CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – To help give voters the information they need to make educated decisions on the Aug. 6 ballot, Clarksville Now is presenting Q&A articles on key issues in the Montgomery County sheriff’s and mayor’s races.
Who are the candidates for sheriff?
Dexter Mines, a veteran and an independent candidate, served in several law enforcement agencies over 22 years, including the Greenbrier Police Department, MCSO, the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, and as assistant director of the Tennessee POST Commission.
Mike Oliver, a Republican, has over 32 years of law enforcement experience, beginning with the Tennessee Department of Corrections and then with MCSO. He has worked in Corrections, Road Patrol, K-9 Unit, Drug Task Force and the Special Victims Unit.
Johnny Ransdell, retired, is an independent candidate whose 31-year career with the Clarksville Police Department included time on the Fatal Accident Crash Team, Juvenile Engagement Team, Street Crimes Unit, Special Operations Unit and Major Crimes Unit.
The three candidates were provided the questions below, and asked to respond to each question in 100 words or less.
Jail recidivism, rehabilitation
What would you do to address recidivism and rehabilitation of jail inmates?
Mines: Reducing recidivism begins by addressing the issues that often lead people into the criminal justice system. While maintaining a safe and secure jail, I will support evidence-based programs that provide access to mental health care, substance abuse treatment, education, job training, and reentry planning. Successful rehabilitation strengthens families, reduces repeat offenses, and improves public safety. My goal is to ensure individuals leave our jail better prepared to become productive members of our community while remaining accountable for their actions.
Oliver: To reduce recidivism, we must identify what is driving repeated criminal behavior. That means improving access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, faith-based and nonprofit programs, job-readiness resources, and reentry planning before release. Accountability must remain firm, especially for violent offenders, but rehabilitation matters for those willing to change. By working with the courts, probation, treatment providers, churches, and community partners, we can help reduce repeat offenses while improving public safety for Montgomery County.
Ransdell: Throughout my law enforcement career, I’ve seen that accountability and rehabilitation must go hand in hand. Keeping our community safe will always be my top priority, but reducing repeat offenders requires addressing the root causes of crime. I support programs that provide substance abuse and mental health treatment, education, job training and life skills while inmates are incarcerated. I also believe in strong reentry planning to connect individuals with employment and community resources. When people leave jail prepared to become productive citizens instead of reoffending, we reduce crime, strengthen families, and make Montgomery County safer.
| MORE: Warnings, suspensions, commendations: What’s in sheriff candidates’ disciplinary records
Deputy and employee retention
What will you do to improve MCSO deputy and employee retention?
Mines: Retaining quality employees starts with strong leadership and a culture where people feel valued, supported, and respected. I will prioritize competitive training opportunities, employee wellness, professional development, and open communication throughout the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies and staff deserve leaders who listen, invest in their success, and recognize their service. By building a positive workplace culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and growth, we can improve morale, retain experienced employees, and continue providing exceptional service to Montgomery County.
Oliver: MCSO must become a place where good employees feel valued, supported, and heard. I will focus on competitive pay, strong training, clear promotion pathways, and leadership that communicates directly with patrol deputies, detention deputies, dispatchers, and civilian staff. Retention starts with morale. Employees need to know that their leadership will stand with them, listen to their concerns, and provide the tools needed to do the job safely and professionally. Retain talent. Recruit excellence. That will be a priority from day one.
Ransdell: Retaining quality deputies and employees starts with strong leadership, respect, and open communication. I will foster a culture where employees know they are valued, supported, and heard. Salaries and benefits must remain not only competitive but attractive enough to recruit and retain the best people. I will invest in training, professional development, recognition for outstanding service, and ensure deputies have the equipment and resources needed to do their jobs safely and effectively. I also believe in promoting from within whenever possible, creating opportunities for career growth, and building a workplace where employees are proud to serve Montgomery County.
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Inmate booking log
Where do you stand on public access to the Montgomery County Jail booking log/mugshots?
Mines: I do not support reinstating the public online booking log. A booking photo documents an arrest based on probable cause, not a conviction, and every person is presumed innocent until they have been proven guilty. We can remain transparent about public safety while respecting the dignity and constitutional rights of those involved. My administration will provide timely, accurate information to the public (where life safety is involved) without unnecessarily turning arrests into public spectacle. Professionalism, accountability, and transparency can exist alongside fairness and respect for every individual.
Oliver: I support restoring public access to the booking log. Clarksville Now published a poll on this issue, and 69% of participants said they want the booking log returned with no changes. This further supports my vision for transparency and public access. All arrestees are innocent until proven guilty.
Ransdell: I have been clear on this issue: I support publishing a conviction log, not a traditional booking log that displays the names and photos of people who have only been arrested. In America, every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Publishing booking photos before a case is resolved can cause lasting harm to individuals who are later found not guilty or have their charges dismissed. Arrest records remain public under Tennessee law, and as sheriff, I will ensure all Open Records Act requests are handled promptly, professionally, and in full compliance with the law.
| MORE: Who’s on ballot for Montgomery County mayor, sheriff, commission, School Board
Other issues
Is there another issue you would like to address?
Mines: Public trust begins with relationships, and one of the best investments we can make is in our youth. I believe the Sheriff’s Office should be visible not only during emergencies but also in our schools, neighborhoods, and community events. By partnering with parents, educators, faith leaders, and local organizations, we can build trust, provide positive mentorship, and help prevent crime before it starts. Strong relationships with young people today create safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and greater public trust for generations to come.
Oliver: Another issue is leadership presence. The Sheriff’s Office needs a sheriff who is visible, accessible, and engaged with both the community and the employees inside the agency. Public safety requires leadership presence, a sheriff cannot lead effectively while separating himself from the concerns of the public and his agency. I will prioritize stronger partnerships with all of our surrounding agencies, schools, churches, neighborhood leaders, and local organizations. Montgomery County is growing quickly, and we must prepare now with proactive leadership, better communication, and a Sheriff’s Office that serves all people with professionalism, accountability, and integrity.
Ransdell: The biggest challenge facing Montgomery County is growth. As our community grows, so do traffic congestion, public safety concerns, school enrollment, jail populations, and demands on our courts. To meet these challenges, we must increase deputy visibility by patrolling our roads, protecting our schools, and expanding our presence throughout the county. I support the mayor’s public safety annex initiative because placing deputies closer to the communities they serve will reduce response times and improve public safety, even as increased traffic and continued growth place greater demands on law enforcement.
What happens next in Clarksville-Montgomery County elections?
Aug. 6 election: The county general election. In addition, it will be the state primary, with governor, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and all three state House races on the ballot. Early voting begins July 17.
| MORE: Who’s on ballot for City of Clarksville mayor, City Council elections?
Nov. 3 election: In addition to Nov. 3 being the state general election, it will also be the City of Clarksville general election, with the mayor and half the City Council seats on the ballot. Early voting begins Oct. 14.
For more information on voting, including registering to vote, go to the Montgomery County Election Commission website, visit their office at 350 Pageant Lane, Suite 404, email vote@mcgtn.net or call 931-648-5707.