Columbia County Sheriff Mark Hunter is seeking re-election, facing a challenge by Wallace Kitchings. As both candidates are Republicans, and no Democrats or other candidates qualified for the race, the August Republican party will be open to all Columbia County voters.
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.
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Note: Responses are sorted alphabetically by party and are presented exactly as submitted, with no editing by News4Jax staff.
Mark Hunter
Occupation: Sheriff, Columbia County, FL
Age: 63
Family: Spouse- Marilyn (42 Years)
Children- Two Daughters; Leslie (Jeff) and Natalie (Justin)
Grandchildren- Kayleigh and Finley
Education: •Columbia High School
•BA degree, Organizational Management, Edward Waters College
•Graduate, Command and General Staff College, U.S. Army
•Chief Executive Seminar, Class 43
•Graduate, FBI National Academy, 256th Session.
Political experience: Elected Sheriff in 2008, re-elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top three issues in this race are managing community growth, ensuring public safety, and maintaining fiscal responsibility.
1. Managing Community Growth: Columbia County is experiencing rapid growth, which presents challenges for our infrastructure and public services. To address this, I plan to ensure the Sheriff’s Office grows in tandem with the county. This includes increasing staffing levels, acquiring necessary equipment, and providing comprehensive training to our officers. By aligning our resources with the county’s development, we can effectively manage the increasing volume of calls for service and maintain a high standard of law enforcement.
2. Ensuring Public Safety: Public safety is paramount for the well-being of our community and the prosperity of our local businesses. I will continue to foster strong relationships with business owners and residents to enhance our crime prevention and resolution efforts. Implementing advanced technologies, such as real-time crime centers and Flock cameras, will further improve our ability to prevent and respond to crime. Additionally, we will conduct regular safety meetings and threat assessments to ensure businesses and schools are well-prepared for any incidents.
3. Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility: Responsible financial management is crucial for the long-term stability of our county. Throughout my tenure, we have consistently balanced our budget, returned unused funds, and received positive audit results. I will continue to prioritize transparency and accountability in our financial practices. By working closely with county commissioners and other stakeholders, we can ensure that our resources are used efficiently to support the growth and safety of our community.
Through these focused efforts, I am committed to leading the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office in a way that addresses these key issues and promotes a safer, more prosperous community for all our citizens.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
My extensive experience as your Sheriff uniquely positions me to continue making a positive impact on our community. Here’s how I can help voters in ways others cannot:
1. Proven Track Record of Fiscal Responsibility: I have consistently demonstrated fiscal responsibility, ensuring our budget is balanced and resources are used efficiently. My experience in managing the Sheriff’s Office finances, coupled with positive audit results and the ability to return unused funds, shows my commitment to transparency and accountability. Voters can trust that I will continue to handle our county’s resources wisely.
2. Strong Community Relationships: Over the years, I have built robust relationships with local business owners, residents, and community leaders. This collaboration has been instrumental in solving crimes and addressing community concerns. My established network and open lines of communication ensure that I can quickly and effectively respond to the needs of our community, fostering a safer environment for everyone.
3. Commitment to Safety and Innovation: I have a clear vision for leveraging advanced technology to enhance public safety. Implementing real-time crime centers, Flock cameras, and other innovations has already resulted in a reduction in violent crime. My ongoing efforts to embrace new technologies and provide thorough training for our officers will continue to improve our ability to protect and serve the community effectively.
4. Experience in Managing Growth: With Columbia County experiencing rapid growth, my experience in aligning the Sheriff’s Office’s development with the county’s expansion is crucial. I understand the challenges that come with growth and have a proven strategy to ensure our law enforcement capabilities keep pace. This includes increasing staffing, upgrading equipment, and ensuring comprehensive training.
My deep understanding of the unique needs and dynamics of Columbia County, combined with my proven leadership and dedication, sets me apart from others running for this office. I am committed to continuing our progress and making Columbia County a safer and better place for all its citizens.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
After serving in this office, I hope to be remembered for more than just the actions taken or the policies implemented. I hope to be remembered for the impact those actions had on the lives of the people in our community.
1. Creating a Safer Community: I want to be remembered for making Columbia County a place where families feel safe and businesses thrive. The implementation of advanced technologies and strong partnerships with local businesses and residents have been crucial in reducing crime and enhancing our community’s sense of security. I hope that these efforts have made a real difference in the daily lives of our citizens.
2. Building Strong Relationships: I hope to be remembered for the relationships I’ve built with community members. Whether it’s the local business owner who feels comfortable calling me directly with concerns, or the residents who know their Sheriff’s Office is there for them, these connections are what make our community strong. I’ve always seen the Sheriff’s Office as a family, and I hope that sense of unity and support is something people will remember.
3. Demonstrating Fiscal Responsibility: I take great pride in our commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. Balancing our budget, returning unused funds, and maintaining positive audit results weren’t just about numbers—they were about ensuring that our community’s resources were used wisely and effectively. I hope to be remembered for being a good steward of the public trust.
4. Managing Growth Thoughtfully: As our county has grown, I’ve worked hard to ensure that the Sheriff’s Office kept pace with this development. I hope to be remembered for my efforts to expand our capabilities—by increasing staffing, upgrading equipment, and providing comprehensive training—so that we could continue to serve our growing community effectively.
Ultimately, I hope to be remembered for my unwavering dedication to improving the safety, well-being, and quality of life for every citizen of Columbia County. Serving as your Sheriff has been the honor of my life, and I hope the work we’ve done together leaves a legacy of a stronger, safer, and more connected community.
Campaign website: markhunterforsheriff.com
Campaign social media: Instagram | Facebook| YouTube
Wallace Kitchings
Occupation: For almost 31 years, I have worked in this community with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. I started as a Deputy and retired after serving 7 years as the Undersheriff.
Age: 60
Family: Son to the late Frank D. Kitchings and Dammie L. Kirby. Married 35 years to Anja Kitchings. Daughter, Brittany. 5th generation Columbia County resident.
Education: · FDLE Chief Executive Seminar – Class 44
· Occidental Chemical Corporation- Professional Supervisor Program
· Criminal Justice Training Academy: Sniper Course – Special Operations
· State of Florida the Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Training – K-9 Team Certification
· State of Florida the Commission on Criminal Justice Standards and Training – Basic Recruit Certificate, Basic Recruit, Law Enforcement Officers
· Police Dog Handling School – Drug Detection
· Police Dog Handling School - Basic and Advanced
· Police Dog Handling School - Drug Seminar
· New Mexico Tech Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center: Incident Response to Terrorist Bombings
· Incident Command Systems
· Law Enforcement Response: Weapons of Mass Destruction
· Federal Law Enforcement Training Center – Clandestine Lab Awareness and Safety
· Institute of Police Technology and Management – Tactical Operations Command
· F.D.L.E / DEA – Cannabis Indoor Grow Investigations
· F.D.L.E – Special Operations Sniper Course at Lively Law Enforcement Academy
· F.D.L.E. – FCIC Basic Telecommunications
· FBI – Advanced Hostage Negotiations
· Recognizing and Identifying Hazardous Materials]
· Basic Pressure Point Control Tactics
· Florida Sheriffs Association Training Program – Civil Process (non-enforceable)
· Florida Sheriffs Association Training Program – Civil Process (enforceable)
· Florida Sheriffs Association Training Program – 2013 Winter Conference
· Florida Sheriffs Association Diversified Training Program- 2011 Executive Leadership Conference
· Florida Sheriffs Association Diversified Training Program – 1998 Annual Administrative Management Training Seminar
· Department of Treasury Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: Clandestine Lab Awareness and Safety
· Florida Sheriffs Association: Florida Sheriffs’ Institute
· CCSO – Leadership Training
· CCSO – PIT Driving Training
· CCSO- Aircraft Interdiction Training
· CCSO – Uniform Florida Traffic Crash Report Training
· CCSO – Supervisors’ Liability Training
· First Responder to Bomb Calls Training
· DEA – Drug Interdiction
· FBI- Basic S.W.A.T. Operators Course
· Florida Sheriffs Association Training Program – Crack Cocaine Investigation and Enforcement
· Narcotic Identification and Investigation
· Columbia County Sheriff’s Office: Defensive Driving
· Lake City Community College: Firearms Instructor
· Lake City Community College: Semi-Automatic Transition
· Florida Sheriffs Association Training Program – Administrative Management Training Seminar
· Criminal Justice Information System Security & Awareness Training
· F.D.L.E. – Discriminatory Profiling and Professional Traffic Stops / Human Diversity
· F.D.L.E – Juvenile Sexual Offender Investigations
· F.D.L.E. – Domestic Violence
· Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute – Stress Management in Law Enforcement
· Glock Professional – Armourer’s Course
· US Department of Homeland Security FEMA: National Incident Management System (NIMS) an Introduction (IS100, IS200, IS300, IS400, IS700, IS800).
· Santa Fe Community College – Criminal Justice Program: Human Diversity, Domestic Violence, and Forfeiture Training Course
· Santa Fe Community College – Criminal Justice Program: Terrorists Indicators for Patrol / SWAT
· National Fire Academy Course: Recognizing and Identifying Hazardous Materials
· Florida Department of Labor and Employment Security: Blood Borne Pathogen Training
· Tallahassee Community College - Pat Thomas Criminal Justice Training Academy: The Bullet Proof Mind Course
· Tallahassee Community College - Pat Thomas Criminal Justice Training Academy: Incident Command Systems Course
· North Florida Community College Criminal Justice Academy – Law Enforcement Response: Weapons of Mass Destruction
· Blue Green Training: Counter-Terrorism Train Interdiction Operations
· The United States Deputy Sheriffs’ Association’s Tactical Entry & Defensive Tactics Training Seminar
· Florida Society for Healthcare Security, Safety, and Emergency
Political experience: This is my first time seeking office.
What do you see as the top three issues in this race, and how do you plan to address them?
The top issue would be violent crime. It is caused by illicit drugs, which is a catalyst for many crimes. To combat these situations, a Sheriff’s Office, as the lead law enforcement agency in the county, must establish a proactive approach to addressing crime. Just being reactive is not working. To get ahead of crime, it is necessary to increase specialized patrol units that target criminal activities and then enforce existing laws. We have many experienced senior Deputies who know how to solve these issues, they need positive leadership and support. These are proven methods for reducing crime. It is like preventive maintenance on a vehicle, every so often, the oil needs to be changed. As a working Sheriff, I will lead by example by addressing the crimes occurring daily in our city and county and focus efforts on identifying the violators. The mere presence of law enforcement officers in an area will help, but that is not enough.
Historically, law enforcement agencies were primarily “Reactive” to crime. They would wait for a call, go to a crime scene, and write a report. By this time, the violator was long gone. Today most agencies try to become “Proactive” and attempt to outsmart the criminal and have achieved marginal success. My approach to solving the crime problems in our community will include Reactive and Proactive but more importantly, I will lead the Sheriff’s Office in the direction of being Coactive. A Coactive approach to solving crime in Columbia County will encourage citizens to have closer communication with Deputies.
The second issue is the retention and pay for Deputies. Historically Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has enjoyed a reputation of being a professional agency and a leader in local law enforcement. However, Deputies, Detention Officers, and Employees will tend to leave an agency that does not recognize and appreciate individual effort and professionalism. During the past 8 years, our Sheriff’s Office has lost approximately 225 employees (Information obtained from CCSO by Public Records Request). An agency that consistently operates understaffed cannot provide the services expected by its citizens (A Law Enforcement Officer has to undergo a minimum of 14 weeks of field training, by the time you get one fully trained someone is leaving). Columbia County has the largest population in the Third Judicial Circuit. Yet, Columbia County’s deputies start at $45,000. Suwannee County, a bordering county whose population is quite a bit less starts their deputies at $47,500 and more importantly, Lafayette County, the smallest county in the Circuit with roughly 9,500 residents starts their Deputies at $49,000. To maintain quality personnel, the salary and benefits offered must be fair and competitive with surrounding counties. An organization is only as good as its employees. With generational changes, salary is one of the most prominent issues. However, competitive wages are only the first step. A quality work environment within any agency will change its image and attract quality individuals who want to become members and stay.
Last, rebuilding a stronger relationship with the citizens we serve. Deputies need to be interacting with citizens. This builds trust and confidence. It also increases information of criminal activity aiding in solving crime. Citizens want to know their Deputies. We will encourage feedback from citizens by establishing an environment for confidential reporting of suspicious activities in a neighborhood. We will encourage deputies to initiate these contacts with citizens to establish the networks for the exchange of information. I know this will not be easy because first of all, the citizens must have confidence that if they make the effort to provide information something will be done. This is just basic law enforcement 101. It should be noted that the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office does not belong to the Sheriff, it belongs to the citizens of the county.
How can you help voters in a way that others running for this office cannot?
I stayed and served the Citizens of Columbia County my entire career. I wanted to be active and involved in helping to maintain a safe community. I progressed through the ranks working as a Patrol Deputy, Patrol Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, supervised and served on the Special Teams (K-9, SWAT, Dive, Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Task Force), and Undersheriff. I worked with other Counties, State, and Federal Agencies and by doing so I gained valuable knowledge, experience, and formed esteemed working relationships. This aided me in helping serve my community and solve many issues. I learned to be accountable, not blaming or assigning blame to others, along with mentoring and training Deputies to be their personable best. I have been willing to listen to citizens and try to assist them with their problems. While maintaining integrity throughout the entire process.
What would you hope to be remembered for accomplishing after serving in this office?
I hope to be remembered for assembling and maintaining an exceptional law enforcement agency. Along with training agency members to be leaders for the future. Lastly, establishing a culture of service to the citizens and developing an agency they can be proud of.
Campaign website: kitchings4sheriff.com