For nearly 60 years, David Harder has called the Broome County Sheriff’s Office home. Following a storied career, highlighted by 24 years as sheriff, he’s hanging up his uniform for the last time. 

And the two candidates in line for the job, couldn’t be more familiar with the position. Broome County Sheriff’s Office Captain Kate Newcomb (D) has been a member of the office for 30 years. She spends time canvassing homes of the same men and women she’s in charge of protecting. 

“I've worked on virtually every rank and level of the organization. I have a vast experience in criminal investigation, being involved in multi agency, large scale investigations. And you know, I've worked in different areas such as our evidence room. I've been a supervisor for 18 years,” said Newcomb.

Her opponent, a familiar one for many throughout our region, is State Senator Fred Akshar.  The Republican hopes to lean on his experience, both in the senate, as well his 15 years in law enforcement, most recently as undersheriff of Broome County. 

“I'm deeply proud of the work that we've done over the last seven years. It has afforded me an opportunity really to view the world through a different lens. And frankly, my experiences in the state legislature over the last seven years and then my 15 years experience in law enforcement, I think have prepared me and give me given me significant experience in the community,” said Akshar.

If there’s one thing these two agree on, it’s the importance of community. Rebuilding fractured relationships between the community and their police force is a top priority for both candidates moving forward.

Even while attending events like a local Trunk or Treat, both candidates say it’s important to connect with all ages.

“And law enforcement must come back together. It's why we are so significantly invested in a true integrated community policing program in an actual administration where we afford the community an opportunity to be at the table. We have for the community an opportunity to be heard on issues that are important to them,” said Akshar.

“You have to engage with young people, be a role model to young people that they can look up to. And, you know, move forward to build bridges, especially after the anti-police rhetoric that we saw a few years ago. I think the pendulum has swung the other way, and I think that it's vitally important,” said Newcomb.

A top issue moving forward for both candidates will be managing the jail, which has received backlash by the community over the years. Newcomb promises to build task force in her first 90 days if elected to bring more people to the table.

“Those people at the table would include mental health professionals, substance use disorder folks, community reentry. Of course, the Broome County Council of Churches, who is already very much invested and involved in the correctional facility as well as the Corrections Officers Union,” said Newcomb.

Akshar says the biggest issue is with what he’s calling major understaffing, and addressing recidivism with new programs.

“Being 38 members down in an organization, more than 20% of your workforce is putting an undue burden and stress on the men and women who are working there. But also equally as important is putting an undue stress on the amount of services that the incarcerated individuals are getting,“ said Akshar.

The open seat left by Sen. Akshar leaves room for a heated race between former Binghamton Mayor Rich David and Binghamton City Councilwoman Lea Webb.