When Bartow County residents head to the polls this Tuesday, they will do so with a little more insight into the intentions of some local candidates.

Among those who answered questions from representatives from the local media were the candidates for sheriff, incumbent Clark Millsap-R.

Millsap faced questions from the media panel ranging from knowledge of the illegal activities of James and Brenton Garmon, sanitary conditions at the Bartow County Jail to future plans for the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, his hiring of family members and prioritizing calls from the E911 Center.

He also was asked about the safety of the county as a whole.

Millsap, who has been sheriff for 8 years, said Bartow County has become a safer place since he took office, thanks to such improvements such as the Cartersville-Bartow County Drug Task Force and adding more patrol officers to each shift.

“I’m dedicated to this county,” Millsap said. “It’s been a great eight years. We’ve strived forward and we’ve done a lot of things. If re-elected I will continue to lead the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office with effective leadership.”

His challenger, Bill Evans-D, said there are several changes that are needed to move the sheriff’s office forward.

Evans was questioned about his residency status, job past performance evaluations and his lack of experience.

Evans said he has several years of experience with the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office that he will rely on if he is elected.

“I don’t believe we can continue in the current course set,” Evans said. “There is a better way.”

Evans proposes to implement a “checks and balances” system for the department, re-evaluate the budget and restore the community’s trust.

“With these corrections, the citizens of Bartow County will be better served,” Evans said.

Rick D’Arezzo-D said he believes the failure of government to adequately address issues of concern, which include, public education, water, adequate healthcare and fiscal responsibility prompted his decision to challenge incumbent Barry Loudermilk-R for State House District 14.

“As you take time to learn about the candidates and decide who to vote for, I ask that you remember the proverb “Actions speak louder than words,’ in this case, the actions and voting record of the incumbent, my opponent,” said D’Arezzo, a retired Navy captain.

Citing the voting record of Loudermilk, D’Arezzo said there were a number of key pieces of legislation that Loudermilk opposed.

Loudermilk, who has served as state representative for four years, said he stand by his record.

“I think my record stands for itself,” Loudermilk said. “I’m campaigning on the same things I campaigned for four years ago and I still stand on faith, family and freedom. It is the hallmark of our founding fathers.”

Two other rounds of questioning were for candidates whose opponents did not attend the political forum.

Tracy Bennett-D, who is running for State Senate District 31 said the failure of his opponent Bill Heath-R, to attend speaks volumes.

“I don’t think he’s working for our district,” Bennett said.

Bennett, who co-owns The Meating Place in Cartersville, said while he is not a fan of politics, his decision to run for state senate stems from a desire to help the community.

“My goal is to do what’s best for our community and our state,” Bennett said. “Forget the party lines. My goal is to bring transparency in government.”

Jerry Nally-D said the absence of his opponent, current County Commissioner Clarence Brown could be attributed to a different reason.

“Mr. Brown is getting burnt out,” Nally said. “He’s kind of just easing along. I’m looking forward to the future. Mr. Brown is not. He’s lost sight of the way to do business.”

Among the changes Nally said are needed in Bartow County are to build a new water system, reduce what he calls “frivolous spending” and suspend plans to build a new civic center.

“I’m going to be like a stop sign basically,” Nally said. “The buck stops at the county commissioner’s office.”

Sponsored by WBHF Radio, the Political Forum was held Oct. 23 at The Grand Theatre. The station has held the political forums since the 1950s.