Clayton elects a new sheriff
Clayton County voters will choose between former sheriff Victor Hill, a Democrat, and write-in candidate Garland Watkins. Hill beat Sheriff Kem Kimbrough in the Democratic primary. There is no Republican challenger, so the choice is between Hill, who is facing more than 30 criminal charges, and Watkins, who will have pulled off a rare feat if he’s elected as a write-in candidate.
What's at stake: Electing Hill could be problematic for Clayton. He could be removed from office shortly after he is sworn in. Last January, he was indicted on 37 felony charges, which allege he used campaign money for personal expenses and used county cars and credit cards for out-of-town travel and expenses unrelated to the office. He's also accused of forcing sheriff's office personnel to work at campaign events. Some of those charges have been dropped but legal wrangling has delayed Hill's trial for months. If Hill remains under indictment and is sworn in, the governor could move to relieve him of his office.
The big differences: Hill served as sheriff between 2005-2008 and many voters gave him high marks for expanding the duties of the office to do more crime fighting. By law and tradition, the duties of the sheriff's office has been running the jail, serving warrants and protecting the courthouse. Hill says Clayton needs aggressive street enforcement from the sheriff's office. Watkins, who is chief deputy under Kimbrough, said he would maintain the traditional role of the sheriff's office.
How to write-in: Hill will be the only candidate on the ballot. Voters who want to choose Watkins will have to choose the write-in option and input Watkins' name.
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