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SCOTT WALTON |
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Forum Draws Attention to Area Races
The four races featured were the County Commissioner race between incumbent Mike Helm and challenger Jack Barnes; the race for House District 9 between Oologah's Bill Snyder and incumbent Tad Jones; the County Clerk struggle between challenger Rebecca Lowe Muratet and incumbent Peggy Armstrong and, of course, the sheriff's race. The evening event was taped for television broadcast on RSU's Public Television (channel 35, Cox Cable 19) and will be aired twice before the election. The first broadcast will be October 29th, followed by a rebroadcast on November 2nd. The forum, moderated by RSU's Dan Scheidel, offered candidates a one minute period in which the candidates could introduce themselves and outline the basics of their platform. In Walton's introduction, he told the crowd that if he is elected sheriff, he would strive to maximize efficiency, deliver the fundamental services that the taxpayers need and expect, and that he would be committed to networking with other law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and the community in order to ensure the Sheriff's Office is ready to meet the future of a rapidly growing Rogers County while staying within the budget. The candidates were asked two questions by panelists from the Claremore Daily Progress. The first question posed inquired as to how the candidates would handle the coverage of the massive land size of Rogers County with less than twenty deputies in total to provide round the clock services. Walton told the audience that a form of districting the county was needed but was not and could not be the sole answer. Walton said that emphasis needed to be placed on affirming interlocal agreements with the various municipalities within Rogers County to provide assistance during emergencies. After the forum, Walton explained that interlocal agreements are essential not only for the benefit of mutual cooperation and the overall safety of the public but, there are also requirements through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that dictate that agencies must abide by interlocal agreements in order to be eligible for funds when disasters strike that involve law enforcement. The second question asked the candidates what changes they would make in the jail and Sheriff's Office. Walton responded that he would pursue the formation of a population control committee to address issues related to the increasing population of the county jail. Walton said the committee would be comprised of people who conduct business at the jail including law enforcement, judges, bondsmen, attorneys, and other professionals. Walton also said that he would consider alternative forms of incarceration for low level, first time offenders in order to maintain jail space for prisoners who pose a greater threat to the community. Walton also said that he would introduce a Career Criminal Apprehension Program that would focus on the apprehension of habitual criminals. "These few individuals are responsible for a large percentage of the crimes being committed," Walton said. Walton explained that he has witnessed the success of such programs that concentrate on career criminals and added that the sheriff's office currently has the staff and resources to institute the program without creating a deficit in the fundamental services the public needs. During Walton's one and a half minute closing remarks, he reminded the audience that he was dedicated to the success of the Rogers County Sheriff's Office and that Rogers County enjoyed the fourth lowest crime rate in the state. "The other three counties with lower crime rates each had populations under ten-thousand," he said. Walton also told the crowd that he is endorsed and supported by law enforcement throughout Rogers County and is also supported by firefighters. He closed by repeating his commitment to education and crime prevention as well as delivering the services needed by the public. Walton said he will "build and grow the sheriff's office to meet the increasing needs of a rapidly growing Rogers County" and work to sustain the good quality of life enjoyed in Rogers County.
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Paid for by Scott Walton for Sheriff |
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The Claremore Chamber of Commerce Forum drew
attention to several local races and also attracted a sizeable crowd
of supporters Tuesday night at the Claremore Community Center. The
Wednesday edition of the Claremore Daily Progress accurately
described the scene as a crowd that was "standing room only."
