Huntley says that management of jail should not be up to sheriff

Patrick Huntley of Pleasanton is seeking the Republican nomination to be their candidate for the Linn County sheriff, the position currently held by Sheriff Kevin Friend, who announced last year he would not be running for re-election. This will be the fourth time that Huntley is seeking the post.

Why have you decided to run for office?

I worked at our sheriff’s office in 2010. I know how it’s supposed to run. What we have now is horribly mismanaged. No one is happy. I can do better.

What is your background and how has that prepared you to serve your constituents?

I have 45 years in a trade, 23 years small business experience. Also 2 years Reserve Deputy at Linn County Sheriff’s Office, and 4 years at Osawatomie State Hospital. All customer service positions, never ran over budget, and never taken to court for anything I did or didn’t do.

One of the primary responsibilities of the sheriff has become operating the jail. How do you plan on managing that facility and do you have changes you would like to make?

It is my opinion that the jail, or prison should be separate from the sheriff’s office. Putting this huge responsibility on the sheriff has caused immense stress on the whole department. The Sheriff doesn’t want the job and several deputies are leaving as well.

What other changes would you like to make for the sheriff’s office?

Adequate patrol is a top priority. Lake communities and gravel roads need patrolled as well. Also cooperative agreements with our local police departments are crucial for optimal coverage and prompt response times.

What are some of the ways that you can make sure the sheriff’s office retains deputies instead of losing them to other law enforcement agencies?

One of the first rules of business is to take care of your employees. Employees that feel neglected, and/or undervalued treat your customers poorly. Our sheriff needs to be on task, not preoccupied with the jail.