Barnes to challenge for Sheriff
By Matthew Whittle
Published in News on February 14, 2010 1:50 AM
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Glenn Barnes
Glenn Barnes, a retired Goldsboro police captain, announced Thursday that he is seeking the Democratic nomination for Wayne County Sheriff.
Barnes, who served with the Goldsboro Police Department, rising through the ranks from foot patrol to administrative captain and watch commander from 1977 until 2006, said he wants to bring a new perspective to the county office.
"I just feel like its time for a fresh outlook," he said. "Sheriff Winders has made some positive changes at the sheriff's department. He's brought it up a few notches from where it was before, but most of that was in his first term.
"I feel any organization that has had the same leadership for a long period of time begins to stagnate, and I think in order to have progress, you have to get some fresh ideas in there."
And while he declined to discuss many of his new ideas or changes he'd like to see made at the department, he did say that one of his goals is to make the department "more transparent."
"I would like to see more interaction with the community," he said, adding that he'd like to have a Web site devoted to the solicitation of ideas and communication with the public, as well as regular appearances on radio or television to take questions and comments from residents. "I've got good ideas, but I don't have all the good ideas."
The bottom line, though, Barnes continued, is that he feels he has the experience to do the job, and to do it well.
In addition to his years with the Goldsboro Police Department, he also has taught Basic Law Enforcement Training sessions at Wayne Community College, has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and is a volunteer firefighter for the Oakland Fire Department. He and his wife own Re-Construction Co., a remodeling and home repair business, as well as a rental management agency, Barnes Properties.
But, he said, it's his law enforcement background, which includes stints with the Selective Enforcement Unit and Tactical Team, time as a sergeant and team leader of the Patrol Division and a sergeant and supervisor with the Investigations Division, and as the creator of department's Honor Guard, that sets him apart.
"I've got law enforcement in my blood," he said. "I'm new in the political arena, but am experienced in law enforcement. I feel the citizens prefer a law enforcement officer."
Barnes has a Web site with information about his campaign -- www.barnesforsheriff.com.