Sheriff Candidates Address Community Questions in Town Hall

HUNTINGDON (June 30) — The three candidates for Carroll County Sheriff faced off Tuesday night for a town hall and community forum, hosted by The McKenzie Banner and the Carroll County Observer, at the Carroll County Civic Center.

Moderated by Retired Judge Donald Parish, the three candidates — Eric Sawyers (R), Michael A. Smith (I) and Ryan White (I) — answered questions submitted by Carroll County residents about their priorities once assuming office. Over 100 individuals attended the event, with more tuning in via livestream, to hear the candidates’ responses.

The town hall and community forum was split into two parts. In the first half, candidates answered questions submitted prior to the event. In the second, candidates answered questions submitted during the event. Candidates answered questions in an order determined by a game card draw before each half.

Questions varied, with some being about the department’s budget and others about deputy recruitment and retention. The candidates answered questions about the Carroll County Jail, inmate rehabilitation and work programs, and emergency response times. The three candidates each ranked aggressive drug enforcement as their top priority once gaining office.

Eric Sawyers, a fifth-generation Carroll County resident and the sheriff race’s Republican candidate, has 25 years of experience in the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). In his responses, Sawyers promoted a leadership approach that is visible, engaged and accessible to both citizens and CCSO employees.

Sawyers said that the current sheriff, Andy Dickson, will leave the department in good shape. He didn’t see a current need for developing a special warrant task force, nor for implementing deputy patrol zoning. However, he did propose new community programs such as senior outreach, summer youth camps, church security assessments and inmate work programs.

Michael A. Smith, a lifelong Carroll Countian, has 18 years of experience working in law enforcement and 15 years of experience as a Carroll County First Responder. In the forum, Smith prioritized protecting vulnerable populations — especially the elderly and children — and supported the start of a countywide neighborhood watch program.

Smith, a current CCSO shift sergeant, concurred with Sawyers’ opinions on zoning, saying previous patrol zoning attempts failed due to manpower limits. To recruit and retain deputies, Smith suggested having school resource officers (SROs) engage with students early, encouraging them to enter a career in law enforcement. In a conversation about jail programs, Smith favored ministry, GED and second-chance work programs.

Ryan White has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, currently serving as the City of McKenzie’s police chief. During the forum, he listed his priorities as implementing county-wide zoning to reduce response times, requiring body cameras for transparency, intensifying drug enforcement and expanding rehabilitation programs to reduce repeat offenses.

To recruit and retain well-qualified deputies, White said he planned to give officers buy-in on departmental decisions. He also emphasized the importance of mentorship and extensive training. White said community engagement is vital to ensure trust between the department and the people it serves. He said he wants to expand his “Shop with a First Responder” event county-wide and that he supports community watches where they are wanted.

The town hall event is available to watch on The McKenzie Banner’s Facebook and YouTube pages, or at live.mckenziebanner.com.

The three candidates’ campaigns come to an end in August, when one will be elected the next leader of the Carroll County Sheriff’s Department. The early voting period for this election is July 17–August 1. Election day is August 6, 2026.

Other county-level positions on the August 6 ballot are Circuit Court Clerk, County Mayor, Assessor of Property, County Clerk, Trustee, Register of Deeds, Road Supervisor and County Commission Districts 1–9.