Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ferguson talks of money issue

The Nevada County Jail is not safe and there are some changes that could save money and increase revenue.

Judy Ferguson, candidate for Nevada County Sheriff, said these are among the top issues facing the sheriffs office.

Ferguson has worked in the sheriffs office for more than 20 years, beginning as a dispatcher and jailer in 1985.

She said she had always been interested in police work and when her sister began working in the Clark County Sheriffs Office, Ferguson got a first-hand look that prompted her work in Nevada County.

Ferguson has an array of training certificates behind her and said she would attend the Arkansas Law Enforcement and Training Academy in order to perform the duties of the sheriffs office better. But she said she believes the role of the sheriff is no longer to be on the roads with a gun on the hip.

The sheriff is a figurehead, working to make the county more livable, Ferguson said.

Ferguson said the sheriff has to be able to work with the county judge and quorum court in order to make the department work better and said she sees some ways to increase revenue while addressing some major issues in the county  including drugs. One of those ideas is to have someone dedicated to warrants. Ferguson cited the high number of outstanding warrants in the county and said they arent being served because there simply isnt enough time to do so. Those warrants are for a variety of crimes and moving those people through the court system would not only generate revenue but would also address some criminal activity.

If people dont start paying attention to when the (sheriff) is spending money and what for, theres not going to be a Prescott or Nevada County, Ferguson said. People need to start looking at the economics of the office. I just feel like Nevada County can prosper and do a lot better than were doing.

Ferguson said her years in the sheriffs office means she knows all aspects of the operation, from scrubbing the floors to administration.

To those who wonder whether a woman can do the job, Ferguson has a message.

Give me a chance, she said.

Ferguson has a handgun permit and said she is ready to face all aspects of the job.

I am qualified to carry a weapon, she said. I hope I never have to use one, but I can and Im not afraid to. I would never ask my men to walk into a situation Im not willing to walk into myself.

Ferguson said that she sees no reason for changes in the sheriffs office, if shes elected.

Its a waste of money to replace dispatchers and officers, she said.

And Ferguson said that officers are vital to the successful operation of the office, but that the inside people are equally important.

Ferguson said the campaign trail is going well.

Vote for me because I am a sincere person, she said. I am accessible. I will have an open-door policy for anyone who wants to come and talk to me. I am open to suggestions and there is always room for improvement.