Election season is underway in Adams County as 15 countywide offices are up for grabs.

Some 54 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring to be on the ballots for the elections that begin with party primaries Aug. 6 and culminate with the general election on Nov. 5.

Today, The Natchez Democrat begins a series profiling the candidates for each of the races beginning with profiles of each of the five candidates for the Adams County Sheriff position.

All of the candidates submitted responses to the same five questions given to them by The Natchez Democrat. Candidates’ answers were limited to no more than 150 words.

Question 1: Do you think there should be a change in leadership at the Adams County Sheriff’s Office? Why or why not?

Jerry Ford:  To the constituents of Adams County, it is my belief that change in leadership is warranted.  Whenever you have a sheriff who is not holding himself accountable for all the crimes being committed in his county, a change is needed. As you know 2018 was not a good year for Adams County where we witnessed an increase in violent crimes against our citizens. This was one of the bloodiest years in recent history for our community, where we saw adolescences and youth taking guns into their hands and shooting people for senseless crimes. In a January 2019 news article published by The Natchez Democrat, the sheriff gave a statement saying, he has a “record low number of murders for the county, only two.” When in fact, the county had 14 murders. As sheriff, your responsibility is to be accountable to all the citizens of Adams County. You cannot hesitate to render assistance to your local law enforcement agencies. Transparency is a must. Plans must be implemented and tactics deployed to curve violence.

Tom Grennell:  Yes, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office needs a change in leadership. Specifically, we need a sheriff who is in tune with the citizens of our community, one who will enforce the laws for all of our citizens and one who is committed to keeping Adams County citizens safe. We also need a sheriff who is fiscally responsible and transparent with our citizens. Finally, with the population decreasing and jobs leaving the area, we need a sheriff who will not waste taxpayers’ hard-earned money on every shiny new toy that hits the market.

Adam Kirk:  Any challenger seeking an elected office should believe that a change in leadership is needed to better serve the people. That in fact, should be the basis for running for any office. I, like my fellow opposing candidates, believe change is needed. I believe there are many opportunities for improvement concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of the sheriff’s office. Our community is facing many challenges; an economic financial crisis, rising crime rates, a substantial increase in violent crime and a general uncertainty of future development among our citizens. Identifying organizational weakness and taking corrective action within the department are critical to the overall success of our community. I have the knowledge, experience and desire to move our sheriff’s office forward in organizational excellence and fiscal responsibility.

Travis Patten:  As the current sheriff, my answer is no, but allow me to explain why. During our 2015 campaign, there were several promises we made the citizens of Adams County. Our commitment of ‘Connecting Our Communities’ has been proven. We promised to engage our youth and build a rapport between young people and law enforcement. We’ve done that. We listen to them, encourage them and try to be a positive influence for them.

Additionally, we are preventing and solving major crimes. The first year of my administration, we didn’t have a murder committed in the county. Subsequent murders are quickly followed by arrests. Some have already received their sentences, while others are awaiting trial. There are currently no unsolved murders in the county that were committed under my administration. Our amazing staff has a heart for the community, and I believe you see that when they are called upon to serve.

Brian Seyfarth: I do believe we need a leadership change in the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, for the betterment of the county, our reputation and the safety of our citizens. In recent years there have been an unprecedented and completely unacceptable number of murders in our county, as well as the number of suspects in custody, at the sheriff’s jailhouse.

Question 2: What is the biggest issue facing the Adams County Sheriff’s Office?

Ford: A lack of transparency with the administration. There is no openness, communications or accountability being shown to reflect positive outcomes in our community. As Sheriff, you cannot restrict access to knowledge and information from other agencies. You must collaborate and cooperate with outside agencies to gain successful outcomes rather than a central authority. The lines of communication have to remain open and there must be two-way feedback from all sources. Accountability has to be met by the sheriff so he can make good decisions and laws affecting his citizens.

Grennell: The biggest issue facing the ACSO is inexperienced leadership. This inexperience has led to a lack of communication with our citizens and with law enforcement agencies in our community. This inexperience has also contributed to a steadily increasing budget that needs to be brought back to realistic spending.

Kirk: There is no “one biggest issue” answer here. It’s much more complex and multifaceted. I’ll try to limit it to three of the most imposing current issues. First, public confidence within the community. The sheriff’s office should strive to be as transparent as possible, display complete fairness to all people, have an open line of communication with the public, be competent and professional in the handling and building of criminal cases, adhering to legalities and taking ownership of mistakes by addressing and correcting them.

Making the budget work for the department is another challenge. Salaries, equipment, vehicle expenses, maintenance expenditures and unexpected costs should all be planned for and executed within the given budget.

Lastly, maintaining an internal accountability program is paramount to leading and managing any successful organization. This is a challenge because we naturally shy away from admitting our own shortcomings and mistakes. Making success stories out of failures only prevents improvement.

Patten: One of our largest challenges at ACSO is the growing number of calls our office handles within the City Limits of Natchez. We are taking more than double the calls with the same number of staff. It’s a major load on the backs of our deputies, but we are willing to do what is necessary to improve the lives of our citizens. We care about everyone in the city and would love to be able to assist everyone in need. However, our office isn’t staffed to handle the number of calls we’re currently responding to within the city limits. In an effort to assist, we created a special response team. We spend countless hours working in the city and are doing all we can to help but our resources limit our reach.

Seyfarth: I believe the biggest issue facing the Adams County Sheriff’s Office is the lack of deputy experience and the wisdom acquired from that experience. While I cannot directly provide someone with experience, I can work to ensure better training, education and retention for the department. This will give the current deputies the proper tools and environment to cultivate a long career and to serve the community better. Additionally, this will help to attract more qualified candidates to the department.

Question 3: What are two main objectives you would want to accomplish if elected Adams County Sheriff?

Ford:  First, if elected Sheriff of Adams County, my first objective is to reduce crime. I plan to take the guns out of our youths’ hands and place them where they belong, in the hands of responsible adults. I will work with local law enforcement leaders to formulate strategic plans so that we can successfully take back our streets and make the community a safe and caring environment once again. I will also educate parents on the importance of protecting their kids from gun violence.

Second, I would like to engage in promoting economic growth within Adams County. Communities that have a low crime rate are always appealing to entrepreneurs and industries seeking relocation. I will work with our county and municipal officials to enhance the quality of life for all of Adams County. This will be accomplished by cleaning up our streets and roads from murders, robberies, burglaries and larcenies, as well as protecting the assets of citizens and businesses.

Grennell: If I were elected Sheriff of Adams County, my first objective would be to put a huge dent in the out-of-control crime rate in our small community. It is unacceptable. I will accomplish this objective by getting citizens involved in their sheriff’s office by having an “open door” policy with the citizens, build trust between law enforcement and citizens again, create relationships between deputies and the citizens. I am open to ideas from community members. I will re-establish and re-open the Southwest Mississippi Training Academy’s Firing Range to the public.

I would reduce the sheriff’s office budget. No one likes talking about budget cuts but the citizens of Adams County are already stretched financially. There are ways the budget can be reduced, such as reducing the number of law enforcement vehicles taken home by only allowing this for certified deputies, and by being fiscally smart, such as only purchasing things that are truly needed.

Kirk: My primary objectives as sheriff will be providing the highest quality law enforcement services to our citizens while also maintaining good fiscal responsibility. Our crime is rising, our population is decreasing, and our costs are expanding beyond reason.

Our Deputies have an extremely difficult and dangerous job. As sheriff, it will be my responsibility to lead by example, to ensure every employee is given the proper training, tools and clear expectations to fulfill their duties efficiently and safely.

I will implement strong proactive policing policies to better deter and prevent crime.

I will also practice community policing to promote trust and build good relationships with our citizens.

Lastly, I will commit to a hands-on approach of fiscal responsibility. We will not spend taxpayers’ monies for unnecessary personnel, materials or equipment. The backbone of any sheriff’s office is its patrol division and that is where the majority of funds should be directed.

Patten: One thing we are diligently working on and will continue if re-elected is how law enforcement engages and serves the mentally ill. The burden of responsibility falls on us who are in a position to change the way things are done. The mental health community is in need of a champion and we want to answer the call.

The next objective that I am working toward is reducing the incidences of teen suicide. I have attended the funeral of several teens who have lost their lives to suicide, and it’s heartbreaking. The struggles facing our young people are often ignored. We will continue to engage our young people, assist our parents and lead in a manner that all citizens of Adams County can be proud of. We have the resources and knowledge to change our community, and I am honored to continue to lead in this manner.

Seyfarth: The two main objectives I would like to accomplish if elected, are to reduce the violent crime plaguing our community and to restore the fractured faith in the department. Addressing the violence is the easier of the two objectives. We know who is involved. We just need to do a more diligent job of arresting them when they violate the law, collecting evidence to ensure more convictions. This will get the offenders off of our streets and reduce crime. While restoring the faith will take time; it will be better for both the community and the deputies serving it. Training and education are the keys to creating an officer who will respond correctly to a given situation. What makes a law enforcement officer’s job honorable is the service he provides to the community. I am here, and those under my command are here to “Protect and Serve” our community.

Question 4: What experience do you have that uniquely qualifies you for the Adams County Sheriff’s position? 

Ford:  It is my opinion that anyone seeking the highest law enforcement office of the county should be highly educated and experienced. I’m the only candidate that currently holds both a bachelor of science and master’s degree. I have numerous certifications and training certificates in all phases of law enforcement. I have 21 years of law enforcement experience with the Natchez Police Department where I currently serve as supervisor of the alpha watch. Other positions held include public information officer, detective and local Fraternity Order of Police president.

Grennell: I have 27 continuous years of law enforcement experience. I have worked at all levels within law enforcement. I began as a patrolman, moved to the narcotics division, and then I was a criminal investigator, (I had a 90% clearance rate in solving various felony crimes, such as robberies, murders, rapes, aggravated assaults) and other crimes. I am proud to have been a part of law enforcement and helping get these perpetrators off our streets.

I currently hold the position of criminal investigator at the Adams County District Attorney’s Office and have held that position for 11 years, working in Adams, Amite, Franklin and Wilkinson counties. I will bring honesty and fairness to the office of Adams County Sheriff and feel our community needs a change in leadership. I offer my experience and knowledge to the citizens of Adams County to make a difference in our community. My word is my bond!

Kirk: I began my adult career by enlisting in the U.S. Army at 17 years old. I served in combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom as a Cavalry Scout. During this time, I participated in over 300 combat missions. Upon being honorably discharged, I began my law enforcement career. I served with several agencies, sometimes simultaneously, for many years. During my law enforcement career, I’ve served as a patrol officer, K-9 handler, shift supervisor, special response team commander, training officer, narcotics officer, police chief, parole agent and elected Adams County constable. I’ve also maintained a career as an organizational improvement specialist and environmental, health & safety manager. I’ve worked with large corporations across the nation as a consultant and advisor, tasked with identifying organizational weaknesses and providing training and solutions. My law enforcement/military background combined with my experience in management and organizational improvement provides unique qualifications for the office of Sheriff.

Patten:  As the incumbent in this race, I have the knowledge and skills to run the sheriff’s office. My background in law enforcement prepared me to deal with investigations and criminals, but my experience in the United States Navy, prepared me to lead. As a veteran, I do not take for granted the sacrifices made by all law enforcement and remember serving alongside people who didn’t live, think or vote like me, but we honored each other with our lives. That is an invaluable quality that has aided me greatly in this office. Additionally, I have been able to use my experience in finance as a certified mortgage loan officer, to ensure that we present and operate within a balanced budged each year. This allows us to maintain public trust with taxpayer’s funds. Finally, my faith in God has also assisted me in leading at the ACSO with moral integrity.

Seyfarth: What makes me uniquely qualified for the position of Sheriff of Adams County is my 20 years of experience serving our community. I have served for the past 18 years with the Natchez Police Department, and two more years with the Adams County Sheriffs Office. I attribute my 97% conviction rate, to the outstanding training, and education I was afforded by the outstanding leadership of some of the best police chiefs and sheriffs our community has known. I believe now it is my responsibility to pass this knowledge down to the next generation of future leaders.

Question 5: How would the relationship between the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Natchez Police Department work under your leadership?

Ford:  If elected sheriff, I will work hand in hand with our chief of police to protect our city and county.  I will bridge the gap of communications by having an openness to accept changes that are needed to enhance both agencies. I will allow deputies to work within the city of Natchez to ensure safety and protection, whether it be part-time employment, parade details or other tactical deployments.

My goal is simple, I want the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Natchez Police Department to be the top leading law enforcement agencies in this state and country.

Grennell: I will strengthen the bridge between the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Natchez Police Department. This will be a top priority for me if I am elected sheriff. As a former Natchez Police officer for 16 years, I have an excellent professional relationship with the Natchez Police Department leadership, as well as its officers and staff. I will work closely with NPD, and any other law enforcement agency that asks for help. We must make communication between the agencies a top priority for the safety of our law enforcement officers as well as for the safety of our citizens.  We must all work together as a law enforcement unit.

Kirk: The sheriff’s office and police department should work hand in hand. Both agencies share the same common goal, public safety. The notion of city problems vs. county problems is simply wrong and must go away. The City of Natchez is the only municipality in Adams County and in turn has the most population and crime. Often times, crimes in the city are linked to county residents and vice versa. We are one community and should work together to address all community problems. There must be a strong relationship between county and city agencies. Who has what title and who gets what credit shouldn’t be determining factors for multi-jurisdictional support. As sheriff, I will always place the best interests of the community first. There must be mutual respect and courtesy between department heads to move forward. As sheriff, I pledge to support our police department to ensure the highest quality of services to all of our citizens.

Patten:  Over the last three years, we have proven our willingness to work with NPD. We are consistently offering assistance, although it is not always received. When high risk warrants need to be served for the city, we have responded as requested. We are currently working together on “Project Eject” with the NPD, The ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office. There is always room for improvement, and I will be the first to admit that there are some obstacles in place that prevent the most viable solutions from being promoted. However, as sheriff, I will continue to offer any support that enhances the lives of Adams County citizens. I would like to see open communication from all shifts with NPD, along with cooperation with investigations. It is cooperation that produces the best results for all of Adams County.

Seyfarth: The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Natchez Police Department do have, and have had, challenges in the past. As sheriff, I will be working intimately with the deputies under my command. I have worked intimately with the Natchez Police Department for years, and have a strong relationship with our current police chief. Because of this, bringing the two departments closer together will be much easier than it has ever been. I plan to institute an annual Law Enforcement Ball. This would bring the officers and their significant others, from both departments, together for a social engagement. A unified law enforcement community will more effectively serve our community as a whole.