Voters make their voices heard in race for Richmond County Sheriff
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – The race for Richmond County Sheriff is one of the biggest contests in the area.
Bo Johnson and Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley are challenging incumbent Sheriff Richard Roundtree in the Democratic Primary. There is no Republican running at this point.
Sheriff Roundtree has been in office for the last 12 years, and would be serving his fourth term if elected Tuesday night. While some voters we spoke with think he should stay, others say it’s time for a change.
“I’ve been down there on several occasions to see him, and they always say he’s either out of the office or out talking to 10 people. Then they’ll say he’ll call me, but he never did. I just know we need change,” said Darlene Woods.
Augusta Voters are making their voices heard for the three candidates for Richmond County Sheriff.
“I believe that Mr. Bo Johnson will get in there and make a little bit of a change for once at least,” said Woods.
“Why Bo?”
“Well, I think it’s just time for a new change. We need somebody that’s going to do the right thing for our city,” said Courtney Green.
But other voters say keeping Sheriff Roundtree in office is the right call.
“One thing about the Sheriff’s department here, whenever these crimes do occur, he pursued these suspects relentlessly, and he gets them. His department will not stop, and the evidence is in the pudding,” said William Wright.
“He’s been there for some years, but the years don’t really count–it’s what you do for the community. So I think he’ll be a good Sheriff for the community, and continue to have his job,” said Stacy Pinkston.
Others are showing their support for Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley, who is currently a sergeant with the Richmond County Marshal’s Office.
“I met Gino Rock when he was at 401 over here–I was 17. You know, it’s time for a change, and I feel like he’s going to be best for the community,” said Ossie Shaw.
“He is doing a good job, but he needs help. He needs help from everybody. He needs help from the parents, the schools, everyone. It’s a village,” said William Wright.
“I’m with Rock man. Out with the old and in with the new!” said Shaw.
We’ll start getting results when the polls close at 7 p.m. One candidate needs 50-percent plus one vote to win outright. Otherwise the race heads to a runoff.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
