Dear Editor,
I have been involved in politics and elections for most of my life. This election year has brought forth many new tactics and communication methods that have not typically been used in local campaigns.
My office, the Putnam County Jail, and I have been referenced in the current county commission races, and I feel it is necessary to clarify several statements being circulated.
Since I took office on January 1, 1997, only one inmate has escaped from the Putnam County Jail. That escape occurred on March 4, 1997, when an inmate known as "Boxer X" walked out of a GED class being held in the conference room at the sheriff’s office. I had only been sheriff for two months and was not aware that the jail was operating a GED program until the escape was reported to me. The individual was apprehended in Atlanta approximately six to seven hours later, and I immediately discontinued the GED program.
In 2017, Donnie Rowe and Ricky Dubose, who were inmates in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, murdered two corrections officers and escaped from a state prison bus traveling through Putnam County. They were arrested less than 72 hours later near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There was no connection between their escape and the Putnam County Jail, although both individuals had been previously housed in our jail at different times following earlier arrests.
I have never requested or advocated for the construction of a new jail. Our current facility is in need of additional isolation cells and more space for female inmates. Several years ago, I learned that Tri-County EMC intended to relocate its office from directly across the street from our sheriff’s office and jail.
Because jail construction is significantly more expensive than most commercial building projects, I suggested that consolidating by converting portions of the existing sheriff’s office into inmate housing might be more cost-effective than adding a new wing. I also suggested the county consider acquiring the Tri-County EMC building and relocating the sheriff’s office administrative and enforcement functions across the street.
Additionally, I proposed a possible land swap involving unused county property if such a deal were to materialize. My intent throughout was to save taxpayers' money. As of today, I am unaware of any progress or rejection of those suggestions regarding the Tri-County property.
Thirty years ago, when I first ran for Sheriff, I placed three words at the bottom of all campaign materials: “Experience — Education — Integrity.” These words reflected the qualifications I offered then, and still represent them today.
I encourage all qualified voters to participate in the upcoming election. The ability to vote and select our leaders is one of the most important rights we have as citizens. I urge voters to carefully consider the experience, education, and integrity of each candidate, and to look beyond the often misleading, disingenuous, or inaccurate information being circulated through social media and mass mailings.
Of the three qualities listed above, integrity remains the most important characteristic of any elected official.
Putnam County Sheriff
Howard Sills