he has worked on several drug cases throughout his career, and several by himself.
Responding to a question about the current administration versus other administrations he has worked for, Feagins said there is a current need for more teamwork and communication in the sheriff's office.
"There has been no communication with me about drug intel," he said.
Feagins agreed that deputies are typically "busy with other calls."
"You gotta have teamwork," he said. "That needs to be recognized as a positive. It's going down and we need to bring it back up. With the sheriff, I think he has said four words to me since April 30. That's not communication."
Martin said as far as communication, deputies speak to other officers "to exchange information" as they are coming on duty during shift changes. There is also the availability of electronic communications, he said.
"We can send mass e-mails to deputies," he said. "We do have that communication within our department."
The sheriff candidates were also asked where money should come from to fund additional deputies, equipment and training the department needs.
"Taxpayers' pockets," Feagins said, adding he would support an increase in taxes to fund these needs, but "it would have to be small. I think it has to go up a little bit."
Martin said the funding for the department's needs would ultimately be decided by the Bourbon County Commission, who have control over the county budgets.
"Working with commissioners," he said. "When the grants are gone, can the county absorb the extra cost? We have to figure out if there are cuts we can make, but not to deprive the community of certain services."
Martin and Feagins also gave brief closing statements and shared their experience in law enforcement with attendees.
"I'm here to help you guys; you're my family," Martin said. "I want to take care of you."
Martin said health care, schools and public safety are the top issues in the community and he wants to "continue to go down the road to make changes."
"I'm planning on being sheriff for many years to come," he said. "I want to make a safe community and one you are proud of."
Feagins said public safety is the "top item on my plate" with "drug interdiction" a primary concern.
"I think drug interdiction is the most important to help solve thefts, abuse and domestic violence; to see results," he said. "I think change should begin now.
"I'm here to serve the public and make it a safer place to live," he said.
Bourbon County Commission District 1 candidates
The candidates for the county commission seat are Democrat Clint Walker and Republican Lynne Oharah, who defeated Republican incumbent Allen Warren in the August primary. Both men responded to questions concerning county roads and the need for a new jail facility.
Walker and Oharah were asked what their plans would be concerning gravel roads in the county and dust control to limit incidents in the county.
"Gravel roads are in poor shape," Oharah said, adding they "knock the mirrors off school buses."
"We need to be taking care of the right-of-ways ... to protect the public and school kids who are on those roads every day," he said.
Walker said county roads "need gravel on them." He said ditches along roads also need to be "cleaned out" as well as "mowed" regularly.
Both men were asked what their plans or ideas would be concerning economic development in the county.
"Two things - good education and roads," Walker said. "If you have those things in place, business will come. I think we are attractive, but we need to attract businesses that pay well."
Oharah said current economic development officials in the county have done well, but more assistance is needed to help the economic development team.
"Bourbon County has opportunities, that's evident," Oharah said. "It takes a concerted effort of people dedicated to making those proposals for new businesses."
Regarding a possible new jail facility, Oharah said funding would have to come from one of two sources.
"Either a bond issue, or a tax increase. And we're taxed to the max. We're taxed out," he said. "The jail is in disrepair, there have been attempted suicides. I'm a big supporter of a safe environment. I support putting a new jail on the ballot and let the people determine how to proceed."
Walker said there are "three options" concerning the jail issue.
"To have a new 115- or 75-bed facility or remodel the old one," he said. "I think there should be a unified front. Each commissioner should get with the sheriff and get out and get public support at forums and let them choose ... or we're going to keep band aiding and band aiding."
"I will listen to the voters of Bourbon County," Walker said in closing. "If you call me, you will get an answer. It may not be an answer you like, but you will get an answer. We need to try to find ways to save county money and make sure county employees get proper training."
In closing, Oharah said the commission seat requires "a lot of planning and visioning." He said the county needs to "get spending under control."
"I believe in positive working relationships with all departments," he said. "We need to control county spending. We can't afford to continually run up the county's credit card. We need to get all the roads in shape and make school bus routes a top priority."