CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga.,None — The election for Clayton County sheriff is more than a year away, but the race is already heating up.
Former Clayton County Police Chief Jeff Turner picked up paperwork Friday needed to run for the office. Only Channel Two Action News was there as Turner picked up the proper state forms at the voter registrar's office in Jonesboro.
"It's going to be real interesting," Turner told Channel 2's Richard Elliot about the upcoming race.
Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill has also filed the proper paperwork necessary to run for the office. Current Sheriff Kem Kimbrough, who defeated Hill in the last election, was unavailable for comment, but it is believed he will seek re-election.
Turner and Hill often butted heads while each led the different law enforcement agencies.
"I'm looking forward to running against those gentlemen," said Turner. "We'll see what happens."
Turner grew up in Clayton County and was a member of the police department for 23 years, rising from patrol officer to police chief, but he lost the confidence of several Clayton County commissioners, including Commission Chairman Eldrin Bell. Turner was demoted to head of the police academy. He eventually left the department.
Elliot tried to get a comment from Chairman Bell about Turner's desire to run for sheriff but was told by county staff that the chairman had none. Turner said he can put all of that behind him and work with county officials if elected.
"I'm first and foremost a professional," said Turner as he left the elections office. "As long as we work together for the concerns and needs of Clayton County citizens, then we'll be able to work along just fine."
The election is not until November 2012.
WSBTV
