The Scranton Journal submitted a list of questions to the candidates for the contested races in Greene County.
The Greene County board of supervisors’ answers were published last week. Here are answers to the sheriff candidates’ questionnaire. Answers were not received from candidate Shane Monthei prior to the deadline.
Greene County sheriff
Name, age, address: Jack J. Williams, 46, of Jefferson.
Current employment and past employment that may be relevant to the sheriff’s position:
Williams: I was a U.S. Marine for four years nine months. I was a reserve Jefferson police officer starting in 2004 till I was hired by the Greene County sheriff’s office. Since being with the sheriff’s office I have held the following positions: dispatcher, dispatch supervisor, jail administrator, K-9 handler, firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, active shooter response instructor, investigator, chief deputy, and I have been sheriff since 2016.
Current involvement in the community (Service organizations or church):
Williams: I am a member of the Greene County Fair board, Peace Officers Association, Emergency Management commission, E911 service board, and I have been a volunteer fireman for the city of Jefferson since 2004. I have been a member of Kiwanis and the Elks in the past.
Why are you running for sheriff?
Williams: I am running for sheriff again because I love my job and would strive to continue to drop the crime rate. Since being elected the crime rate has dropped by nearly 80 percent in Greene County. I would also like to see the jail through to completion as it took a lot of time and effort to get the bond passed for the jail. I would like to be Sheriff for at least another three terms.
If elected, what are your two or three top priorities for Greene County?
Williams: My two or three top priorities if reelected would to have the jail completed and under budget. I would like to start programs that would help with recruiting people to law enforcement careers as it is hard to get applications. My third priority would be to continue to have Greene County be a safe and great place to raise a family.
What do you see as the challenges that Greene County is facing today?
Williams: The biggest issue that I see Greene County having now is controlled substances. I will continue to take hard stance against them and work as team with the county attorney to get a fair punishment for the criminals in Greene County. The second biggest issue facing the sheriff’s office and law enforcement in general is getting people interested in the job. The Peace Officers Association is currently giving grants to students who go to a criminal justice program. We currently have two of the recipients working for us.
What do you like most about living in Greene County?
Williams: The best thing about living in Greene County is the small-town mentality and the people in the county. If you need help with something there is always someone nearby that is willing to help. All of the cities have affordable housing available and we have school districts that are second to none. It is just a great place to raise a family. ~courtesy of The Scranton Journal
