HERKIMER, N.Y. -- Tim Klock, who has lived in Herkimer all his life, ran for Herkimer County Sheriff before, in 2011, and is confident this time, he'll win.
"Last time I had a very good run," said Klock. "This time, I think over the last four years, the voters have realized we need change - and I can give them that change."
Those changes, Klock said, would include modernizing the department, updating record keeping policy and seeking grants.
"I've worked on budgets," said Klock, "I've worked on grants. I've gotten grants for our forensic unit as a forensic investigator to get high value equipment."
Klock worked as a police officer, a sheriff's deputy and later, an investigator with the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. A veteran of the Army, his campaign is supported by the Herkimer County Democratic Committee.
"I think it's good to have diversity, no matter where you go," said Richard Souza, chair of the Herkimer County Democratic Committee. "Herkimer County has been a one party system. We need a balance."
There's been unrest for years in Herkimer County about the location of its new jail. Klock said if he's elected, he will help find a solution once and for all.
"I would work with the current officials within the county and see if we can get this up and going," said Klock. "The sheriff doesn't have the final say where it goes, but the sheriff can give the legislators some good insight with hopes to get it moving a lot quicker."
Whether or not Klock's plans for the county take effect will be determined at the polls this November. Voters will decide between Klock, incumbent Chris Farber and former Frankfort Police Chief Jim Palumbo. Klock's challengers are both running as Republicans.