KCY's election special: Washtenaw

Here's an easy one. For Washtenaw county you can vote for Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk / Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Drain Commissioner, and County Commissioner. The only one of these in which there is more than one person running is Sheriff. The candidates are Dwayne Taylor (R), and Jerry Clayton (D).

Here's what they said on Mlive:

What are the most important issues that need to be addressed?

Jerry Clayton: The economic condition and the need for public safety services for county residents are not going to improve anytime in the near future. We have a pressing need to develop a collaborative strategy to meet the public safety needs without breaking the budget of the county and other municipal units. I believe that the Sheriff’s Office must take a leadership role in developing a strategy that accomplishes both. The Sheriff must engage all stakeholders in this issue and emphasize that a strong police presence by the Sheriff enhances the public safety and quality of life of all residents, even for those jurisdictions that have their own police agency. Second is the damaged relationship that the Sheriff’s Office has with its contracting townships, County Commissioners, other municipalities and many residents. The Sheriff must be committed to building partnerships with a broad spectrum of stakeholders and working together to address challenges. Third is the status of the jail population and how we manage the jail now and in the future. Washtenaw County continues to rate as one of the counties with the fewest number of beds per capita in the state. As part of the overall discussion of public safety, the state of the jail and how we respond to crime, incarceration and aggressive alternatives to incarceration without compromising public safety is important.

Dwayne Taylor: Improving community relations, the drug problems, budget management, reduced response times / increased road patrol presence and jail overcrowding.

What makes you uniquely qualified for the position?

Jerry Clayton: During my service with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office I worked in Corrections, Police Services and Support Services. My service in Corrections provides me with an appreciation for both the demands of a job that requires an officer to manage the behavior of dozens of incarcerated individuals while maintaining a safe and secure environment and the importance of providing Corrections with an operational philosophy and structure for managing inmates. I developed my knowledge of managing contract service providers, negotiating contracts for service providers, training staff, budgeting and policy and procedure management during my appointment as Corrections Commander. During my time spent as a deputy sheriff, police academy instructor, swat team member/instructor and appointment as Police Services Commander I developed a keen understanding of the value of the relationship between a law enforcement agency and the community and an appreciation for the balance that a police officer much have in terms of enforcing the law, maintaining personal and public safety and protecting an individuals rights. As an administrator, I know the value of having an administration that is engaged with the community and recognizes that their success is dependant on the level of mutual trust, understanding and respect they share with the community.

Dwayne Taylor: I have worked in the field of private security for nearly fourteen years and held supervisor / management positions. I also worked as a reserve and auxiliary police officer for several years. When I was a youth I was a sheriff's cadet and police explorer for three years.

What else do you want voters to know about you?

Jerry Clayton: The focus of my candidacy and the reason I am seeking office is based on “potential”. During my twenty plus years with the Sheriff’s Office I have witnessed and experienced the impact that the staff can have on the quality of life of the residents of this county when the agency operates close to it’s “potential”. I have also witnessed the impact that can be felt by, residents, county, townships, other municipalities and the employees themselves when the Sheriff’s Office is not operating at close to it’s “potential”. I am committed to leadership that is focused on developing an organization that values it’s role of community leadership, being a great community partner, delivering excellent public safety service and providing direction and support for the brave men and women that serve the public on a daily basis. I believe that if as Sheriff I maintain that focus and commitment to leadership, then the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office will exceed it’s potential and be the standard bearer for not only local public safety service (Both Corrections and Police Services), but at a national level.

Dwayne Taylor: I pledge to give the citizens of Washtenaw County my full commitment and nothing less. I am running for sheriff because I truly care about the overall quality of life and safety of all our citizens. I believe that there is a need for a higher level of accountability and professionalism. My primary goal will be to improve the overall quality of life and safety of all citizens. I will have an open door policy to meet with community leaders, citizens and business leaders to assure that we have an open dialogue to understand the many concerns that they have. I will also make certain that community policing becomes an integral part of the way that the sheriff's department conducts it's operations and protects and serves it's citizens.

Taylor is a man of few words. That's not bad, but Clayton has a lot more experience and seems to have a good idea of what needs to be done. To me, he seems to be the best candidate for the job.