Guy Turcotte, a Republican candidate for Barren County Sheriff, faces two others – Steve Garrison and Charles Bunch – in the May primary election.
(SUBMITTED BY GUY TURCOTTE)
Editor’s note: All candidates in Barren County, aside from constable candidates, were extended an opportunity to share information about their campaigns and answer questions from WCLU News. Candidates were given several opportunities to conduct those interviews in a studio and on camera. Some candidates had scheduling conflicts. Those candidates were then provided the opportunity to answer questions sent to them via email. Candidates not accounted for in WCLU News’ 2022 primary election coverage have chosen not to participate.
Written responses are published as they were received, aside from formatting and font changes. The responses were not otherwise altered.
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GUY TURCOTTE (R) – BARREN COUNTY SHERIFF CANDIDATE
- Describe yourself and some of your history, paying attention not to discuss your candidacy.
30 plus years working in law enforcement and a lifetime of community service have helped me become a better husband, father, and friend. I have been fortunate to interact with people from all backgrounds and have been exposed to cultural, religious, and political points of view. These interactions have been very rewarding and enhanced my life both personally and professionally.
- Why are you running for this office? What’s the most important aspect of your campaign?
This community deserves better service and commitment from the Sheriff’s Office. Our world has changed and as such, crime has risen. The sheriff should exceed the needs of the community. Sadly, the current administration has not even met the basic needs. Community safety and crime prevention are imperative for our county. There are 4 men who are candidates. Two are not qualified, one has failed as sheriff. Barren County deserves a sheriff with proven experience, trusted leadership, and integrity; all attributes I possess.
- How would you describe your leadership style?
Proactive policing, patrolling presence in all the county, is a priority. My leadership style is transformational, it is a combination of visionary, coaching and democratic leadership which focuses on integrity, transparency, and accountability. Law enforcement officers are accountable to the citizens in which they are entrusted to serve and protect. They must always maintain integrity as an officer of the law on and off duty. A sheriff is only as trustworthy as his deputies and that is achieved through complete transparency. An open-door policy, for employees and the public, is paramount.
- The public’s perception of law enforcement has changed in recent years. If elected, how do you plan to further instill trust and camaraderie with the public?
Lack of trusted leadership and transparency will affect the public perception of any law enforcement agency. A relationship, built upon trust and an open-door policy, for any community to be confident in their department’s abilities, is essential. All citizens should be comfortable visiting the department, establishing a relationship with the administration and deputies, prior to having to call for service. I have implemented programs to encourage all department employees to be visible in the community, to interact at community events, support local civic programs and contribute more than their profession requires.
- As one of three Republican candidates, what makes you the most qualified?
Charlie and Steve are great guys. Unfortunately, neither of them is qualified to lead the sheriff’s office. Steve is a school bus driver and a deputy bailiff, not an active law enforcement officer. Charlie is a farmer and a District Constable. Both of their professions are admirable, yet they have little to no training, experience, or leadership skills necessary for the top administration position for the Barren County Sheriff’s Office. If either were to be elected, the entire community, as well as the deputies, will be at risk. I have 30 plus years of on-the-job law enforcement experience, completed thousands of hours of law enforcement training, and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration. Having served as the Chief of Police in four departments, including the Glasgow Police Department, I have the knowledge and required experience to successfully lead the Sheriff’s Office.
- Is there any information you would like to mention not mentioned in these other questions?
There are not enough deputies to safely patrol all the districts in Barren County, which places both citizens and deputies at risk. The deputies are overworked as the department is understaffed. The vehicles, equipment and training are subpar. There is a lack of community trust with the current sheriff. The community presence is nonexistent outside the downtown Glasgow area. All citizens of Barren County should be protected and served, not just a chosen few. If elected, I will prioritize proactive community policing and the Sheriff’s Office will focus on preventing victims rather than filing crime reports.