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Baker County Sheriff

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Republicans Cameron Coward won a Republican primary for Baker County sheriff and the right to take on long-time incumbent Joey Dobson in the General Election.

Read profiles of the two candidates.

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Cameron Coward


PARTY:  Republican

AGE:  28

FAMILY:  Single

OCCUPATION: Small business owner; full-time deputy sheriff in St. Johns County

EDUCATION:  Graduate of Baker County High School (2002); Law Enforcement Academy, Florida Community College at Jacksonville; presently in bachelor program in homeland security and counterterrorism at American Military University

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  North Florida's regional chairman for the Florida Federation of Young Republicans, elected in 2010;  National Committeeman for Florida's Young Republicans, elected 2011, re-elected in 2012

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

"It is hard to rate the top three issues, for there are many, but here are the three I will address immediately.

  • "Day one: take a comprehensive and thourough look at the department's finances and find a way to reduce the operating cost of the office and provide a 3% pay raise for the sworn personel who are currently living at or below the poverty level. It is hard to fathom the head of the office making nearly $200,000 a year as a Double Dipper (he has already retired and is recieving his retirement funds and over $106,000.00 a year in salary) and his employees are eligible for food stamps. Baker County has to have a 21st century approach to more than just it's law enforcement practices, it also has to make sure that the Sheriff is the best steward of each and every tax dollar that is provided to his department by the hard working tax paying citizens of our community. This issue is being entirely over looked and if it is not address in this campaign cycle, citizens will see their taxes increase.
  • "Baker County needs a more proactive approach to preventing crime before it happens. I will utilize my 21st century training and real experience to make sure the offenders that prey on the elderly and other citizens of our community are brought to justice quickly. Baker County is an amazing place, we have to start taking proactive steps now to keep it that way.
  • "Baker County has one of the largest per capita accidental death rates in the state. As Sheriff I will do everything in my power to make Baker County the safest place to live, work , and play."


    • HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CANNOT?

    • "My opponents in this race are good men (even though one of them is currently advertising grossly misleading and inaccurate articles about me in the local paper) and I'm sure their intentions are well, but Baker County desperately needs fresh, passionate, experienced, and conservative leader. I offer an approach that will pave the way for the future of our great county and restore faith and pride in our community."


    WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

    • "I would like to be remembered as a God fearing man of Faith that paved the way for future generations to enjoy the same safety and security I did growing up in Baker County. I would also like to be remembered for the things we accomplished together and encourge competition. I also do not want to be remembered as an intimidating leader that bulliess the hard working citizens of the county to the point they are terrified of the power their Sheriff."


    CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  Elect-Cameron.com

    Joey Dobson


    PARTY:  Democratic

    AGE:  63

    FAMILY:  Wife, Linda; 4 children; 8 grandchildren

    OCCUPATION:  Sheriff of Baker County

    EDUCATION:  Bachelor's degree in criminology, Florida State University

    POLITICAL EXPERIENCE:  Sheriff of Baker County since 1997

    WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE TOP THREE ISSUES IN THIS RACE?

  • "Providing a level of law enforcement expertise that instils confidence in a time of crisis for our citizens.
  • "Meeting the law enforcement needs of our community today while addressing budgetary and fiscal realities.
  • "Being prepared as we move into the 21st century. "

    • HOW CAN YOU HELP VOTERS IN A WAY THAT OTHERS RUNNING FOR THIS OFFICE CANNOT?

    • "My experience and record of proven results has helped build a sheriffs office that is responsive to the people."

    WHAT WOULD YOU HOPE TO BE REMEMBERED FOR ACCOMPLISHING AFTER SERVING IN THIS OFFICE?

    • "I worked hard to be there for people when they needed me and did so while developing a professional law enforcement agency and facility in which we could take pride."


    CAMPAIGN WEBSITE:  DobsonForSheriff.com

    WJXT

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