Hear from Pulaski Sheriff's Candidates Ahead of Runoff

PULASKI COUNTY, Ga. — What was once a five-way race for Pulaski County sheriff now comes down to two men: Wayne Wiley and Terry Hood.

Before the second round, we met with both candidates to find out what they would do if elected.

Wiley retired from the Georgia State Patrol. He was in charge of the aviation department for more than 20 years and said his experience qualified him for the sheriff's job.

“At the time, we had 15 pilots, 15 planes, three mechanics and a secretary; and I was responsible for them. So I have experience managing a multi-million dollar budget as well as managing and supervising employees,” Wiley said.

Terry Hood is currently a deputy with the Dodge County Sheriff's Office, but served in Pulaski County as a probation officer for 15 years.

He said working in the community has allowed him to make connections.

“All the local police departments in the area, judges, superior court judges, district attorneys, everyone involved in the justice system, so I've worked pretty much on every facet of the force spectrum order,” Hood said.

Both candidates want to prioritize hiring another school resource officer. Their county schools are all located on one lot, from primary school to high school.

Wiley and Hood believe one officer isn't enough. Another priority is to address the drug problem in the community.

Wiley said he wants to bring back the Oconee Drug Task Force and another resource.

“A multi-purpose K-9 where you know if we need it for a drug search of a vehicle or a house or whatever we may be doing. It would be very beneficial to have a K-9,” said Wiley.

Hood said the drug problem is compounded by the gang problem in the community. He said resources are currently low, but there is no shame in asking for help.

“We don't have a specialty team, what you call a strike team. Houston County has them. Dodge County has them. I believe Dooly County has them. They have the dogs in the K-9 units there if we need help, we'll call them,” Hood said.

Both candidates said staffing shortages were occurring across the country. Wiley said he will work to have a full staff to better cover the community.

“I already have several people who would love to come work with us. Maybe they went to another agency or something; we'd love to have them back. We're going to replenish that full staff and have our police presence there where we need it here in this county,” Wiley said.

Hood said he promised current staff their jobs because he was focused on retention and then recruiting.

“I want them to stay where they are. I need them more than they need me right now. Then we're going to hire more deputies. There are deputies that I want them to come back. There are deputies that were there, and I saw the way they talk to citizens…they're not coming back,” Hood said.

Early voting begins Monday, June 10. Polls in Pulaski County will only be open for one week and will not be offered Saturday.