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Meet Candidates for Calhoun County Sheriff
10/13/08 - 04:47 PM
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Residents across the country will head to the polls in just a few weeks to elect a new president.

However, there are other important races in every state and county.  In the panhandle an incumbent sheriff faces a tough race.  Calhoun County incumbent Sheriff David Tatum faces Michael Carpenter and former Sheriff Buddy Smith.

Tatum is finishing his second term as Calhoun County Sheriff.  A former Altha Police Chief,  Tatum is finishing 29 years in local law enforcement.  He says a slumping economy is a big concern.

“With that often we see increases of crime as we’ve watched patterns over history.  We’re going to be asked to do more with less money,” Tatum said.

As sheriff, Tatum has a 1.3 million dollar budget.  He manages 30 employees, oversees law enforcement, the county jail, and recycling operations.

“These are all areas of unique sets of rules and laws that we have to be current on to carry out those duties.  Me and the group of people I surround myself, our core values are very conservative and we’re very driven to make this a safe place.”

In 2000, Tatum beat then incumbent Sheriff William Smith known to many as “Buddy.”  Smith was Calhoun County Sheriff for 27 years and wants his old job back.

“People (in Calhoun County) feel like they’re not getting the respect they should.  Leadership is the cause of that.  I want to restore good leadership and set the example for the deputies and all employees of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.” 
The third candidate, Michael Carpenter was raised in Calhoun County.  He has 12 years experience as a Chief Safety Officer, investigating accidents, theft, and insurance fraud.  He touts a total of 23 years administrative experience.

“Nationally, State and County we’re all struggling financially,” Carpenter said.  “Today we need a Sheriff who has administrative experience.  Someone that is competent with scheduling.  The operation that I worked with, Williams Service Group, was a 24/7 operation.  So I have competency in scheduling the employees based on the needs and also in the financial department.”

The race for Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office will be decided November fourth.  The candidates will meet in a special debate later this month.  The event will be Thursday, October 23 at 6:30 p.m. at the Blountstown High School Auditorium.