Col. Bill Puett, Buchanan County Undersheriff has announced his intention to run for Sheriff.

Puett made the announcement Monday.

“I have been extremely blessed to serve this community as a member of the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office for the last 29 years where I have worked, both past and present, with some tremendous people. I am keenly aware of, and have unique insight into, the challenges facing our community and the Sheriff’s Office,” Puett said. “I have been very fortunate to have been able to provide help and assistance to a great number of our citizens, sometimes in their darkest hours. I am asking for your help, and that I be given the opportunity to lead the Sheriff’s Office as the Sheriff and continue this work.”

He said if elected he has a few ideas and changes he plans to implement.

“Good financial stewardship with our tax dollars is extremely important to me; I take the accountability to taxpayers very seriously. Secondly, I want to establish citizen advisory groups from each community and hold town hall meetings to engage our citizens and facilitate the exchange of ideas and information which will allow more transparency and efficiency in the services we provide,” Puett said. “Lastly, to enhance and more fully develop the skills, abilities, and techniques of the dedicated members of the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office, which will make us even more effective in our service to the County and for our members to continue to grow as the law enforcement leaders in the area.”

The new Buchanan County Sheriff will replace Mike Strong who plans to retire. The primary election will be Aug. 2. Puett is running as a Republican candidate. The general election will be Nov. 8