SALT LAKE COUNTY — A familiar name in law enforcement is going to make a run at the job of Salt Lake County sheriff. Beau Babka made the announcement Friday morning from the Salt Lake County Jail.
In 2002 he ran against then-Sheriff Aaron Kennard. Now, he’s going to make a run against his former boss, incumbent Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder.
Babka said, “I announce my candidacy for the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Department and for the office of sheriff, and I’m looking to be the nominee for the Republican Party.”
Babka has been a member of the Cottonwood Heights Police Department since 2008. He has been in law enforcement for 18 years, and he’s also taught college courses on criminal justice.
In 2004, he deviated from police work and made a run for Congress. As a Democrat, he ran unsuccessfully against Republican incumbent Chris Cannon for the 3rd Congressional District seat.
A couple of years ago he switched political parties, and now he’ll seek the nomination as a Republican. He hopes to lock that up at the county convention in April.
“I believe with the experience that I’ve had with students, with community people, with elected officials, with other law enforcement officers, I think I can bring a very unique style, a collaborative style, cooperative style,” Babka said.
One of the first things Babka will examine, if elected, are the new fees that have been assessed on residents who are now served by the newly-formed Unified Police Department.
Winder told KSL on Friday he was looking forward to the race. Winder is completing his first term as sheriff.
Who is … Beau Babka?
• He was the Salt Lake County undersheriff
• In 2008, he was a finalist to become sheriff of Orange County, Calif.
• Ran unsuccessfully to represent Utah’s 3rd Congressional District in 2004
• Ran unsuccessfully for Salt Lake County sheriff in 2002 against Republican Sheriff Aaron Kennard
• His policing career spans 18 years
• For the past 15 years, he has taught at 2 colleges in their criminal justice degree programs
• Currently serving on Utah Council for Crime Prevention and Clear Channel Community Advisory Board
• Married to Kim and has 6 children
Written by: Keith McCord | KSL News
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