Torres promises to listen to the community

Charles Oliver, The Daily Citizen, Dalton, Ga.
Updated ·3 min read

May 14—Frank Torres says his experiences as a firefighter and as a business owner have prepared him for the position of sheriff. If elected, he promises the public regular updates on the sheriff's office's activities. He faces Darren Pierce, Travis Presley, Glenn Swinney and Glenn Tate in the May 21 Republican Party primary for sheriff.

Dalton Daily Citizen: Why are you seeking office?

Torres: My plans to run for this position started about four years ago. While working at the fire department as well as through my towing business I have seen the friction between our local law enforcement as well as other agencies. I have also noted the clear disconnect between law enforcement and our community. I also recognize the fear that many members of our community have towards law enforcement. My goal is to make that fear disappear and reestablish trust in our department.

DDC: What makes you the most qualified candidate?

Torres: I have served Whitfield County through the fire department for over 12 years and over 28 years through my towing company. These experiences have built my skills in critical areas and training that have prepared me to lead with confidence and integrity. My approach to leadership emphasizes accountability and transparency. I have experience managing budgets that have over $1.8 million a year in cash flow. I also bring with me life experiences as a Latino in this community. I know what challenges the Latino community faces and I plan to establish trust between everyone in Whitfield and the sheriff's office.

DDC: What do you think will be the major challenges facing the sheriff's office over the next four years and what will you do to address those challenges?

Torres: Breaking through bad habits, poor management and the lack of accountability. I will address these challenges by making our department an environment where people will want to work under new management and a department that will take into account their needs. I will listen to input from people in the community and from our department. We will engage in direct communication between the sheriff's office and the community.

DDC: What are your views regarding gover snment transparency?

Torres: There is not enough transparency or accountability within the department under this current administration. I want to change that by establishing an open door policy. The community deserves and has the right to know what is going on in our community and in our department.

DDC: In just a few words, what else would you like to tell the community about your background, experience, education, qualifications or why a voter should vote for you?

Torres: I want to fix the gap between the sheriff's office and the community. With my background with the fire department I saw firsthand the problems that we can fix by having a good administrator. I have experience managing a business for many years. I was able to get my GED through a program offered by Dalton State College and my ESL (English as a second language). I also attended Georgia Northwestern Technical College. I fought for everything I have despite not having the opportunities many others have had. I am fighting for every member of our community and I will be fair with everyone.