*Editor’s Note: Rob Golla did not respond to several requests for a sit-down interview prior to the July 31 League of Women Voter’s Candidate Forum. City-Times staff finally caught up with Golla immediately following that forum, but Golla walked away prior to a full interview could be completed. The following is a verbatim transcript of that conversation:

Brandi Makuski: “Why are you running for Sheriff?”

Rob Golla: “Why am I running? Because I’m the best candidate for the job; I think Portage County needs a voice to stand up for the things that I’ve been navigating for. We don’t need a new jail, we need to utilize the HDP (Home Detention Program) program, we need background checks to be expanded to gun shows and online sales, etc. I think I’m the best budgetary person to watch over the budget…can we do this when I have a chance to think about this instead of right now, please?”

BM: “I didn’t give anybody else a chance to do that.”

RG: “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t see you talk to anybody else.”

BM: “Are you a serious candidate for this office, or are you just trying to bring attention to some of the causes you stand for?”

RG: “That’s kind of a bad question. I’m running a campaign, I’ve dedicated a lot of time and resources, there are people behind me who’ve dedicated a lot of time and resources. Come on, that’s just a bad question….” (walks away)