The Democratic candidates for Summit County sheriff are, in many ways, quite similar.
Steve Barry and Frank Martucci Jr. both are retired. They are about the same age.
They aren’t polished politicians or political insiders — in fact it’s the first time either has run for office. They have little money to bankroll a big, splashy campaign.
And both are touting their experience as career lawmen.
Each hopes to win the Democratic primary March 6, then take on Republican candidate Randy Rivers, a retired Cuyahoga Falls police captain and current head of the University of Akron police academy, in the general election.
The sheriff’s race is considered wide open because longtime Sheriff Drew Alexander, a Republican, opted not to seek another term. On top of that, the heir apparent, Democrat Garry Moneypenny, decided at the last minute not to run. That has provided a major opportunity for Barry and Martucci, who each believes his law enforcement experience gives him the edge.
The county Democratic Party has opted not to endorse in the primary, but party Chairman Wayne Jones said he favors Barry.
“He’s more qualified,” Jones said. “I don’t think Martucci can match his experience.”
Barry, 54, of Green, worked at the sheriff’s office for 30 years, retiring in 2009 as a captain. Through his career, he worked in nearly every capacity with the sheriff, from jailer to road patrol to administration.
“After over 30 years there, I believe I can make positive changes,” he said. “I know the department very well. I see some things that I do believe need to be changed.”
Martucci, 56, of Akron, worked at the Akron Police Department for nearly 30 years, retiring in 2009 as a detective. Over the years, he helped create the Akron Fallen Police Officers Eternal Flame and the Summit County Safety Forces Chaplaincy Center.
“I’ve been training my entire career, I think, for this position — nearly three decades of serving the public,” said Martucci, a U.S. Air Force veteran. “I felt the sheriff’s department needs a fresh face, and the fresh face starts at the top.”
Barry said one of his main focuses would be the county jail — the biggest portion of the sheriff’s budget. (The county expects to spend $18.9 million operating the facility this year.) He said he would look for ways to improve staff training and increase jail programming, which has been reduced because of budget cuts in recent years.
“There are a lot of internal concerns that need to be addressed, and I’ll be looking at those,” Barry said.
He also said he wants to work with legislators to change a law requiring that assets seized in criminal cases be used only for equipment, as opposed to salaries. The county needs more manpower, he said.
“I don’t need this job,” Barry said. “I truly want this job because my heart’s with the sheriff’s office and those people. And I believe we can do a lot of good for this community. I want to bring it back to what it used to be.”
The county jail also would be a priority for Martucci, who said there has been an increase in violence and a fall in staff morale since programming was cut. Like Barry, he said he would work with ministers and others to restore some programs for inmates, and offer rehabilitation services while people are incarcerated.
“A lot of times what I’m hearing is they are sitting around playing cards all day long and there’s nothing productive going on,” he said.
Martucci, whose son Dominic is a sheriff’s deputy, also wants to grow alternative sentencing options for nonviolent offenders so they don’t end up at the jail. He said he would be more proactive on crime by boosting youth programs through the sheriff’s office.
When asked why he wants to be sheriff, he responded: “The enthusiasm and the passion I have for law enforcement and serving the community. It sounds cliche but … it’s in my blood.”
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.