Sheriff Roundtree and Gino Rock prepare for a critical runoff

Voters will decide Tuesday whether Sheriff Richard Roundtree deserves a fourth term or whether they prefer an agent of change in veteran Officer Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley.

The incumbent sheriff has increased his appearances since he was forced to run in the June 18 runoff by receiving just under 50% of the vote in a three-way vote last month. He was photographed waving signs on the road, donating two white Impalas for a “Citizens on Patrol” program in Summerville and holding a news conference after a shooting in downtown Augusta.

Online, the sheriff questioned his opponent's ability to lead after not leading many people during his years in the sheriff's office or serving as a sergeant in the marshal's office.

“All I'm asking now… as I did 12 years ago, is that voters educate themselves about both candidates, then make an informed decision about who they would trust with their safety and their safety, as well as that of their children,'” Roundtree said on his personal Facebook page. “Make him show you his powers to lead!” Experience counts.

During this time, Brantley appeared at several locations with third-place finisher Bo Johnson, who supported him and could serve in his administration. Brantley also presented a 100-day plan and participated in a forum hosted by the Greater Augusta Interfaith Coalition.

At the forum, Brantley said the sheriff's office is struggling with poor leadership and a huge staffing shortage.

“A lot of times when you're 200 people short, you steal and recruit the same people to get things done,” he said. “It wears them out. They go from one call to another, from one call to another. They have no respite. And when they leave their jobs, they have to go and work eight hours in a prison that is not safe. …Once we succeed in changing the culture and restoring morale, we will be able to get some deputies back who want to work.”

Sheriff Roundtree had a separate conversation with the Interfaith Coalition since he was unable to attend the previous forum.

A moderator asked him about his lack of accessibility. He said he was an administrator.

“I’m trying to keep you safe. I'm trying to find programs. I’m trying to run the sheriff’s office,” he said. “I go to events. …So here I am. But I'm not in the street. I don't go after bad guys.

Tuesday's runoff is expected to decide the next sheriff unless independent candidate Richard Dixon can secure enough signatures to appear on the November ballot.

Online, Dixon called for change and encouraged voters in the runoff to choose Brantley.

“If he doesn't get it, I'm asking voters to help us with our petition to give us one more chance for change,” Dixon said. “My actions clearly demonstrate my commitment to change. As Matthew 5-7 says…my yes is yes and my no is no. Once the dust settles, no one will be able to question that. Vote early or June 18 for Gino Brantley.