At the UCA College Republicans meeting Monday evening, president Lydia Dillon hosted the two candidates for Faulkner County Sheriff who spoke about their desires and plans for the position.
Current Sheriff, Andy Shock, described how he fell “head over heels” for the law enforcement profession many years before he was elected Sheriff. Shock, who is in his first term, said the Faulkner County Sheriff’s department is a “big family,” and that he takes pride in telling everyone who will listen about the department.
“I am a true public servant. Helping an elderly lady change her flat tire…I would rather do that than chase down bad guys,” Shock said.
Shock’s opponent, Joe Taylor, is currently the Administration Major at the Conway Police Department. Taylor said, “The Sheriff holds a unique position here [in Faulkner County]. As Sheriff, you are responsible for a whole lot.”
Taylor described several plans he has for the department if he is elected Sheriff, including reducing the property crime rate, reducing cost in the department and providing proper training.
“If you don’t have proper training, you’re shooting yourself in the foot,” Taylor said. Along with fire-arm training, Taylor wants to cover all the bases such as sexual harassment, technology and driving.
At this time, there are no other candidates in the race for Faulkner County Sheriff. The election will be May 20 at the Republican Primary.
Also in the audience was UALR Political Science professor and congressional candidate Ann Clemmer. Clemmer will be campaigning for Tim Griffin’s seat at the Republican Primary.
The UCA Young Republicans have monthly meetings, with the next meeting scheduled for March 10 in Student Center room 225.
