Q: What changes do you think the jail needs? Are you going to change the way inmates are punished with food?
A: Everything I plan to improve at the jail is policy-driven and grounded in the Constitution. The 8th and 14th Amendments protect against cruel and unusual punishment and ensure due process. I’ll update all policies to modern standards using ACA, DOJ, and Kentucky Department of Corrections guidance so the jail is safe, professional, and fully compliant.
As for the second question — no. Inmates cannot be punished with food. The 8th and 14th Amendments prohibit that, and ACA, DOJ, and Kentucky DOC standards require regular, nutritionally adequate meals regardless of behavior.
Q: How will you keep the public informed about jail conditions, incidents, and operational challenges? Transparency?
A: Transparency will be measured by results: fewer or no major fiscal deficiencies in state audits, a reduction in federal 1983 civil-rights lawsuits, and fewer incidents that attract unwanted media attention. Those results will speak for themselves.
Q: Are you going to be a working jailer — not just someone who sits in the office? Will you hire family or significant others? Will you work with known corrupt officials?
A: Yes, I’ll be a working jailer. I’ve done nearly every task a deputy jailer does, and I believe the jailer must be capable of working on the floor. But it’s also an executive-level leadership role, and strong policy and professional ethics are essential.
There will be appropriate hiring and personnel policies in place. Professionalism and fairness come first.
I have always maintained my integrity, and I won’t let what others do compromise me. I also will not tolerate unethical conduct within the correctional center. My focus is accountability, integrity, and raising the standard for the entire facility.
Q: Why should citizens choose you over the other candidates?
A: I’m running for the office, not against any person. Ultimately, the voters of Meade County will decide who is best prepared to run the Meade County Jail. People should vote for the candidate who can professionally run a modern detention center.
As a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and retired Columbus police officer, I bring real experience in street-level criminal-justice work, command responsibility, budgeting, personnel management, and standards-based operations. My focus is on professionalism, accountability, and raising the standard of safety and care at the jail — not politics or popularity.
Voter Response:
“Sir the last sentence was the answer I wanted — thank you, you got my vote sir.”