Candidate Survey - Mike Smith

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

I am a lifelong Knox County resident with over 34 years of law enforcement experience, including service with the Kentucky State Police and as your current Sheriff. I have spent 28 of those years in supervisory roles, leading teams and making critical decisions. I hold a degree in Law Enforcement from Eastern Kentucky University, trained at the Kentucky State Police Academy, and completed executive leadership training. I am running to continue providing steady, experienced leadership. This job is not about politics, it’s about serving people with fairness, respect, and consistency while moving our department forward.

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?

Economic growth starts with safe communities. As Sheriff, my role is to ensure Knox County remains a place where families feel secure and businesses feel confident investing. We will continue focusing on reducing crime, addressing drug issues, and maintaining strong law enforcement presence in our schools and communities. I will continue working with local leaders to support a safe environment for job growth. Recruiting and retaining deputies comes from strong leadership, respect, and stability—creating a workplace where officers want to serve and stay.

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 strong Sheriff’s Office depends on an experienced, committed staff. Of note, counting combined Deputies, School Resource Officers, Court Security Officers, and office staff approximately 90% of our staff resides in Knox County. We also have a deputy assigned to the DEA task force that is funded through federal dollars at no expense to the county. My focus is on retaining good officers by providing sound leadership, training, and a supportive work environment. We will continue to encourage the next generation by working with local schools to provide youth programs. I’m proud of our team at the Knox County Sheriff’s office.

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?

Safe roads are an important part of public safety. The Sheriff’s Office works closely with local officials to address traffic concerns, accident-prone areas, and roadway hazards. Ensuring deputies are visible and responsive helps prevent accidents and improves safety for everyone. I will continue supporting efforts that improve our county’s infrastructure. Public safety extends beyond crime—it includes making sure our roads are safe for families, workers, and visitors throughout Knox County.

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?

I have a proven record of responsible fiscal management, including clean financial audits and careful use of taxpayer dollars. My priority is ensuring that resources are used where they matter most: Supporting deputies, maintaining equipment, and providing proper training. Every dollar has been spent with accountability and purpose. I will continue managing the Sheriff’s Office budget with transparency and discipline while ensuring our team has what they need to protect and serve Knox County effectively.

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?

Accountability starts with leadership. I believe in an open-door approach and clear communication with the public. Our office is committed to treating every individual with fairness, dignity, and respect. These are principles I have used throughout my 34 year career in law enforcement. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential in law enforcement. We will continue to operate in a way that the public can be confident in our actions and decisions. How you treat people matters just as much as a resume, and that principle guides our office every day.

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 is defined in many ways when it comes to serving as your Sheriff. Some of our accomplishments include the following:

Approximately 800 drug related arrests since taking office in 2015

149 pounds of methamphetamine, 257 grams of heroin, 7000 fentanyl and 5,000 Oxy pills seized

$760,000 of asset forfeiture dollars and grant funds obtained

Partnerships with Operation Unite, U.S. Marshall Service, DEA, and other state and local agencies.

Committed effort to providing police visibility and youth programs in our schools, dating back to pre-KRS mandate.

Initiated “Shop with the Sheriff” program providing Christmas presents and community outreach to our local children