Meet Columbia County sheriff candidate Patrick Clayton
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Columbia County’s longtime sheriff, Clay Whittle, now faces a new challenger in this year’s election.
Patrick Clayton recently announced he will run as an independent against Whittle in November’s election. He recently retired from the role of chief deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Whittle has held the role for more than 25 years, but Clayton says he believes it’s time for change.
We sat down with him to discuss what he wants to do differently if elected.
After 45 years in law enforcement, Clayton says the job of Columbia County Sheriff is calling his name, but what will change if he wins?
Taylor Martin: “How do you think transparency will change in the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office when it comes to the community, in the media, if you are to win?”
Clayton: “Well, I mean, I think that right away it’ll be more open and more visible. Again, I’m going to implement a body-worn camera program right away. The force investigation concept? That’s out the window. We’ll be going to outside agencies for serious use-of-force investigations. And we’re going to be more open and transparent. I’m going to be more open and transparent as the sheriff.”
Open and transparent are words he used multiple times during the interview.
They’re qualities he says people in Columbia County are looking for.
Clayton: “You got to at least be out there, and your people want to hear from you. Because that’s a big complaint that I’ve been getting on the campaign trail. We don’t ever see him, you can’t call him, you can’t talk to him, you can’t go in to meet him.”
He’s also heard the negative.
Martin: “What did you expect?”
Clayton: “I expected exactly what I’m getting. I knew that he’s a longtime incumbent. I knew there were going to be plenty of people that s him, and I respect that. I’m gonna tell you, there’s gonna be plenty of people that me as well.”
He also addressed the on social media.
Martin: “Social media comments show voters are concerned the crime in Richmond County will make its way to Columbia County if you win. What do you have to say to that?”
Clayton: “Well, that’s pretty rich. First of all, you can’t compare Columbia County and Richmond County as far as crime. They’re two totally different demographics. In part of my 45 years in law enforcement across the U.S., if you want to find out where the crime is, go to the poor areas.”
At the end of the day, he wants people to know he’s there to listen.
“The ones that are already staunch ers of my opponent, they’re never going to look at me. But I will tell you, if you check with some of the citizens, they’re not happy with some of the things that are going on. And they do feel disaffected, and they want their voice to be heard and I’m willing to sit down and listen,” said Clayton.
News 12 is working to set up a time to sit down with Sheriff Whittle to hear what he has to say.
Watch the full interview:
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