Each week, we're asking each of the Pinellas County sheriff candidates a question that's important to you, the voter, so you can be informed come ballot time. 

This week, we asked:

If budget were not an issue, how would you improve the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office?

Everett Rice answers:

"Whether budget was an issue or not, the first thing I would do is analyze each and every expenditure being made by the sheriff’s office to make sure that public funds are being spent on effective public safety programs. Following that I would give raises to all those sheriff’s office employees who have not had a raise in years.

"My record for 16 years as your sheriff in matters of fiscal responsibility is unchallenged and I would continue that policy of sober minded professional leadership."