BY TOM YANCEY

STAFF WRITER

Former Sheriff Terry Jones, who served a term in that office from 1994-98, is the Democratic nominee for sheriff in the Aug. 5 county general election.

Jones, 62, of 690 White Sands Road, and his wife of 41 years, Jane Tarlton Jones, have a son, Tracey Jones, pastor of Appalachian Baptist Church, and a daughter, Tonya Broyles, who is employed by a pharmaceutical company. Jones has four grandchildren.

Jones calls himself "a common-sense, conservative Democrat."

He attended Camp Creek and Greystone elementary schools, Camp Creek High School and South Greene High School.

He earned an associate degree in criminal justice from Walters State Community College and is a graduate of the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy at Donelson and multiple law enforcement training institutes.

He began his career with the Sheriff's Department as Chief Jailer and was eventually promoted through the ranks to the position of Lieutenant.

Before beginning his law enforcement career, Jones farmed, worked various factory jobs, and drove tractor-trailers.

"I was honored to serve my country in the United States Army. My service took place during the Vietnam War, where I was part of the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Artillery.

"We were attached to the 196th Light Infantry Brigade and served on Hill 348." Jones was awarded the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.

Illegal drug activity seems to be a widespread problem that also shows up in other crimes, including (but not limited to) burglary, theft, domestic and other violence, vehicular offenses, child abuse and neglect, etc. Obviously, the problem is not unique to Greene County, but is enough being done to reduce illegal drug activity here?

"NO. As a resident of Greene County, I do not believe enough is being done. But more important than my lone viewpoint are the countless opinions of those who have spoken to me about this issue over the past few years.

"As I visit in various communities, this is the foremost issue that is brought to my attention. I talk to someone almost every day who is concerned about the drug problem in our county and wants something done about it.

"When a member of a certain community comes to me with concerns about the drug problem in their communities, I take their word for it. I believe Greene County citizens know what's going on in their communities, and I appreciate their desire to see this issue addressed in a more effective way.

"As sheriff, I will take these complaints seriously and seek to work with those who know their communities best.

"The question every taxpayer should ask is this, 'How did our county get in this condition?'

"The drug dealers are not going to surrender, and the drug addicts are not volunteering to quit their addictions. The taxpayer can report what they know, but it's then up to the sheriff's office to follow up their complaints.

"The responsibility to protect a community from dangerous drug dealers lies squarely on the Sheriff's Department. Specifically, the buck stops with the sheriff himself.

"Greene County has an adequate budget, good personnel, and sufficient equipment. What we need within the department is leadership that will make the drug problem a priority.

"The drug problem is an ongoing battle, and it must be fought 365 days a year during a sheriff's entire four-year term.

"Recent arrests have illustrated these concerns perfectly.

"But I'm convinced what you've seen reported in The Greeneville Sun is only the tip of the iceberg and the problem runs much deeper and broader than some are willing to admit.

"We do need to get the petty dealers off the street, but at the same time we must nail the 'big boys.' The Sheriff's Department must get below the surface, find the 'big boys' and bring them down.

"As sheriff, I will lead the department in an all-out effort to clean up our county by placing a focus on those who bring the drugs into the county."

What's the second-biggest crime problem that the Greene County Sheriff's Department faces? Are there additional actions that should be taken by the Department to combat this problem? If so, what do you think should be done?

"It's difficult to categorize crime in this manner. If you were to poll Greene County citizens with this same question, I'm sure you would get multiple answers.

"Being the victim of a crime is a very personal and frightening thing. For instance, a person who has been burglarized might consider the number of burglaries high, but a family who has had a child abducted would consider the loss of property a small thing compared to what they are suffering through.

"I want every person who reads this questionnaire to understand, that if you have been the victim of a crime, that I consider that particular crime a serious matter and not just a statistic.

"Since I do not have access to the statistical data that would be known within the Sheriff's Department, I will again refer to the concerns expressed to me by Greene County citizens. After the overall drug problem, the second-biggest crime problem shared with me would be burglaries and thefts.

"Most of us understand that many burglaries and thefts are drug-related. A drug addict needs cash and steals to feed their addiction.

"If we aggressively deal with the drug problem, it will have a positive impact on the burglary and theft problem.

"In reference to burglaries and thefts, prevention is the key, but it is difficult to accomplish. However, there is a way to reduce repeat offenses committed by the same persons.

"When a burglary or theft is committed, the Sheriff's Department must make every effort to catch the perpetrator and get him off the streets. As sheriff, I would establish a policy of making a complete report for such crimes and have it followed up by the detective division within a timely manner."

What in your background and experience would you most like for voters to consider when they choose the candidate to vote for as Greene County Sheriff?

"As a child I was raised in the Greystone/Camp Creek communities. My mother, Selma Jones, had to provide for her four children by working at Magnavox.

"It was tough for her, but she was a hard worker. She managed the best she could. Our family lived off a minimal budget, to say the least.

"Growing up this way taught me the meaning of hard work and living within one's means.

"In today's recessionary economy, I believe my upbringing gives me the right perspective. I relate well to the working families in Greene County.

"As sheriff, I will make sure that we work within reasonable budgets and that all personnel pull their share of the workload.

"When the voter enters the booth, I would like for them to remember that I have a broad range of experience within the Greene County Sheriff's Department.

"I began my career as Chief Jailer and was eventually promoted through the ranks to the position of Lieutenant. These promotions came under two different sheriffs who recognized my commitment to excellence.

"I believe if something is worth doing it is worth doing right. As sheriff, I want the voter to know that I will seek to build excellence within the department and will never settle for mediocrity.

"I also hope the voter keeps in mind the importance of action. Background and experience are important, but they are only important if we put them to use in a proactive and effective manner."

Are enough deputies normally on patrol now in Greene County? If not, what can be done to improve the situation?

"The size of Greene County is demanding on patrol officers. I'm certain the county would be better served if we could increase the number of patrol officers.

"However, at this time I don't believe the budget could stand additional officers. Regardless of how much we need more patrol officers, we can't spend what we don't have, and I'm not in favor of any kind of tax increase.

"One way to increase patrols would be to utilize our elected constables. Although they are independent and do not work under the supervision of the sheriff, I'm certain they would be willing to assist in this matter. Our current budget could be adjusted to help with their fuel costs.

"They already go to a great deal of personal expense to serve our county, and their assistance would be invaluable. Since they live among their constituents, they know the key areas in which to focus their attention."

There has been considerable discussion in the community in the last few years about the adequacy of the Sheriff's Department's current facilities for housing prisoners. Do you favor construction of a new jail or jail/justice center, or other major changes to existing facilities? Why or why not?

"No, I do not favor a new jail. Not a single person has told me they want a new jail. Not one. There is no way that I could justify the building of a new jail.

"Greene County's unemployment rate is over 13 percent, the unemployed are having a difficult time finding employment, and many residents are barely paying for the basics of life.

"Over $200,000 has been wasted on this proposed new jail already. I recommend the reader visit The Greeneville Sun archives and read the article titled 'Architect Wright Submits $384,000 Bill For Jail Work," which was published 2/18/2009.

"This article makes it clear that some county commissioners were unaware that such a bill was being incurred. Many taxpayers still wonder how such a bill could be accumulated without prior official approval.

"This bill was eventually settled with a $200,000 payment, which is a lot of money for something we don't need in the first place.

"It's estimated that a new jail would cost $65 million. But this estimate may be much lower than the actual cost of such a facility. It would not be the first time an estimate was much lower than actual cost in Greene County.

"I suggest that readers call to mind what happened when the workhouse was built. The original amount bid for the site work and approved was $87,000. When it was finalized, the bill was $445,865.

"This information can be found in The Greeneville Sun archives in an article titled 'State Auditors Report Workhouse Site Prep Cost $445,865 In All; Procedures Criticized,' published 4/13/2002.

"The taxpayer should be wary of the $65 million estimate because a new jail could cost much more. Once construction begins, any changes, adjustments, or additions could be very costly."

Is there a need for Spanish-speaking detectives or officers here? Why or why not?

"I'm sure the language barrier is problematic at times, but to answer the question would require me to know the frequency of the problem and to be privy of how the language barrier is being dealt with currently.

"It's an issue that I would have to evaluate as sheriff."

Is there anything about the Sheriff's Department (or law enforcement in general) that you wish the public understood better? If so, please explain.

"Generally speaking, I think the citizens of Greene County understand the role and operations of the Sheriff's Department.

"As with any occupation, there are details that are unfamiliar to those that are not involved in that profession, but the general responsibilities of the Sheriff's Department are easily understood.

"The taxpayer is quite astute when analyzing a government department and knowing whether or not it's getting the job done or not.

"It seems to me that this question opens the door for excuse-making and blame-shifting. If the public begins to identify a shortcoming within a department, then using this type of reasoning allows the department to shift the burden to the taxpayer by saying, 'The public just doesn't understand how things work; if they did, they would know we are doing the best we can.'

"As we seek to improve the sheriff's office, I don't think any major problems rest with public misunderstanding.

"The many conversations I've had throughout my campaign have assured me that the general public has a solid grasp of what's being done and what needs to be done."

Additional Comment

"As an American, I believe in the founding principles of individual liberty and freedom as spelled out in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.

"These principles are important enough to me that I fought for them as a soldier in the United States Army.

"Every voter should know that I have been a sportsman and gun-owner throughout my life and staunchly support the 2nd Amendment. I have a concealed-carry permit and fully support your right to do the same.

"Furthermore, I believe in small, non-intrusive government, and I'm against government waste and deficit spending.

"As a Christian, I am pro-life and pro-family. As Americans, our primary obligation is not to support a party, but it is to elect the best candidate for the job.

"When elected sheriff, I will establish an open-door policy. Your phone calls and personal visits will be welcomed and appreciated.

"If you wish to speak with me prior to the Aug. 5 election, you may reach me at 639-3579 or you can stop by and visit me at my headquarters, which is located on the E. Andrew Johnson Highway directly across from Lowe's. I would also like to invite you to visit my website, http://www.voteterryjones.com .

"As an American citizen and a veteran, I would like to encourage every eligible person to exercise their right to vote.

"I especially want to thank you for your support and your vote. We can make a positive difference together."