All five candidates who filed for sheriff competed in the May 24 Republican primary, so winner Daniel Klatt, with 51.3 percent of the vote, will become the next sheriff on Jan. 1. ESI caught up with Klatt for a phone interview as he wrapped up the annual Chuckwagon Races, which he has helped to manage for the last 13 years. During the interview, he leaned away from the phone several times to call out to departing participants.
With almost a week elapsed since his victory, Klatt has had time to put it in perspective. He attributed his win to a simple campaign message, that his experience gave him a big advantage.
Specifically, he noted that his time in the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office gave him familiarity with the multiple missions of the department, including the jail and dispatch. He stuck with that positive message throughout the campaign and complimented the other candidates for the positive nature of their campaigns.
For Klatt, focusing on his core message was easy. “I wasn’t running against anyone,” he said. “I was running on myself.” Klatt said he knew there was a possibility of a run-off election, with several quality candidates in the field, but his advance assessment came close to the final margin.
Klatt’s speaking style clearly resonated with voters at candidate forums, and he said his experience as an instructor has helped make him comfortable with public speaking.
Between now and Jan. 1, Klatt will continue to operate his small business, which he will probably sell before the end of the year. As the interview ended, Klatt extended his thanks to the voters, and said he is ready to get to work. “I want to make the people of the county proud of this department, and make sure the taxpayers know they’re getting their money’s worth.”