Sheriff's Speech

A little over four years ago, I made one of the most important decisions of my life;
I decided to run for Sheriff of Lamar County.

It wasn’t that I needed a job, I had been employed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for 22 years, had job security and all the benefits that go with state employment.

My motive was dissatisfaction.  Not dissatisfaction with my job with the state although there are always problems with governmental bureaucracy.

No, I was dissatisfied or maybe disgusted would be a better word with how the Lamar County Sheriff's Office was being run and thought, if elected, Joe Buice would make a difference.

During the campaign, my wife, Barbara and I went door-to-door and tried to get acquainted with every citizen in the county and tell them what I hoped to accomplish if elected.

Let me refresh your memory as to what I promised voters four years ago and the actions I have taken to fulfill those promises.

  • I have always thought that Sheriff’s Office employees should never lose sight of the fact that they work for the citizens.  During my tenure we have attempted to do away with that “storm trooper” mentality, particularly with our patrol deputies.  I think we have for the most part succeeded.  Those deputies who were unwilling to change are no longer with us.
  • I promised the citizens of this county that the laws would be enforced equally across the board.  We have done this!  Age, race, religion or social standing. It makes no difference.  We have arrested individuals who, a few years ago, would have been untouchable.
  • It has always been my belief that elected officials should be available to talk to their constituents.  Since I have been in office my door has been open to all who need to see me.
  • I have tried during these last four years to use available personnel to best advantage.  Our philosophy is that it is much more important to prevent burglaries, thefts and to protect the public than it is to write traffic citations.  During my first three years as Sheriff of Lamar County, the Sheriff’s Office has achieved a 43% clearance rate of burglaries and a 31% clearance rate of thefts.  Additionally, over 1.5 million dollars of stolen property has been recovered and returned to the rightful owners through the efforts of the Lamar County Sheriff's Office.
  • I promised you, the taxpayer, that I would spend your money wisely. I have done this to the best of my ability.  During my administration:
    • We have begun a 5 year rotation on all patrol vehicles.
    • We have refurbished much of the interior of the jail.
    • We have relocated and completely renovated the criminal investigations building.
    • We have upgraded all vehicle camera systems to automatic speed and blue light activated digital recorder systems.
    • We installed enhanced security camera systems
    • We recently installed controlled electronic access to the Sheriff’s Office. 

All of this has been accomplished while staying entirely within the Sheriff’s Office budget.  In fact during the first three years of my administration the Sheriff’s Office budget has shown a surplus of over $78,000.00.  The last three years of my predecessor’s administration the Sheriff’s Office budget showed a deficit of over $565,000.00.   A savings of over $156,000.00 was recorded during 2005, my first year in office, when compared to three years prior.  An additional $330,000.00 savings was recorded during the following two years.  

It is hard to believe that four years have passed – but they have.  I am proud of what my office has accomplished but there is a lot left to do.

I am hoping that you have put the stamp of approval on what I have tried to do this past four years and see fit to re elect Joe Buice for another term.

1.  I have always thought that Sheriff’s Office employees should never lose sight of the fact that they work for the citizens. 

During my tenure we have attempted to do away with that “storm trooper” mentality, particularly with our patrol deputies.  I think we have for the most part succeeded. Those deputies who were unwilling to change are no longer with us.

2.  I promised the citizens of this county that the laws would be enforced equally across the board. We have done this!  Age, race, religion or social standing, it makes no difference. We have arrested individuals who, a few years ago, would have been untouchable.

3.  It has always been my belief that elected officials should be available to talk to their constituents. Since I have been in office my door has been open to all who need to see me.

4.  I have tried during these last four years to use available personnel to best advantage. Our philosophy is that it is much more important to prevent burglaries, thefts and to protect the public than it is to write traffic citations. During my first three years as Sheriff of Lamar County, the Sheriff’s Office has achieved a 43% clearance rate of burglaries and a 31% clearance rate of thefts. Additionally, over 1.5 million dollars of stolen property has been recovered and returned to the rightful owners through the efforts of the Lamar County Sheriff's Office.

5.  I promised you, the taxpayer, that I would spend your money wisely. I have done this to the best of my ability. During my administration:

  • We have begun a 5 year rotation on all patrol vehicles.
  • We have refurbished much of the interior of the jail.
  • We have relocated and completely renovated the criminal investigations building.
  • We have upgraded all vehicle camera systems to automatic speed and blue light activated digital recorder systems.
  • We installed enhanced security camera systems
  • We recently installed controlled electronic access to the Sheriff’s Office. 

All of this has been accomplished while staying entirely within the Sheriff’s Office budget.

In fact during the first three years of my administration the Sheriff’s Office budget has shown a surplus of over $78,000.00.

The last three years of my predecessor’s administration the Sheriff’s Office budget showed a deficit of over $565,000.00. 

A savings of over $156,000.00 was recorded during 2005, my first year in office, when compared to three years prior.

An additional $330,000.00 savings was recorded during the following two years.  

It is hard to believe that four years have passed – but they have.

I am proud of what my office has accomplished but there is a lot left to do.

I am hoping that you have put the stamp of approval on what I have tried to do this past four years and see fit to re elect Joe Buice for another term.

 
© 2008 Joe Buice for Sheriff