Candidates for Houston County Sheriff answer the questions on voter's minds based on Listening Lab Results
In sit down interviews with each candidate for sheriff, 13WMAZ asked about issues important to you: violent crime, ethics in government and immigration.
Houston County Sheriff's Race Answering your questions from Listening Lab
13WMAZ is bringing you answers to questions you have for canidates based on the information viewers gave us during the 2024 Listening Labs.
This election cycle, we're incorporating the results we gathered from the Listening Lab surveys Central Georgians filled out earlier in the year.
In Houston County, the top 5 issues participants pointed out were: inflation, violent crime, ethics in government, healthcare cost and access and immigration.
We sat down with the two candidates in the race for sheriff: Democrat Arthur Harris and Republican Matt Moulton.
In separate sit down interviews, we discussed the three issues you said were most important to you when it comes to the sheriff's race: violent crime, ethics in government and immigration.
Here is what the candidates had to say:
Violent Crime Listening Lab Issue 1
What would you do to reduce violent crimes in Houston County?
Harris: I would put deputies back in neighborhoods, have them responsible over the neighborhood.
Moulton: I think we need to be getting our manpower back up. That will allow us to be more proactive in our policing and actually target the criminals that are out here committing the crime. Also, bringing education and awareness to the community giving them ideas of what they can look for how they can get in touch with us at the sheriff's office.
What role do firearms play in Houston County crime and what needs to be done to address it?
Harris: I've learned through different reports about the car break-ins, where they go around breaking into cars to steal guns. I'll start a program where the community will be more aware not to leave guns inside of a car. My main objection is to stop people out late at night in neighborhood breaking in cars.
Moulton: We have a group of individuals that'll go around and break into the cars and steal the firearms out of the cars. Then, those firearms are later used in crimes here in Houston County. That goes back to education and awareness to people, reminding people to lock their cars and remove all valuables and firearms from their vehicles. According to a town hall held by the Warner Robins Police Department, that counts for about 70% of all firearm crimes here.
How can you work with the sheriff’s office to ensure violent offenders are prosecuted effectively & would you do anything differently?
Harris: The only thing you can do different is to go out and investigate the case, arrest the correct person, and then it'd be up to the district attorney to decide when he wants to take them to court. I will make sure that we just have the correct person in jail, and one less offender off the streets
Moulton: We're not leaving any stone left unturned. We'll providing the prosecutor, or the district attorney's office, with the best evidence to prosecute the case.
Ethics in Government Listening Lab Issue 2
What will you do to avoid conflicts of interest while serving as sheriff?
Harris: I have started out already. I have not taken donation from people who are my friends. I think that's the first step. My motto is respect for the community and respect to do things the right way.
Moulton: I've never known a problem within the sheriff's office of there being conflict of interest. If something does arise then, I would reach out to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
How would you ensure transparency within the sheriff’s office?
Harris: I'll have a fair promotion system. The deputy who earned the promotion should have the promotion. It wouldn't be the good old boy system. I'll also start a neighborhood watch program and start meeting with the community about their concerns.
Moulton: Having a PIO in place that works closely with our investigations divisions and our patrol divisions, they would have the most accurate information and can get information out quick.
How will you work to build public trust and demonstrate ethical behavior in law enforcement?
Harris: I will be available and advisable to the sheriff department, and get the neighbors and the community to participate with the Sheriff Department. I will keep Sheriff Talton's tradition of an open-door policy and speak with ordinary folks anytime.
Moulton: I'll continue doing what I've done my entire career, always do the right thing. In 28 years. There's never been an ethical question about my conduct, my trustworthiness or truthfulness.
Immigration Listening Lab Issue 3
How would you handle situations involving undocumented immigrants who have committed non-violent versus violent crimes?
Harris: I would do whatever the laws the State of Georgia say I should do. If an individual violates the laws of the state of Georgia, he or she have to pay the price for it, whatever the price might be. I'm not the judge and jury, I'm just the enforcer.
Moulton: If they commit a crime, if there's probable cause for an arrest, then they will be arrested. We have protocols in place for who to reach out to about based on the type of arrest we're making against an individual. We'll reach out to the proper agencies.
How do you plan to build trust with immigrant communities, especially if they fear deportation as a result of interacting with law enforcement?
Harris: I'd find out who the leader of the community group is. We would discuss what expected of you and how we expect you to behave. We want you to be a part of our community.
Moulton: There's a language barrier, obviously, in place with that. But, treating everyone fairly and with respect is gonna go a long way.
Do you believe undocumented immigrants contribute to an increase in crime, or do you feel the issue is overstated? What evidence informs your position?
Harris: I think it's overstated a little bit. I don't think my neighbors, and people that I know that live in Houston County contribute to the problem. I do think they [immigrants] should come in the country the right way. Once they are, here we should treat them with dignity and respect unless they're violating our laws.
Moulton: Here in Houston County, I would say we do not experience the kinds of problems other places experience. I just saw on the news with Springfield Ohio, I guess a large group of Haitian migrants that have come into that area that have caused some problems for the locals there. I've also seen what the Venezuelan gang has done in Aurora, Colorado. We don't have those issues here in Houston County. Not yet.
Meet the Candidates Background
They're both native Central Georgians, lived in Houston County for decades, are dads and divorcées.
Harris is 70; his birthday is May 2, 1954.
He served in the army from 1967 to 1969, the Warner Robins Police Department from 1973 to 1977, and the sheriff's office from 1977 to 1994. He told us he was on the patrol during his time in local law enforcement.
He has one son, one daughter-in-law and three grandkids.
Moulton is 50; his birthday is January 10, 1974.
He served at a Missouri Police Department before returning to Central Georgia. He worked at the Warner Robins Police Department for a few years and instructed at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.
Since 2014, he's worked his way from deputy, lieutenant, and is now captain of the criminal investigations division.
He has one daughter, a sophomore at Veterans High School.
ELECTION 2024
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