Posted: 10/17/06
Sheriff candidate Doug Ely
Houston County has two sheriff candidates on the November 7 general election ballot, Doug Ely and Ken Frank.
Here is a profile of Ely.
1) Why are you running for sheriff?
I am running for Sheriff, because I believe that every person in Houston County has the right to have a Sheriffís Department that can protect and serve its citizens in the most effective way possible. We need to get back into the people business. Protect and serve is the motto for every law enforcement agency in this country, Now, is the time for that motto to be more then just words on a Police Car. It is time that we protect and serve our County. It is time for a change.
2) What experiences qualify you for this job?
With my Law Enforcement education and background, and my Managerial experience I have the knowledge and the ability to make the changes that need to be made in the Sheriffís Office. I have made a budget from start to finish for a multi-million dollar business and followed it through to the end. I have what it takes to make the Sheriffís Department run like a successful business should.
3) What are the biggest challenges that the department faces?
To make the public feel like the Police are on there side. The people I have talked to, say they feel like the Sheriffís Department goes out of there way to have a reason to stop them. There are much bigger challenges that all Law Enforcement Departments face. We need to make sure the Sheriffís Office works well with all other Law Enforcement agencies in the County to get the bad guys off the streets. The countyís peace of mind will come with a job well done.
4) What works well in the department and what could be improved?
The Office as a whole works good, there are problems that most businesses have. With any business that has several employees you will always have some sort of problems. As Sheriff, I will make sure that the Sheriffís Office works with every agency in the County not just Law Enforcement, not caring who gets the credit for an arrest but making sure that the criminal getís their punishment.
5) What is your opinion on the proposed new jail and criminal justice center?
I donít know anyone that does not think we do not need a new jail. The problem that I have is how the whole thing is going down. We the people paying for this monster have no say what so ever, as to how big it is going to be or how big it should be. I know that we have people in charge, that we put there to make these decisions for us. I would like to see the next Sheriff have some sort of input to the new jail. The Sheriff is going to be held responsible for the jail.
6. Any other comments?
I would like to thank all the people I have talked to, and I want you to know that I also listened. I know it is not the size of your sign or how many you have that matters. I could have listed all the reasons that I should be the next Sheriff of Houston County. I think I will leave it to the voters of Houston County. They know itís time for some change.
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