Beau Babka says he wants to be sheriff

SOUTH SALT LAKE — Cottonwood Heights police officer Beau Babka, flanked by numerous supporters Friday, announced his intention to seek the Republican Party bid for Salt Lake County sheriff.

Endorsed "wholeheartedly" by both Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Cottonwood Heights Mayor Kelvyn Cullimore Jr., Babka said he believes the major issue that needs to be addressed is the "broken" relationship that he believes currently exists between law enforcement, elected officials and the citizens they aim to serve.

"It's not a working relationship," Babka said. "There is such a disconnect and there has been for a while. I hope to repair that."

In his introduction of Babka, Shurtleff described him as "a cop's cop" who is aware of what the issues are at all levels. Shurtleff said, if anything, he would have liked to see Babka in the position "a long time ago."

"I don't know anyone who stands taller or has more experience, leadership or vision," Shurtleff said. "He knows the streets and he knows what ideas will work with Utah law enforcement."

A law enforcement veteran of 18 years, Babka has served as both the police chief of South Salt Lake and as undersheriff to current Salt Lake County Sheriff Jim Winder. He said he sees the sheriff's post as a "higher calling" that must be treated with "reverence."

"I will bring a unique collaborative, cooperative style," Babka said. "People look to us for resources and for guidance to help them solve some of the issues in their communities. … I understand the community. I've worked in the community."

He said he would address specific issues such as the questions about the recently launched Unified Police Department and the questions that have been raised about the inclement fees by way of education and being "fiscally responsible." He also wants to address issues he sees with corrections in the state, both prison overcrowding and those criminals who avoid prison, and shouldn't, under the current system.

Babka formally sought the sheriff's position with the Democratic Party in 2002, but aligned politically with the Republican Party in 2008. If he receives the Republican nomination, he will most likely come up against Winder, a Democrat, whom he previously served with.

"In my experience with Mr. Winder, I learned a tremendous amount," Babka said. "I have no ill feelings toward him. But this is now a competition."

e-mail: emorgan@desnews.com