Primary countdown: Kevin Taylor, Pinal County Sheriff

The primary election is Aug. 28 and early balloting is underway. Between now and Aug. 20, InMaricopa.com will publish two to three Q & As at a time done with candidates in primary races.

Today: Kevin Taylor, Democratic candidate for Pinal County Sheriff. He is running against Glenn Millsaps. To see the two Democratic candidates, and the GOP candidates, in a July 21 candidates’ forum click here and here.

Name: Kevin Taylor
Age: 54
Occupation: Private investigations and security business, Taylor Made Security
Residence: Maricopa
Family: Three children; three grandchildren
Education: High School; Law Enforcement Academy, Lorain, Ohio; security and investigative training.
Hobbies: Fishing, reading, softball, and hanging with my 3-year-old grandson
Favorite quote:  “To be humble to superiors is duty, to equals courtesy, to inferiors nobleness.” — Benjamin Franklin  
Heart’s desire:  To be the sheriff of Pinal County and serve everyone with dignity, pride, and irreproachable integrity.
Political experience: Newcomer

Why are you running?

I have always wanted to serve my community. The sheriff has to be willing to serve humbly and with impeccable integrity. No man created in God’s image is perfect, but the current sheriff has left a stench on the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office and the law enforcement community with his many scandals. He believes that the office of sheriff belongs to him. The office belongs to the people and I will serve the people with dignity and pride.

What is your biggest election challenge?

The biggest challenge is always, unseating the incumbent sheriff.  As I previously stated, Sheriff Babeu is marred by scandal, but for whatever reason he still has supporters. It is always difficult to take on an incumbent. I am excited about my campaign, and I will put my best foot forward.

Why should Maricopans vote for you?

Maricopans should vote for me because I am willing to serve and be a sheriff who is in touch with the community. I will serve the citizens of Maricopa and all of Pinal County with the utmost integrity.  

Who are you voting for president?

I am voting for President Barack Obama for this reason, President Obama has shown a willingness to make difficult decisions that are unpopular to many. This is the sign of a true leader. While I disagree with President Obama on some issues, I believe he wants what is best for all Americans. A leader won’t always be right, but he has to be willing to make difficult decisions, and sometimes be wrong.

How would you deal with SB 1070?

I support SB 1070 in its final state. As the sheriff, my job is to support the laws of the Arizona and the United States of America. As with any law, it can be improved, but I will leave that to the legislators and the courts. I think before any judgments can be passed on SB 1070, we need to give it a chance and then tweak it as needed.  I will also stop over-hyping the cartel message. Pinal County is not a border county and as with any community drugs exist. However, Sheriff Babeu has scared people and businesses away with his cartel-runs-the-Pinal County message.

What is the biggest challenge facing the sheriff’s office? And, what would you do about it?

Low morale is the biggest challenge facing a new sheriff. I will talk and listen to my employees. I understand that I don’t always have the answers and everyone’s input will be valued. There will never be retaliatory investigations conducted on staff. Sheriff Babeu has abused his position by going after staff who are in disagreement with him. This tactic creates hostility and costs the county thousands of dollars investigating and through the litigation and appeals processes. Sheriff Babeu placed Sgt. Scott Gillen and Lt. Kaye Dickson on paid administrative leave for over a year. Sgt. Gillen was subsequently terminated. Both employees were later exonerated. Sgt. Gillen received over two years back pay from Pinal County, and Lt. Dickson filed a lawsuit to address Sheriff Babeu’s abuses.