Sheriff Garrison Seeks 6th Term

Sheriff Roger Garrison has announced his bid for reelection in the July 2012 polls, according to a release.

Garrison will be running against

Who's the better candidate: Waters or Sheriff Garrison? Let us know in the comment box below.

In his announcement, Garrison said he will continue to be devoted to the safety of Cherokee County residents and the proactive measure that will decrease crime in the county.

His platform for reelection hits heavy on hot-button issues in Cherokee County, particular illegal immigration.

"My top priority is to ensure the safety of our community by working with all local, state and federal agencies to develop response plans to foreign and domestic threats and to identify individuals involved in organized crime including gangs, prostitution and fraudulent activities,” Garrison said in the release. “We will continue to focus our efforts on identifying illegal aliens involved in organized crime including drug sales, prostitution and gang affiliations which threaten our community."

After plans to identify illegal aliens, Garrison said he wanted to participate in a federal program that will reimburse the county for the money they spend to

Can his past accomplishments win him another term as sheriff? Garrison seems to think so.

The release itemized his accomplishments in the past five terms:

• He was the first Georgia sheriff to receive the Egon Bittner Accreditation Award.
• Under his leadership, the Cherokee County Multi-Agency Narcotics Squad has become one of the "most efficent and aggressive agencies in the country" and will continue to focus on gang investigations and the increased abuse of prescription drugs.
• He serves as chairman of the Georgia Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Board.
• He also serves on the State Board of Corrections that sets and monitors policies for the state’s 60,000 inmates and 14,000 employees.
• Garrison was recognized with the Georgia Sheriff’s President’s Award and the FBI Joint Task Force Corruption Commendation.

Past his accomplishments and plans to move forward with increased immigration enforcement, the release stated that Garrison will operate the within the budget set by the

He vows to keep all precincts open despite budget cuts and the loss of 30 deputy positions over the last three years.

To do this, Garrison proposes a system of volunteers to meet additional needs in each precinct.

The General Primary Election is July 31.