July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Two democrats in race for sheriff spot (04/27/06)
Two veteran law enforcement officers are seeking the Democrat vote in next Tuesday’s election for the office of Jay County Sheriff.
A member of the Portland Police Department since 1988, Mark A. Barnett, 2338 East 200 North, Portland, and Greg A. Franks, 1200 Wayside Place, Portland, a deputy with the sheriff’s department for 18 years, will be seeking their party’s nomination for the position.
A current patrolman with the department, Barnett joined the Portland department as a reserve in 1984. He held the position of sergeant from 1990 to 1998 and served as assistant chief of police for six years under the administration of former chief, Bart Darby.
He was also elected Jay County Coroner in 1992 and currently holds that office after being elected again in 2004. In 2000 he was elected to a four year term on the Jay County Council.
A 1979 graduate of Jay County High School, Barnett served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1984 and was the recipient of a Good Conduct Medal/Over Seas ribbon. He graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1989.
As an officer with the Portland department, Barnett has become certified as a breath test operator, an instructor and training officer, a certified death investigator and received training from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Police Chief Administration School.
He and his wife, Lisa, are members of the West Walnut Street Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon, and with their daughter, Amanda, live near Portland. Barnett is also a member of Indiana State Coroner’s Association, American Legion Post 777, Indianapolis, and the Jay County Band Boosters.
Franks and his wife Cathy S., have two daughters, Sara and Emily.
He is a 1976 graduate of Madisonville North Hopkins High School, Madisonville, Ky., and a December, 1988, graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.
He has been a certified breath test operator through the Indiana Department of Toxicology since 1989, and has training through the Norfolk-Southern Train Company on how to investigate rail crossing accidents. He also has held a certificate of achievement through the U.S. Department of Justice on drug investigation by patrol officers since 1990 and received training with the Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Division on truck and bus crashes in 1996.
Franks has worked for the sheriff’s department for 22 years. Prior to becoming a deputy, he was a dispatcher and a jailer.
This is his first experience running for an elected office.
Franks is a member, deacon, and church board secretary at West Walnut Street Church of Christ, member of Kiwanis International and on the board of directors of the local club, member of Fraternal Order of Police, affiliate member of Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, and a member of the Jay Patriot Band Boosters.
The Commercial Review recently sent the candidates questionnaires. Following are their responses.
What motivated you to run for sheriff? What specific characteristics or qualities make you the best candidate for the position?
Barnett — There is no incumbent running and I believe it is the right time for me to run for sheriff.
I have been a Portland police officer for 22 years. During that time I held the position of second shift sergeant for eight years. During the time I was sergeant, this was the busiest shift and the most productive. While in the sergeant’s position I supervised four patrolmen and assigned them day to day patrol duties. At the end of those eight years, I was then promoted to the rank of assistant chief of police. This position made me responsible for the day to day operations of three shifts, 12 officers to supervise and the administrative duties, in which you make sure all the equipment is always up and running, you have the supplies you need and stay within the budget.
Franks — I was motivated to run for sheriff in order to better the Jay County Sheriff’s Department which in turn would better all of Jay County. I would like an opportunity to implement my ideas. My characteristics and qualities include experience, dedication, honesty, and respect.
My experience has come from being an employee of the sheriff’s department for almost 22 years. During those 22 years I have held several different jobs within the department. I am dedicated to the residents of Jay County. I have been attentive to their concerns I am dedicated to my fellow employees to help make the sheriff’s department a department of professionals.
What do you believe to be the most pressing issue facing the next Jay County sheriff? How would you approach solving that issue?
Barnett — To be able to come in on January 1, 2007, and run an efficient and professional sheriff’s department. I believe with my experience as a supervisor and administrator I can make this happen. With my past elected experience from being a county councilman and coroner, I have a good working knowledge of county government.
Franks — I believe there are several pressing issues facing the sheriff. The most pressing is the continuous improper use of prescription drugs and illegal drugs. The drug problem in Jay County is a long-term problem and is being felt by many citizens. The sale and improper use of prescription drugs has moved into the schools. It is an ongoing problem for school officials and law enforcement. We need to find ways to educate and deter young citizens in order to eliminate the use of prescription and illegal drugs.
Jay County Commissioners have discussed the possibility of entering into a contract with the Jay County Sheriff to set an established pay for the position, as opposed to the current situation in which the sheriff retains the unspent portion of meal money for inmates. What is your position on that proposal, and what would be a fair salary for the position?
Barnett — Indiana Code IC 36-2-13-2.8 Alternate Compensation for Sheriff’s Section (c) A county that pays a sheriff’s compensation under this section shall pay the sheriff as follows subparagraph (2) in a county having a population of (a) more than 20,000 and (b) not more than 40,000 in the county must pay the sheriff an annual salary that is equal to at least 60 percent of the annual minimum salary that would be paid by the state to a full-time prosecuting attorney in the county.
If asked to settle for a contract, the explanation of the above code would be a good starting point.
Franks — I would be in favor of a contract with the county for the position of sheriff. This agreement has several conditions that must be addressed. The conditions are as follows: Who will be responsible for the cost of the food for the meals? Will the county pay the food bills or will it still be the responsibility of the sheriff? What is the actual cost of the food at this time? Who will pay the person to verify the inmates’ meals are nutritionally adequate? The sheriff would need to know this information and more before he could enter into an agreement with the commissioners. I feel in a situation where the expense of the meals is not the responsibility of the sheriff, $70,000 would be a fair salary.
Several years ago, Jay County acquired a building at the corner of West Main and Ship streets to use if an expansion of the current county jail was necessary. Do you believe that expansion will be necessary over the next four years, and if so, what capacity/features should be included?
Barnett — No, I do not believe we need a new jail. I don’t think that the county can afford a new jail at this time. I do not think the taxpayers want to pay for a new jail. I think we should wait until we are mandated to build one by the government.
Franks — I believe either an expansion or a new facility will be needed in the next four years. I believe a 125 to 150 inmate facility will be an appropriate size. The administrative office and dispatch areas need to be enlarged. More offices are needed to accommodate private conversations with witnesses, victims, etc. More space is also needed to hold computers, 911 equipment, personnel for dual dispatch and other items not necessary when the Jay County Security Center was designed and built. I feel you should plan for the future when building a new jail.
If there is one thing you want to make sure the voters know about you or the office you are seeking, what would that be?
Barnett — I have the experience on both the law enforcement side and the county government side to be the best choice for Jay County Sheriff. I will always remember that I work for the taxpayers of Jay County.
Franks — I am here for the citizens of Jay County.[[In-content Ad]]
A member of the Portland Police Department since 1988, Mark A. Barnett, 2338 East 200 North, Portland, and Greg A. Franks, 1200 Wayside Place, Portland, a deputy with the sheriff’s department for 18 years, will be seeking their party’s nomination for the position.
A current patrolman with the department, Barnett joined the Portland department as a reserve in 1984. He held the position of sergeant from 1990 to 1998 and served as assistant chief of police for six years under the administration of former chief, Bart Darby.
He was also elected Jay County Coroner in 1992 and currently holds that office after being elected again in 2004. In 2000 he was elected to a four year term on the Jay County Council.
A 1979 graduate of Jay County High School, Barnett served in the U.S. Army from 1980 to 1984 and was the recipient of a Good Conduct Medal/Over Seas ribbon. He graduated from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1989.
As an officer with the Portland department, Barnett has become certified as a breath test operator, an instructor and training officer, a certified death investigator and received training from Indiana Law Enforcement Academy Police Chief Administration School.
He and his wife, Lisa, are members of the West Walnut Street Church of Christ where he serves as a deacon, and with their daughter, Amanda, live near Portland. Barnett is also a member of Indiana State Coroner’s Association, American Legion Post 777, Indianapolis, and the Jay County Band Boosters.
Franks and his wife Cathy S., have two daughters, Sara and Emily.
He is a 1976 graduate of Madisonville North Hopkins High School, Madisonville, Ky., and a December, 1988, graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield.
He has been a certified breath test operator through the Indiana Department of Toxicology since 1989, and has training through the Norfolk-Southern Train Company on how to investigate rail crossing accidents. He also has held a certificate of achievement through the U.S. Department of Justice on drug investigation by patrol officers since 1990 and received training with the Indiana State Police Motor Carrier Division on truck and bus crashes in 1996.
Franks has worked for the sheriff’s department for 22 years. Prior to becoming a deputy, he was a dispatcher and a jailer.
This is his first experience running for an elected office.
Franks is a member, deacon, and church board secretary at West Walnut Street Church of Christ, member of Kiwanis International and on the board of directors of the local club, member of Fraternal Order of Police, affiliate member of Indiana Sheriffs’ Association, and a member of the Jay Patriot Band Boosters.
The Commercial Review recently sent the candidates questionnaires. Following are their responses.
What motivated you to run for sheriff? What specific characteristics or qualities make you the best candidate for the position?
Barnett — There is no incumbent running and I believe it is the right time for me to run for sheriff.
I have been a Portland police officer for 22 years. During that time I held the position of second shift sergeant for eight years. During the time I was sergeant, this was the busiest shift and the most productive. While in the sergeant’s position I supervised four patrolmen and assigned them day to day patrol duties. At the end of those eight years, I was then promoted to the rank of assistant chief of police. This position made me responsible for the day to day operations of three shifts, 12 officers to supervise and the administrative duties, in which you make sure all the equipment is always up and running, you have the supplies you need and stay within the budget.
Franks — I was motivated to run for sheriff in order to better the Jay County Sheriff’s Department which in turn would better all of Jay County. I would like an opportunity to implement my ideas. My characteristics and qualities include experience, dedication, honesty, and respect.
My experience has come from being an employee of the sheriff’s department for almost 22 years. During those 22 years I have held several different jobs within the department. I am dedicated to the residents of Jay County. I have been attentive to their concerns I am dedicated to my fellow employees to help make the sheriff’s department a department of professionals.
What do you believe to be the most pressing issue facing the next Jay County sheriff? How would you approach solving that issue?
Barnett — To be able to come in on January 1, 2007, and run an efficient and professional sheriff’s department. I believe with my experience as a supervisor and administrator I can make this happen. With my past elected experience from being a county councilman and coroner, I have a good working knowledge of county government.
Franks — I believe there are several pressing issues facing the sheriff. The most pressing is the continuous improper use of prescription drugs and illegal drugs. The drug problem in Jay County is a long-term problem and is being felt by many citizens. The sale and improper use of prescription drugs has moved into the schools. It is an ongoing problem for school officials and law enforcement. We need to find ways to educate and deter young citizens in order to eliminate the use of prescription and illegal drugs.
Jay County Commissioners have discussed the possibility of entering into a contract with the Jay County Sheriff to set an established pay for the position, as opposed to the current situation in which the sheriff retains the unspent portion of meal money for inmates. What is your position on that proposal, and what would be a fair salary for the position?
Barnett — Indiana Code IC 36-2-13-2.8 Alternate Compensation for Sheriff’s Section (c) A county that pays a sheriff’s compensation under this section shall pay the sheriff as follows subparagraph (2) in a county having a population of (a) more than 20,000 and (b) not more than 40,000 in the county must pay the sheriff an annual salary that is equal to at least 60 percent of the annual minimum salary that would be paid by the state to a full-time prosecuting attorney in the county.
If asked to settle for a contract, the explanation of the above code would be a good starting point.
Franks — I would be in favor of a contract with the county for the position of sheriff. This agreement has several conditions that must be addressed. The conditions are as follows: Who will be responsible for the cost of the food for the meals? Will the county pay the food bills or will it still be the responsibility of the sheriff? What is the actual cost of the food at this time? Who will pay the person to verify the inmates’ meals are nutritionally adequate? The sheriff would need to know this information and more before he could enter into an agreement with the commissioners. I feel in a situation where the expense of the meals is not the responsibility of the sheriff, $70,000 would be a fair salary.
Several years ago, Jay County acquired a building at the corner of West Main and Ship streets to use if an expansion of the current county jail was necessary. Do you believe that expansion will be necessary over the next four years, and if so, what capacity/features should be included?
Barnett — No, I do not believe we need a new jail. I don’t think that the county can afford a new jail at this time. I do not think the taxpayers want to pay for a new jail. I think we should wait until we are mandated to build one by the government.
Franks — I believe either an expansion or a new facility will be needed in the next four years. I believe a 125 to 150 inmate facility will be an appropriate size. The administrative office and dispatch areas need to be enlarged. More offices are needed to accommodate private conversations with witnesses, victims, etc. More space is also needed to hold computers, 911 equipment, personnel for dual dispatch and other items not necessary when the Jay County Security Center was designed and built. I feel you should plan for the future when building a new jail.
If there is one thing you want to make sure the voters know about you or the office you are seeking, what would that be?
Barnett — I have the experience on both the law enforcement side and the county government side to be the best choice for Jay County Sheriff. I will always remember that I work for the taxpayers of Jay County.
Franks — I am here for the citizens of Jay County.[[In-content Ad]]
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