Candidate Survey - Bobby Jones

Profile. Tell us about yourself, who you are, what your background is and why you are running for office.

I’m a lifelong member of this community, and serving the people here isn’t just my job—it’s personal. I’ve spent over 23 years in the military and my career in law enforcement protecting others, standing for what’s right, and building trust. My faith in Jesus guides how I serve—with integrity, compassion, and humility. I am committed to aggressively fighting the drug epidemic that’s tearing apart families and holding those responsible accountable. I’m running for office because I love this county and want to lead by example, treat people right, and ensure every family feels safe, heard, and respected.

Economic Development. Knox County’s poverty rate remains well above the state average. Beyond general statements about attracting business, what specific industries or economic sectors do you believe are realistic targets for Knox County, and what concrete steps would you take to recruit them?

Knox County should target industries that fit its workforce and location: light manufacturing, logistics and warehousing, construction-related suppliers, healthcare support, and food processing. These sectors offer stable jobs, can use local labor, and match the county’s available land and industrial planning. As sheriff, I would recruit by emphasizing public safety, workforce readiness, and a business-friendly environment. I would partner with schools, training programs, and local employers, and promote shovel-ready sites with good road access. The goal is not just to attract businesses, but to bring in employers that hire locally, stay long term, and help reduce poverty.

Workforce & Jobs. Many Knox County residents leave the area for work. What would you do to create conditions that keep working-age residents employed locally, and how would you address the skills gap between available workers and available jobs?

A sheriff’s office cannot create jobs, however, I want Knox County to be a place where people can live, work, and raise their families. That means stronger jobs, better training, more apprenticeships, and a sheriff’s office that helps people get back on their feet and into work.

Roads & Infrastructure. Poor road conditions are a persistent complaint among Knox County residents. How would you prioritize which infrastructure projects get addressed first, and what funding mechanisms — local, state, or federal — would you pursue?

Road conditions are a public safety issue. We should prioritize the roads that most affect emergency response, school travel, accidents, and daily access to work and services. I will report road conditions to the County Judge Executive’s office for immediate attention.

Fiscal Management. What is your position on the county’s current budget priorities? Are there areas of spending you would redirect, reduce, or increase — and how would you make those decisions while keeping taxes manageable for residents?

As sheriff, I would place safety first and manage every tax dollar carefully. I would protect patrol, investigations, training, and critical equipment, while closely reviewing overtime, contracts, fuel, inventory, and administrative costs for savings. I would support spending increases only when they clearly improve safety, efficiency, or long-term costs. My goal would be a well-run office that delivers strong services, stays accountable, to ensure taxpayers feel protected.

Accountability & Transparency. What steps would you take to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and that residents have clear visibility into how decisions are made in your office?

I would ensure every tax dollar is spent wisely through strong budget controls, competitive purchasing, and audits. I would make spending, contracts, grants, and policy decisions easy for residents to see. I would also explain the reason behind important decisions, especially on staffing, overtime, and equipment. Accountability means communication, oversight, and a commitment to transparency. The community must trust how the office operates.

Measuring Success. At the end of your term, how should voters judge whether you succeeded? Name two or three specific, measurable outcomes you are committing to achieve.

Success should measured by visible results. I will reduce crime, reduce illegal drug activity, prioritize addict recovery pathways, cut response times, and have a daily presence in each community. By the end of my term, voters should see safer neighborhoods, quicker response, and a sheriff’s office that is visible, accountable, and connected to the people it serves. You deserve to see, and actually know your Sheriff.