Buchanan County Sheriff Election (7-28-20)

Buchanan County Sheriff Election (7-28-20)

Less than one week away... and that means if you haven't started researching the issues or candidates -- you may want to get a jump on it.

But don't worry we are here to help.

Kq2's madeline mcclain found out who is in the hunt for buchanan county sheriff.

The august election -- is getting closer voters will decide the buchanan county sheriff's race.

Visual yard signs getting closersheriff bill puett is defending his seat a lot but we got a lot more work to do but it's about the experience the abilities, the knowledge, the skillset to continue to led the sheriff's office.against challenger capt.

Keith dudley.i think i'm more approachable.

I'm out more in the community.

People, they know my face.

They feel comfortable coming to me and voicing their concerns.

As far as experience goes -- both have law enforcement backgrounds.dudley has 19 years -- 18 with st.

Joseph police -- the last year as a captain."i want to be involved with what they are doing and being out there working with them.

I've been on the streets for all of the 18 years that i've been there and i know what's going on in the city and the county and i know what the officers and the deputies are going through and what they need to do their job effectively."puett has 33 years with the sheriff's department --the last four as sheriff.the sheriff's office is unique in that we have four parts of equal responsibility and i can say i have a great deal of experience in all of those.the sheriff's office patrols 441 miles, courthouse security, warrants, evictions, and last but not least -- the jail.it's a major undertaking that requires a lot of focus and requires a knowledge of the civil rights of inmates and the legal requirements of the things that have to be provided for them.dudley admits his experience is limited to police work -- but is eager to learn the ropes."i don't know everything there is to know about running a jail but i know there are people that are over there that do so i will lean on those people until i get the knowledge that i need.

I have no doubt that i'll be able to learn what i need to learn.

Buchanan county's sheriff -- answers to residents in 12 towns.dudley says the importance of listening to residents' is not lost on him.the protests following the murder of george floyd changed the way he sees his job.when we had protestors at the law enforcement center which is what they wanted.

They wanted to be heard.puett says when residents call -- he listens and responds.take for example the drug disposal or needle drop-off boxes.that started with phone calls from residents.we've been able to take in 3 18-gallon containers full of needles and dispose of them get that junk off the street.so as you get ready to vote for buchanan county sheriff candidates say you should choose them.i feel like i have the experience and the knowledge to lead our organization.

We have a great group of men and women here that do an excellent job and i'm very patient about serving our community and i feel like we've made a great many accomplishments.

I want to continue focusing on making sure our community is a better, safer place that's what it's all about.reporting in buchanan county, madeline mcclain, kq2 news.

The race is part of the republican primary -- no democrats are running for sheriff.

That means to vote -- you will have to ask for a republican ticket when you vote