Barry Babb declined to answer questions posed by The Citizen.

Following is text of a letter submitted and signed by all four candidates in the sheriff's race: (scroll down further to read the questions authored by The Citizen)

“The candidates for the Office of Sheriff of Fayette County have discussed your invitation to participate in the online candidate forum being hosted by The Citizen. Unfortunately, we have decided unanimously not to participate in this forum, in this format.

“While we have chosen not to participate in this forum, please understand that we are not opposed to discussing our positions on issues or responding to citizens’ questions involving the sheriff’s election. Citizens with legitimate questions or concerns may attend any of the published candidate forums or contact us via email or telephone information, which is published on our individual websites.

“The blogs on the online edition of The Citizen contain many slanderous and baseless attacks on the character of each candidate for office. Many things are reported as fact when, in fact, they are little more than rumor or biased personal opinions transparently disguised as fact.

“We are more than willing to discuss issues related to our campaigns in an open forum where a sense of responsibility on the part of the questioners in important.

“In several threads from various posts online about each of the candidates for sheriff, there have been countless attacks that are completely outlandish, untruthful and defamatory to say the least. We believe that participating in a forum of this type will only invite more of these type comments and be unproductive.

“Besides, we are all busy campaigning for office and responding to baseless anonymous attacks would consume an enormous amount of time which we feel would be better spent on more constructive business.

Sincerely,
Barry Babb
Wayne Hannah
Thomas Mindar
David Simmons”

THE QUESTIONS:
Questions for ALL candidates for Fayette sheriff:

1. What is the extent of Fayette County’s “gang problem” currently and how do you specifically plan to address it?

2. Are the department's responses to crime in Fayette right now just about right or do they need improvement?

3. What are the department’s biggest weaknesses and how do you specifically plan to address them?

4. What are the department’s greatest strengths, and how will you build on them?

5. Three of the four candidates work for the sheriff’s department now. After the summer primary, should the unsuccessful deputies start looking for other jobs? What is your philosophy on dealing with in-department opponents after you win?

6. Describe in detail how you will do things differently than Sheriff Johnson has done them. Or do you intend NOT to do things differently?

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Questions for specific candidates:

TO DAVID SIMMONS:

1. Some have questioned your credentials after your website did not mention your time working for the Georgia Building Authority. Tell us why that was omitted and provide details of your job title and day-to-day duties. Also provide details of why you resigned/quit/were downsized or fired from the position.

2. You have touted your FBI training as proof that you are better prepared. Please explain what aspects of that training you want to apply to the way the sheriff’s office enforces law in Fayette County.

3. Previously, you had a testimonial on your website from Ike McKinnon, who served as chief for several years while you were his chief of staff at the Detroit Police Department. After a blogger started questioning Mr. McKinnon’s motives in an apparently scandal-plagued police department, Mr. McKinnon’s testimonial was removed from your website. Could you explain why, in detail, you decided to remove the letter of recommendation from Mr. McKinnon, who called you a good friend?

4. You have alleged that Fayette County has had a dramatic spike in commercial and residential burglaries, but according to the sheriff’s office Fayette is on track to have just 13 more burglaries this calendar year compared to last calendar year. Assuming those numbers are accurate, how do you explain how your data is “off”? Or do you feel comfortable your data is correct and charge that the sheriff’s department’s data is inaccurate?

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TO WAYNE HANNAH:

1. Will your wife continue to work for the sheriff’s office if you are elected? If so, how do you plan to address the inevitable problem of conflict of interest, whether real or perceived?

2. Have you — as charged by some — been campaigning in uniform and using your department vehicle for campaign work? If so, how do you justify the use of a taxpayer-funded vehicle? Did you get permission from the sheriff to do so?

3. Please explain your side of the scenario where you went to a man’s house to talk to him about political sign issues; (this issue was detailed in a letter to the editor several weeks ago); the letter writer accused you of attempting to intimidate him but a blogger said you actually know the letter writer and that he is a neighbor you are acquainted with.

4. Please explain your alleged recent “visit” to the sheriff’s department’s roll call in terms of who requested it and what it accomplished? Was the same opportunity extended to all candidates?

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TO BARRY BABB:

1. You have been accused of being “too religious” by some observers, and one blogger said you have bible classes at the sheriff’s office. Is this true and why do you consider it to be appropriate?

2. Should Fayette County continue its practice of aggressively pursuing fleeing suspects at high speeds in vehicle chases, or do you think such actions endanger the motoring public?

3. Of all four candidates, you have lived in Fayette County the longest. Will you be able to set aside your friendships and personal relationships to be a fair and partial administrator? Please explain in detail how you plan to handle such issues.

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TO THOMAS MINDAR:

1. A fellow deputy and a former one have called into question several interactions they’ve had with you that call into question your ability to control your temper. Characterize your temperament and your ability to stay cool when things are getting hot.

2. Compared to the other candidates you appear to have the least amount of experience in law enforcement. Others have said you lack any supervisory experience. How do you respond to those observations and how are you prepared to handle the gravity of administrative duties that are the sheriff’s responsibility?

3. On your website you indicate that you want to increase proactive and aggressive patrols. Do you plan to hire new deputies for these positions or do you plan to reassign current deputies to handle that workload? Also, please give us numbers in terms of how many patrol cars are out there now and how many you would like to see on the road.