Garman holds an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Clark County State Community. He has 40 years of law enforcement experience — 36 of which were served at the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Currently, he works as a lieutenant at the German Twp. Police Department.
Garman said he made the decision to run for sheriff because he “has a real passion and commitment for serving in government.”
“I have served the citizens of Clark County in law enforcement for more than three decades. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has been my heart and soul during that time and I would like the opportunity to bring my vision for the future,” Garman said.
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If elected, Garman said he plans to focus on three platforms: ensuring the safety and security of citizens, schools and business; improving fiscal responsibility at the sheriff’s office and attracting and retaining quality law enforcement officers.
“I want to lead by instilling a professional, honest and fair approach not only to the members of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office but to all citizens of Clark County,” Garman said. “All interactions with the public should be fair, unbiased and treated with respect.”
Garman said he believes safety and security are at the forefront of every citizen’s mind.
“Not only their own safety and security but they want to know that their family is safe at school and at their place of employment,” Garman said. “I want them to feel safe and secure and assured that if a horrific situation occurs the Sheriff’s Office will confidently know how to handle and de-escalate the situation.”
Varner is a United States Marine Corps veteran with 25 years of service with the City of Springfield Police Division. He holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Varner said he is running for sheriff because “we face complex and serious problems in our community.”
“We have waged a ‘War on Drugs’ since 1971 and wasted over $1 trillion as a nation fighting this war. To show for it, crime, drugs, and fear are up. People worry about their houses being broken into when they leave for work or go on vacation,” Varner said. “We need a leader who can put us on the right path.”
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Varner said if he is elected, he would first focus on building trust with deputies, staff and the community “through transparency, accountability and leadership.”
“This means keeping the community informed, seeking feedback and input from stakeholders and leading by example,” Varner said.
Varner said he is asking Clark County residents to “raise the bar,” by electing him sheriff.
“Punching a time clock and doing the job for decades is not enough investment to be the sheriff. This important office requires investment in education, leadership training and experience,” Varner said.
Early voting for March’s primary election kicked off on February 19. Clark County residents who wish to take part in it can vote at the Clark County Board of Election’s office located at 3130 E. Main St. in Springfield.
The board’s hours are; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Feb. 19 to March 6; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 9 to March 13; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14; 1 to 5 p.m. March 15 and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 16.
The primary election will be held on Tuesday, March 17.
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VOTE:
• Early voting is at the board of elections office. The Clark County Board of Elections is located at 3130 E. Main St. (formerly E. National Rd.) Springfield. The hours are: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays from Feb. 19 to March 6; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 7; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 9 to March 13; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 14; 1 to 5 p.m. March 15; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 16.
• All vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked by Monday, March 16. You may have to ask your post office to postmark the envelope. You may hand-deliver your vote-by-mail ballot to the elections office any time until 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.
• Election Day is March 17, and polls are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and if you are in line when polls close you will be allowed to cast a ballot.
The Springfield News-Sun is committed to providing unmatched coverage of Clark and Champaign County elections and will continue to provide in-depth analysis of candidates running in 2020.
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