Oglesby enters sheriff's race

ROBERT OGLESBY

Robert Oglesby announced this week that he will seek the position of Jenkins County Sheriff.

He has lived in Millen his entire life with the exception of 2½ years while working in Central Georgia. Robert, 49, has been married to Melody Cooper Oglesby for 28 years and has two children, Adam and Samantha and one grandchild, Trilan Dudley.

Robert and his family are members of Millen Baptist Church where Robert has served on the deacon board, taught Sunday School and served on several committees within the church. Robert is the son of Tommy and Shirley Taylor and the late Sam Oglesby of Millen.

Cavalier Home Builders of Georgia formerly known as Bellcrest Homes presently employs Robert. He began at Bellcrest at the age of 18 in the cabinet shop. After several promotions, he became Production Manager over Plant One, a title he has held for the past 10 years. Robert is a 19-year member of the Millen-Jenkins County Volunteer Fire Department and has 12 years experience working with the Jenkins County Sheriff's Department under the leadership of the late Bobby Womack.

This aspiration for a career change began with the influence of Sheriff Womack several years ago. Robert believes that the time for this change is now. Robert states, "I learned from my opportunity of working with Sheriff Womack that people with problems need someone they can rely and trust in to alleviate their concerns in a prompt fair manner." Robert believes that an open-door policy with the sheriff's department is essential and if elected will encourage this policy.

"Issues such as drugs, teenage pregnancy and gang related activities are tearing apart families every day," Robert states. "This affects us all in one-way or the other. The robberies of our homes and churches, our safe havens, are crime targets. My goal is to stop these activities as quickly as possible. Comments have been made that it all cannot be eliminated, but with this mentality, we have defeated ourselves before we have even begun. Citizens providing information about crimes needs to be taken seriously. I do not believe that I alone can accomplish this. It has to be a community endeavor."

"Our school system needs our support, and I feel that a K-9 unit would greatly benefit our area. There is funding available from several sources that would enable Jenkins County to improve its capabilities to deter crime, including drug money that is confiscated. We have to tap all resources available."

"The past few weeks I have met many citizens. I hope the next few months I will meet you all because, I believe the sheriff should know for whom he works. If elected I will not forget who I work for because I believe I am a "Man for all of the people." I will come speak at any group or meeting if anyone would like to know more of my plans and thoughts for our community or simply introduce myself. I encourage anyone to feel free to call and ask and I look forward to being elected your sheriff."