Voters will decide Tuesday whether Sheriff Richard Roundtree deserves a fourth term or whether they prefer a change agent in veteran officer Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley.
The incumbent sheriff has stepped up appearances ever since he was forced into the June 18 runoff by getting just under 50% of the vote in a three-man contest last month. He has been pictured waving signs on the road, giving away two white Impalas for a “Citizens on Patrol” program in Summerville, and holding a press conference after a gunfight in downtown Augusta.
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Online, the sheriff questioned his opponent’s ability to lead after not managing many people in his years at the sheriff’s office or serving as sergeant at the marshal’s office.
“All I ask now.. as I did 12 years ago, is for voters to educate themselves on both Candidates, and then make an informed decision as to who they would entrust to their continued safety and security, as well as their children’s,” Roundtree said on his personal Facebook page. “Make Him show you His Credentials to lead! Experience Matters.”
Meanwhile, Brantley appeared in multiple places with third-place finisher Bo Johnson, who endorsed him and may serve in his administration. Brantley has also outlined a 100-day plan and participated in a forum hosted by the Greater Augusta’s Interfaith Coalition.
At the forum, Brantley said the sheriff’s office is struggling under poor leadership with a huge personnel shortage.
“A lot of times when you are 200 people short, you are stealing and pulling from the same people to get things done,” he said. “It wears them out. They are running call to call to call to call. They don’t get a break. And when they get off work they have to go run an eight-hour shift at a jail that is not safe. … Once we are able to change the culture and fix morale, we will be able to get some deputies back who want to work.”
Sheriff Roundtree held a separate conversation with the Interfaith Coalition since he could not attend the earlier forum.
A moderator asked him about his lack of accessibility. He said he is an administrator.
“I am trying to make you safe. I am trying to come up with programs. I am trying to manage the sheriff’s office,” he said. “I do go to events. … So I am out there. But I am not out in the street. I am not running down bad guys.”
Tuesday’s runoff should decide the next sheriff unless independent candidate Richard Dixon is able to get enough signatures to appear on the November ballot.
Online, Dixon called for change and encouraged voters in the runoff to choose Brantley.
“If he’s not successful, I’m asking the voters to help with our petition to give us one more chance at change,” Dixon said. “My actions speak loudly about my commitment to change. As Matthew 5-7 states…my yea is yea and my nay is nay. When the dust settles, no one will be able to question that. Vote early or June 18 for Gino Brantley.”
