AUGUST 5, 2012 THE TIMES-UNION L-11

voter guide

Putnam county Sheriff

Democrat

Putnam tax collector

Democrat

Jed BedenBaugh

Age: 48 Education: Associates degree, Vincennes University; Sante Fe Police Academy Family: Divorced; children Lyndsey, Jerri Mae, Mit; one grandchild Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: 21 years in criminal justice. He has worked in different capacities for the Crescent City Police Department, Palatka Police Department and the Putnam County Sheriffs Office. Past positions include; corrections deputy, patrol deputy, school resource officer, evidence custodian, crime scene technician, uniform and supply officer and fleet manager. Most important issues: As sheriff, my main focus will be to improve the morale of the officers and support staff. All the employees of the Sheriffs Office are what make the Sheriffs Office. It is my intention to improve the quality of services, by improving the tone of the Sheriffs Office and reassuring the staff that their work matters. I will insist on a sense of pride and belief in this organization. What changes to the departments operation will the citizens of Putnam County see first? The tone at the top will be that of dedication to duty and knowing the value of all employees those who have experience, those who pursue professional development and those who demand excellence in their work. Recognition, appropriate promotion, reasonable reward and staff opportunities will be the basis for improving morale at the Sheriffs Office. Improved morale will do more than improve the lives of these individuals it will improve the bottom line and the public services. Less turnover and quality improvement will be the most measurable (and immediate) returns of my focus. rePublican

Reno Fells

Age: 46 Education: Masters degree, Public Administration, University of North Florida; bachelors degree, Business Administration. Family: Wife, Angelia; children, Reno Jr., Reniqua, Josh, Renada, Remahn, Justin Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: Advanced training in management, leadership, policing and community involvement. I wrote and managed the city of Palatkas Weed and Seed Grant and coordinated over 50 local state and federal resources toward reducing crime in the north side of Palatka. I have strategic planning experience Most important issues: County currently ranks the second worse in Florida per capita for crime, overcrowding in the Putnam County Jail, and a disconnect between the Sheriff, the Sheriffs Office and the community. How would you deal with budget cuts? The sheriff has no taxing authority in Putnam County; however, I think we should always try to avoid raising taxes when many of our citizens are struggling to make ends meet. The County Commission has provided the sheriff with the financial resources to operate. The sheriff has to have the ability to translate those resources into quality law enforcement services and the care, custody and control of inmates. What changes to the departments operation will the citizens of Putnam County see over first? They will see a more strategic approach to policing, budgeting and management. They will experience a sheriff that is interactive and hands on with the citizens. A heightened level of professionalism and courtesy of deputies, correctional personnel, dispatchers and civilian staff. Also a community-oriented law enforcement and corrections agency.

JeFF haRdy

Age: 46 Education: Associates degree, Vincennes University, cum laude Family: Wife, Susan (25 years) Previous elected offices: Putnam County sheriff Qualifications: My experience. I not only have 24 years of law enforcement experience but I have a firsthand working knowledge of every aspect of the Sheriffs Office as well. And that is because I have worked my way up through the ranks and I have personally done almost every job in the agency at one time or another. However, beyond all of that, I am the only one running for this office that has been a sheriff. Most important issues: 1) Fiscal responsibility. Given the economic reality faced by the federal, state and local governments, thats a huge issue in every political race in the nation. My administration has been very frugal with tax dollars and I have returned money from my budget to the county at the end of every fiscal year that I have been in office. 2) Continuing to lower the crime rate in the county. We have made significant progress in that area during my first three years in office. How would you deal with budget cuts? I have been extremely frugal with taxpayer dollars and have returned money from my allotted budget to the county every year. On the other hand, if we were faced with a budget cut, we would not favor cutting services. We would find a way to do more with less. What changes to the departments operation will the citizens of Putnam County see first? We are doing a good job and I think its important that we have the opportunity to continue to build upon the successful foundation that we have laid during my first term.

sCott i. simmons

Age: 50 Education: Bachelors degree, criminology, Florida State University; St. Augustine Law Enforcement Academy Family: Wife, Jan (16 years); children, Mac, Heather, Josh Previous Elected offices: None Qualifications: My 25 years of law enforcement experience, 23.5 of which were spent at the Putnam County Sheriffs Office. During my service at the Putnam County Sheriffs Office, I worked in almost every law enforcement position available, to include: patrol deputy, youth resource officer, juvenile court bailiff, civil deputy, drug investigator, property crimes investigator, persons crimes investigator, homicide and death investigator, property crimes supervisor at the rank of sergeant, assistant chief of the detective division at the rank of lieutenant and undersheriff at the rank of colonel. Most important issues: Jail overcrowding, drugs, crime rate, officer retention and compensation, and the budget. How would you deal with budget cuts: I feel that cutting any law enforcement services would be detrimental to the citizens and the community. This is an issue that must be decided by those in the position to raise taxes. What changes to the departments operation will the citizens of Putnam County see first? The main change that citizens will see is a true open door policy. As sheriff, I will make myself and all command staff very accessible to the community. The Sheriffs Office belongs to the citizens and they have a right to know, and be able to examine, the practices of the agency.

ChRissy haRRell hammond

Age: 41 Education: AA, Bachelors in accounting, MBA concentration in accounting Family: Divorced; daughters, Logan, Mia Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: My strongest qualifications for this office are my education, experience and love for my community. I have been auditing governmental entities and nonprofits for the last four years, including Putnam County and its constitutional officers. Most important issues: Customer service, efficiency, continuous improvement, community service.

I served. Most important issues: 1) Analyzing the new policies and procedures to implement concerning compliance with the rewrite of the authorizing legislation, Florida Statute 197; 2) Working with tax collector staff to continually improve operations for both efficiency of daily operations and effective, timely service to our customers.

leota d. wilkinson

linda myeRs

Age: 60 Education: Bachelors and masters degrees, University of Florida Family: Husband, Vernon (15 years); six children, nine grandchildren Previous elected offices: County commissioner, 19982006 Qualifications: Thirty years of owning and operating Dunkin Donuts Store in Palatka, I understand the success of great service to customers and 18 years as a practicing CPA, with my own CPA firm. Knowledge working with tax laws and regulations. My eight years as county commissioner in Putnam County introduced me to the diverse communities their challenges and solutions, but most importantly, the citizens rePublican

Age: 42 Education: Bachelors degree, Public Administration, Flagler College Family: Husband, Eugene (24 years); sons Shawn, Thomas, Timothy Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: My 27 years combined governmental and private sector work experience, along with my education, makes me the most well-rounded and qualified candidate. My 15 years governmental work experience comes from St. Johns River Water Management District, where I spent five years in the Department of Finance and Accounting and 10 years in the Division of Real Estate Services. Most important issues: 1) Uphold the constitutional responsibilities of the Tax Collector 2) Help improve performance and customer service and 3) Ensure the accountability of the Tax Collectors office for the benefit of the people.

Julianne holmesyoung

BRent Coates

Age: 52 Education: Bachelors degree, Barry University; Certified Public Manager, Florida State University Family: Wife, Kendra (29 years); daughter, Samantha Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: 31 years of experience, 28 years with

the Florida Highway Patrol. Retired as a major, honorary promotion to lieutenant colonel. 15 years adjunct faculty University of North Florida Institute of Police Technology & Management. Most important issues: Create trust and transparency in all operations of the Sheriffs Office, budget reduction,

reduce crime, drug-related issues, retention of PCSO employees, minority recruitment, animal control, overcrowding at the jail. How would you deal with budget cuts? Learn and adapt to provide the same level of service with less because of the tough economic times we are facing.

What changes to the departments operation will the citizens of Putnam County see first? A sheriff who is out in the community, approachable and able to be contacted by members throughout the community.

tom williams
No response

Putnam Superintendent
Democrat

Cynthia asia

Age: 61 Education: Masters in Educational Leadership, Florida A&M University; bachelors in Elementary Education/ Early Childhood Education, Bethune-Cookman University Family: n/a Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: With a wealth of experience as an educational leader for more than 35 years and a commitment to lead with integrity, professionalism and a common sense approach, I want to make a positive impact on students and all employees. I bring 35 years as a successful leader in education in Putnam County. I have a proven success record as a classroom teacher, adjunct professor for Bethune-Cookman University, guidance counselor, principal of two schools, coordinator and director of Elementary Education and area director of Instruction. rePublican

Most important issues: Student achievement, employee morale, curriculum and accountability. Employee morale is extremely low. I will provide opportunities for employees to communicate and offer ideas that will have a positive impact on student achievement.

Jim RoaCh

Age: 59 Education: Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Nova University; bachelors in Education from Northern Illinois University Family: Wife, Vicki (41 years); son Patrick, daughter Jamie Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: 33 years in education with proven success leading Beasley Middle School to its only B rating the schools history. When principal at Beasley Middle School, we had the lowest incident of violence in the county. Positions held: teacher, coach, dean of students, assistant principal,

principal for 7 years, and a district level administrator. Lived in Palatka for 25 years. Most important issues: Morale of employees is at an all-time low due to fear and threat tactics by the current superintendent. Mandated curriculum from district office which is not working such as Success for All Reading program and the Math Power Teaching program. Lack of traditional Vocational Programs for noncollege-bound students.

tom townsend

Age: 52 Education: Associates degree, St. Johns River State College Family: Wife, Denise; children Sarah, Duncan, Emma. Previous elected offices: Putnam County School Board 2004-2008, Putnam County School superintendent 2008-present Qualifications: My strongest qualification is my record, a record which includes the

highest graduation rate in 7 years and two B high schools for the first time ever. The most improved district in Florida in algebra and more than 1,800 students are participating in after-school programs. We have cleaner schools which are tops in the state in energy efficiency and statewide recognition in leadership and full accreditation. More parents are involved in our schools than ever and our teacher salaries rank 15th in the state. Most important issues: This campaign is about choosing a direction. Will we continue to take bold steps in holding one another accountable for delivering a quality education, embracing technology, providing professional development for our teachers, and being efficient with taxpayers money or will we return to the failed policies of the past?

Age: 29 Education: Bachelors degree, Stetson University Family: Husband, George; son Jackson Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: The foundation I have in my unique education, the relevant business experience I have gained over the past decade in a variety of managerial roles and my genuine desire to serve our community. I have been employed at Beck Automotive Group over the last decade. I am directly responsible for all aspects of the daily operations to include accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and related tax matters. Most important issues: Improving customer service. I will find ways to recapture lost revenue, increase office efficiency and make the office more user-friendly. The Tax Collectors Office exists to serve the citizens of Putnam County. Citizens should expect, and under my leadership will receive, friendly service with a sense of urgency.

BRad PuRCell

Age: 50 Education: Bachelors degree, Business, Jacksonville

University Family: Wife, Katie (29 years); sons Scott, Greg Previous elected offices: Putnam County commissioner, three terms; elected 2000, reelected 2004 and 2008. Qualifications: I am an accomplished and highly qualified professional with almost 30 years of private, public and industrial sector experience; a business leader with a strong background in managing a very diverse workforce and a wide-variety of resources. And experience in the boardroom, during tough economic times, serving as a three-term Putnam County commissioner. As your elected leader, I am responsible for establishing all organizational and administrative policies, spending priorities managing a $102 million budget and 285 employees. Most important issues: To improve the delivery of service to our citizens to make the tax office the most efficient office in Florida. To assure all of your hardearned tax dollars are collected and distributed in accordance with all applicable laws lead the replacement of a needed upgrade of the offices financial system. I will make the transition seamless and our team will be highly qualified and capable.

Putnam county Judge

GrouP 1

tito s. smith

Phyllis CRiswell

Age: 57 Education: Bachelors degree in Education, University of Florida; masters in Elementary Education, Guidance and School Counseling, and Educational Leadership, University of North Florida. Family: Single; daughters Julie, Jill Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I have 27 years experience in the Putnam County School System. I have been a teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal, principal, director of student services, and assistant superintendent. My education and experience make me the most qualified and capable candidate for Superintendent

of Putnam County Schools. Most important issues: Student achievement, budget issues, employee morale.

miChael l. mike lisle, JR.

Age: 42 Education: M.S. in Educational Leadership, Florida State University; B.S. in Management, Florida State University Family: Wife, Jennifer (18 years); children, Rachel, Noah Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: Im running for superintendent because I believe that the Putnam County School District needs a fresh perspective and a new voice as we work together to meet the challenges

we face. My many years working in educational systems at the local, regional and state levels has given me the experience necessary to provide the leadership our district needs as we seek to address our challenges in student achievement, staff morale and systemic development. Most important issues: Improving academic achievement: Putnam County ranks 56th in the state in academic achievement out of 67 districts. It is one of only 13 districts in the state not to earn an A or B letter grade in 2010-11. Only two of our schools made adequate yearly progress under No Child Left Behind in 2010-11. We can, and must, do better.

Age: 62 Education: Associates, bachelors and J.D. degrees all from the University of Florida. Family: Wife, Vicky (39 years); children Lara, Travis. Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: Member of the Florida Bar and a practicing attorney for 37 years. I have experience before all trial court levels, the Florida Supreme Court, most of the District Courts of Appeal in Florida, the Federal District Courts and Federal Bankruptcy Courts. I did serve 5 years as an assistant public defender with extensive criminal trial experience.

Qualifications: 1) My strong and broad-based educational background has prepared me to deal with even the toughest legal issues. 2) My 17 years of practicing law in Putnam County, representing my neighbors in local trial courts and in state and federal appellate courts has prepared me to understand court procedures and administer them properly and efficiently.

Joe BoatwRight

miChael w. woodwaRd

Age: 57 Education: Associates degree, St. Johns River Community College (Palatka); bachelors, University of the State of New York; M.Ed., University of North Florida; M.A., University of North Florida; J.D., magna cum laude, University of Florida. Family: Married Previous elected offices: None

Age: 40 Education: Bachelors degree, University of Florida; J.D., the Catholic University of America, summa cum laude. Family: Wife, Tammy; daughters Lauren, Kate. Previous elected offices: None Qualifications: I have extensive trial experience and have practiced both criminal and civil law. I have practiced law in Putnam County in both the public and private sectors. As an assistant state attorney, I prosecuted thousands of cases, helping keep the community safe. As an attorney in private practice, I was privileged to represent the citizens of Putnam County in our courts.