Polk candidates answer Bulletin questions

Published 11:35 pm Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Editor’s Note: Polk County commissioner and sheriff candidates for this year’s general election will participate in a forum Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m., at the Polk County High School auditorium.

County commissioner, incumbents Ray Gasperson (D), Keith Holbert (R) and Ted Owens (R) are vying to keep their seats against challengers Shane Bradley (R), Bill Ingham (D) and Lee Mink (D). Polk County Sheriff Donald Hill (D), is being challenged by Pat Staggs (R). The event is sponsored by Millard & Company and the Tryon Daily Bulletin.

Shane Bradley

Why are you running for the Polk County Board of Commissioners?

Polk County is a great place to grow up and has been a great place for me to raise my children.

I want to ensure that my children and others can enjoy living in Polk County as I have. I will protect the property rights of the taxpayers, support existing businesses, and try to encourage new businesses to move to Polk County bringing with them job growth. I would like to see families be able to plant their roots, raise their children, and make a decent wage so that they can support their families. Also I want to ensure that all of the residents of Polk County are offered the best emergency services that are available. This can be accomplished by making sure that volunteers and paid staff that make up the emergency system have easy access to the latest equipment and training that is available.

Polk County recently adopted a new economic development policy and strategy. Do you agree with the strategy? What are your plans for getting new businesses to come to Polk County and how do you plan to support the growth of current businesses?

From what I have seen the economic development policy and strategy is a very positive tool in growing the economy in Polk County. I think that we need to support our existing businesses and also make it appealing for new businesses to move to Polk County. We are in need of jobs that pay a wage that families can live on. I don’t want to see people have to move away from their families so that they can make a living somewhere else.

What do you feel is the county’s next major capital need and how do you propose the county pay for that need?

A new jail should be the county’s next major project. I think that the county should look into federal and state grants to see if they would offer any help. Also I would like to see more work done to upgrade the emergency communication system. I would also like to help find a way to pay for another paramedic for Polk EMS.

Polk County was recently approached by the Inman-Campobello Water District (ICWD) to partner and join water resources. Do you think Polk County should enter a 20-year agreement with ICWD and if so, why? If not, how do you propose Polk County pay for needed Turner Shoals Dam repairs and a future water plant?

ICWD is already managing and maintaining our water system and as far as I know it has been a very good relationship. I can’t say that I would support the agreement until there is a final document that has been reviewed by all parties involved including the taxpayers. I will support the agreement if it is a great benefit to all of the Polk County residents. There are grants that are offered from multiple governmental agencies that would help with the expenses of dam repair and drinking water upgrades. I think that we should apply for these grants and also keep a running budget item for dam repair and maintenance.

Residents have expressed concern over the last several years that commissioners from different political parties do not work well together, often bickering over politically motivated issues. How do you plan to handle differences in political opinions to work for the betterment of Polk County?

There will always be differences of political and personal views, but I don’t think that they should become reason for personal attacks or used as leverage when conducting county business. Politics should be left outside of the chamber doors and items should be based on what is in the best interest for all of Polk County and its residents not just a certain political party. As Abraham Lincoln said “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Do you agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of commissioner meetings? If so, why? If not, how would you change how public comments are made?

I think that public input and comments is a very important tool when making decisions that impact the way that their tax dollars are spent. I would be in favor of letting the public speak before each agenda item is voted on if they kept to the topic at hand and made their comments in a manner that was respectful and nonaggressive. I would also be in favor of public comments at the end of the meeting, so that the public could voice concerns that they might have. Once again, as long as it was done in a civil manner with respect for everyone.

Polk County previously proposed to combine all its ordinances into one document (unified development ordinance or UDO) that was drafted but never adopted by the current board of commissioners. If elected, do you plan to work on the UDO and get it adopted? If so, what changes would you propose if any? If not, why do you think the county is better off without a UDO?

NO! I would not revisit the UDO. In my personal opinion the UDO and MRPO was nothing more than extreme zoning and a way to rob taxpayers of their property rights. It had more to do with aesthetics than it did with protecting the ridge tops and the environment in Polk County. It would have created extreme hardships for people that wanted to build a home, expand a business, or build commercially on their property. I think that the property owners and all of Polk County are better off without the UDO.

Ray Gasperson

Why are you running for the Polk County Board of Commissioners?

This is my way of giving back to the beautiful, rural community that my family I love to call home.

I believe the best strategy is to: keep taxes low. Make certain that there is effective, efficient delivery of county services. Facilitate infrastructure where needed, i.e. water, sewer. Provide strong fiscal support of public education. Work collaboratively with the volunteer Economic/Tourism and Farmland Preservation Boards and their directors.

What do you feel is the county’s next major capital need and how do you propose the county pay for that need?

Putting the county on strong financial ground right now is the first step to be taken to prepare for future projects, such as a new county jail. Returning to a “debt reduction policy” would put us in a position to better afford such a big project. As a BOC member from 2009-12, I voted for actions that resulted in a 40% reduction of county debt. Earlier this year, the current BOC majority voted for an unnecessary loan. I was the only Commissioner who voted against obligating taxpayers with new debt. Debt is not a good foundation for building anything.

Any future agreements between Polk and ICWD must ensure that the Lake Adger reservoir always, first and foremost, be dedicated to ensuring adequate, safe water for the citizens of Polk County. I support continuing and strengthening the collaborative relationship we have with ICWD but any changes to our relationship must be carefully researched, thought-out and planned.

Rules of Decorum should always be followed by citizens and commissioners alike. All opinions must be respectfully considered and all Commissioners should represent every citizen equally.

Do you agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of commissioner meetings? If so, why? If not, how would you change how public comments are made?

When I was Chair of the BOC (2010-12), citizens were given the opportunity to make comments after every agenda item and on non-agenda issues at the end of each meeting. Even though I limited comments to three minutes, this approach gave citizens an opportunity to speak several times. I also closely adhered to the Rules of Decorum. This approach resulted in few problems.

I believe a UDO cannot serve our county in a positive way because it became a divisive political tool. I remain committed to vigorously protecting the beautiful, rural nature of our county and to protecting the rights of all property owners.

Keith Holbert

Why are you running for the Polk County Board of Commissioners?

2012 – I ran for the office of Commissioner to obtain an LPA (Tag Office) and to move our Drivers License into a building so our seniors (myself included) would not have to sit on benches out in the weather to renew drivers license. I also hoped to help finish the waterline infrastructure, help shape Economic Development, enlarge the capacity for early college students, support the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Fire and Rescue. 2014 – We have opened the License Plate Agency, and the school finished the new early college building. I hope to have the Drivers License Office inside the building by March 2015. Help get the DSS building repairs on the sewer line and the HVAC finished as soon as possible, continue to push economic development forward, support our schools, Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Fire and Rescue.

I agree with the strategy of the new Economic Development policy. Polk County needed to become a more business friendly county to attract business and help our current business’s grow. We as a county also need living wage jobs for our youth graduating high school who do not plan to attend a four year university and want to live and work in Polk County.

What do you feel is the county’s next major capital need and how do you propose the county pay for that need?

The next major project in my opinion is to address the need for a renovation of our jail or possibly a new construction. This will require planning and studies to be incorporated into the budget over the next number of years.

The partnership with Inman-Campobello water district seems to warrant serious consideration. The preliminary plan by Inman-Campobello seems to have mostly beneficial points for Polk County. I will study the proposal seriously and withhold final decisions until I see the finished document from our County Attorney. There are monies in the budget for Turner Shoals Dam repairs, and I will support budgeting for them as needed.

The last 22 months of commissioners meetings have been very controversial. Never have I seen Commissioners or citizens bring patrisan politics to the meetings to the degree that has been the norm over the last 22 months. For example: a tee-shirt incident from the Fourth of July, private signs set along the roadways. These are things in which we have absolutely no authority. I sincerely hope that order can be restored and that the media will assist by not publicizing incidents as part of business meetings.

Do you agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of commissioner meetings? If so, why? If not, how would you change how public comments are made?

The public comments were welcomed for constructive ideas in 2012, however; they have turned into political partisan bashing with no benefit to the meeting. These types of comments at times have prolonged the meeting by 1 to 2 hours. Many citizens have said they will not come because of the long meetings and partisan citizen’s comments.

The Unified Development Ordinance was originally designed to combine ordinances into a sequential document allowing a person easier access to the requirements needed to develop or expand. It turned into a restrictive zoning ordinance that stifled personal and business development. IE: Article 25.7.12 Building Colors. “It is strongly encouraged that dark or earth tone colors be used”. Page 24.8.2-24.8.4 Twenty Five degree slope required professional engineer, geologist, hydrology report and plan. Article 11. Building Design-11.5.2-11.5.5 front of building cannot be flat for more than 35 feet without columns, projections or recesses. Twenty five percent of first floor facing right of way must be transparent. Article 11.4.2.1 designates what building materials may be used. “These include, without limitation, brick, natural decay resistant quality exterior wood siding, rock, stone or tinted and textured concrete masonry units, hardiplank, and transparent glass windows and doors.” Article 1 page 1-9. “Upon such date as accepted these regulations shall supersede, repeal, and replace the Adult Entertainment Ordinance, Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, Junkyard Ordinance, Mobile Home Ordinance, Mobile Home Park Ordinance, Mountain and Ridgeline Protection Ordinance (MRPO) for zoned areas of the county, Mountain and Ridgeline Protection Ordinance (MRPO) for the un-zoned areas of the county, Sign ordinance, Tower Ordinance, Watershed Protection Ordinance, Planning Board Ordinance, Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance”. In 2012, I think the citizens of Polk County decided they did not want this document implemented.

Bill Ingham

Why are you running for the Polk County Board of Commissioners?

I would like to take the politics out of local government. Too much time and energy is wasted practicing partisan politics and the divisiveness is counter productive and not in the best interest interests of our citizens. I will take a common sense approach, look for common ground and make decisions based on the benefits for all of Polk County, without regard to political affiliation.

The economic development plan and strategy is text book and could apply to most counties, however I do not believe Polk County should seek to be part of the I-85 corridor, but would encourage businesses that lend themselves to the natural beauty of our county. Polk County’s biggest assets are its people and the natural beauty of our countryside. Citizens should be encouraged to shop and dine locally and our Polk County government should set the example by using local vendors whenever possible.

What do you feel is the county’s next major capital need and how do you propose the county pay for that need?

Water line infrastructure and the repairs to the Turner Shoals Dam are the most pressing capital needs, and the reserve dam repair fund, which has been reduced from $200,000 a year to $50,000 needs to be increased back to $200,000 in order to be prepared to make the repairs when necessary and to begin a dredging program for Lake Adger. Lake Adger was purchased by Polk County taxpayers as a future water source and should be maintained as such.

I do not think Polk County needs to rush into any agreement with ICWD until many questions about the contract draft are answered, especially concerning the shipping of raw water from Lake Adger to Spartanburg County in perpetuity. The dam repairs can be made by building the dam repair reserve fund as mentioned in the previous question. There should be an increase in revenue to the county due to the Tryon International Equestrian Resort and some of those additional funds should be set aside to fund a water treatment plant when one becomes necessary.

I have consistently said that there is no place in local government for partisan politics and promise to leave my party at the door. It is time to for us to realize that we are all neighbors and need to seek that common ground that unites us.

Do you agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of commissioner meetings? If so, why? If not, how would you change how public comments are made?

The time limit should be increased to five minutes and citizens should be allowed to speak after agenda items are discussed by the commissioners. Comments by citizens and commissioners should be respectful, about county business and not political grand standing.

The UDO is a dead issue and I would not seek to adopt it, if for no other reason than the divisiveness it causes in the county. We are a county of many diverse people and we need to learn to work and live together.

Lee Mink

Why are you running for the Polk County Board of Commissioners?

I am running because the citizens of Polk County deserve better from our elected officials. I am running because Polk County needs leadership that effectively demonstrates that as a community, we have more in common than what could divide us.

We need leadership that serves the interest of the county first, not a party or ideology. We desperately need leadership that practices common courtesy and respect. Leadership is necessary to preserve the rural character of the county and to insure that Polk County does not become something it is not. We need leadership that promotes fiscal responsibility and small effective government. We need leadership in order to retain skilled county employees. Leadership is required to provide the opportunities for a productive life for our youth here, at home.

What Polk County has to offer is priceless! We, as a community, can have such a bright future, but we need leadership that reflects all the concerns, hopes, and dreams of the citizens of this great county.

I’d like to thank the TDB for providing the opportunity to answer these questions. It would be my privilege and honor to serve you as a Polk County commissioner and provide leadership as directed by my fellow citizens. I would appreciate your vote, whatever your political persuasion, because I want you to vote for me knowing that I am here to serve. If you have a problem I want you to call. I will listen to what you have to say with the respect that you deserve and welcome your thoughts as a neighbor. My number is 817-4667.

Neighbors serving neighbors is how the people’s business should be conducted. Make a difference and go vote because the real power of this county is in the hands of its citizens.

Rule number one in establishing an economic development policy and strategy is: To build consensus through collaborative efforts that will deliver a unified, consistent economic vision over time, regardless of the political winds of change.

From the onset of this new policy, the Economic & Tourism Development Commission was ignored and bypassed. Libbie Johnson, the previous Economic Development Director, was left out of this process. The list of failure goes on and on. After a past Board of Commisioner’s meeting which took place during the formation of the economic development policy and strategy the commissioner majority was rude to citizens who wanted to participate and made no attempt to build consensus. Many of us departed the meeting recognizing that if a company representative had been in attendance who was interested in moving a business here, he or she would have quickly turned around and walked out the door. Rule number two: Don’t violate rule number one.

Over the past few months I have been around the county talking to local business owners and asking them one simple questions: What can county government do to help improve your business and attract new businesses to Polk County? Overwhelmingly, the answer was “Get out of the way!”

County government is not the best job creator, unless it’s growing county government. County government can and should create an atmosphere that facilitates economic opportunity. Polk County needs a diverse economy. Let’s not put all our eggs in one basket. My economic vision is simple – put your money in your neighbor’s pocket. I’ve endeavored for years for Polk County to build a vibrant local and sustainable economy. When we support each other we build a stronger and more resilient community for everyone.

What do you feel is the county’s next major capital need and how do you propose the county pay for that need?

Turner Shoals Dam is the next major capitol need. Currently the Dam fund is somewhere under $700,000. Initially when the County purchased Lake Adger, it was proposed to set aside $200,000 per year for dam improvements and maintenance. During last year’s budget, the current majority of Board of Commisioners (BOC) voted for $50,000 – a $150,000 shortfall. If I had been serving on the BOC, I would have voted for $200,000. That would have been prudent, saving for tomorrow today. The primary responsibility, in my view, as a County commissioner is to insure that the county maintains sound fiscal health. County government should be frugal with taxpayer money.

For example, I would not have bought out the previous county manager’s contract for $178, 590. It was disgraceful the way Ryan Whitson was treated, one of our own, while serving in the military. $178,590 was your hard earned money spent foolishly, considering that sum, plus $150,000 shortfall from the dam savings would equal $328,590. Add that sum to the dam fund balance and we would have approximately $1 million on hand. That’s a good start, and with good planning, it could have been even better.

As a Polk County Commissioner, on matters of finance, I will concern myself with long term solutions rather than a band aid approach or short sighted quick fixes. The old saying goes, “Waste not, want not.” That’s how I conduct my personal finances, my farm’s finances, and how I will conduct the business of Polk County.

A draft contract is still in the works with ICWD and many details demanding a consensus building approach with many stakeholders is necessary. If a satisfactory agreement is reached between all concerned, it may well be that ICWD pays for the TSD repairs.

This question is a bit premature at the time these answers are due because it supposes there is only an either/or answer. Based on the proposed initial contract currently on the table, anyone who suggests that there is an either/or solution for something as complex as water is doing each citizen a disservice.

In the future, our quality of life will be determined by how we use and protect our water resources. As global, national, state, and local demands increase, competition for water resources will increase on a daily basis. The ones who protect their water wisely will have an economic future. Those who don’t will not.

Right now, the citizens of Polk County have water security from owning Lake Adger, an important resource. So let’s not rush the decision making process when it comes to our water. Our water is too important, too critical, to blunder into an unwise deal. There will not be a chance for a “do over”, especially when access to water is a right of each citizen of Polk.

Most importantly, let’s not put ourselves in a position in which our water is sold downstream to the first bidder. Our water should benefit those who own it, the citizens of this County. So far, ICWD has been a good neighbor and partner. There are many issues that still need to be addressed to protect the interests of the county. Perhaps it can be worked out so that ICWD can pay for dam repairs and build a water treatment plant, perhaps not. Let’s get stakeholders at the table, build consensus, and move forward. The last thing we should be doing is rushing a decision about our best and most important natural resource.

I plan to handle differences by leading by example. We need to place the interests of the County above party or personal agenda, before favors and debts. When we put the interest of the County first, the only mistake we can make is one of how well we get good things done. I don’t have a magic wand at my disposal which could end all the bickering. What I can do, incrementally, step by step, is provide leadership by deed and action and show that bickering is a choice, not a solution.

I personally have wished each opponent well in the upcoming election. I might not always agree with the current majority of the BOC, but I always show them courtesy and respect. When any commissioner contributes a valid point or takes a stand that serves the best interests of Polk County, I congratulate them with utmost sincerity for doing so. That’s leadership by example.

While serving in the 82nd Airborne, my platoon Sergeant gave me the best compliment I have ever received. Sgt. Fry said, “Sgt. Mink – I’ve got you figured out. You’re not smarter than everybody else, you just outwork them. You’re not more talented or skilled …the big difference is that you give a darn. You’re ready, willing, and prepared.”

Leading by example, perhaps, is the way forward for us all and will lead to a better Polk County for everyone.

Do you agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of commissioner meetings? If so, why? If not, how would you change how public comments are made?

No, I don’t agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of the commissioner meetings. Elected officials cannot represent the interests of the citizens of Polk County without listening to what they have to say. It is pretty much a no brainer, isn’t it?

The change I would like to see, if elected, is the reinstatement of comment on non-agenda items. Now, all too often lately, a new item (a surprise you could say) is placed on the agenda after the public comment period has ended. How can the public have a chance to have their voices heard if we do not know what is coming? “We Believe the Power Rests in the People” should not just be a campaign slogan. Rather, it should be a sincere commitment to the citizens that their voices will be heard and their concerns addressed. The management of the government should be open and equitable – no one person with more information than another because the decisions being made are for all of us. It seems that quite often, decisions are made behind closed doors and through the voice of a few and without the people’s consent. That needs to change.

The UDO is dead. It continues to be used for political convenience and gain in this election, just as it was in the previous. Political manipulation killed the UDO. I have no plans to work on the UDO.

When it comes to development and property rights I am a firm believer in “Don’t tell me what to do with my land!” That being said, I am also a firm believer that what you do with your land should not inflict harm upon your neighbors’ land.

Ted Owens

Why are you running for the Polk County Board of Commissioners?

It has always been my belief that a person should do what he /she can to help make the place one lives to be a better place. I think being a commissioner gives a person the opportunities to serve his fellowman in a very positive way that will include all citizens from youth to elder adults. This is the reason I worked to keep the adult day care in operation and I support our schools to enable our students to get an education that will help them be successful in life. Since we have become the majority, we have taken steps to improve the county’s emergency services to its citizens, helped improve employee moral, help protect the citizens by giving the sheriff’s Department needed personnel and giving them the necessary equipment such as vehicles to do the job. We have provided a place so that citizens can buy their tags in Polk County. The list goes on, however, I feel there is more to be done. After 13 years as a commissioner, I feel I have the ability and experience to do the job.

Yes, I agree wholeheartedly with the new Economic Development Policy & Strategic Plan.

Economic Development focuses on three types of activities:

1. Economic Development: i.e. new businesses settling in Polk County.

2. Economic Growth: i.e helping Polk County businesses grow, expand, diversify.

3. Economic Stability: i.e. helping existing businesses become more sustainable at their current levels.

We are also in the process of tying a number of pieces together for bolstering economic prosperity in Polk County: New and developing jobs, business nurturing and growth, and upgrading our economic development web site to better serve local business and job seekers. The goal is to make our County’s economic development strategy friendly to all levels of businesses, for people looking for job, and those needing job skills training.

The new policy & strategic plan ties these kinds of proactive actions together for the benefit of all County residents, businesses, services, and municipalities.

Finally, the new Economic Development Policy and Strategic Plan gives the commissioners (as it should be) the responsibility to set the strategic goals every year. (This would be with the advice of the ETDC, Farmland Preservation Board and the Economic Dev. Directors.)

What do you feel is the county’s next major capital need and how do you propose the county pay for that need?

The renovation or building of a new jail has been put off too long. We have to house female prisons and when we have an over flow of male prison in a jail outside the county. The cost of that since 2011 has been $195,628. Therefore, that needs to be the county’s next major capital project. The Commissioners, the County Manager and the Sheriff need to get together and decide how to determine to meet our needs and find the most economical way to provide this need.

“Water is Life”! Having been one of the commissioners involved in buying Lake Adger for the purpose of having it as a drinking water source and for that source to provide water for all citizens of Polk County. I will always want to ensure that Polk County citizens’ needs are met. The county now has approx 46 miles of water line all paid for. It was built with taxpayer’s money. ICWD has been and still is managing the county’s system. It has worked well for us and it has enabled the water rate to be kept low. Any agreement made must be an advantage to the citizens of Polk County. The county must retain ownership of the system and it must give relief to the taxpayer.

I have served on at least seven (7) different Commissioner Boards. The boards had different make ups. Majority Republican and majority Democrat (I even served on a 4 to 1 board with Democrats being the majority.) We disagreed at times, but we had respect for each other. For example the board made up of Tommy Melton, Warren Watson, Tom Pack, Harry Denton and myself debated the question but after the vote was taken we moved on to the next question and went forward. Even former Co. Mgr. Whitson said that board got more done than any board he had seen. I’d have to say with the last couple of boards that was not the case. As for myself (I can’t speak for anyone else) I would strive to respect all commissioners and their opinions and once the vote is taken move on.

Do you agree with the recent change in the public comment agenda item of commissioner meetings? If so, why? If not, how would you change how public comments are made?

No, I don’t agree with it for the simple reason it was my suggestion in 2004 that we allow citizen comments after each agenda item. (As far as I knew at that time we were the only county in N.C. that allowed citizens comment after each agenda item.) The purpose for this was to allow citizen input on topics that they had expertise in, thus allowing for better decision making on the part of the commissioners.

Again, in the last few years it has turned into political and personal attacks. The 2012 board removed the time limits for citizen comments. This unlimited time was abuse to the point that it became difficult to conduct county business in a timely manner.

The bottom line is I think it needs to be reinstated with different rules.

The original purpose was to combine all of the county’s ordinances into an easy readable and useable document. Under the leadership of Ray Gasperson and Renee McDermott ordinances were added that were not considerate of property rights and made it so restrictive that it made it almost impossible for a person to use their land. It brought the Saluda community to a partial standstill as far as growth. As one person told me that the UDO as it was modified was a good way to cut down on population and do backdoor zoning.

“Remember, Polk County is the garden spot of the world and there is no better place to Live, Worship God and play!” The challenge is for us to work together to keep it that way!

Sherrif Candidates

Donald Hill

Why are you running for Polk County Sheriff?

It is with a great sense of pride that I announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Polk County in 2014.

I am a native of Polk County and have had the opportunity to serve the citizens of this county since 1991 as an employee of the PCSO. I have held positions in each division of the Sheriff’s Office – from jailer up to my position as Sheriff.

Since my appointment to fill the unexpired term of the sheriff in November 2008 we have been a department dedicated to serving, educating and protecting you our citizens.

I feel that my years of service with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the opportunity to have worked in the many facets of this agency make me the best candidate to lead this department into the 21st century.

It is important to continue to make Polk County a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. This campaign is about the future of our citizens. The 2014 election is about the year 2014, 2024, and beyond. The decisions we make in 2014 will go a long way in determining the safety of our community for decades to come. That is why I’m asking for your vote in November. We must prepare for the future by embracing change and innovation, not dwelling on the past. This is not an election that is about political affiliation or any other social classification. My job as Sheriff is to be a sheriff of the people – the people of this county that I serve.

Thank you for this opportunity to continue to serve you!

What is your vision for the Polk County Jail? Do you think the county needs to build a new jail, upgrade the current jail or house all inmates in other counties? Do you think Polk County’s jail should in the future house women inmates and if so, how do you propose the county pay for required female jailers? If not, why?

The Polk County Jail/Sheriff’s Office was built in 1975 and is a 25 bed facility designed to house only male inmates. In the last several years discussions of a new facility have been broached by various entities. At the October 6, 2014 Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting, Chairman Ted Owens requested a work session to study the feasibility of a new facility. Each year our jail has a fire inspection by local officials as well as a state designated jail inspection. Both those agencies work with us to try to provide maximum safety and security given the age of the building.

Many times our facility is at full capacity, so we are required to house inmates – male and female – at other detention centers. There is a cost per inmate, per day, associated with that. So far in 2014 we have spent $93,999.32 in housing inmates out of county, and a total of $195,628 since 2012. If we had a larger facility we could allocate that money elsewhere rather than out of county housing. For example, that money could be used instead to increase the staffing level of detention officers. As a point of clarification the Polk County Sheriff’s Office currently employs both male and female detention officers.

Do you feel the sheriff’s office is properly staffed? What positions, if any, do you think are needed in Polk County?

In my six years as Sheriff I have advocated for more positions and am appreciative of the work of our county commissioners to help reach some of those goals. My goal is to eventually get patrol officers to a level to sufficiently cover our citizens. I am a firm believer that officers should be zoned into a community to achieve a one on one aspect with citizens in that community, which is a crucial aspect of community policing. Since becoming Sheriff I have increased patrol from two deputies to three per shift. The growth our county is experiencing – such as the Tryon International Equestrian Facility – will require additional personnel. The loss of a D.A.R.E./Drug Prevention Officer was a tough blow to our efforts to educate our children. I hope to replace this program into our schools as soon as possible. Animal Control is another area I hope to add staffing. At one point in previous administrations there were two officers assigned to Animal Control; currently we only have one position funded in that department. Animal control complaints are on the rise so additional staffing will provide a more efficient/effective response for these issues.

Do you feel Polk County Schools are properly secured with the recent addition of school resource officers? If so, why? If not, what would you do to increase security at Polk County Schools?

Providing security to our schools and students is something that requires constant attention. I was privileged to be a part of the school security task force Polk County organized in wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy. This task force was composed of local school leaders, county leaders, and various local law enforcement personnel. Two years ago the school resource officers were not a part of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as they had been in previous years. Polk County Schools worked with the PCSO and the Board of Commissioners to originally create two school resource officer positions which were under the direction of the Sheriff. During the summer of 2014 we were also able to add a third position. Currently one SRO is assigned specifically to Polk County High School while the other two positions work the other schools. Our road officers also walk the schools on a daily basis as well. We are always researching funding opportunities for additional SROs but the task force also identified other areas as ways to enhance school security. I would also point out the assistance we receive from both Saluda PD and Tryon PD with the schools that sit in their respective jurisdictions in conjunction with our SROs. I believe that constant training between law enforcement and school personnel is essential and crucial in the safety of our children.

Law enforcement is often criticized by residents for what some say are excessive traffic checkpoints throughout the county. What is your view of checkpoints and why do you think they are necessary? If you think they are not necessary, why?

I can only speak of the checkpoints involving the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Checkpoints, or as I like to refer to them as information points are necessary and have their purpose. They allow us to monitor traffic during times we have an increased volume of criminal activity in a particular community. Information about suspicious individuals and/or certain activities can be provided to us by citizens. There are charges that come from these information points – such as DWIs and drug charges that help keep the citizens of Polk County a little more safe. Information points such as these have lead to the recovery of stolen property which lead to the arrests of breaking and entering suspects in the county, drug arrests that lead to the locations of meth labs in the county, and arrests of suspects wanted for severe crimes in other counties who had relocated to Polk County.

Also we participate in the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. Participation in this program gets us equipment at no cost and also has allowed us to cost share a patrol officer position. We are required by the program to hold two checkpoints a month – one in the daytime (minimum one hour) and one in the nighttime (minimum two hours).

I want our citizens to understand that the Sheriff’s Office isn’t trying to harass or inconvenience our citizens as a result of these information points/checkpoints. If my officers are there, it is for a reason.

What do you think is the top crime in Polk County and what do you plan to do as sheriff?

There are two crimes for me that go hand in hand – larceny and drugs. Larcenies are primarily a result of individuals supporting their narcotics habit. Since becoming Sheriff I have two officers whose primary goal is to work areas of the county where we have complaints of narcotics. We have increased technology at the Sheriff’s Office to assist our detectives in tracking stolen property and arresting suspects. My goal in the upcoming year is to increase the Sheriff’s Office community policing program by having community meetings to educate our citizens on prevention, current crimes in the area, and volunteer programs for citizens to become more actively involved in their community.

Pat Staggs

Why are you running for Polk County Sheriff?

I have been a resident of Polk County for 29 years, my wife is from Polk County and both my children were raised here. I have dedicated the last 29 years of my life serving the citizens of North Carolina and look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of Polk County. I believe that our county will be changing very rapidly in the next several years. I think it is very important that all of our county leaders are preparing the proper infrastructure to keep up with this growth. Our law enforcement and safety and security needs have and will continue to change with this growth and I believe I have the ability to provide the proper leadership and build the proper team to meet these needs for Polk County’s future.

I think it is clear that our current jail is not adequate to meet our needs and the county jail is a necessary obligation to assure the safety and security of the inmates in Polk County as well as the safety of our communities. The county is using the Transylvania County Jail to house many of our inmates in Brevard. The expense of paying other counties to house our inmates, most facilities charge between $40.00 to $60.00 dollars per inmate per day, the expense of paying deputies to transport these inmates back and forth to legal proceedings as well as the safety and security of moving sometimes dangerous inmates, should all be considered when making the decision on how best to face this challenge. Another factor we need to consider is that while it does not relieve the county of the cost of the inmate’s medical needs or the civil liability of housing inmates, these counties will have to give priority to their needs prior to ours. While the operation of a jail will never be profitable, there are factor’s to be consider to assist us with the cost of building a facility. These include participation in the State Misdemeanor Confinement Program, which the state pays the county to house misdemeanant inmates as well as commissary programs to bring income back to our county. I believe if we build a facility, we should build a facility that will meet the needs of Polk County for the future to include the ability to house female inmates. The county will have to continue to hire female detention officers, as they do now, whether we house female inmates or not, due to the pretrial females that are taken into custody in Polk County for search and detainment purposes until transportation can be provided.

Do you feel the sheriff’s office is properly staffed? What positions, if any, do you think are needed in Polk County?

I do believe that the Sheriff’s Department is properly staffed with full time employees to meet the current needs of our county. I believe that an increase in part time personnel would be a great asset to assist with providing quality law enforcement services to the citizens of Polk County. I believe there is a necessity to restructure the current positions to assure that the span of control for supervision is in line with personnel they are supervising and to also assure we have the proper amount of personnel patrolling our county for the safety of our officers as well as the safety and security of all our communities. I believe having only two officers working at night, which seems to be a common practice, is not only dangerous for our personnel, but ineffective in assuring we are providing proactive crime prevention and assistance when needed to our local municipalities and other emergency service agencies.

Do you feel Polk County Schools are properly secured with the recent addition of school resource officers? If so, why? If not, what would you do to increase security at Polk County Schools?

I was very concerned for our children’s safety when we lost our resource officers in our schools and thankful that during the long period we had no officers, we had no major events to threaten their safety. I do believe that the recent addition of school resource officers is a good start to improve the security of our schools. When I started in law enforcement 29 years ago, I never guessed we would see a day that we would have to worry about someone willfully hurting our children in our schools. I believe along with putting our officers back in our schools comes a responsibility to assure we build the partnerships with our school system to provide the right officers for these positions and that we provide these officers with the training and tools to assure the safety and security of the school. I also believe we have a responsibility to provide the training for these officers so they are able to mentor and provide programs to assist out youth with the challenges they are facing in today’s society.

North Carolina State law allows law enforcement officers to conduct vehicle check points as a tool to make the highways safer for our citizens and to reduce criminal activity in our communities. Agencies are required, when conducting checkpoints to comply with the state law and their departmental policy. I believe these checkpoints are a valuable tool to remove dangerous drivers, remove dangerous illegal substances from our communities and arrest persons involved in criminal activity. I believe that most citizens will agree that the value of this tool, when used to make our community’s safer, far out way the inconvenience of the law abiding citizens that may be stopped for a moment when encountering one of these checkpoints.

What do you think is the top crime in Polk County and what do you plan to do as sheriff?

The illegal use and sale of controlled substances is a serious issue across North Carolina as well as in our communities of Polk County. The substances available now are so dangerous and cause severe substance abuse problems that lead to the increase of violent crimes as well as property crimes in our communities. I believe we have to take a strong stand against the manufacturing, sale and possession of these substances through education and proactive enforcement.

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