St. Johns County clerk of court & comptroller Brandon Patty is being challenged by Denver Cook in the Republican primary. There is no Democratic opponent or write-in candidates, so the August Republican Primary will be open to all voters in the county.
News4Jax sent a questionnaire to each candidate asking about their background and their views on several issues. Scroll down to read the responses of those seeking your vote -- in their own words.
Recommended Videos
Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
Denver Cook
Occupation: Retired Corrections Officer, former General Contractor,
Age: 58
Family: Wife Michelle, Son Denver Jr., Daughters Mia and Piper
Education: AAS Animal Husbandry, CA General Contractor, Corrections Officer/STG Intelligence Officer, USAF Intelligence Analyst, Wayland Baptist University, VA Residential Contractor
Political experience: Founding Chairman St Johns County Poly-Drug Task Force, Past Vice-Chair St Johns County Juvenile Justice Advisory Committee, Past Chair PACT Prevention Coalition, Current Chairman St Johns County Republican Party.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Transparency - Present quarterly reports to commission and citizens on fiscal spending, create budget dash boards for citizen evaluation of county spending, will institute policies for FOIA requests to broaden data rather than limit information.
Oversight - Ensure that County contracts are audited, protect tax dollars prior to payment, verify contract specifications are certified prior to payment.
Accountability - Ensure we see quarterly reports on the activities of the county departments and any areas of concern are followed up on. Ensure the Inspector General is independent and does not have limits on investigations.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My experience managing over $40M in federal government infrastructure projects I know how to protect tax dollars from waste, as a decorated military intelligence analyst I know how to dig deep into data and present facts for leaders to make better decisions, and my years of work in law enforcement and community engagement prepared me to engage with judges to drive grant dollars to effective programs to change the lives of those struggling with addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Most importantly is to have changed the lives of those entering the court system so they can have programs that strengthen families and support youth. Secondly to be remembered for providing citizens with the transparency, oversight and accountability we have long been lacking.
Campaign website: www.denvercook.com
Campaign social media: Facebook | X
Brandon Patty
Occupation: Currently serving as St. Johns Clerk & Comptroller
US Naval Reserve Officer
Age: 42
Family: Married to wife Brittney, they have three sons Mason, Graham, and Carter
Education: Masters, London School of Economics
Bachelors, George Washington University
Political experience: **Brandon Patty is currently on active duty with the US Navy, deployed overseas in the Middle East. His campaign is being run on his behalf by his wife, Brittney, and campaign team while he is on orders per requirement by the United States Department of Defense.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
Enhancing Judicial Efficiency: One of the top issues is ensuring the judicial system operates smoothly and efficiently. Brandon Patty has already taken significant steps in this direction by advocating for and securing an additional judge to facilitate justice in 2020. He plans to continue these efforts by working closely with the judiciary to identify and address bottlenecks, ensuring that our legal system serves the community promptly and fairly. His proactive approach to this issue demonstrates his commitment to improving the legal system for the benefit of the community.
Combating Fraud and White-Collar Crime: Protecting our residents from fraud remains a critical concern. Brandon Patty launched the Property Fraud Notification and Prevention Campaign to safeguard our community against these threats. He will continue to enhance and expand these efforts, leveraging advanced technologies and community outreach programs to ensure our residents are informed and protected.
Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility: Brandon Patty’s unwavering commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility is a cornerstone of his service. His dedication to these principles is evident in the four consecutive years he has been awarded the Certificate for Excellence in Financial Reporting. He plans to build on this foundation by improving our financial reporting systems and ensuring that taxpayer money is used effectively and efficiently, thereby upholding the trust of the community.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
Brandon Patty brings a unique blend of experience, commitment, and innovative approach to the table. As a U.S. Naval Reserve Officer, he has honed the discipline and dedication necessary to serve our community effectively. His tenure as Clerk and Comptroller is marked by successful initiatives like the Property Fraud Notification and Prevention Campaign and securing important recognitions for financial reporting. His proactive stance on leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as artificial intelligence, to enhance service delivery ensures that our county offices operate efficiently. This combination of experience, proven results, and forward-thinking strategies sets him apart, enabling him to provide unparalleled service to the voters of St. Johns County.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
Brandon hopes to be remembered for his unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community with integrity and dedication. Specifically, he aspires to leave a legacy of:
Judicial Efficiency: Ensuring our legal system is more efficient and can deliver swift justice.
Fraud Prevention: Establishing robust systems and programs that have significantly reduced the threat of fraud and white-collar crime, making St. Johns County a safer place to live.
Transparency and Fiscal Responsibility: Upholding the highest standards of transparency and fiscal responsibility, earning continued recognition and trust from the community.
Technological Advancement: Successfully integrating advanced technologies to improve service delivery and operational efficiencies in county offices, setting a benchmark for others.
By focusing on these areas, he aims to contribute to the safety, prosperity, and well-being of St. Johns County, ensuring it remains a great place to live for generations to follow.
Campaign website: brandonpatty.com
Campaign social media: Facebook