Floyd County Election Q&A – Meet the Candidates

Candidates for local elected offices who are running in the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election were invited to submit some biographical information and answer questions regarding their candidacy.

Responses will be presented with minimal editing in the Charles City Press in the issues before the election, and at www.charlescitypress.com.

Here are the first couple of respondents:

Jeff Crooks

Running unopposed for reelection as Floyd County sheriff.

Hometown: Charles City. Age: 55. Family: Wife Kerry; daughters Connor, Kylah and Kelsi; son Chase.

Education: BA in Education from the University of Northern Iowa 1993.

Experience: Taught and coached at Pleasant Valley High School for 8 years 1994-2002; North Star Pump Service (part owner) 2002-2004; Floyd County Sheriff’s Office 2004-present (deputy sheriff 2004-2016, sheriff 2017-present).

Why are you seeking this office?

I have been with the Sheriff’s Office now for the last 20 years, with the last eight as the Sheriff. The one thing that I can honestly say is that I love what I do. I love working with the general public and serving the people of Floyd County.

I have 21 employees in the Sheriff’s Office and each and every one of those people bring something different to the table. I believe it is my job as the sheriff to bring out the best in that person, whether it’s a deputy or jailer, to best serve the citizens of Floyd County.

What goals or priorities do you have for the office?

Law enforcement is always changing and evolving with the times. I want to continue to move the department forward in a positive direction. I want the citizens of Floyd County to be proud of their local law enforcement and feel that they can depend on us to do the right things when called upon.

What are the most important issues facing your office?

Crime is always changing and law enforcement has to continually change with the times. The internet has brought a whole different type of crime and we are constantly training as a staff to be able to catch the new breed of criminals.

Another important issue in law enforcement and corrections is staffing. We have been fortunate in Floyd County that we have been able to fill our staffing needs, but we have definitely seen a major decline in applications when a position has come open.

What other information should voters have about you?

As the sheriff, I have overseen some major changes in the office. First, Floyd County has built a new Law Enforcement Center. We have gone from the old bar system on the fourth floor to a brand new state-of-the-art facility that is much safer for both the employees and the inmates.

As sheriff, I have also updated my deputies with body cameras and have updated our squad cars with in-car cameras and mobile data terminals (computers). A lot of the funding to do these updates came from grants and fundraising that myself and the deputies obtained.

The one thing I am most proud of as the sheriff is the addition of K9 Sirius. Our K9 program is 100% funded by donation and was spearheaded by Deputy Luke Chatfield, who does an outstanding job as a K9 handler.

Todd Prichard

Running unopposed for election as Floyd County attorney, after having been appointed to the position in 2023 to fill a vacancy.

Hometown: Charles City. Age: 50. Family: Wife Ann, and three children, Katie, Emma and Owen.

Education: Law degree.

Experience: I have been the appointed county attorney for the last 18 months. I also served 10 years as the elected Iowa state representative for Floyd, Chickasaw and part of Cerro Gordo counties in the Legislature. I served as the assistant county attorney from 2010 to 2014.  Besides this, I run a private practice law office.

Why are you seeking this office?

I have experience in my law career in criminal justice and advising government entities. I want to make Floyd County a good place to live and raise a family.

What goals or priorities do you have for the office?

Maintaining public safety and focusing on reducing violent crime.

What are the most important issues facing your office?

Dealing with violence in the community and limiting the availability of drugs and illegal substances.

What other information should voters have about you?

I care deeply about the quality of life and safety of the Floyd County community.