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AMENDMENT: The debate segment of the event was scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m., not 6 p.m., as initially reported.
Local Sheriff Office Elections Heating Up
Current Lumpkin County Sheriff, Stacy Jarrard, and challenger, Matthew Cook, locked horns during a fiery debate last Wednesday, hosted at the regional library.
The meet-and-greet session commenced at 6 p.m., with both candidates mingling with attendees, acknowledging friends and supporters. It was so well-attended that event organizers were forced to keep adding folding chairs for last-minute arrivals.
At 6:30 p.m., Roger Smith, the local Democratic Chair, began the debate officially. After a fortunate coin toss, Cook chose to speak first, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity for fruitful discussions and to answer questions.
Cook, who laid claim to nearly 15 years of law enforcement experience and two decades of fire/medic service in Gwinnett and Lumpkin Counties, mentioned that he began his professional career in the U.S. Navy. He spoke of the importance of employee motivation and expressed his intent to bring that mentality to the Sheriff’s office.
Jarrard countered with his professional journey, which began as a dispatcher in Lumpkin County in 1988, moving up to the patrol division and then temporarily branched out to Dawson and Forsyth Counties. However, he was personally invited back to Lumpkin by Sheriff Jimmy Berry, where he had a range of roles and experiences.
Main Pain Points
Biggest Challenges
Roger Smith asked candidates about the major challenges the Sheriff’s Office faced. Cook pointed out staffing issues and claimed that he’d heard the need for a change in leadership from departed officers. Cook also addressed the need to improve employee morale at the Sheriff’s Office.
Jarrard, however, disputed Cook’s personnel numbers, and spoke about pay-related departure reasons. He also acknowledged that some might have left due to his leadership style.
Employee Retention
The issue of employee retention in law enforcement was brought up, with Betty Smith asking both candidates their plans for tackling officer shortages. Jarrard highlighted the SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) and the need for more officers. Cook, on the other hand, advocated for better treatment to improve morale, modernization through the use of e-tickets, and a more open-minded view on the personal appearance of officers.
Addressing Homelessness
Upon being asked about homelessness in Georgia, Jarrard expressed sympathy but reminded attendees that decision-making about shelters was not within the sheriff’s jurisdiction. Cook commended local organizations’ efforts in battling homelessness, stating that the problem was tough, but solvable.
Ending Statements
As the session concluded, each candidate had five minutes to convince voters why they should be the next sheriff. The candidates both appealed to voters, each providing their perspective. Jarrard criticized the unnecessary hostility in the election campaign, while Cook promised to post supporting evidence on his Facebook page for his claims.
At the end of the debate, Smith sought the audience’s views on holding another forum for county commission contenders. While the idea was met with enthusiasm, a debate for the Lumpkin County Republican Party is already scheduled for Thursday, April 4, at Parks and Rec, 365 Riley Road.
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